Law Talk: Finding and obtaining your credit reports

It is important for people to know what is in their credit report. This is especially true for those who have had a less than perfect record with creditors. Want to see what is in your credit report? Here is how.

You can receive a copy of all the information in your credit record by mailing a written request to Equifax or Trans Union, the two credit-reporting agencies in Ontario.

To receive a copy of your credit report from Equifax you must mail a written and signed request. The request must contain the following information: full name (including middle names, junior, senior, etc), current address, former addresses, date of birth, and a photocopy of two pieces of identification including a proof of address (for example your driver's license, bank account statement, or utility bills). Send your request to Equifax, P.O. Box 190 Jean-Talon Station, Montreal, Quebec, H1S 2Z2. You can also fax your request to 1-514-355-8502. Once your request is processed your credit report will be mailed to you. For more information you can contact Equifax at 1-800-465-7166.

To receive a copy of your credit report from Trans Union you must mail a written and signed request. The request must include the following information: full name (including middle names, junior, and senior), date of birth, current address, and previous addresses within the last two years. Trans Union also requires two pieces of photocopied identification (you must photocopy both sides of your identification) from the following list: driver's license, passport, certificate of Indian status, age of majority card, provincial identification with a signature, citizenship card, department of natural defence card, fire arms acquisition (with photo only), or a credit card (primary holder).

If you do not have two pieces of the above required identification you can send a copy of one of the above pieces of identification along with a copy of one of the following: a credit card (secondary holder), birth certificate, T4 slip, or SIN card. Mail your request to Trans Union, Consumer Relations Centre, P.O. Box 338 LCD 1, Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 7W2. Once your request is processed your credit report will be mailed to you. For more information you can contact Trans Union at 1-866-525-0262.

If you are going to check your credit report it is a good idea to consult both Trans Union and Equifax to ensure accuracy in your report. If you would like instant online access to your credit report visit www.equifax.ca (For Equifax) and www.tus.ca (for Trans Union). Please note that you will be required to pay a fee to view your credit report online. There is no fee for mailed written requests, however, it does take a few weeks to receive your report by mail.

This column provides legal information only. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer, community legal clinic or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-900-565-4577.

Fanshawe College students may also book an appointment to attend our outreach clinic at the College. Please call us at 1-519-661-3352 to book an appointment.