How to Boost Your Credit Score in 60 Days: A Guide for Future Homeowners in Atlantic Canada
July 11, 2025 | Posted by: Keith Leighton
How to Boost Your Credit Score in 60 Days:
A Guide for Future Homeowners in Atlantic Canada
If you are planning to buy a home in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island, your credit score plays a big role in your mortgage approval and the rate you will pay. The good news is that you do not need years to make a difference. With the right strategy, you can raise your credit score in as little as 60 days.
Here are six smart ways to strengthen your credit before applying for a mortgage.
1. Review Your Credit Report
Start by getting a free copy of your credit report from Equifax or TransUnion Canada. Look closely for:
• Errors such as wrong balances or accounts you do not recognize
• Outdated debts that should no longer appear
• Signs of identity theft or fraud
Action step: Dispute any issues right away. Providing proof can speed up the correction process and improve your score quickly.
2. Pay Down Credit Cards
Your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you are using compared to your limit, has a major effect on your score.
Tip: Keep balances below 30 percent of the credit limit. Focus on the cards that are close to being maxed out or start with the ones that have the smallest balances.
Lower utilization can improve your score within a few weeks.
3. Make All Payments On Time
Payment history is one of the most important parts of your credit score. Even one late payment can cause damage and stay on your record for several years.
Set up reminders or automatic payments for credit cards, loans, utilities, and other bills to make sure nothing gets missed.
4. Avoid Applying for New Credit
Each time you apply for a new credit card or loan, a hard inquiry is added to your report. These can cause your score to dip slightly.
To keep your score steady, hold off on opening new accounts until your mortgage is finalized.
5. Request a Higher Credit Limit
If you have a good payment history, your credit card company might raise your limit. This can lower your utilization ratio without you having to pay anything down right away.
Only request this if you are confident you will not use the extra credit.
6. Keep Old Accounts Open
Closing old credit cards can reduce the average age of your credit, which may lower your score. If you have paid off an old card, it is better to leave it open as long as it has no annual fee.
Your credit history helps show lenders that you are responsible with long-term borrowing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking at homes in Halifax, Moncton, Charlottetown, or St. John's, a higher credit score will make the mortgage process easier. It can help you qualify for better rates, save you money over time, and improve your buying power.
If you want help improving your credit or preparing for a mortgage pre-approval, reach out to Ideal Mortgage today. We are happy to guide you through the process and get you closer to your dream home.
