Common Credit Report Errors & How to Fix Them

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, approximately one in five consumers has an error on at least one of their three credit reports. These errors can unfairly lower your credit score, costing you thousands in higher interest rates over the life of a loan. Federal law gives you the right to dispute inaccurate information — and the bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

Common errors include: accounts that don't belong to you (often due to a mixed file or identity theft), incorrect personal information such as wrong name or address, accounts incorrectly reported as late or delinquent, duplicate accounts appearing multiple times, incorrect account status (e.g., showing open when closed), wrong credit limits or balances, and outdated negative items that should have been removed after 7 years.

In Canada, you can get a free credit report from both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. Canadians are entitled to free access to their credit reports online and by mail. Review both reports carefully, since errors may appear on only one report. Check all account information, payment history, personal details, and public records for inaccuracies.

Before filing a dispute, gather supporting documents. This may include account statements, payment confirmations, letters from lenders, bank records, or any paperwork that proves the information is incorrect. Keep copies of everything you submit and never send original documents.

You can dispute errors online, by mail, or by phone directly with each credit bureau. Filing by mail is often recommended because it creates a paper trail. Include your full name, address, the account in question, a detailed explanation of the error, and copies of supporting documents. In most cases, the bureau will investigate and respond within approximately 30 days.

After the investigation is complete, review the updated credit report carefully to confirm the correction was made. If the bureau verifies the information as accurate but you still disagree, you can request that a consumer statement be added to your credit file explaining your side of the dispute. Continue monitoring your credit reports regularly to ensure the information remains accurate.

Once an error is corrected or removed, your credit score may improve — sometimes significantly. The change typically reflects in your score within 30–45 days. Keep in mind that accurate negative information, even if unfavorable, cannot be removed through the dispute process — only inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information can be disputed.