Credit scores
Equifax vs TransUnion: Why Your Credit Scores Differ in Canada
Canada has two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, and your score is often different at each. Why that happens, which one lenders use, and how to check both for free.
What are Equifax and TransUnion?
They are Canada’s two main credit bureaus. Each keeps a credit report on you, built from what your lenders report, and calculates a credit score from it. Scores usually range from 300 to 900; higher is better.
Why is my credit score different at Equifax and TransUnion?
Because each bureau uses its own formula, and their reports may not hold the same information. Some lenders report to only one bureau, or report on different dates, so a new account, payment or balance can show up at one before the other.
The score you see in an app may also differ from the score a lender sees, because lenders can use different scoring models. A gap of a few dozen points between bureaus is common.
Which credit bureau do lenders use?
It depends on the lender and the product. Some check Equifax, some TransUnion, and some both. You usually cannot choose, which is why both reports should be accurate.
Are there other differences between the two bureaus?
A few, mainly in how long some items are kept.
| Item | Equifax | TransUnion |
|---|---|---|
| Credit inquiries by lenders | 3 years | 6 years |
| Late or unpaid payments | Up to 6 years | Up to 6 years |
| First bankruptcy | Usually 6 years after discharge | 6 years after discharge (7 in N.L., Ont., P.E.I. and Que.) |
How do I check both for free?
Both bureaus let you get your credit report for free online, and many banks and apps show a free score from one of them. Checking your own report or score does not affect your score.
Look for accounts you do not recognize, wrong balances or late payments you did not make. If you find an error, dispute it with the bureau that shows it.
Keep reading
Credit scoresWhat Is a Good Credit Score in Canada?Canadian credit score ranges explained (300 to 900), what lenders consider good, and how long information stays on your Equifax and TransUnion reports.- Credit scoresHow to Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report in CanadaHow to find and fix a mistake on your Equifax or TransUnion credit report in Canada: getting your free reports, filing a dispute online, by phone or by mail, how long it takes, and what to do if it isn’t fixed.
- Credit scoresWhy Did My Credit Score Drop? 7 Common Reasons in CanadaThe seven usual reasons a Canadian credit score falls, from a higher card balance to a missed payment or an error on your report, and what to do about each.
- Credit scoresHard vs Soft Credit Checks in CanadaWhat counts as a hard or soft credit inquiry in Canada, which one can lower your score, how long inquiries stay on your Equifax and TransUnion reports, and how to shop for a loan without extra damage.
Official sources and further reading
- FCAC: credit report and score basics ↗
- FCAC: how long information stays on your credit report ↗
- Equifax Canada: free credit report ↗
- TransUnion Canada: free credit report ↗
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