# How does international credit history work when applying for a Canadian mortgage?

> Canadian lenders accept international credit reports — primarily Equifax and TransUnion global files — when a newcomer has no Canadian credit history. Most lenders want 2+ tradelines with at least 12 months of history.

Category: Newcomers
Last verified: 2026-04-19
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/newcomers/how-does-international-credit-history-work-for-canadian-mortgage

## Answer
**Canadian lenders accept international credit reports when you have no Canadian credit history**, but the process requires a few specific steps.

## How It Works

- **International bureau request**: Lenders contact Equifax or TransUnion to pull your credit file from your home country (US, UK, Australia, India, and most EU countries are well-supported).
- **Minimum tradelines**: Most lenders require 2+ open credit accounts with at least 12 months of payment history. A credit card, car loan, or personal line of credit each count as one tradeline.
- **CMHC/Sagen/Canada Guaranty acceptance**: All three default insurers accept international credit for newcomer applicants — CMHC specifically outlines this in their New to Canada program.
- **"Credit-thin" workarounds**: If you have fewer than 2 tradelines, lenders may accept 12 months of rental payment history (via landlord letter), utility bills, or telecom payment records as alternative credit evidence.

## Building Canadian Credit Fast

- **Secured credit card**: Open one immediately upon arrival. Use it monthly and pay in full.
- **Canadian bank chequing account**: Establishes your financial footprint.
- **KOHO or Neo Financial**: Good starter products for newcomers building credit.
- **Timeline**: Most A-lenders want 6-12 months of Canadian credit before approving without international supplementary documents.

### Your Next Steps
1. **Request your international credit report** from Equifax or TransUnion before applying
2. **Open a secured credit card** in Canada immediately
3. **Speak with a mortgage advisor** specializing in newcomer clients

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/newcomer-canada-mortgage

## Sources
- CMHC New to Canada — Newcomer Mortgage Guide — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=3
- Improve Your Credit Report — FCAC — https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports/improve-credit-report.html