Equifax Canada
Review the information recorded on your Equifax file. Use the bureau’s own service and follow its identity-verification instructions directly.
Visit Equifax →CREDIT EDUCATION / CANADA
Know your credit.
Plan with confidence.
Understand what’s on your file, what affects your score and what a lender looks at beyond the number.
START HERE
A score is one
part of your story.
Your credit report records your credit history. A score summarizes aspects of that history, usually on a Canadian scale of 300–900. Different bureaus and scoring models can produce different results; a lender may see a different score from the one in your app.
Checking your own credit does not lower your score. A high score alone does not guarantee approval. TransUnion: understanding scores ↗
Review both bureausStart with the information on file.
Understand balancesLook beyond the minimum payment.
Address errorsUse the bureaus’ official dispute services.
YOUR INFORMATION. YOUR ACCESS.
Understand the file.
Put the score in perspective.
A consumer-facing score is a reference point—not a financing assessment. The score you see may be higher or lower than the one a lender uses. Focus on accurate account information and payment history, rather than treating a displayed score as a promise of approval, rate or borrowing amount.
Lenders may use different scoring models and other information when assessing an application. TransUnion: why scores and lending decisions can differ ↗
TransUnion Canada
Your Consumer Disclosure lets you review the information recorded on your TransUnion file. Use it to check the underlying details, not to predict a lender’s decision.
Visit TransUnion →Consumer Disclosure is available free of charge; paid monitoring is a separate service. A consumer score may differ from the score used for your application.
These links open the bureaus’ own services. DealerPlan does not retrieve your report through this page. FCAC: free access options
THE FOUNDATIONS
Small habits.
A stronger foundation.
Equifax identifies payment history, credit used and length of credit history among the factors in your scores. Focus on consistent account management over time.
Equifax: how scores are calculated ↗Keep payments on schedule.
Use reminders or automatic payments that fit your cash flow. Review statements so due dates and required payments don’t get missed.
Watch how much available credit you use.
Utilization compares a revolving balance with its limit. For example, $2,000 used on a $10,000 limit is 20%; $8,000 is 80%. A credit limit is not a spending target.
Equifax: credit utilization ↗Make new applications deliberately.
Recent applications and new accounts can affect a score. Borrow for a real need, with a repayment plan you can maintain.
TransUnion: scoring factors ↗READ THE DETAILS
Check the file behind the score.
Review names and addresses, accounts you recognize, balances, payment history and unfamiliar inquiries. Compare both bureaus’ reports: information may differ.
Found something incorrect?
Identify the specific item and gather supporting records. Use the bureau’s dispute process and contact the creditor that supplied the information. Keep copies and check the investigation result.
Dispute with Equifax ↗Don’t recognize an account?
Contact the bureau and the named financial institution through their official channels. An unfamiliar entry deserves attention; it does not automatically mean fraud.
Use the bureaus’ secure processes for identification documents. Don’t send your report, SIN or identity documents through this page or ordinary email.
SCORE ≠ BORROWING CAPACITY
The payment you make.
The payment they count.
A credit score and a lender’s affordability assessment answer different questions. Income, existing obligations, the purchase and lender requirements also matter.
Based on DealerPlan’s retail-financing experience, lenders may assess a line of credit or HELOC using an assumed repayment amount, or consider available limits as well as current balances. A retail loan’s defined payment may receive different treatment under the lender’s internal guidelines.
See the qualifying-payment example →COMMON QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Will checking my own report hurt my score?
No. Your own credit check does not lower it. A lender’s credit inquiry when you apply is different. TransUnion guidance ↗
Does a good score guarantee financing?
No. Lenders use their own criteria and may use different scores. A score is one input in the decision. TransUnion guidance ↗
Can DealerPlan fix my bureau report?
The credit bureau’s dispute process is the route for correcting reporting errors. We can discuss what information is needed for your financing request, but cannot promise a score increase or remove accurate credit history.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE
Bring us your plans.
We’ll explain the next step.
Questions before you apply? Start with a conversation.
Sources & scope
Reviewed September 12, 2026. Educational summaries link to Equifax Canada, TransUnion Canada and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada beside the relevant topics. Bureau services and lender rules may change. These organizations do not sponsor or endorse DealerPlan. This page provides general education, not a credit-score prediction or financing approval.