Your credit history plays a vital role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting approved for a loan, lenders and landlords often rely on credit checks to measure your reliability as a borrower. If you’ve ever wondered how to get credit check in Canada, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about credit checks—what they are, how they work, where to get them, and how long they take. We’ll also explain your options if you need money fast but are worried about bad credit, with insights from SimplePrêt, a Canadian online lender that provides no-credit-check payday loans.
What Is a Credit Check?
A credit check (also known as a credit inquiry) is when an authorized institution—such as a bank, landlord, or lender—reviews your credit report to evaluate your financial history.
What a Credit Report Includes:
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Credit accounts: credit cards, loans, mortgages
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Payment history: on-time vs. late payments
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Credit utilization: percentage of available credit used
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Public records: bankruptcies, collections, judgments
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Credit inquiries: records of who accessed your file
Types of Credit Checks
There are two main kinds of credit checks, and understanding the difference is crucial.
1. Soft Credit Check
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Doesn’t affect your credit score
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Common for background checks, pre-approvals, or when you check your own score
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Example: Monitoring your credit through a free service
2. Hard Credit Check
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Can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points
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Used by lenders when approving loans, mortgages, or credit cards
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Example: Applying for a $5,000 personal loan from a bank
How to Get Credit Check in Canada
If you want to know what lenders see when they review your file, you can request your own credit report.
1. Get a Free Credit Report by Mail (Once a Year)
Both Equifax and TransUnion are legally required to give you a free copy of your credit report once per year by mail.
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Equifax Canada → Order online at Equifax
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TransUnion Canada → Order at TransUnion
Requirements:
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Provide government-issued ID
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May take 1–2 weeks for delivery
2. Get Your Credit Report Online Instantly (Paid or Free)
Both agencies also let you access your report online instantly.
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Equifax: Offers subscription plans with credit monitoring
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TransUnion: Similar paid plans with identity theft protection
3. Free Credit Score Services
Several fintech apps and banks offer free credit score access, though not always the full report. Examples include:
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Borrowell
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Credit Karma
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Mogo
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Some Canadian banks (e.g., RBC, Scotiabank)
4. Through a Lender or Employer
If you apply for a loan, mortgage, or certain jobs, the company may conduct a credit check with your permission.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Check?
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By Mail (Free): Up to 10–15 business days
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Online (Instant Access): Same day (usually paid subscription)
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Through a Bank or App: Immediate access to your score
So, if you’re asking “how long does it take to get a credit check?” the answer depends on the method. If you need results right away, online options or lender checks are fastest.
Credit Score Canada: What Do the Numbers Mean?
In Canada, credit scores range between 300 and 900.
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Excellent: 760–900
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Good: 725–759
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Fair: 660–724
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Poor: 560–659
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Very Poor: Below 560
A higher score increases your chances of loan approval and lower interest rates.
Why Credit Checks Matter
Lenders use credit checks to decide:
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Whether to approve your loan or credit application
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The interest rate you’ll pay
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How much you can borrow
But credit checks don’t just affect loans. They can also influence:
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Renting an apartment
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Applying for a job (in some industries)
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Signing up for utilities or a cellphone plan
How to Get a Free Credit Check
If you’re focused on affordability, here’s a simple step-by-step:
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Visit Equifax or TransUnion Canada websites
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Fill out a request form for your annual free report
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Provide photocopies of ID (driver’s licence, passport, etc.)
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Wait for your mailed copy
Alternatively, sign up with Borrowell or Credit Karma for free monthly score updates.
What If You Need a Loan But Want to Avoid a Credit Check?
Sometimes, Canadians need money fast but are worried their credit history will hold them back. That’s where SimplePrêt comes in.
SimplePrêt’s Advantage:
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No Hard Credit Check Required: Approval based on income, not score
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Instant e-Transfer Funding: Same-day deposits, 24/7
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Loan Amounts: $250 – $1,500
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Eligibility: Employment, self-employment, or government benefits
This makes SimplePrêt an option for those searching “how to get a $5,000 loan with no credit check” or smaller amounts when banks say no.
Risks of No-Credit-Check Loans
While payday loans can be lifesavers in emergencies, borrowers must use them responsibly.
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High Costs: Payday loan fees are higher than traditional loans
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Short Repayment Terms: Usually due on your next payday
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Potential for Debt Cycle: Only borrow what you can repay
That said, licensed lenders like SimplePrêt operate within provincial regulations, ensuring transparency.
FAQs – People Also Ask
How to get a credit check in Canada?
You can request a free annual report from Equifax or TransUnion, or use free apps like Borrowell and Credit Karma.
How to get a free credit check?
Request by mail from Equifax or TransUnion (once per year) or use fintech apps for ongoing free score updates.
How long does it take to get a credit check?
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By mail: up to 15 business days
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Online: same day
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Apps/banks: instant
How to get a $5,000 loan with no credit check?
While most banks require credit checks for large loans, lenders like SimplePrêt provide smaller no-credit-check payday loans, typically up to $1,500. For larger amounts, consider installment lenders that accept fair/bad credit.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get a credit check in Canada is essential for managing your finances. Whether you order your report from Equifax or TransUnion, use free credit apps, or rely on bank updates, staying informed about your credit status helps you make better financial decisions.
If you’re concerned about bad credit and still need fast cash, SimplePrêt offers a practical alternative with instant, no-credit-check payday loans. Just remember: credit checks are tools for awareness, while loans should be used responsibly.
