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How to Use Your International Credit History in Canada
Written By
Corinna Frattini
Nov 19, 2025
•Building Credit
Starting fresh in a new country often comes with learning curves, including understanding Canada’s credit system. Even with excellent credit in your home country, Canadian lenders usually don’t have access to it. This can make getting a credit card, qualifying for a loan, or renting an apartment a little more challenging.
The good news is that with Nova Credit and Scotiabank, newcomers can now access their international credit history in Canada, helping to give them an easier and faster path to building financial stability.
What is International Credit History in Canada?
International credit history is your record of how you’ve borrowed and repaid money in your home country.
Because Canadian lenders can’t automatically access this information, many newcomers must build a new credit history from scratch. Nova Credit’s Credit Passport® helps bridge that gap by allowing newcomers from eligible countries to share their international credit profile with participating Canadian banks.
Why is Credit History Important in Canada?
A good credit history in Canada can help you:
- Get approval for credit cards and loans.
- Rent an apartment.
- Sign up for phone or internet plans more easily.
Without a Canadian credit history, many newcomers face limited options. That’s why being able to use your international credit history in Canada is such an exciting breakthrough!
Can Newcomers Use Their International Credit History in Canada?
Yes. Through Nova Credit, newcomers from select countries can use their international credit history to receive higher limits on a new or existing Scotiabank credit card.
- Who qualifies? Permanent residents and foreign workers who have been in Canada for less than five years.
- Countries supported: Only certain partner countries (check here to see the partner countries).
What is the Scotiabank StartRight® Program‡?
In addition to Nova Credit, Scotiabank offers the StartRight™ Program, tailored for newcomers with benefits like:
- Access to a suite of products designed to help build your financial foundation in Canada.
- No monthly chequing account fees1 for the first year on the Preferred Package.
- No-fee international money transfers2.
How Does Scotiabank Use Nova Credit for Newcomers?
Scotiabank is the first bank in Canada to integrate Nova Credit into its digital credit card application process for permanent residents and foreign workers.
This means newcomers can:
- Apply online for credit card accounts.
- If approved, use their Credit Passport® to apply for a higher credit card limit right away.
How to Use Your International Credit History in Canada: Step-by-Step
- 1. Check eligibility: Confirm if Nova Credit partners with your country.
- 2. Apply online: Choose a Scotiabank credit card under the StartRight™ Program.
- 3. Use Credit Passport® to request a higher credit limit: If approved, allow Nova Credit to share your international credit profile securely.
- 4. Build Canadian credit: Make on-time payments and keep balances low.
➡️ Solution: This process gives you a financial head start and avoids the “no credit history” problem most newcomers face.
FAQs About International Credit in Canada
Can I use my credit history from my home country in Canada?
Yes. Nova Credit allows newcomers from select countries to share their international credit history with Canadian banks. This helps banks evaluate your credit profile when you apply for credit products.
Do all banks in Canada accept international credit history?
While some Canadian banks can review international credit history through in-branch applications, Scotiabank is the first to integrate Nova Credit into its digital onboarding process. This means permanent residents and foreign workers can use their international credit history online, making it faster and more convenient to apply for a higher limit as part of their credit card application with Scotiabank.
Does using my international credit history replace my Canadian credit score?
No. Your international credit history can help you qualify for a higher credit limit, but you still need to build a Canadian credit score over time. Read more about how to get a credit card in Canada and avoid common mistakes.
Is there a fee to use Nova Credit with Scotiabank?
No. It’s included as part of Scotiabank’s newcomer digital onboarding and credit card experience.
Final Thoughts
Being able to use your international credit history in Canada is a game-changer for newcomers. Instead of starting from zero, you can qualify for higher credit limits and build your Canadian credit score with confidence.
This article is provided for information purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as financial, tax or investment advice or guarantees about the future, nor should it be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. Information contained in this article, including information relating to interest rates, market conditions, tax rules, and other investment factors are subject to change without notice and The Bank of Nova Scotia is not responsible to update this information. All third party sources are believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of publication and The Bank of Nova Scotia does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability. Readers should consult their own professional advisor for specific financial, investment and/or tax advice tailored to their needs to ensure that individual circumstances are considered properly and action is taken based on the latest available information.
Legal:
‡ Scotiabank StartRight® Program is available only for Canadian Permanent Residents from 0-5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.
1To qualify for the 1-Year No Monthly Account Fee offer (the “Offer”), open a new Preferred Package account under the StartRight™ Program (the “Account”). During the first 12 months, your monthly Account fee will be waived and will not appear as a charge on your Account. The Account must be open and in good standing at the time of the waiver. All applicable service charges on the Account will continue to be applied monthly. After the first 12 months, you will begin to see the monthly Account fee charged to your Account unless you maintain a minimum daily closing balance of $4,000, in which case the monthly Account fee will be waived per the Account terms and conditions. Employees of Scotiabank and individuals who are currently or were previously holders/joint holders of a Scotiabank chequing account with the last 2 years are not eligible for this Offer. This Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers except as otherwise permitted. Maximum one Offer per client. All rates, fees, features and benefits are subject to change. Offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice.
2For clients onboarded as part of the Scotiabank StartRight® Program we do not charge a service fee for the transfer, however, foreign currency exchange rates apply. A transfer needs to be made from an eligible Scotiabank Chequing or Savings account. Subject to daily limits and additional terms and conditions as set out in the Scotiabank International Money Transfer Agreement found at https://www.scotiabank.com/international-money-transfer.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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