# What's the difference between a co-signer and a guarantor?

> A co-signer is on title and equally liable from day one; a guarantor stays off title and is only pursued after the primary borrower defaults.

Category: Financing
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/financing/whats-the-difference-between-a-co-signer-and-a-guarantor

## Answer
| Feature           | Co-signer                                | Guarantor                                  |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Ownership         | Shares ownership                         | No ownership                               |
| Responsibility    | Jointly responsible for the mortgage    | Guarantees the mortgage debt              |
| Property Access   | Has access to the property               | No direct access to the property           |

## Institutional highlights
- Make sure you fully understand your legal responsibilities before signing any co-signer or guarantor agreement.
- Lenders will carefully check your credit history if you're acting as a guarantor or co-signer.
- The lender will assess your credit based on how much they're relying on your support for the mortgage.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/cosigning-vs-guarantor

## Sources
- Guarantors and co-signors of mortgages — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#2.3.2
- Footnotes — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/capital-adequacy-requirements-car-guideline-2026
- Canada Guaranty — https://www.canadaguaranty.ca/lenders/underwriting-guidelines/
- I. Purpose and scope of the guideline — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#1.0