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Top 10 Ways To Get Your Credit Score For Free in Canada (2024)

Updated:

Fact Checked

Want to check your credit score for free in Canada? There are now multiple ways to achieve that.

Gone are the days when you needed to pay $20 or more to TransUnion or Equifax to view your credit score. Using the resources below, you can get access to your credit score for FREE and also get updates on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.

Free Credit Score Providers in Canada

Financial InstitutionCredit BureauUpdate frequencyReport & Score
BorrowellEquifaxWeeklyYes
Loans CanadaEquifaxMonthlyScore only
ClearScoreTransUnionWeeklyYes
TransUnionTransUnionMonthlyYes
EquifaxEquifaxMonthlyYes
RBCTransUnionMonthlyYes
ScotiabankTransUnionMonthlyYes
CIBCEquifax3 monthsScore only
BMOTransUnionMonthlyYes
DesjardinsTransUnionMonthlyYes

How To Get Your Free Credit Score in Canada

These three financial technology companies (Borrowell, Mogo, and Credit Karma) will provide your credit score for free:

1. Borrowell

Borrowell offers access to a free Equifax credit score and credit report. There are no fees, and your credit score and report are updated weekly. Learn more about them in this Borrowell review.

2. ClearScore

ClearScore provides access to free credit scores (TransUnion). Your credit report is also provided, along with suggestions for credit products you may qualify for.

3. Loans Canada

This company offers access to your free credit scores (Equifax) on its website. You can also use the platform to compare loan rates at multiple lenders with no obligation to apply for a loan.

You can also get your credit score directly from the two Canadian credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion – they may charge a subscription fee):

4. Equifax

You can request your credit report and score online, mail a paper application, or call them at 1-800-465-7166.

5. TransUnion

You can request your credit report and score online, mail a paper application, or call them at 1-800-663-9980.

Alternatively, some Canadian banks provide access to your credit score through your account dashboard, including RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, and Desjardins. Depending on the bank, you may see a TransUnion or Equifax score.

6. RBC

RBC customers can access a monthly update of their TransUnion credit score. This is how it works.

7. Scotiabank

Customers of Scotiabank can check their TransUnion credit scores using the bank’s website and mobile app. This is how it works.

8. CIBC

This bank also provides free access to your credit score (Equifax) via your account dashboard. Here’s how it works.

9. BMO

BMO clients can view their TransUnion score using its online banking portal or app. This score is updated monthly.

10. Desjardins

Lastly, Desjardins provides access to a free credit score and credit report check every month (TransUnion). Here’s how it works.

What Is A Credit Score And Why Is It Important?

A credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 900 that serves as a snapshot of your creditworthiness, i.e. the level of risk a lender has to assume when they lend you money.

In general, credit scores may be ranked as follows:

760 – 900 → Excellent
725 – 759 → Very Good
660 – 724 → Good
560 – 659 → Fair
300 – 559 → Poor

A very good to excellent credit score means you can qualify for the best rates on loans, mortgages, lines of credit, and other financial products. Click here for tips on how to improve your credit score.

Borrowell Credit Score and Report Banners

How to Apply for a Free Credit Score

Applying for your credit score online is an easy process.

Simply visit their website and enter your basic personal details. Your social insurance number or credit card details are not required.

You may be asked to answer a few questions to validate your identity. Once completed, your credit score becomes available online. The entire process takes 3 minutes or less.

Also, checking your credit score using these online portals is considered a “soft inquiry” and does not adversely affect your score in any way.

It is advisable to check both your Equifax and TransUnion credit scores. Sometimes, lenders report to one and not the other, and your credit scores may vary.

Get Your Free Credit Report in Canada

Your credit report gives more details about your credit history and can be obtained free of charge from credit bureaus, including Equifax and TransUnion.

Borrowell provides a free Equifax credit report.

For a TransUnion credit report, you can access your report online and download it. For Equifax, you can request by calling them at 1-800-465-7166.

It’s a good idea to keep tabs on your credit score and credit report. That way, you can quickly identify any errors and also track improvements in your credit profile over time.

This is What Makes Up Your Credit Score

It is important to know how your credit score is calculated if you want to improve it. In Canada, a credit score is impacted by these factors:

Payment history (35%): Lenders want to know whether you pay your bills on time. If you have missed or late payments, they affect your credit score negatively.

Amounts owed (30%): This refers to your “credit utilization ratio” which is how much of your credit balance is currently in use. For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit and owe $4,000, your credit utilization ratio is 40%. Aim to keep your account balance at 30% or less of your credit limit.

Credit history (15%): The longer your credit history, the better. When closing credit accounts, consider keeping the older ones, as they may fetch you more points.

New credit inquiries (10%): If you have multiple hard inquiries on your credit file within a short period of time, lenders may think you are desperate for cash, and this could affect your ability to pay back debt. Don’t apply for credit if you don’t need it.

Credit mix (10%): A combination of different types of credit accounts can strengthen your credit profile. For example, a mix of a credit card, personal loan, mortgage loan, and line of credit in good standing can build up your credit score. They show how well you can manage credit.

How Often Are Credit Scores Updated?

In general, your credit score is updated every 30 days. In some cases, it may take longer and update every 45 days.

Credit bureaus depend on the information they receive from lenders to update your credit report and score.

While you can expect them to report this information (e.g. payment history, account balance, credit limit changes, delinquencies, etc.) every 30 days, in some cases, it may be delayed.

Get Your Free Credit Score.

Free Credit Score Canada FAQs

What is a good credit score in Canada?

A good credit score in Canada ranges between 660 and 724.

Can I check my credit score without affecting it?

Yes, when you check your own credit score using the providers above, it qualifies as a “soft inquiry” and does not affect your credit score.

Is 850 a good credit score in Canada?

A credit score of 850 is considered an excellent credit score and is well above the average credit score in Canada.

Related:

Borrowell Credit Score and Report Banners

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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13 thoughts on “Top 10 Ways To Get Your Credit Score For Free in Canada (2024)”

  1. Gravatar for GYM

    This is a great post, thank you! I never knew what my credit score was in the past few years until today haha 🙂

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @GYM: LOL, it means you have probably not had to apply for credit in a little while, which is not a bad thing in itself 😉 I am glad you found it useful.

  2. Gravatar for Egie Asemota

    BRAVO! Thank you, sir. this blog was so helpful to me as an international student with no idea of of things like credit scores. Thank you so much. Also, so fascinating! You are a veterinarian and a Financial expert. NICE! Thanks for showing me that such career paths are possible and rewarding!

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Egie: You are welcome. Glad you found it useful!

  3. Gravatar for Larry Squires

    I need to get a copy of my credit report, ASAP

  4. Gravatar for Larry Squires

    I need a copy of my Credit Report, How do I get it?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Larry: The free credit score from Borrowell above also comes with a credit report. You can also obtain a free credit report directly from TransUnion or Equifax.

  5. Gravatar for Kathi Gortzen

    How do I report an error? Who should I contact and how? I have tried 800 numbers, but cannot talk to a real person.

  6. Gravatar for Jan

    Hi, I went on rate hub and can’t seem to figure out where to get my free credit score and report? Would you be able to share some specific directions? Thank you

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Jan: I may have to remove the Ratehub link. I don’t believe it is still being offered. Try Borrowell or Mogo instead.

  7. Gravatar for Andrew

    Do we now have to sign up for a subscription from transunion? or do they just make it difficult on their website to get a free report?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Andrew: No, you can still get the free credit report from TransUnion. True, the credit bureaus don’t make it too obvious as they want you to pay for the monthly service (I think).

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