How to Dispute Credit Report Errors in Canada

Credit report errors in Canada are more common than most people realize. A 2022 CBC Marketplace investigation tested the credit files of Canadians and found errors on a significant number of them. These errors can suppress your score by 20-100 points — silently costing you money on every loan and credit product you use. Here's how to find and fix them.

Types of Common Credit Report Errors in Canada

• Accounts that aren't yours: Can occur due to identity theft, a mix-up with someone who has a similar name, or a merged file error
• Payment history errors: An account showing a 30-day late when you paid on time; NSF charges appearing incorrectly
• Wrong balances: A paid-off account still showing a balance; a credit limit listed incorrectly (lower than actual)
• Duplicate accounts: The same debt appearing twice under different collection agencies or creditor names
• Outdated information: Negative items that should have fallen off after 6-7 years but are still appearing
• Mixed files: Another person's credit information (with a similar name or social insurance number) mixed into your file

Step 1: Get Your Free Reports

You need to check both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada, since errors on one bureau won't automatically be fixed on the other.

• Equifax Canada: Sign up at borrowell.com for a free weekly report, or request the official free annual report at equifax.ca
• TransUnion Canada: Sign up at creditkarma.ca for free weekly reports, or request at transunion.ca

Review every section carefully: personal information, credit accounts (each card, loan, mortgage), collections, hard inquiries, and public records.

How to File a Dispute with Equifax Canada

1. Go to equifax.ca and log into your account, or sign in via Borrowell
2. Navigate to the dispute section
3. Select the account or item you're disputing
4. Choose the reason (not mine, incorrect balance, paid in full, etc.)
5. Upload supporting documentation (bank statements, payment confirmations, letters)
6. Submit — Equifax has 30 days to investigate

You can also dispute by mail: Consumer Relations Centre, Box 190, Station Jean-Talon, Montreal, QC H1S 2Z2

How to File a Dispute with TransUnion Canada

1. Go to transunion.ca and navigate to the dispute section, or contact them at 1-800-663-9980
2. Follow the same process: identify the error, provide documentation, submit
3. TransUnion also has a 30-day investigation window

What Happens After You Dispute

The bureau contacts the creditor or lender who reported the information and asks them to verify it. If they can't verify it within 30 days, it must be removed. If the lender confirms the information, you have the right to add a 100-word consumer statement to your file explaining your perspective — though this doesn't change the score.

If your dispute is rejected and you believe it's still wrong, you can escalate to your provincial consumer protection office or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.