Ordering your credit report

A credit report contains details of a person’s history of paying bills and borrowing money, as well as other information about them.

The law gives you the right to see your credit report. The credit reporting agencies must mail you a free copy if you ask. (In Canada, the two credit reporting agencies are Equifax and TransUnion.) You can also get your report online, but you may need to pay.

Credit reporting agencies plug your credit information into a formula to produce your credit score. Your score, which is sometimes called your credit rating, can range from 300 to 900. A high score is good.

You won’t see your credit score on your credit report. But you can pay to see it. See the Equifax and TransUnion websites.

Tread carefully in this realm. Some companies offer “free” credit reports or credit scores. Often, they’ll ask for your credit card number. By providing it, you may be signing up for a “free trial” of their paid service. If you don’t cancel before the trial ends, your credit card may be charged.

Both of the main credit reporting agencies in Canada offer additional credit services. These include:

• credit monitoring, where you’re alerted if something changes in your credit report

• regular credit score updating

• identity theft protection, where you get help resolving identity theft

These services typically involve a monthly fee. When you order your credit report, you don’t have to buy the additional services offered by the credit reporting agency. It’s your choice.

There are three options for ordering your credit report.

Option 1. By mail

Option 2. By telephone

Option 3. Online

Option 1. By mail

You can print and fill out a request form, then send it to the credit reporting agency. Both Equifax and TransUnion offer this option. See the Equifax and TransUnion websites.

Include a copy of two pieces of ID (copying both sides). For example, a driver’s licence, passport, or birth certificate. If your address isn’t current on either piece, send an additional document with the correct address. A utility bill, for example.

You should receive your credit report in two to three weeks. By law, the agency must respond within 30 days.

Option 2. By telephone

You can get a free copy of your credit report by phone. You’ll have to prove who you are by answering some personal questions. You may also need to give your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or credit card information.

The numbers to call are:

• Equifax: 1-800-465-7166

• TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980

Your credit report should arrive in the mail in two to three weeks. By law, the agency must respond to your request within 30 days.

Option 3. Online

You can order your credit report online. TransUnion offers free online access to your credit report. Equifax charges a fee. See the TransUnion and Equifax websites.

Ordering online is fastest. Your report will arrive within minutes.