Part of the MITEY Network · independent, not a bank, not affiliated with any bankBank pages checked October 31, 2026
BankMortgages.ca
Menu

Stress test calculator

Mortgage stress test calculator: will you qualify at a big bank?

See the rate you must qualify at, your GDS and TDS ratios at that rate, and the largest mortgage your income supports under insurer-style limits.

Mitey the Yeti, the BankMortgages.ca guide, checking the numbers
$
$
%
yrs
$
$
$
Half is counted.
$
%
%

Qualifying rate

6.39%

4.39% + 2 points, which is above the 5.25% floor.

Payment you will actually make
$2,846.35
Payment you must qualify at
$3,448.48
GDS at qualifying rate
33.6%
TDS at qualifying rate
37.4%
Largest mortgage at these limits
$615,227

Within both limits A guide, not an approval: lenders also weigh credit, down payment, property and income type.

Mitey the Yeti, BankMortgages.ca’s guide, pointing out a tip
Mitey’s note

The stress test decides how much you can borrow, not the rate you pay. Your payment is still based on the contract rate. If you are short, a longer amortization (30 years for eligible insured first-time buyers), a bigger down payment or paying off a car loan can change the answer.

Sources and limits

GDS/TDS limits shown are CMHC’s for insured mortgages; each bank sets its own for uninsured lending and may count income, rental income and debts differently.

Frequently asked questions

What is the mortgage stress test?

To get a mortgage from a federally regulated lender such as a big bank, you must show you could afford payments at the minimum qualifying rate: the greater of your contract rate plus 2 percentage points or 5.25%. OSFI sets this for uninsured mortgages (Guideline B-20) and the federal government sets it for insured ones. See the stress test explained.

What are GDS and TDS?

Gross debt service (GDS) is housing costs (mortgage payment at the qualifying rate, property tax, heating and half of condo fees) as a share of gross income. Total debt service (TDS) adds your other debt payments. CMHC’s limits for insured mortgages are 39% GDS and 44% TDS; each bank sets its own limits for uninsured mortgages, so treat these as a guide.

Do I have to pass the stress test again at renewal?

Not if you renew with your current lender. If you switch lenders at renewal with no change to the amount or amortization, the federal rules no longer require the stress test for insured mortgages (since November 21, 2024), and OSFI removed it for straight switches of uninsured mortgages at renewal. Check the stress test guide for the dated details.

Sources

  1. Minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages — OSFI, checked Oct 31, 2026
  2. Statement on the Canadian housing market (insured qualifying rate, switches) — Department of Finance Canada, checked Oct 31, 2026
  3. CMHC Purchase: homeowner mortgage loan insurance — CMHC, checked Oct 31, 2026

Keep exploring

The stress test, explainedGetting pre-approved at a big bankPayment calculator

Educational information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. BankMortgages.ca is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any bank named on this site. Bank terms change: confirm every rate and term with the lender and the official sources linked on each page before you act. Read the full disclaimer.