Disclosure: Some links are sponsored. If you try a sponsored service, such as Borrowell, we may earn a commission.
Last reviewed: by the Smart Savings Guides editorial team. How we research and update articles.
Canada has two main credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion. Each keeps its own file on you, so your reports and scores can differ. Lenders may check one or both. Here's how they compare, why your scores don't match, and how to check both for free.
Key takeaways
- Two separate files: each bureau collects data independently, so details and scores can differ.
- Which is used depends on the lender, so it's worth checking both.
- Canadian scores generally run from 300 to 900.
- Check both for free: Borrowell for Equifax and Credit Karma for TransUnion, both updated weekly.
Two separate files
Each bureau collects data independently, so details and scores can differ. Not every lender reports to both bureaus, and they may report at different times. One bureau may show an account the other doesn't.
Which is used
It depends on the lender, so it's worth checking both. Some lenders use Equifax, some TransUnion, and some check both, especially for mortgages.
Score range
Canadian scores generally run from 300 to 900. The FCAC confirms this range, and checking your own score doesn't affect it.
Equifax vs. TransUnion at a glance
| Equifax | TransUnion | |
|---|---|---|
| Score range | 300 to 900 | 300 to 900 |
| Free score app | Borrowell (weekly) | Credit Karma Canada (weekly) |
| Free report directly | Available online | Free online report every 30 days |
| Online dispute time | About 15 to 20 days (20 to 25 by mail) | About 30 days |
| Late payment rule | Up to 6 years from date reported | Up to 6 years from first delinquency |
Rules and products change, so check each bureau's website.
Why your scores differ
- Lenders may report to only one bureau.
- Updates arrive at different times.
- Each bureau uses its own scoring models.
- Errors may appear on one file but not the other.
Small differences are normal. Large differences may point to an error worth investigating.
How to check both for free
- Sign up for Borrowell to see your Equifax score and report.
- Sign up for Credit Karma Canada to see your TransUnion score and report.
- Compare the accounts listed on both.
- Dispute any errors with the relevant bureau. See how to dispute a credit report error.
Score bands
Equifax describes its bands as: 300 to 559 poor, 560 to 659 fair, 660 to 724 good, 725 to 759 very good, and 760 to 900 excellent. Lenders set their own criteria, so these are a guide. See what is a good credit score in Canada?.
Which one matters more?
Neither is universally more important. It depends on the lender. Keep both files accurate, and build good habits that improve both scores: on-time payments, low utilization and a long credit history. See how to improve your credit score.
Fraud alerts and security
Both bureaus let you add fraud alerts to your file if you suspect identity theft. Adding an alert to one doesn't automatically add it to the other, so contact both.
Credit reports vs. credit scores
Your credit report is the detailed record: accounts, payments, inquiries and public records. Your score is a number calculated from it. Check the report for errors, and use the score to track progress.
When to check both
Check both bureaus before big applications like a mortgage or car loan, after moving, and if you suspect fraud. Many people check monthly through free apps.
What's on your credit report
Both bureaus keep similar information: personal details such as your name, address and date of birth; credit accounts with limits, balances and payment history; inquiries from lenders; and public records or collections. They don't include your income, savings or investments. Reviewing these sections on each report helps you spot differences between the two files.
How often your files update
Lenders usually report account information monthly, but not on the same date, and some report to only one bureau. That's why a payment you just made may show on one report before the other. If your scores change on different days, it's usually because new information arrived at one bureau first.
Getting your report directly
Both bureaus offer free ways to get your credit report on their websites, along with paid monitoring products. Paid products aren't required to check your credit. If you'd prefer not to use an app, you can request your report from each bureau directly and review it for errors.
Checking before a mortgage
Mortgage lenders often look closely at both your report and your score. Checking both bureaus a few months before applying gives you time to fix errors and pay down balances.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Equifax and TransUnion?
They're separate credit bureaus with their own files. Not every lender reports to both, so reports and scores can differ.
Which credit score do Canadian lenders use?
It depends on the lender. Some use Equifax, some TransUnion, and some check both.
Why is my Equifax score different from TransUnion?
Lenders may report to only one bureau, updates arrive at different times, and each uses its own scoring models.
How can I check both credit scores for free?
Use Borrowell for your Equifax score and Credit Karma Canada for your TransUnion score. Both update weekly and don't affect your score.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.