I just landed in Toronto after my study permit approval and opened a bank account. Everything seemed smooth—got a student debit card, set up online banking. But when I tried to rent an apartment, the landlord asked for a credit check. I didn’t have one. I was shocked. I’ve never had a problem with money back home, but here, it feels like I’m starting from zero.

I’ve since learned that credit history in Canada starts *before* you apply for a mortgage or a car loan—it starts with your first bank account, your first phone plan, even your first utility setup. If you don’t build it early, you’re stuck with limited options. I’m trying to get my credit going, but I’m not sure where to start.

Here’s what I’m working on:

1. Opened a basic bank account (got a debit card).

2. Applied for a secured credit card through my bank (approved with a $500 deposit).

3. Set up auto-payments for my phone plan and internet.

4. Checking my credit report every 3 months via Equifax or TransUnion.

But I’m still confused about what counts toward my score and what doesn’t.

So I’m asking:

1. How long does it usually take to get a decent credit score after opening a bank account?

2. Are prepaid phone plans or student internet packages enough to help build credit?

3. Should I get a co-signer, or is a secured card enough for now?

4. What’s a realistic timeline for renting without a reference from a previous landlord?

I know credit isn’t just about money—it’s about trust and history. And I’m realizing that building it is part of settling in, not just a future goal.

If you’re in a similar spot—whether you’re a student, a worker, or a new permanent resident—how did you start building your credit? Drop a line: your province, your status (study permit, work permit, etc.), and when you arrived. Just keep it general—no passport numbers, UCI, or bank details. Let’s help each other get stronger, one small step at a time.