In Canada, there are two main credit bureaus (sometimes called credit reporting agencies): Equifax and TransUnion. These bureaus collect, store, and share information about how you use your credit, providing the information to lenders so that they can evaluate the risks associated with lending to you.
Data that the credit bureaus collect about you is compiled into a credit report; these reports are a summary of your credit history. A score is assigned to the report—this score reflects the level of risk associated with lending to you. A lower score indicates more risk, while a higher score indicates less risk.
Credit bureaus are required to provide you with your credit report for free. Let’s explore how you can obtain your credit report, receive your credit score, and get some free credit monitoring services to help you manage your credit.
How To Obtain Your Credit Report and Free Credit Score
You can obtain your credit report from Equifax or TransUnion for free. To speed up the process of receiving your credit report, it can be helpful to have your social insurance number (SIN) on hand—though using it is optional, it can speed up the process.
Credit scores are included with credit reports; following these steps, you can receive your credit score and credit report from either credit agency.
From Equifax
There are three ways to obtain your credit report from Equifax:
- Online
- In-person
- By mail
To obtain your credit report online, visit the Equifax Credit Score and Report page. Click “Start Online Access” and follow the prompts to view your credit report and score.
To access your credit report by mail, you can create your online Equifax account using the link above, then submit an online request for Equifax to mail your credit report.
Alternatively, you can mail Equifax to request your credit report. To do so, you must fill in the Canadian Credit Report Request Form and then provide photocopies (front and back) of two pieces of valid Canadian ID. Examples include:
- Driver’s licence
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship card
- Permanent resident card
- Social insurance card
- Birth certificate
From there, you can mail the documents to:
Equifax Canada Co.
National Consumer Relations
Box 190
Montreal, Quebec
H1S 2Z2
Finally, you can visit Equifax in person with documentation and proof of address. For full details on accessing your credit report, visit Equifax’s How Do I Get My Free Credit Report page.
From TransUnion
TransUnion provides several ways of accessing an enhanced credit report, which it calls a Consumer Disclosure. You can access your TransUnion Consumer Disclosure:
- Online
- In-person
- By mail
To access your report online, visit the Online Consumer Solutions page, then click the “Sign Up” button. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and other information. You can also provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), but this step is optional.
Once you’ve created your account, you’ll be able to view your Consumer Disclosure, including your credit report.
You can also request your Consumer Disclosure by mail. First, fill in the Consumer Request form. You’ll need to include information such as:
- Name
- Current address
- Previous address (if less than two years at current address)
- Date of birth
- Social Insurance Number (optional)
- Employment information (optional)
- Telephone number (optional)
- Signature
You’ll also need to provide photocopies (front and back) of two pieces of photo ID. At least one of these should be from this list (or another form of valid, government-issued photo ID):
- Driver’s licence
- Canadian passport
- Birth certificate
- Canada permanent resident (PR) card
- Citizenship card
- Old age security card
- Department of National Defence card
- Provincial photo ID
Once you’ve assembled everything you need, you can send your request by mail to:
TransUnion Consumer Relations Department
P.O. Box 338, LCD1
Hamilton, Ontario
L8L 7W2
You can also visit TransUnion in person or contact them by phone at 1-800-663-9980.
Conclusion
Getting your free credit report and your free credit score can help you meet your financial goals. We encourage you to get credit reports and free credit scores from both credit agencies.
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