Building a good credit score is very important for newcomers to Canada, as it is an indication on how well you manage credit and pay back loans.
Credit scores are established by the Canadian Credit Bureau and are based on whether or not you pay your bills on time, have money still owed, or have missed payments.
Scoring a healthy credit report can help you finance an auto purchase as an example.
So how does a newcomer start to build a healthy credit standing?
One common way to build good credit from the moment you land as a newcomer to this country, is through an everyday essential item like your cellphone.
As a particular example, one of the best ways to build your credit score is through subscribing to a recurring service such as a post-paid cellular plan.
Specifically, having a post-paid cellphone plan from Bell is a great way to build credit because post-paid plans require consumers to pay for a service progressively over time. If you pay your cellphone bill on time and in full, you establish your historical payment data and credit history.
So, if you sign up with Bell today and take advantage of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans, activate with eSim, your credit score will start building the moment you land.
Note: If your phone is not eSim compatible, you may activate a SIM card for your phone at Bell.ca or at our stores when you land in Canada. A one-time sim card charge may apply.
BYOD Offers from Bell
Below, we highlight two popular BYOD offers from Bell, available for international students and newcomers to Canada.
To make the application process easier, newcomer documents such as Study Permit, Work Permit, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), and PR card are now accepted at Bell for cellphone plan setup along with your foreign passport*.
*Exception includes Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) along with a Photocopy of a Foreign Passport
To find the Bell store nearest to you, use the Store Locator tool.
Disclaimers
[2] Current as of Sep 26, 2023. Available to newcomers who have landed in Canada for less than 30 days with document proof. Available with new activations on Bell SmartPay, or Bring Your Own Device, and on any Unlimited Ultimate and Essential plan (2-year or 30-day BYOD; excludes tablets, Mobile Internet and IoT products). Savings applied as a $20 monthly bill credit over the next 24 months. Regular price applies thereafter. Additional one-time fees are subject to change over time. See bell.ca/onetimefees for details.
[3] Reduced speeds are up to 512 Kbps.
[4] 5G/5G+ access requires a compatible device and a compatible rate plan (even if a 5G/5G+ symbol appears on your device). Coverage is approximate, may vary and may not include indoor coverage; see bell.ca/5G. Speed, performance and whether a 5G/5G+ device uses the available 5G/5G+ network depend on various factors including: your rate plan, topography, environmental conditions, the current serving radio conditions at your location and whether the device is actively downloading or uploading data. Access is subject to Bell’s management of network resources, using methods which include Internet traffic management practices. See bell.ca/ITMP.
[i] Standard definition video quality is up to 480p. Boost to HD streaming for $5/mo.
[5] Applies to calls made from Canada to a Canadian phone number or calls received from any number while you are inside Canada. Only available in Canada. Sent texts include texts sent to a Canadian phone number while in Canada and excludes texts sent to a landline, texts sent to a U.S. or international phone number, premium texts (short codes), alerts, texts sent with a messaging application and roaming (international GSM texts). Received texts include texts received while in Canada and excludes roaming, premium texts (short codes), alerts or dial-up texts received from a messaging application.