How to Dispute a Credit Report Error in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

Why Credit Report Errors Matter

An error on your credit report can cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates or cause outright denials for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. A single incorrect collection account can drop a score by 50–100 points.

The good news: Canadian law gives you the right to dispute errors, and bureaus must investigate.

Step 1: Get Your Reports from Both Bureaus

Errors do not always appear on both reports — one bureau may have the mistake while the other does not.

Download or print both full reports. Review every account, every address, every balance.

Step 2: Identify the Exact Error

Common errors to look for:

Step 3: Gather Your Documentation

The strength of your dispute is the quality of your evidence.

Step 4: Submit Your Dispute

Option A — Online (Fastest)

Equifax Canada:

• equifax.ca → Credit Report → Dispute
• Fill in the form: account type, lender, account number, description of error, what correction you want
• Upload supporting documents

TransUnion Canada:

• transunion.ca → Dispute Centre
• Same process — fill in dispute fields, attach documents

Option B — By Mail (If Complex or No Online Access)

Write a dispute letter to the bureau and include copies (not originals) of your supporting documents.

Equifax Canada mailing address: Equifax Canada Co., Consumer Relations Dept. Box 190, Jean Talon Station Montreal, QC H1S 2Z2

TransUnion Canada mailing address: TransUnion Canada, Consumer Relations P.O. Box 338, LCD1 Hamilton, ON L8L 7W2

Template Dispute Letter

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Date]

Equifax Canada / TransUnion Canada Consumer Relations
[Bureau Address]

Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to dispute the following inaccurate information appearing on my credit report. My name is [Full Name], date of birth [DOB], and the last four digits of my SIN are [XXXX].

DISPUTED ITEM:
Creditor: [Lender Name]
Account Number: [Account # or partial]
Description of Error: [e.g., "This account was paid in full on [date]. I am enclosing a copy of my bank statement and the lender's pay-off confirmation letter."]
Requested Correction: [e.g., "Please update the status to 'Paid, $0 balance' or remove the collection entry."]

I have enclosed copies of the following documents:
- [List your documents]

Please investigate this matter and correct the inaccuracy. I understand you are required to complete your investigation within 30 days and provide me with a written response.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

Enclosures: [List documents]

Step 5: What Happens During the Investigation

When you file a dispute:

1. The bureau contacts the creditor (lender) that provided the information
2. The creditor has approximately 30 days to respond and verify or correct the data
3. If the creditor confirms the information as correct, the bureau keeps it unchanged
4. If the creditor cannot verify the information, or acknowledges the error, the bureau corrects or deletes the entry
5. The bureau sends you a written response with the outcome
6. If corrected, an updated free credit report is provided

What Creditors Are Required to Do in Canada

Under the federal Credit Business Practices Regulations and provincial consumer reporting acts, creditors and bureaus must:

• Investigate disputes within a reasonable time (30 days is the typical standard)
• Correct or delete information they cannot verify
• Notify other bureaus of corrections (though you may need to dispute separately at each)
• Retain dispute records

Step 6: If Your Dispute Is Rejected

Option A — Add a Consumer Statement

Both Equifax and TransUnion allow you to add a brief statement (up to 100 words) to your credit file explaining your dispute. Lenders who pull your credit will see this statement alongside the entry.

Example statement: “Account #XXXXXX was paid in full on [date]. I have documentary evidence of payment. I contest the outstanding balance shown on this account.”

Option B — Escalate to FCAC

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) oversees federally regulated financial entities, including the large banks. If a bank refused to correct an error or did not follow proper dispute procedures, file a complaint at:

fcac-acfc.gc.ca → File a Complaint

FCAC cannot order a score change, but it can investigate and compel compliance from federally regulated lenders.

Option C — Provincial Consumer Protection Office

Each province has a consumer protection office that oversees bureau conduct. For example, Ontario’s Consumer Protection Ontario handles complaints about Equifax and TransUnion’s compliance with Ontario’s Consumer Reporting Act.

How Long Negative Information Stays on Your Report

Even if you pay a debt or recover from a financial difficulty, the record does not disappear immediately:

Key: Errors (inaccurate information) should be removed immediately upon confirmed dispute. Accurate negative information — even if you have made good — will take its full time to roll off.