Some Canadian credit repair companies are legitimate (licensed, non-profit credit counsellors, insolvency trustees). Many are predatory — charging $1,500+ for things you can do free. Here's the line between them.
NO legitimate service can guarantee specific point increases. Score changes depend on what's on YOUR report.
Most provinces (BC, AB, ON, MB, QC) prohibit upfront fees. Legit companies bill after results.
CRIMINAL. Identity fraud. CPN scams imported from US — using someone else's number is theft.
Major red flag. You always have the right (and ability) to contact bureaus directly — for FREE.
Legit credit repair is finite — once disputes settle, work is done. Endless monthly fees = scam.
Accurate negative items CANNOT be removed by anyone — they fall off after 6-7 years per the law.
Federally regulated. Files consumer proposals + bankruptcies. Free initial consultation. Real legal remedy.
Credit Counselling Canada members. Free advice. Can negotiate Debt Management Plans (DMP) with creditors.
You can do everything a credit repair company can do, for free. See our [[disputing-errors]] guide.
BC, ON, MB, AB, QC require licensing. Verify license # on provincial consumer affairs registry before paying.
Use our sample dispute letter generator. Bureaus must respond within 30 days. Cost: postage.
Best for: 1-5 specific errors on your reportCredit Counselling Canada members offer free advice. Can set up Debt Management Plans negotiating lower rates with creditors.
Best for: drowning in card debt, need structureFree initial consultation. Files consumer proposals (settle for 30-70% of debt) or bankruptcies. Federally regulated.
Best for: debt over $10k, garnishment, ready for legal remedyIf you really want help, verify their provincial license number BEFORE paying anything. Pay-after-results models only.
Best for: complex situations, no time for DIYThese services tell you to use a 9-digit number (often a deceased person's SIN or a randomly generated one) as your "new SIN" to apply for credit. This is identity fraud. Canadian penalties include fines up to $1M and 14 years imprisonment under the Criminal Code. No legitimate company offers this. Walk away.