Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report in Canada

Errors on credit reports are more common than most Canadians realize. Studies suggest that a significant percentage of credit reports contain at least one error. Some errors are minor and have little impact; others — like an account you never opened or a missed payment that was actually made on time — can significantly damage your score. The good news is that you have the legal right to dispute inaccurate information, and the process is free.

Common Types of Credit Report Errors in Canada

• An account listed that you never opened (possible identity theft or mixed file)
• A payment listed as late or missed when you paid on time
• A debt listed as unpaid after you settled it
• The same debt listed twice (duplicate entries)
• An incorrect credit limit making your utilization appear higher
• An account belonging to a family member with a similar name
• Negative items that should have expired but are still on the report
• Personal information errors (wrong address, name misspellings)

Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports

You need to identify what is on your report before you can dispute anything. Request free copies of your credit reports from both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. You can get these by mail for free. Once you have the reports, review every entry carefully.

Step 2: Identify the Specific Error

Make note of the exact item you want to dispute: the creditor name, account number, the nature of the error, and what the correct information should be. The more specific you are, the faster the dispute process tends to go.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation

If you have documents that support your dispute, gather them before submitting. Examples include:

• Bank or credit card statements showing the payment was made on time
• A settlement letter confirming the debt was paid
• A letter from the original creditor confirming an error
• Identity theft reports if the account is fraudulent

Not every dispute requires documentation, but having it makes your case much stronger.

How to Dispute With Equifax Canada

Equifax Canada accepts disputes through several channels:

• Online: Through the Equifax Canada consumer portal at equifax.ca (you may need to create an account)
• By mail: Write a dispute letter to Equifax Canada Consumer Relations, provide your details, the item in dispute, and supporting documents
• By phone: Call Equifax Canada consumer support

Equifax is required to investigate your dispute, contact the creditor for verification, and respond within a reasonable time (typically 30 days in Canada).

How to Dispute With TransUnion Canada

TransUnion Canada also offers multiple dispute channels:

• Online: Through the TransUnion Canada consumer portal at transunion.ca
• By mail: Send a written dispute with supporting documentation to TransUnion Canada

TransUnion must investigate and respond, typically within 30 days.

What Happens During the Investigation

Once you file a dispute, the bureau contacts the creditor who reported the information. The creditor must verify whether the information is accurate. If they confirm it is accurate, the information stays. If they cannot verify it or confirm it is wrong, the bureau must correct or remove it. You will receive a written response with the outcome.

If the Dispute Is Rejected

If the bureau sides with the creditor and keeps the information, you have further options:

• Request that a brief consumer statement (up to 100 words) be added to your file explaining your position — this does not change the score but is visible to lenders who pull your report
• Contact the original creditor directly to resolve the dispute at the source
• Escalate to your provincial consumer protection office or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe the bureau has violated your rights

Timeline Expectations

Simple disputes — like an account that should have expired or a duplicate entry — are often resolved within two to four weeks. More complex disputes involving creditor verification can take up to 45 days. Once corrected, the improvement to your credit score typically shows in the next update cycle (within 30 days).