How I built an 800+ credit score in Canada: A Personal journey to financial freedom

The reflections and insights shared in this post are for educational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice.

I arrived in Canada with more than a refugee claim—I brought fiscal discipline, determination, and a deep well of inherited financial wisdom from my dad. I had a clear vision to rebuild a dignified life grounded in financial independence.

My dad taught me early on that money is more than currency—it’s freedom, leverage, and power.

This mindset carried me through many challenges and has been instrumental in building a new life in Canada. One of the central pillars of that journey is my credit score. I quickly realized that to establish a solid foundation in Canada, I needed to strategically approach building my credit profile.

Understanding the importance of credit in Canada

I dedicated countless hours to researching Canada’s financial system, diving deep into the intricacies of credit scores and their critical role in the country’s financial ecosystem.

As a refugee claimant, however, I was perceived as a high-risk individual. Without a credit history in Canada and with limited banking engagement, I knew that building a strong credit profile was going to be difficult.

But I also recognized this crucial truth: access to credit is not merely about purchasing power, it is a pathway to financial freedom.

Without it, basic needs—like securing rental housing—could become an insurmountable challenge.

This was a new reality for me as a refugee claimant from Jamaica. Credit checks are not commonly done in Jamaica’s rental market. Landlords usually rely more on personal references, proof of income, and rental history rather than formal credit scores.

But I learned that in Canada, credit checks are standard procedure in tenant screening.

This made me realize just how essential building a credit profile would be to my financial stability and ability to thrive in my new home.

A strategic start to building a healthy credit profile

Armed with research, strategic planning, and a dogged willingness to invest in my financial health, I began building my credit profile.

I made it my mission to educate myself on Canada’s credit system. I focused on deepening my knowledge about credit score calculation and the behaviours that lead to a healthy credit profile. I understood the importance of on-time payments and maintaining a low credit utilization rate—two pillars of financial health that would set me up for long-term success.

Managing credit utilization with financial discipline

The first few months were undoubtedly challenging because I had limited resources. But I remained committed to my financial strategy. One rule I adhered to was paying my balance in full, on time, every…single…month. This was crucial to avoid accumulating debt and harming my credit profile.

This commitment meant sacrificing small comforts and luxuries, but I recognized that it was a critical step toward my financial health in Canada.

I set ambitious yet realistic goals. While industry guidance suggests keeping credit utilization below 30%, I made it my mission to stay below 10%. Gradually, I pushed myself to aim for an even slimmer margin of 5%.

Through research, I learned that individuals with the highest credit scores tend to use less than 5% of their available credit. I was determined to mirror that behaviour, even in the early months when my available credit was quite low.

I took control of the elements I could manage: my utilization rate, my on-time payments, and regular credit monitoring.

Although there were factors beyond my control such as the length of my credit history in Canada and my limited access to credit, I focused on how I could demonstrate to financial institutions that I am a responsible and disciplined borrower.

And I did so, consistently and deliberately through the high impact credit factors I could control.

The Power of consistency and patience

I understood that the results would not be immediate, and that consistency and patience were key. Over two years, I monitored my credit, made timely payments, and maintained a low credit utilization rate. Every month, I reaffirmed my commitment to the process.

With each credit card payment, I felt closer to my goal. And after two years of intentional, disciplined effort, and gradually increasing my credit limit, I finally achieved my target: a credit score of 800+.

When I reached that milestone, I celebrated quietly. I reflected deeply on the journey I had undertaken. And, I felt proud.

What I want others to know

My journey wasn’t just about building a credit score—it was about establishing a foundation for financial independence and dignity.

To anyone starting over, my message is simple: Strategy, knowledge, and persistence are your strongest currencies.

To those in positions of power shaping financial policies and practices:

The ability to build credit isn’t just a financial consideration— I believe it is a fundamental right within a society where dignity and access to credit are intrinsically linked.

Access to credit is a vital tool for individuals and families to fully engage in the economy, creating pathways to financial security and independence. Without equitable access to credit, many of us face systemic barriers that limit our ability to invest in our futures and improve our quality of life. Promoting credit-building opportunities is essential for fostering a just, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

And finally, to my dad: Your wisdom continues to guide me through every financial decision I make. Thank you for teaching me the value of persistence and careful planning, lessons that have been invaluable as I navigate this complex journey.

In the end, I didn’t just build an 800+ credit score—I built a symbol of possibility. A reminder that, with the right support and resources, persistence and strategic financial planning, we can pave the way to prosperous futures.