If you’ve ever wondered how to get a 800 credit score, you’re not alone. For many Canadians, hitting that perfect (or near-perfect) credit score feels like unlocking a secret level in adulthood. But let me tell you—it’s not about being rich, playing credit tricks, or even having multiple credit cards. It’s about consistency, smart financial habits, and a good understanding of how the credit system works.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through how I personally grew my credit score from the mid-600s to 800+ and how I’ve been able to maintain a credit score of 800+ for numerous years. Whether you’re just starting to build credit or want to level up your financial health, this guide is for you.

1. What is a Credit Score, and Why Aim for 800?

Let’s start from the top. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900. A score of 800 or above is considered excellent by credit bureaus like Equifax and TransUnion. That means you’re seen as low risk to lenders, which opens the door to:

• Lower interest rates on loans
• Higher chances of mortgage or rental approvals
• Better credit card rewards
• Higher credit limits
• And peace of mind knowing your financial health is solid

So, how do you get there? Let’s break down exactly how to get a 800 credit score with examples and relatable steps.

Related content:

• A 760 Credit Score: Good Enough? 7 Proven Tips to Boost It

2. Understand What Impacts Your Credit Score

Before improving your score, you need to know what’s driving it. In Canada, five major factors affect your credit score:

Factor	Weight	What It Means
Payment history	35%	Do you pay your bills on time?
Credit utilization	30%	How much of your available credit are you using?
Credit history length	15%	How long have you had credit accounts?
Credit mix	10%	Do you have different types of credit (credit cards, car loans, etc.)?
New credit inquiries	10%	Have you applied for new credit recently?

Real-Life Example

When I first started building credit, my total credit limit was low—just around $2,000. I made the classic beginner mistake of using 80–90% of it each month, even though I paid it off in full. I didn’t realize that high credit utilization alone could drag down my score. Once I brought it under 30%, my score started climbing steadily.

3. Always Pay Your Bills on Time

This one’s non-negotiable. Payment history is 35% of your score—so one missed payment can set you back big time.

I once forgot to pay my $55 Fido phone bill during a busy work month. It slipped through the cracks, and a month later, it showed up as a missed payment on my credit report. That single oversight cost me about 30 points on my score. It took nearly a year to recover from that one slip-up.

My Habit

I’ve made it a personal rule to always pay the due balance 3–4 days before the due date. Not only does this give me peace of mind, but it also ensures I never miss a payment due to processing delays or unexpected events.

Pro Tip

Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount on all your accounts—credit cards, lines of credit, utilities. That way, you never miss a due date.

4. Keep Your Credit Utilization Below 30% (Ideally Under 10%)

Credit utilization is how much of your available credit you’re using. If your total limit is $5,000, aim to keep your balance under $1,500.

When I started using my credit card for everyday purchases (groceries, gas, subscriptions), my utilization soared. I didn’t want to cut back on spending, so I set a calendar reminder to pay it off every 2 weeks, not just before the due date. That kept my reported balance low—and my score rose.

What I Do

For now, my total credit limit is $72,500, but I never spend more than $7,000—or roughly 9.6%—of my total limit. Keeping my usage that low has been a turning point and one of the biggest contributors to maintaining a strong credit score.

Strategy

If your spending habits regularly push you above that limit, consider:

• Asking for a credit limit increase (without a hard inquiry)
• Paying your card off early or twice a month instead of once

5. Start Early and Keep Old Accounts Open

The age of your oldest credit account matters. It shows lenders you have experience managing credit.

Closing old cards can shorten your credit history and hurt your score. If the card has no annual fee, keep it open.

If You’re Just Starting Out

• Open your first credit product now—like a student card or secured card
• Don’t close your oldest card even if you stop using it

6. Diversify Your Credit Types

Having a mix of credit shows you can handle different financial responsibilities. That could include:

• A credit card
• A car loan
• A student loan
• A line of credit
• A mortgage

You don’t need all of these, but more than one type helps.

My Mix

When my score hit 800+, I had three personal credit cards. I didn’t need a mortgage, an unsecured line of credit, a student loan or car loan to get there—it was about using what I had wisely.

7. Limit New Credit Applications

Every time you apply for a new credit product, lenders do a hard inquiry on your credit. Too many hard pulls in a short time can signal that you’re desperate for credit.

In the past, I applied for two different credit cards within three months, thinking it would help me ‘build faster.’ Instead, my score dipped. Lesson learned: be selective and intentional with new credit.

My Rule

I limit new inquiries to products I’ve done a ton of research on—and only when it’s something I genuinely want to try. That way, I avoid unnecessary dings to my score and keep my credit file clean.

