How to Get My Credit Rating in British Columbia

Personal credit is measured in Canada using the North American Standard Account Ratings system, which assigns a number from 0 to 9, with lower numbers being more desirable. A rating of 1 means you always pay your bills on time, whereas a 9 indicates that you have outstanding debts and have not responded to collection requests. Credit ratings differ from the credit scores commonly used in the United States, which judge your financial health in three-digit numbers ranging from 300 to 900. British Columbia residents can get their credit ratings and other information either online or in the mail from the credit reporting agencies TransUnion Canada and Equifax Canada. If you have your information sent to you, you will receive your credit rating but not your credit score. You receive both the rating and the score online.

Instructions

Mail

1

Go to the TransUnion and Equifax websites and download a request form if you want to request your credit report by mail (see Resources).

2

Complete the form and send it in with copies of two pieces of personal identification, such as a driver's license and a credit card bill. Mail to:

TransUnion Consumer Relations Department
P.O. Box 338, LCD1
Hamilton, ON, L8L 7W2

Equifax
National Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 190, Station Jean-Talon, Montreal, Quebec H1S 2Z2

3

Wait up to 14 days for your credit report to arrive in the mail. You will receive a document specifically outlining your credit rating.

Online

4

Visit the TransUnion and Equifax websites and click the "Order Online" link (see Resources).

5

Enter your payment information and complete the order.

6

View your credit rating document online. You can also download the report as a PDF file.