Checking your credit score is an important step in personal finance. If you want to check credit score free Canada, there are several safe ways to do it without paying. This guide explains how to get your free credit report and score, who provides them (Equifax TransUnion and third parties), and what to do if you find errors.
Quick overview: credit score vs. credit report
Credit report — a detailed record of your credit accounts, payment history, collections, and public records.
Credit score — a numeric summary (often 300–900 or 300–850) derived from information in your report. Different lenders and bureaus use different scoring models.
Why check your credit score and report?
Spot identity theft or fraud early.
Fix errors that lower your score.
Know where you stand before applying for a mortgage, loan, or new credit card.
Track progress if you're rebuilding credit.
Main ways to check your credit score for free in Canada
Direct from the credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion)
You can request a free copy of your credit report by mail from both bureaus. This is your legal right under Canadian law. Online portals often require a fee or registration, but the mail request is free. See the bureaus' consumer pages for instructions.
Equifax and TransUnion also offer paid or promotional online services that may show a score for free; check the official pages below.
Free online services that show your score and report highlights
Services such as Borrowell and Credit Karma Canada provide a free credit score and a summary of your credit report. Borrowell uses Equifax data; Credit Karma uses TransUnion data. These services are free to use (they make money from offers, not from charging you for the score).
Your bank or credit card provider
Some Canadian banks and credit unions display a credit score in your online banking (e.g., certain apps or portals). Availability varies by institution.
Annual/periodic offers from other sources
Some fintech apps and lenders offer a free score as part of onboarding. Read terms carefully to avoid unwanted subscriptions or trial charges.
Step-by-step: get a free credit report by mail (Equifax & TransUnion)
Gather ID documents: government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport), proof of address (utility bill, bank statement), and optionally your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — only provide SIN if asked and comfortable.
Download or use the bureau's consumer disclosure form: both bureaus provide instructions and forms for a mail request.
Complete the form with accurate personal details and include photocopies of ID and proof of address.
Mail the package to the address specified by the bureau. There is no charge for a mailed consumer disclosure.
Wait for delivery — the bureau will send your credit report by mail (or sometimes secure courier) after verifying identity.
Helpful links:
Official Equifax Canada consumer page: Equifax Canada — Personal Credit Report & Score
Official TransUnion Canada consumer page: TransUnion Canada — Get Your Credit Report
Tip: If you prefer online, both bureaus may offer an online consumer disclosure for a fee or require online account creation; check the bureau pages for current options.
How to get a free credit score online (Borrowell, Credit Karma)
Choose a reputable provider: Borrowell and Credit Karma are the most widely used in Canada.
Create an account with your name, address, date of birth, and sign-in details.
Verify your identity: you may be asked to answer security questions based on your credit file.
View your free score and insights: the service will display a credit score, factors affecting it, and tips to improve.
Helpful links:
Important: These services use data from one bureau (Borrowell → Equifax, Credit Karma → TransUnion). Scores can differ between bureaus and scoring models.
How to read your report and what to check
Personal information — name, current and previous addresses, date of birth.
Credit accounts — account type, date opened, credit limit, balance, payment history.
Public records/collections — bankruptcies, liens, judgments, collections.
Inquiries — who has requested your file (soft vs. hard inquiries).
Closed accounts or errors — check for accounts you don't recognize.
Checklist before disputing:
Do you have supporting documents (statements, letters)?
Do you know which bureau shows the error? (Equifax and TransUnion maintain separate files.)
Have you contacted the creditor to confirm the record?
How to dispute errors (step-by-step)
Document the error: take screenshots, print the relevant pages, and gather statements.
Contact the creditor or collection agency first — sometimes they'll correct mistakes directly.
File a dispute with the bureau showing the error:
Submit a dispute online via the bureau's dispute form or by mail with ID and supporting documents.
Follow up: the bureau must investigate (usually within 30 days) and inform you of the outcome.
If unresolved, escalate: contact the lender, submit a complaint to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), or get legal advice for serious issues.
Useful pages:
Tips to protect your credit and avoid scams
Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and will not hurt your credit.
Avoid "free trial" traps that require a credit card and automatically charge after a trial period.
Never send original ID documents by mail; send clear photocopies and use tracked mail when possible.
Watch for phishing: use official bureau URLs and look for HTTPS and proper domain names.
Freeze your credit file if you suspect ID theft (TransUnion and Equifax offer security freezes or locks).
Quick credit improvement checklist
Pay bills on time — set up automatic payments.
Keep credit utilisation low (aim for under 30%).
Avoid unnecessary new credit applications.
Keep older accounts open to maintain average age of credit.
Diversify types of credit responsibly (installment loans, credit cards).
Where to get help and more information
FCAC guidance on credit reports and scores: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — Credit Reports and Scores
Consumer rights and how to file complaints: see the FCAC site and the provincial consumer protection office in your province.
If you want, I can:
Show a sample dispute letter you can send to Equifax or TransUnion.
Walk through the Borrowell or Credit Karma signup steps with screenshots (explain what to expect).