Canada credit score free check
Looking for a canada credit score free check without hurting your score? You can do it safely with Credit Karma and Borrowell. Both use soft checks, so your score will not drop.
Key Takeaways
- Canada has two separate bureaus: TransUnion and Equifax.
- Credit Karma shows TransUnion. Borrowell shows Equifax.
- Both are free and both are soft inquiries, like looking in a mirror no mark left.
Canada credit score free check: Why Scores Differ
Here is what most people miss about a canada credit score free check. In fact, there is not one single score in Canada.
Think of TransUnion and Equifax as two different report cards from two different teachers. However, they keep separate files. Therefore, the same person can have two different numbers on the same day. As a result, checking only one gives you half the picture.
First, Credit Karma Canada shows your TransUnion file. Second, Borrowell shows your Equifax Canada file. In addition, both are free. Similarly, both are recorded as simple reviews.
Even Canadians get confused here — Here is why: Lenders do not all pull the same bureau. For example, one bank may pull TransUnion while another pulls Equifax. Therefore, you need to see both to know what a lender will see.
Canada credit score free check: Why No Score Drop
Good news is, checking your own file does not hurt your score.
However, there are two types of inquiries. First, a soft inquiry is when you check your own file. It is like looking in a mirror — no mark. Second, a hard inquiry is when a lender opens your file to decide on an application. As a result, only hard inquiries can affect your score.
For example, both Credit Karma and Borrowell use soft inquiries. Consequently, you can check as often as you want. In fact, this is the safest official path because you get access without cost and without a score impact. For instance, you can confirm how rate shopping works directly on the official guide from FCAC – Improving your credit score. FCAC notes that mortgage and auto loan inquiries within two weeks are treated as a single inquiry when you shop for rates
Canada credit score free check: 5-Step Action Plan
Here is how to do it in under 5 minutes:
Step 1: Check TransUnion on Credit Karma
First, download Credit Karma Canada from the App Store. Second, create an account with your email and password. Third, enter your legal name, birth date, address, and phone number. Your SIN is optional, but it can speed up verification. Finally, answer the security questions about your previous address or loan history and see your TransUnion score on the dashboard. Takes 2 minutes.
Step 2: Check Equifax on Borrowell
First, download Borrowell from the App Store. Second, create an account with your email and password. Third, enter your legal name, birth date, address, and income information. In addition, enter the 6-digit code sent by SMS. Finally, see your Equifax score and detailed report. The Equifax report is updated weekly.
Therefore, this step is essential before mortgage pre-approval. For example, you will need your report before a lender pulls your file — here is how mortgage pre-approval checks your credit in Canada.
After Your canada credit score free check: What to Review
However, the number alone is not enough. Therefore, you need to review the full report.
In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900. For example, a score in the 700s is generally considered good. However, it does not guarantee approval. In fact, financial institutions use different scoring models.
In addition, if you are a newcomer, you do not start at 0. Instead, your file shows as unscorable. That means not zero, just not enough history yet. Consequently, you need to build history first. You can start with a secured card — here is how newcomers can build credit history in Canada from day one.
Similarly, phone and utility bills do not always count automatically. For example, whether they count depends on whether your provider reports to the bureau. Therefore, do not assume all bills are included.
In addition, Borrowell Rent Advantage is a paid feature that reports rent. However, its effect varies by individual file and is not uniformly guaranteed.
Finally, after your check, review the report for errors. First, contact the financial institution that reported the information. Second, submit a dispute separately to Equifax and TransUnion.
FAQ: canada credit score free check
A. No. Credit Karma shows TransUnion and Borrowell shows Equifax. However, they are independent bureaus with separate files and different models. Therefore, a difference is normal.
A. No. Both services use soft inquiries. For example, they are recorded as a simple review, not as a credit application. Consequently, there is no drop regardless of how often you check.
A. No. If you have no history, your file shows as unscorable. In fact, that means not zero, just not enough history yet. Instead, you need to build history with a secured card.
A. Borrowell provides weekly updates for your Equifax report. For example, Credit Karma also updates on a regular cycle. Therefore, you can track changes over time.
A. No. A self-check is a soft check. However, when a lender checks for a mortgage, that is a hard inquiry. In addition, FCAC notes that multiple mortgage inquiries within two weeks are treated as one when you shop for rates.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is verified against official sources as of August 2026. Please consult a licensed professional or the relevant government agency (CRA, IRCC, FCAC, or provincial authority) for your specific situation. Rules and benefit amounts can change.