The Best Apps to Check Your Credit Score for Free in Canada for 2025

In today's world, your credit score is a big factor in the biggest life decisions. Whether you're applying for a mortgage, financing a car, or simply looking to use premium financial products with better perks, that three-digit number can make all the difference.

For Canadians keeping tabs on their financial health, checking your credit score regularly just makes sense. Not only does it help you understand where you stand when applying for loans or credit cards, but it also helps you catch potential errors or identity theft early.

Fortunately, the days of paying fees just to see your own credit information are gone. Several user-friendly apps now offer Canadians free access to their credit scores, complete with insights and recommendations to help improve your financial standing.

Let's explore the best credit score apps available in Canada that can help you take control of your financial future without costing you a dime.

Free Apps to Check Your Credit Score in Canada

1. KOHO

Want to take control of your financial health while managing your money? The KOHO app offers seamless access to your Equifax credit score through our Essential, Extra, or Everything plans. Start with a 30-day free trial to see how your credit is doing, all while enjoying KOHO's powerful budgeting tools, cash back rewards, and spending insights. After your trial wraps up, you can keep monitoring your credit with a simple monthly subscription, turning those regular rent payments into credit-building opportunities.

Ready to keep tabs on your credit score while managing your money more effectively? Download KOHO today and start your 30-day free credit monitoring trial!

2. Borrowell

Borrowell stands out by offering free weekly updates of your Equifax credit score and complete credit report. As Canada's largest consumer credit bureau, Equifax data provides a comprehensive view of your credit health. Borrowell's platform includes personalized insights about factors affecting your score and tailored recommendations for improvement. One standout feature is their Rent Advantage service, which helps build your credit through regular rent payments—you can even add up to 24 months of past rent payments to potentially extend your credit history.

3. Credit Karma

If you're looking for TransUnion insights, Credit Karma's Canadian app provides free access to both your credit score and credit report from this major bureau. Their user-friendly interface makes understanding your credit straightforward, and like other services on our list, checking your score through Credit Karma won't negatively impact your credit—no matter how frequently you check.

4. ClearScore

ClearScore offers another way to access your TransUnion credit score and report at no cost. Their app includes personalized suggestions to improve your score and handy credit offer comparisons. One helpful feature is their approval odds indicator, which shows how likely you are to qualify for different financial products before you apply, potentially saving you from unnecessary hard credit inquiries.

Check Your Credit Score Through Your Bank

Many major Canadian banks offer free access to your credit score right through their existing platforms. Here's what's available:

1. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

As an RBC client, you can access the TransUnion CreditView Dashboard for free. Simply sign into your online banking account and look for the "View Your Credit Score" link on your Account Summary page.

2. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

CIBC customers can get free access to CreditView, providing monthly TransUnion credit reports. What makes it especially useful is its interactive features that show how different financial decisions might affect your score. You'll receive alerts about credit report changes and can find educational resources about credit management—all accessible through CIBC's mobile app or online banking.

3. Bank of Montreal (BMO)

BMO also offers CreditView to its customers. Through their online portal or mobile app, you can view your complete credit report and use their ScoreSimulator to see how potential financial decisions might impact your credit. BMO also provides personalized tips to help boost your score.

4. Scotiabank

With Scotiabank's TransUnion Credit Score tool, you can check your score as frequently as you want without any negative impact. Your score updates monthly, and the tool includes helpful tips for improving your credit standing. Access is available through both online and mobile banking.

When used regularly, these free tools can help you track your credit health and make informed financial decisions.

What Is a Good Credit Score in Canada?

In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900, with higher numbers indicating better credit. But what exactly counts as "good"?

Here's the breakdown:

• Poor: 300-574

• Below Average: 575-659

• Fair: 660-712

• Good: 713-740

• Excellent: 741-900

Wondering why your credit score matters? Having a good credit score opens doors for you financially. You'll qualify for lower interest rates on mortgages and loans, higher credit limits, and have a much better chance of approval when applying for credit products. It can even affect rental applications and some job opportunities.

Think of your credit score as your financial reputation—it tells lenders how likely you are to repay what you borrow. The better your track record, the more financial institutions will want to work with you (and on better terms).

If your score isn't where you'd like it to be, don't worry. Credit scores can improve over time with consistent positive financial habits. Checking your score regularly is the first step to understanding where you stand and tracking your progress as you build better credit.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Want to boost your credit score? It's definitely doable, but it requires some patience and consistency. Your credit score won't skyrocket overnight, but with these practical strategies, you'll see improvement over time:

Pay Bills on Time, Every Time

This is the golden rule of credit building. Your payment history makes up about 35% of your credit score calculation, so even one missed payment can cause a noticeable dip. Setting up automatic payments can help you stay on track.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Credit utilization—how much of your available credit you're using—significantly impacts your score. Aim to keep this ratio under 30%. For example, if your credit limit is $3,000 and you're carrying a balance of $1,500, your utilization is 50%, which is higher than ideal.

Accept Strategic Credit Limit Increases

When offered pre-approved credit limit increases, consider accepting them (as long as you won't be tempted to spend more). Increasing your limit while maintaining the same spending immediately improves your utilization ratio. If your limit goes from $3,000 to $5,000 while your balance stays at $1,500, your utilization drops from 50% to a much healthier 20%.

Space Out Credit Applications

Each credit application typically triggers a "hard inquiry" that can temporarily drop your score by a few points. Multiple applications in a short period can make you look financially desperate to lenders. Only apply for new credit when you genuinely need it.

Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Checking your credit report regularly helps you spot errors or potential fraud quickly. Many free apps now offer weekly updates so you can track improvements and address issues right away. With KOHO's credit checking feature, you can keep an eye on your score without any negative impact.

Use Rent Payments to Build Credit

Did you know your rent payments can help build credit? Various credit-building services allow your on-time rent payments to boost your credit score. Some even let you add past rental history to your credit report—an easy win if you've been a responsible tenant!

Your Credit Score, Your Financial Power

A strong credit score opens doors to better financial opportunities and can save you thousands of dollars through lower interest rates over time. Whether you're planning to apply for a mortgage, finance a car, or simply want better credit card options, monitoring your score is the first step in progressing towards your financial goals.