Want to access your credit score for free? There are now multiple ways to achieve that in Canada. While our neighbours down South have had access to free credit scores for more than a decade, it was only recently that Canadians could boast of having the same resource available to them.
Gone are the days when you needed to pay $20 or more to TransUnion or Equifax to see your credit score. Through the resources I have listed below, you not only get your credit score for FREE, but it gets even better: you can have access to quarterly, monthly or even weekly credit score updates, all at no cost!
The companies offering this free service have other services they promote including credit cards, personal loans, etc. However, you are under no obligation to subscribe to any of their other offerings/services.
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 that 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.
Getting Your Free Credit Score in Canada
These four companies will provide your credit score for free:
- Borrowell: Access to free monthly credit scores and credit reports (Equifax).
- Credit Karma: Access to free credit scores (TransUnion). Your credit report is also provided.
- Mogo: Access to free credit scores (Equifax).
Ratehub: Access to a one-time free credit score (Equifax).
Bonus: Residents of the U.S. can obtain their FREE credit score from Credit Sesame.
How to apply
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. Thereafter, your credit score becomes available online. The entire process takes 3 minutes or less.
Checking your credit score using these portals is considered a “soft inquiry” and does not adversely affect your score in any way.
Get Your Free Credit Report in Canada
Your credit report gives more details on your credit history and can be obtained free of charge from the credit bureaus (Borrowell also provides a free credit report). For TransUnion, you can access your report online and download it. For Equifax, you can simply make a request by calling them at 1-800-465-7166.
It’s a good idea to keep tabs on both your credit score and credit report. That way, you can quickly identify any errors, and also track improvements in your credit profile over time.
Also Read:
- How Credit Scores Are Calculated
- A Complete Guide To Credit Scores in Canada
- IntelliMortgage – Get the Best Mortgage Rates
This is a great post, thank you! I never knew what my credit score was in the past few years until today haha 🙂
@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.
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!
@Egie: You are welcome. Glad you found it useful!
I need to get a copy of my credit report, ASAP
I need a copy of my Credit Report, How do I get it?
@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.
How do I report an error? Who should I contact and how? I have tried 800 numbers, but cannot talk to a real person.
@Kathi: This post may help:
https://www.savvynewcanadians.com/how-to-dispute-errors-on-your-credit-report-in-canada/
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
@Jan: I may have to remove the Ratehub link. I don’t believe it is still being offered. Try Borrowell or Mogo instead.