Building Canadian credit from zero — what actually worked for me
Arrived with no Canadian credit history. Month 1: Opened RBC chequing with just my passport + study permit. Month 2: Applied for Scotiabank Scene+ Student Visa — got CA$500 limit. Month 6: Credit score appeared on Borrowell at 642. Month 12: RBC raised my limit to CA$2,000, TransUnion score hit 712. Key: always pay the full balance before the due date. Never carry a balance. Bought groceries on the card, paid it off weekly. Now at 18 months my score is 748 and I just got approved for a CA$5,000 Visa.
Discussion (4 replies)
This is exactly what I needed! I was in the same situation last year. One thing I'd add is to bring extra copies of your I-20 and passport.
Thanks for sharing this! Did you have to pay any fees at the SSA office? I've heard costs vary by location.
Just went through this process myself. One thing that saved me time was calling ahead to confirm what documents they'd accept. Some offices are stricter than others.
Perfect timing! I'm arriving next month and this guide is incredibly helpful. Did you have any trouble with the office being crowded?
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This post represents personal experience only and is not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Immigration laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Consult a licensed immigration attorney, certified tax professional, or official government resources for guidance specific to your situation.
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