How to Check Your Credit Report and Score in Canada (2025 Guide)

Your credit report and credit score influence more than just loan approvals—they affect your ability to rent, get a cell phone, or even land a job. But many Canadians still don’t check their credit regularly or know how to access it for free.

This article explains exactly how to check your credit report and score in Canada, which tools to use, how often you can check, and what to look for.

What’s the Difference Between a Credit Report and a Credit Score?

Before we dive in, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Credit Report: A detailed record of your credit activity—loans, credit cards, payments, missed payments, etc.

• Credit Score: A 3-digit number (from 300 to 900) that reflects your creditworthiness, calculated from your credit report.

  
  

Think of the report as the raw data and the score as the summary result.

How to Check Your Credit Report

In Canada, there are two official credit bureaus:

1. Equifax Canada

2. TransUnion Canada

   
   

You can (and should) check both, because lenders may report to one, the other, or both. You’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau.

How to Get It:

• Equifax:Visit Equifax Canada’s website and request your free credit file by mail or phone.Or sign up for Equifax’s online portal to get access anytime (free and paid options).

• TransUnion:Use TransUnion Canada’s portal to view your free report online or request by mail.

  
  

How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

While your report is free once a year, your credit score is not always included. Fortunately, many banks and apps now provide free access to your credit score—and they update it monthly or even weekly.

Free Credit Score Providers in Canada:

• Borrowell – Offers your Equifax score for free. Easy sign-up.

• Credit Karma – Gives you your TransUnion credit score and report.

• Mogo – Provides your Equifax score (with added fraud alerts).

• Your Bank – Many Canadian banks now offer free credit scores in their apps (e.g. RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank, BMO).

  
  

  Pro Tip: Checking your score through these services is a soft inquiry—it won’t impact your credit.

  
  

How Often Should You Check?

• Credit Score: Check monthly for changes or errors.

• Credit Report: Check each bureau at least once per year.

• If you're applying for a loan or mortgage soon, review both 3–6 months in advance.

  
  

What to Look for on Your Credit Report

• Incorrect account info (wrong balances, statuses, etc.)

• Missed payments you didn’t make

• Accounts you don’t recognize (could indicate identity theft)

• Outdated personal information (old addresses, employers)

  
  

If you see something suspicious, dispute it directly with the credit bureau. They are required to investigate and respond within 30 days.

Why Checking Your Credit Matters

• Avoid surprises before applying for a mortgage, credit card, or loan.

• Catch errors or fraud early.

• Track your progress if you're building or rebuilding credit.

• Understand what lenders see when they assess your applications.

  
  

Final Word: Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

Checking your credit report and score is free, fast, and crucial for your financial health. Whether you’re trying to improve your score or just monitor for fraud, make it a habit—just like checking your bank balance.