To dispute an error on your credit report in Canada, get your free reports from both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada, identify the mistake, and file a dispute directly with the credit bureau that shows it, with supporting documents. The bureau checks the information with the lender and must correct or remove anything it cannot confirm. If the problem is not fixed, you can add a consumer statement and complain to your provincial consumer protection office.
How to dispute a credit report error in Canada: the basics
Canada has two national credit bureaus, Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Lenders, landlords, insurers and some employers rely on the reports these companies produce, so a single error, such as a payment wrongly marked late or an account that is not yours, can lead to a higher interest rate or a refused application.
Credit reporting is regulated mainly by the provinces and territories, which is why some rules, such as how long certain information stays on file, vary across the country. At the federal level, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada publishes free guidance on reading and correcting your credit report.
Step 1: get your free credit reports
You can request your credit report free of charge from both bureaus. Each offers free online access through a personal account, and you can also request a copy by mail. Check both reports, because lenders do not always report to both bureaus and errors may appear on only one.
Getting your own report is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score. If you have not looked at your score in a while, read also our guide on how to check your credit score in Canada for free.
Step 2: spot the most common errors
| Type of error | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Personal information | Wrong address, misspelled name, wrong date of birth | May signal a mixed file or identity theft |
| Accounts that are not yours | A credit card or loan you never opened | Possible fraud; can hurt your score badly |
| Incorrect payment history | On-time payments reported as late | Payment history weighs heavily in scoring |
| Wrong balance or limit | Balance shown higher than reality | Raises your credit utilization ratio |
| Outdated negative information | Old collection still listed past its removal date | Should drop off after the legal period |
| Duplicate accounts | Same debt listed twice | Makes your debt look larger |
Pay special attention to the inquiries section. Hard inquiries you do not recognize can be an early warning sign that someone is applying for credit in your name. Fraudsters often start with phishing; read also how to recognize phishing emails and texts.
Step 3: gather your proof
A dispute is far more likely to succeed with documents. Collect:
- Bank or card statements showing on-time payments.
- Letters confirming that an account was closed or paid in full.
- Settlement agreements with collection agencies.
- Identity documents if your personal details are wrong.
- A police report number, if an account was opened fraudulently.
Keep copies of everything you send, and never send originals.
Step 4: file the dispute with the credit bureau
- Log in to your account with the bureau that shows the error, or use its dispute form by mail.
- Identify the exact item, including the lender name and account number shown on the report.
- Explain clearly what is wrong and what the correct information should be.
- Upload or attach your supporting documents.
- Record the date, your dispute reference number and any confirmation you receive.
- Repeat the process with the other bureau if the error appears on both reports.
The bureau contacts the lender or collection agency that supplied the information and asks it to verify the data. If the lender confirms an error, or cannot verify the item, the bureau should update or remove it and send you the result. Investigations typically take several weeks. Check your report again once you receive the result, to confirm that the correction actually appears and that no new errors were introduced.
Step 5: contact the lender directly
It often helps to contact the lender at the same time. The lender is the source of the information, and once it corrects its records and reports the update, the change flows to both bureaus. Ask for written confirmation of any correction. For federally regulated banks, you can also use the bank’s internal complaint process and, if needed, an external complaints body.
If the dispute does not work
If the bureau keeps the information after its investigation and you still believe it is wrong, you have options:
- Add a consumer statement: a short note on your file explaining your side, which lenders can see.
- Escalate with the lender: use its formal complaint process and request a written final response.
- Contact your provincial or territorial consumer protection office: these offices oversee credit reporting in their jurisdiction.
- Get advice: a non-profit credit counselling agency can help you understand your options free of charge or at low cost.
How long information stays on your report
Negative information does not stay forever. In most provinces, many negative items, such as collections and late payments, are removed after about six years, though the exact period depends on the type of information and on provincial rules. Bankruptcies and consumer proposals have their own retention periods, which can be longer for repeat bankruptcies. Positive information may stay longer and can help your score.
Information that has passed its retention date but still appears on your report is an error you can dispute. Mark your calendar with the expected removal date of any old negative items so you can check that they drop off on time.
Protect your credit going forward
- Check your reports from both bureaus at least once a year, and before major applications such as a mortgage or car loan.
- Set up payment reminders or automatic payments to avoid late marks.
- Keep credit card balances well below their limits.
- Consider a fraud alert if your personal information has been compromised.
- Shred documents with account numbers and use strong passwords for financial accounts.
Planning to finance a vehicle? A clean report can lower your rate significantly. Read also understanding car financing before purchasing a vehicle.
FAQ
Is it free to dispute a credit report error in Canada?
Yes. Both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada let you dispute errors free of charge. You do not need to pay a company to do it for you.
How long does a credit report dispute take?
Investigations commonly take a few weeks, depending on how quickly the lender responds. Keep your reference number to follow up.
Will disputing an error lower my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute does not hurt your score. If the error is corrected, your score may improve.
Do I have to dispute with both Equifax and TransUnion?
Only if the error appears on both reports. The bureaus do not share disputes with each other, so file separately with each one.
Can a credit repair company remove accurate negative information?
No. Accurate information cannot legally be removed before its retention period ends. Be cautious of companies promising to erase bad credit for a fee.
Have a question about this guide? Reach our team through the Labobuzz contact page. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.