As 2025 begins, it's only natural to think about what it will hold and the goals you want to bring to life this year. Whatever it is, almost certainly, your financial situation will have an impact on how you go about it.
Whether you're hoping to rent a new apartment, lease a car, go debt free or make another dream come true this year, there's one thing you can focus on first to unlock these opportunities and make them a reality: your credit.
Narcity talked to credit expert Becca Mintz, Vice President, Capital One Canada, about why prioritizing your credit in 2025 is key to bringing these everyday ambitions to life.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
"As we head into 2025, Canadians have big dreams, and credit is one of the most impactful ways to unlock them," Mintz told Narcity.
And remember, it's not just a matter of growing your credit so that you can be approved for big purchases like mortgages or auto loans. Prioritizing your credit pays off elsewhere in your everyday life too.
"We know that financial stress and mental health are correlated," said Mintz. "So, as we head into a new year, with everyone mapping out and planning their goals and dreams, Capital One Canada wants to help and encourage Canadians to have a healthy money mindset. We want to help them feel in control of their lives broadly speaking so that they can be on their way to financial wellbeing."
"There is nothing I love more than learning about how Capital One has helped our customers in their everyday life. These stories and interactions motivate me to know that we are helping Canadians succeed with credit, feel in control of their finances and reach their goals, whatever these may be."
The big question is: How do you start?
In 2025, you can prioritize your credit by adopting good financial habits that have a positive impact on your credit score, such as paying bills on time, making payments early on existing credit accounts, lowering your credit utilization, and being mindful of hard versus soft credit inquiries.
If that sounds a bit daunting, Mintz wants you to know you don't have to do it alone. "Sometimes what it takes to make real progress is believing in yourself and knowing that others believe in you too," she said. "That’s why Capital One Canada focuses on saying 'yes.'"
"We focus on giving Canadians access to credit through providing the right products and tools to use credit responsibly. We’ve actually said 'yes' to providing access to credit to over 4 million Canadians!"
Tools like Quick Check®, for instance, share with you which Capital One credit card you're pre-approved for before you apply, so you don't have to worry about the application impacting your credit score. And you can use their Credit Keeper tool to check your credit score securely for free whenever you need to, with or without a Capital One credit card.
Mintz's personal favourite is the new Smart Rewards™ Mastercard®, which is, according to her, "a credit card that lets you earn rewards for paying your balance, encouraging positive financial habits."
A couple with a credit card on a couch smile at a computer screen.Thirdman | Pexels
To learn more about Capital One Canada and how they've provided credit to over 4 million Canadians, visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram .
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax or accounting advice.