How to Check Your Credit Score and Credit Report in Canada
If you want to check your credit score in Canada, the good news is that it’s easy and completely free. Many Canadians don’t realize they can access both their credit score and full credit report through Equifax, TransUnion, and even major banks — without lowering their score.
You can check your credit score in Canada for free through official credit bureaus or online banking. Checking your own credit is considered a soft inquiry and does not affect your score.
Understanding where you stand financially helps you prepare for things like renting an apartment, applying for a credit card, getting a car loan, or qualifying for a mortgage.
Updated Feb 17, 2026 9: 45 p.m. MST · 9 min read
Written by the Capital Corner Editorial Team
How to Check Your Credit Score for Free in Canada
There are three main ways to check your credit score in Canada:
1. Through Equifax Canada
Equifax Canada allows you to create an account and access your credit score and report online. You can also request a free copy by mail.
2. Through TransUnion Canada
TransUnion Canada also provides online access to your credit score and credit report. You can request your report for free once per year.
3. Through Your Bank
Many major Canadian banks now show your credit score directly inside online banking at no cost.
Checking your own score is a soft inquiry, which means it does not lower your credit score.
How to Get Your Free Credit Report in Canada
In Canada, your credit information is tracked by two main credit bureaus: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.
You can request a free copy of your full credit report from each bureau once per year. If you space them out, you can effectively review your credit twice a year.
When requesting your report:
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You may be asked to verify your identity
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You are not required to provide your SIN (Social Insurance Number)
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Requesting your own report will not impact your credit score
For security reasons, it’s recommended not to include your SIN unless absolutely necessary.
Why You Should Check Your Credit Report Regularly
When you check your credit report in Canada, you can:
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Catch reporting mistakes
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Detect potential identity theft
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Understand what lenders see
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Prepare before applying for credit
It’s smart to review your credit report at least once or twice per year — especially before applying for a mortgage, car loan, apartment rental, or major credit card.
Check it before you need it.
Credit Score Range in Canada (300–900 Explained)
In Canada, a credit score ranges from 300 to 900. Lenders use this number to assess your creditworthiness.
Here’s what each range typically means:
300–559 (Poor)
High risk to lenders. Approval can be difficult, and interest rates will be high.
560–659 (Fair)
You may qualify for some credit products, but rates and terms won’t be ideal.
660–724 (Good)
You’re considered a reliable borrower. Most loans and credit cards are accessible with decent rates.
725–759 (Very Good)
Strong credit profile. You’ll qualify for better interest rates and more options.
760–900 (Excellent)
Top-tier credit. Lenders see you as low risk and offer the best available rates.
Generally, a score above 660 is considered good in Canada, while 760+ is excellent.
What Is a Good Credit Score in Canada?
A good credit score in Canada is typically 660 or higher. However, the higher your score, the better your approval odds and interest rates.
Your score is influenced by:
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Payment history
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Credit utilization
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Length of credit history
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Types of credit accounts
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Recent credit inquiries
Even small improvements can significantly impact the rates you qualify for.
Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It?
No.
When you check your own credit score in Canada, it is considered a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.
Only “hard inquiries” — such as when you apply for a loan or credit card — can temporarily lower your score.
How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
If you find incorrect information on your credit report, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau reporting the error.
Steps to fix mistakes:
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Review your report carefully
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Identify incorrect accounts, balances, or missed payments
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Contact the bureau directly
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Provide supporting documents (bank statements, receipts, etc.)
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Wait for investigation (usually up to 30 days)
Both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada allow disputes to be submitted online.
Correcting errors can improve your credit score if inaccurate negative information is removed.
Bottom Line
Your credit score is simply a number that reflects how you’ve managed credit over time.
You can check your credit score in Canada for free through official credit bureaus or participating banks, and doing so will not hurt your score.
Review your credit report regularly, protect your personal information, and fix any mistakes you find. Small proactive steps today can save you thousands of dollars in future interest costs.
Get Started Today
✔️ Check your credit score through Equifax or TransUnion
✔️ Do not provide your SIN unless required
✔️ Review your report carefully for errors
✔️ Set a reminder to check again in six months
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my credit score for free in Canada?
You can check your credit score for free in Canada through Equifax, TransUnion, or many major Canadian banks. Accessing your own credit is a soft inquiry and does not lower your score.
What is a good credit score in Canada?
Credit scores range from 300 to 900. A score above 660 is considered good, and 760 or higher is excellent.
Does checking my credit score affect it?
No. Checking your own credit score does not impact it.
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