Your credit score plays a starring role when applying for a business loan in Canada, but it’s not the only factor lenders consider. Understanding what credit score you need can save time, reduce stress, and help you prepare a stronger application.
Your credit score plays a starring role when applying for a business loan in Canada, but it’s not the only factor lenders consider. Understanding what credit score you need can save time, reduce stress, and help you prepare a stronger application.
For many small business owners, the ideal score depends on the type of loan, the lender, and their business’s financial history. Traditional bank loans often favor higher scores, while alternative lenders may offer more flexibility. But no matter the route you choose, knowing where you stand is the first step toward funding your growth.
In this article, we’ll break down credit score requirements, explain how lenders evaluate your business and personal credit, and share tips for improving your score so you can confidently access the financing your business needs.
The Role of Credit Scores in Business Loans
Your credit score is one of the first things lenders check when you apply for a business loan in Canada. It gives them a snapshot of your financial responsibility, whether you pay bills on time, how much debt you’re carrying, and how you’ve handled credit in the past.
Lenders use this number to assess risk and set interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms. A higher score generally means easier approval and lower borrowing costs, while a lower score may limit your options or require additional security.
Both personal and business credit matter. For startups and small businesses, personal credit often carries more weight. For established companies, lenders may lean on business credit history.
Minimum Credit Scores for Business Loans in Canada
There isn’t one universal number, but here’s a rough guide:
- Traditional bank loans: Often 650–700+ for approval.
- Alternative lenders: More flexible, sometimes approving scores in the low 600s (or even below).
- Government-backed loans: Programs like the Canada Small Business Financing Program also consider your business plan and revenue, not just credit.
The higher your score, the better the loan terms you’ll unlock: lower interest rates, fewer fees, and higher amounts. A lower score doesn’t automatically close doors, but it can mean stricter requirements or higher costs.
If you’re unsure where you stand, working with a financing partner like Bizfund can help match you with the right lender for your profile.
Personal vs. Business Credit
When reviewing an application, lenders often weigh both:
- Personal credit: Reflects your payment history, debt levels, and financial habits. Crucial for startups or smaller businesses.
- Business credit: Shows how your company manages debt, pays suppliers, and maintains cash flow. More relevant for established businesses.
Strengthening both gives you the best shot at approval. For newer businesses, keeping personal credit strong can make a big difference.
Options if Your Credit Score Isn’t Ideal
If your credit isn’t where you’d like it to be, you still have financing options:
- Online lenders: More flexible, focusing on revenue and cash flow. Fast approvals but often at higher rates.
- Government programs: Some prioritize viability and projections over personal credit.
- Alternative financing: Tools like invoice financing or equipment loans can provide capital without relying solely on credit scores.
- Merchant cash advances: A lump sum repaid through a percentage of daily sales, helpful for businesses with strong revenue but weaker credit.
Exploring these alternatives can help you access funding while working on improving your credit.
Conclusion
Securing a business loan starts with understanding how credit scores affect your options. Higher scores open doors to better terms, while lower scores may mean higher costs or different financing routes.
The good news? Your credit score isn’t the only factor that matters. By paying bills on time, reducing debt, and keeping financial records in order, you can improve your score over time.
And if your score isn’t ideal today, there are still flexible solutions available. From alternative business financing to merchant cash advances, Canadian entrepreneurs have more options than ever to get the capital they need.
With the right preparation and guidance from Bizfund, you can find the funding path that fits your goals and build toward stronger borrowing power in the future.