Smart Moves

• Avoid applying for multiple cards or loans at once
• Use pre-qualification tools that only require a soft pull

8. Review Your Credit Reports Regularly

Errors happen more than you’d think—duplicate accounts, incorrect balances, or even fraud. If you see an error, file a dispute directly with the bureau. They’re required to investigate within 30 days.

You can get your free credit report from:

• Equifax Canada (once per year by mail or phone)
• TransUnion Canada (free online)

Also, sign up for free apps like:

• Borrowell
• Credit Karma

They don’t affect your score and let you monitor your progress.

9. From Mid-600s to 800+: My 4-Year Journey to a Great Credit Score

Back when I first checked my credit score in my late 20s, I was hovering somewhere in the mid-600s. I had a single VISA credit card, very little financial literacy, and honestly—I didn’t even know what a “good” credit score was supposed to be. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be denied for a rental apartment again.

So I started small.

Year 1: Building the Basics

I focused on one thing: paying my credit card bill on time. I used my card for small things like coffee, textbooks, and groceries, and always made sure to pay it in full. I wasn’t making much money, but I was careful not to overspend.

By the end of the year, my credit score crept up to around 680.

Year 2: Expanding My Credit Wisely

I applied for a MASTER credit card with no annual fee. This bumped up my total available credit, which helped lower my credit utilization ratio—a key factor in credit scoring.

I kept my spending low and made it a habit to pay off the full balance 3–4 days before the due date—not just on time, but early.

By year-end, my credit score had climbed to 720.

Year 3: Getting Smarter About Credit

I began reading up on how credit scores actually worked. That’s when I realized that opening too many accounts too quickly could hurt me in the short term, so I slowed down. I avoided cards with flashy sign-up bonuses and focused on long-term strategy.

I also started checking my credit reports regularly, and it paid off—I spotted a reporting error (a paid phone bill showing as unpaid) and got it removed.

I asked for a credit limit increase on my first card—got approved, thanks to my solid history—and decided to apply for an AMEX card with an annual fee.

All of this brought my score to around 750.

Year 4: Maintenance Mode

Once I crossed the 750 mark, my goal shifted: I wanted to maintain a credit score of 800+ over the long term. That meant no chasing after shiny new cards or trying to maximize every point.

I kept it simple: low utilization, early payments, minimal hard inquiries, and patience.

And guess what? That’s what actually worked.

It wasn’t fast—but it was steady. And in the world of credit, that’s what matters most.

10. Be Patient—Building Credit Takes Time

You can’t rush your way to 800. Even with perfect habits, it may take 4–6 years to get there if you’re starting in the mid-600s. The key is staying consistent and not getting discouraged by small fluctuations.

11. Don’t Obsess Over the Score—Focus on the Habits

Ironically, when I stopped checking my score every week and just focused on building healthy money habits, the score followed naturally.

Ask Yourself

• Am I spending within my means?
• Am I paying everything on time?
• Am I avoiding unnecessary debt?
• Am I keeping my credit utilization low (ideally under 30%)?
• Am I only applying for new credit when I really need it?

If the answer is yes—you’re well on your way to 800.

FAQs: How to Get a 800 Credit Score in Canada

Q: How long does it take to get a 800 credit score?
A: It varies, but generally takes several years of responsible credit behavior. Many people reach it in 5–10 years of consistent use and on-time payments.

Q: Can I get a 800 credit score with only a credit card?
A: Yes, especially if you use it wisely, keep utilization low, and maintain it over time. A single well-managed card can do the job.

Q: Will paying off all my debt instantly boost my score to 800?
A: It will help, but credit history and utilization over time matter more than one-time payoffs.

Q: Does checking my credit score hurt it?
A: No. Soft checks (like the ones you do with Borrowell or Credit Karma) don’t impact your score. Only hard inquiries from new applications do.

Final Thoughts: You Can Absolutely Do This

Getting a 800 credit score isn’t about tricks or luck—it’s about good habits, patience, and financial mindfulness.

If you’re just getting started, don’t feel overwhelmed. Pick one step at a time:

• Set your bills to autopay—or like I do, pay 3–4 days before the due date
• Keep your credit usage under 10% if possible
• Limit new inquiries to the products you’ve researched and truly want
• Keep those old accounts open

And don’t forget: I’ve maintained a credit score of 800+ for numerous years, not by doing anything extraordinary—but by building and sticking to simple, consistent financial habits.

What’s Next?

Have a story about building your credit? Or questions about your unique situation? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.

Or if you’re feeling inspired, log into your banking app, set up autopay, and check your credit report. One small step at a time, you’ve got this!