How to Check Your Credit Score in Canada

Wondering about your credit score and why it matters?

Your credit score affects everything from loan rates to rental applications. A good score can save you money on mortgages and help you qualify for better credit cards. Even an improving score shows landlords you're financially responsible.

Knowing where you stand helps you make smarter financial decisions and avoid application rejections that could hurt your score further.

Credit bureaus in Canada

Credit bureaus collect different information about your credit history. Checking your own credit report never affects your credit score.

Credit reports from the main credit bureaus don't typically include your credit score.

You can often get your score from:

• Your credit card company

• Your bank or financial institution

• Your loan statements

Many KOHO users check their credit score for free right in the app store, making it easy to track changes over time.

A few things about credit scores

First, you don't have just one credit score. These scores show lenders how likely you are to pay bills on time.

Different companies calculate your score differently:

• Credit bureaus use their own scoring models

• FICO has its own method

• Scores vary because not all lenders report to all bureaus

• Some lenders look at more than just your credit score when deciding to give you credit

Get your free credit report online

Both Equifax and TransUnion offer free online credit reports:

• Access your free Equifax credit report

• Access your free TransUnion credit report (called Consumer Disclosure)

• Access your free KOHO credit report by Equifax

Both update monthly and show your information right away. Other companies may also offer free reports.

Get your credit report by mail

Order by mail

Use the forms from each bureau:

• Make a postal request with Equifax

• Make a postal request with TransUnion

Include copies of two pieces of ID (like driver's licence or passport).

Order by phone

Call and follow their instructions:

• Equifax Canada: 1-800-465-7166

• TransUnion Canada: 1-800-663-9980

Be ready to answer personal and financial questions. You might need to provide your SIN and/or credit card number to confirm who you are.

Get your credit report in person

Visit a location with at least two pieces of ID:

• Equifax in-person requests

• TransUnion in-person requests

Get your credit score

Your credit score comes from your credit report and shows lenders how risky it might be to lend you money.

• Equifax provides free online credit scores updated monthly

• Quebec residents can also get free TransUnion credit scores

• Sign up for a KOHO account in less than five minutes, and with a 30 day trial you can check your credit score for free!

Some companies offer free scores but might ask you to sign up for paid services.

Protect yourself

Before sharing personal information:

• Research the company

• Read terms of use and privacy policies

• Check if your information will be sold

• Use secured websites (look for "https")

Watch out for scammers offering free reports to steal your information.

Credit monitoring

Credit bureaus, credit card companies, and banks offer monitoring services that alert you to changes in your credit report or score.

Consider using these services if you suspect fraud or were affected by a data breach. Most charge fees, though some institutions offer them free in certain cases.

Check regularly

Get your report from one bureau, then check the other bureau six months later. This helps you spot problems sooner.