How to Check Your Credit in Ontario

Banks, landlords and potential employers may check your credit when deciding whether to offer you a loan, rent you an apartment or offer you a job. Canadians, including residents of Ontario, can check their own credit for free through one of Canada's two credit-reporting agencies: TransUnion Canada or Equifax Canada. You can receive a free credit report by making your request by phone or through the mail. Both agencies also offer fee-based instant online credit reports.

Instructions

TransUnion

1

Go to the TransUnion website. You can also request your free credit report over the phone by calling 1-800-663-9980.

2

Click on "Find out how to qualify for a free copy of your Consumer Disclosure".

3

Click on "Mail".

4

Download and print the Consumer Request form.

5

Complete the Consumer Request form. On this form, you must include your name, date of birth, address and previous address if you have been living at your current address for less than two years. Be sure to sign and date the form.

6

Photocopy two pieces of identification. You must include photocopies of two pieces of identification that include your name, date of birth, current address and signature. One of the pieces must be government issued, such as a driver's license or passport. Other acceptable identification includes utility bills or signed credit cards.

7

Mail your Consumer Request form to TransUnion. Mail your form, along with the photocopies of your identification to the TransUnion Consumer Relations Department at P.O. Box 338, LCD1, Hamilton, ON, L8L 7W2.

Equifax

8

Go to the Equifax website. You can also request your free credit report over the phone by calling 1-800-465-7166.

9

Click on "free credit file". This opens a new window with a printable Request to Obtain My Free Credit Report form.

10

Print the Request to Obtain My Free Credit Report form.

11

Complete the Request to Obtain My Free Credit Report form. You must include your name, current address, previous addresses for the past three years and the name and last four digits of a major credit card. Be sure to sign and date the form.

12

Photocopy two pieces of government issued identification. You must include photocopies of two pieces of government issued identification, such as a driver's license. If neither of your pieces of identification show your current address, you must include a copy of a document, such as a utility bill, that does.

13

Mail your Request to Obtain My Free Credit Report form to Equifax. Mail your completed Request to Obtain My Free Credit Report form, along with your photocopied identification, to Equifax National Consumer Relations at P.O. Box 190, Station Jean Talon, Montreal, QC, H1S 2Z2.