Who has access to your credit report

A credit reporting agency can’t share your credit report without your permission. (There are three exceptions, which we’ll explain in a minute.)

When someone looks at your credit report, it’s called a “credit check.” You don’t have to consent to a credit check. But if you refuse, the other party may decide not to do business with you.

Your consent to a credit check may be folded into an application form. For example, an application for credit, insurance, employment or tenancy. By signing the application, you’re agreeing to the check.

But by law, the consent must be prominent and easy to understand.

Pro tip: Before signing an application form for credit, a job, or an apartment, make sure you read the full application. If you don’t want the other party to access your credit report, discuss this with them.

In some cases, credit reporting agencies don’t need your consent to share your credit report. You don’t have a choice when your report is requested by:

• the federal, provincial or municipal government

• the police, for the purpose of an investigation

• anyone with a court order allowing access to your credit report

Think someone got their hands on your credit report who shouldn’t have? Here are steps you can take.

Step 1. Order (and review) your credit report

Step 2. Contact the credit reporting agency

Step 3. Ask for a review of the agency’s decision

Step 1. Order (and review) your credit report

First, order a copy of your credit report. We offer guidance on how to do that. See ordering your credit report.

Look at the list of credit inquiries in your report. (A credit inquiry means someone has ordered a copy of your credit report.)

Step 2. Contact the credit reporting agency

Are there names or businesses you don’t recognize in the list of credit inquiries? Contact the credit reporting agency who prepared the report. In Canada, the two agencies are Equifax and TransUnion. Ask them to explain — in writing — what's going on. See the website for Equifax or TransUnion.

Step 3. Ask for a review of the agency's decision

If you aren’t satisfied with the credit reporting agency’s response, ask for a review of their decision to release your credit report. Direct your request to the BC Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Your request must be made in writing. There's a form on the Privacy Commissioner's website you can use. See the Commissioner's website. Or you can send a letter or email. Make it clear what you're asking the Commissioner to review.

If you’d like to go deeper, we have more detailed guidance on this topic. See our in-depth page on who has access to your credit report.