In accordance with a 2025 TD survey, 92% of newcomers understood the significance of constructing credit score earlier than arriving in Canada. But 82% of those that utilized for credit score confronted quick obstacles. For a lot of, these challenges transcend inconvenience. They straight have an effect on immigrants’ potential to safe housing, buy a car, begin a enterprise, and easily construct a life in Canada.
This isn’t nearly cash. It’s about inclusion. And if Canada sees immigration as essential to its future, then eradicating systemic monetary obstacles should be a part of the nationwide dialog.
A cultural shift, and a credit score wake-up name
Like many immigrants, I arrived in Canada financially secure. However the Canadian monetary system didn’t acknowledge that.
I grew up in India and the Center East with a easy rule: by no means purchase what you possibly can’t afford. Bank cards weren’t vital, loans weren’t inspired, and monetary independence meant dwelling inside your means. That worldview formed my early grownup life—till I met my spouse, who was born and raised in Ottawa.
I keep in mind considered one of our early conversations whereas we had been nonetheless dwelling overseas. She was confused about why I booked flights via a journey agent. The reply was easy: I didn’t have a bank card. And I didn’t really feel like I wanted one. To her, this was unusual; in Canada, a bank card is a default software for all the pieces from reserving journey to constructing rewards factors. For me, it felt like a method to purchase issues I couldn’t afford. We weren’t arguing, simply coming on the downside from totally different cultural angles.
Finally, I utilized for a bank card and, like many individuals who didn’t develop up utilizing credit score, I abused it at first. It felt like free cash, however that phantasm wore off shortly. Over time, I developed a wholesome relationship with credit score: utilizing it for comfort, managing funds responsibly, and amassing factors for purchases I’d have made anyway. Once we finally moved to Canada, all of that studying felt prefer it didn’t matter anymore.
Incomes, saving and spending in Canada: A information for brand spanking new immigrants
Credit score historical past doesn’t journey
Right here’s a fact most newcomers know, however few are ready for: your monetary historical past doesn’t comply with you.
Regardless of arriving with a powerful monetary basis, I couldn’t qualify for a significant credit score restrict. My first Canadian bank card had a restrict of $200, barely sufficient for half a Costco run. It wasn’t that I had a nasty credit score. I didn’t have one in any respect. And constructing one from scratch took years.
This wasn’t only a minor inconvenience. It affected each a part of our lives.
We couldn’t get a mortgage, not due to our revenue or how a lot we had saved for a down cost, however due to a scarcity of credit score historical past. Once we lastly did qualify, we had been within the nation for years and had achieved all the pieces proper: on-time funds, wholesome credit score utilization, wonderful scores within the 800s. However nonetheless, I wasn’t seen the identical method the system seen my spouse, who had been born and raised right here.
Even now, after greater than six years in Canada, my entry to credit score stays restricted. I don’t get presents for steadiness transfers, traces of credit score, or computerized credit score will increase like she does. Why? As a result of she has many years of historical past, and I don’t. The system rewards longevity, not accountability.
Tougher than it needs to be
The TD survey confirms what I skilled. Amongst newcomers:
- 31% certified just for credit score limits too low to satisfy fundamental wants
- 27% struggled to safe housing
- 24% couldn’t save or make investments for future objectives
- 66% apprehensive about their Canadian credit score historical past
- 79% discovered it troublesome to start out constructing credit score in any respect
That final stat is essential. Constructing credit score isn’t simply arduous, it’s systemically troublesome for immigrants. And that’s the issue.
Although 92% of newcomers say constructing credit score is essential, they’re typically left with out the instruments to do it successfully.
Sure, the monetary providers business is starting to acknowledge the distinctive wants of newcomers, however acknowledgment isn’t sufficient. It’s like going to a physician who lastly understands your signs however doesn’t have a remedy. Empathy with out motion continues to be inaction.
If Canada desires newcomers to succeed, we’d like greater than empathy. We want options.
