TL;DR: Canada has two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, and their reports can differ, so check both. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, both give you a free credit report online, updated monthly; you can also get one by mail (with photocopies of two IDs) or by phone (Equifax 1-800-465-7166, TransUnion 1-800-663-9980). Equifax’s credit score is free online everywhere; TransUnion’s is free online only in Quebec and Ontario. Checking your own report doesn’t hurt your credit. Look for unknown accounts, inquiries and addresses.
Two bureaus, two reports
Canada has two credit reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, and their reports can contain different information, as Consumer Protection BC explains. A lender might check either, so fraud could appear on one and not the other.
Four ways to get yours free
From the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), updated July 2026:
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Online | Both bureaus offer free online access; you can download or print it. TransUnion calls its version the Consumer Disclosure |
| By mail | Send the bureau’s request form with photocopies of two valid IDs |
| By phone | Call, answer identity questions and follow the instructions: Equifax 1-800-465-7166, TransUnion 1-800-663-9980 |
| In person | Only in some provinces and territories, at a bureau office, with at least two IDs |
Go to equifax.ca and transunion.ca by typing the address yourself, and skip paid upsells you don’t need. Checking your own report or score doesn’t affect your credit rating.
Is the credit score free too?
| Equifax | TransUnion | |
|---|---|---|
| Free score online | All provinces and territories | Quebec and Ontario only |
| Free score by phone or mail | Yes, with ID | Quebec and Ontario residents |
The FCAC says bureaus update your score at least once a month. Some banks also show a free score in their apps. If you use a third-party site for a score, the FCAC suggests checking it’s legitimate, reading its privacy policy and finding out whether it sells your data.
What to look for
- accounts or credit cards you didn’t open;
- credit inquiries from lenders you never applied to;
- addresses you’ve never lived at;
- debts in collections you don’t recognise;
- name spellings or employers you don’t recognise.
If you find fraud
- Contact the lender to close the fraudulent account.
- Dispute the entry with the bureau.
- Add a fraud alert at both bureaus, free for six years (how).
- If you live in Quebec or Ontario, consider a free credit lock (freeze) as well (how freezes work).
- Report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- If your SIN was involved, follow Service Canada’s steps.
You can also add a short explanation to your report, which Consumer Protection BC puts at up to 100 words.
How often to check
At least once a year, and right away after:
- a data breach notice, like Loblaw’s;
- a lost wallet or stolen mail;
- a scam call where you shared personal details.
Because online reports are free and update monthly, checking every few months costs nothing. The FCAC has long reminded Canadians that checking credit reports helps protect against fraud. A free email exposure check tells you whether your email has been in breaches, a good trigger for a credit check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my credit report free in Canada?
Yes. Equifax and TransUnion both offer free online access, and will also send a free copy by mail or provide one by phone.
Is my credit score free in Canada?
Equifax’s score is free online in all provinces. TransUnion’s is free online only for Quebec and Ontario residents.
Does checking my own credit report lower my score?
No. The FCAC says checking your own report or score doesn’t affect your credit rating.
Why check both bureaus?
Their reports can contain different information, and lenders may use either.
What are the phone numbers for Equifax and TransUnion Canada?
Equifax 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion 1-800-663-9980.
How often should I check my credit report?
At least once a year, and immediately after a breach or suspected identity theft.
Sources
- FCAC: Getting your credit report and credit score (updated Jul 2026)
- Consumer Protection BC: How to get a free copy of your credit report
- FCAC: Credit reports can help protect you from fraud
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre