In Canada, free credit reports are only released by credit report agencies. Credit report agencies are financial institutions that specialize in the computation and evaluation of your credit scores and ratings. The three most trusted credit report agencies in Canada are Equifax Canada, TransUnion Canada, and North Credit Bureaus Inc. Here are some tips to help you get a free copy of your credit report:

Prepare the requirements.

Credit report agents do not instantly give out free copies of your credit report just because somebody requested for them. Even if it is your own credit report, you still need to prove your identity before you can access your credit report. The usual information required by credit report agents are your full name, birth date, former and current address, contact number, and social insurance number. To support your claim, you may also submit copies of your bank statement or driver's license.

Send the request.

After the preparation of requirements, you now need to request for a free credit report. As mentioned earlier, you can request free copies of your credit report from any of the three reputable credit report agencies in the country. You are entitled to at least one free copy of your credit report every year. Requesting for online copies may cost you a minimum fee.

The three credit report agencies, however, do not compare credit score computations or credit rating evaluations. Because of this, each agency may have differing records of your credit information. It is wise to send a credit report request to each one, so you can compare them with one another. Free copies of your credit report are sent via snail mail.