You can get your credit report from both of Canada's main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, for free. You can do it online, by phone or by mail, as often as you like, and checking your own report never affects your credit score. Free credit scores are also available, though what you can get depends on the bureau and your province.
The short version
- Free reports: from both Equifax and TransUnion, online or by mail
- Free score from Equifax: available in all provinces and territories
- Free score from TransUnion: in Ontario and Quebec, as part of your consumer disclosure
- Effect on your score: none
Online
Both bureaus offer free online access after you create an account and verify your identity, usually by answering questions about your credit history. Online reports are typically updated monthly. Watch for upsells: both bureaus also sell paid monitoring and identity protection products, which you don't need to buy to see your report.
By phone or mail
| Bureau | Phone | By mail |
|---|---|---|
| Equifax Canada | 1-800-465-7166 | Request form on the Equifax website, with copies of two pieces of ID |
| TransUnion Canada | 1-800-663-9980 | Request form on the TransUnion website, with copies of two pieces of ID |
Reports requested by mail arrive by post, typically within a few weeks. In some provinces you can also request your report in person at a bureau office.
Free credit scores
Your credit score is a separate product from your report. Equifax provides a free score online in every province and territory, and will also provide one for free by phone or mail. TransUnion's free score is available to residents of Ontario and Quebec. Elsewhere, TransUnion charges for its score.
Many banks show a free score in their mobile apps, and several personal finance apps provide free Equifax or TransUnion scores in exchange for showing you product offers. These are legitimate soft checks, but read the privacy terms before signing up.
Scores vary by source. The score from your bank app may use a different model, or a different bureau, than the one a lender sees. Use any free score as a guide to direction, not an exact number.
Avoiding scams
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada warns that fraudsters impersonate free credit report services to collect personal information. Go directly to Equifax's or TransUnion's own websites, or to a financial institution you already bank with, rather than clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts.
When to check
- At least once a year with each bureau
- A few months before applying for a mortgage, car loan or rental
- After a data breach involving your information
- If you're turned down for credit unexpectedly
Once you have it, our guide to reading your report explains each section.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to check my credit report in Canada?
Yes. Both Equifax and TransUnion provide your credit report free of charge, online or by mail.
Does checking my credit report hurt my score?
No. Checking your own report is a soft inquiry and has no effect on your score.
How often can I get my free credit report?
There's no annual limit on requesting your own report from the bureaus.
Do I need to check both Equifax and TransUnion?
Ideally, yes. Lenders don't always report to both, so the reports can differ, and a lender might check either one.
Sources
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Getting your credit report and credit score