Equifax
Equifax is one of the two major credit bureaus operating in Canada — the other being TransUnion. It is a global data analytics company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with substantial Canadian operations. Equifax collects credit and financial data reported by lenders and other creditors, and compiles this into individual credit reports and credit scores for Canadian consumers.
When you apply for a credit card, mortgage, or loan, the lender typically requests your credit report from Equifax, TransUnion, or both. Your credit history at Equifax may differ slightly from TransUnion’s records because not all lenders report to both bureaus.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Credit bureau (reporting agency) |
| Canadian score range | 300 – 900 |
| Free annual credit report | equifax.ca |
| Credit monitoring service | Equifax Complete (paid) |
| Data breach (2017) | Affected approximately 19,000 Canadians |
| Dispute process | Written request; bureau must investigate |
| Negative items retained | Generally 6–7 years |
Canadian Context
Equifax Canada is regulated under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Canadian consumers have the right to access their Equifax credit report for free at least once per year and to dispute any inaccurate entries. Equifax’s 2017 data breach — one of the largest in history — exposed data globally, with approximately 19,000 Canadians confirmed affected. Since then, Equifax has invested in security improvements. Credit monitoring through Equifax Complete alerts you to changes on your credit file, which can be an early warning sign of identity theft. You can freeze your credit file at Equifax Canada to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Related Glossary Terms
Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes. Visit equifax.ca for official Equifax Canada information, free credit reports, and dispute procedures.