RateBuddyCredit & identity guide Canadian services

Credit Score & Identity Theft Protection in Canada

  • Credit scores & reports
  • Identity protection
RateBuddy Editorial Last updated

Understand your credit. Know what protection adds.

Checking your credit and protecting your identity serve different needs. Compare free access with paid monitoring, understand what recovery support includes, and weigh each plan’s cost, bureau coverage and limits before choosing.

Credit & identity protection: the guide
Before you compare

Choose the support you actually need

Start with a simple question: are you trying to understand your credit, watch for changes, or get help if your identity is misused? A single subscription may combine these services, but they do different jobs. Use the distinctions below to decide which features deserve your attention.

Score & report access
See a credit score and the information recorded in your credit file.
Credit monitoring
Receive alerts about certain changes to a monitored credit file.
Identity protection
May add identity alerts and help with recovery. Features vary by plan.

Start with the free information available to you

You can get your credit report online for free from both Equifax and TransUnion. Your bank or another service may also offer free score access. Check what is included: a score on its own does not give you the same detail as a report showing accounts, balances and payment history.

Checking your own report or score does not lower your credit score. A lender’s credit check when you apply for borrowing can be different. Before paying for a subscription, compare its extras with the access you already have. FCAC: getting your credit report and score.

Check the bureau, the detail and the update frequency

Equifax and TransUnion are Canada’s two main credit bureaus. Ask which bureau supplies the score and report, whether monitoring covers one bureau or both, and how often information refreshes. “Credit monitoring” on a product page does not, by itself, answer those questions.

Scores can differ between services and from the score a lender uses. Focus on the information behind the number and any changes you need to investigate. No displayed score is a promise of approval, a particular rate or a borrowing limit. FCAC: understanding credit reports and scores.

Understand what identity protection can add

Depending on the plan, identity protection may include dark web or breach alerts and help dealing with identity misuse. Monitoring cannot catch every incident or prevent every kind of fraud. An alert is a prompt to investigate, not confirmation that money has been stolen.

Look closely at recovery support: will someone help you contact organizations and prepare documents, or will you receive general instructions? If insurance is included, read the policy’s covered expenses, eligibility, exclusions, deductible and limits. A headline coverage amount is not a promise that all stolen funds or losses will be reimbursed. FTC: how monitoring, recovery support and insurance differ.

Compare the ongoing cost and the data you share

Read beyond the trial or introductory price. Check the renewal charge, billing frequency, cancellation process and whether family coverage costs extra. A free trial is useful only if you understand when payment begins and how to stop it.

Credit and identity services handle personal information. Read the privacy policy, understand how your information may be used or shared, and check which permissions are optional. For each paid feature, ask: “What will this help me do that I cannot already do with my existing service?” FCAC: using third-party credit services.

Use monitoring alongside good credit habits

A score dashboard can help you follow your progress, but the subscription itself does not build a payment history. Paying on time, keeping balances manageable relative to your limits and avoiding unnecessary credit applications are practical places to start. Improvements depend on your situation and take time.

Read your reports for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect balances or payment-history errors. Contact the bureau and the organization that supplied information you believe is wrong; correcting credit-report errors is free. FCAC: improving your credit score and checking your report for errors.

If you suspect identity misuse, act on it now

Contact the affected bank or service provider promptly and secure compromised accounts. Keep copies of messages, transactions and case numbers. Contact both credit bureaus about suspicious activity and the fraud-alert options available to you. If identification was compromised, contact its issuer.

Report fraud to local police and through Canada’s official fraud-reporting service. You do not need to buy a monitoring plan before taking these steps. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: what to do if you are a victim.

Our editorial view: begin with the information you need, then consider whether monitoring and recovery support fill a real gap. Compare the named plan’s terms, not just the provider’s brand or the number of features advertised.

Compare services with these checks in mind
Compare your options

Compare credit score & identity protection services

Explore free and paid options for checking your credit, monitoring changes and getting help with identity recovery. Compare each plan’s features, ongoing cost and credit bureau coverage.

RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: Get Identity Protection from Equifax FREE for the first 30 days after receiving a $10 RateBuddy Cash Rebate. Conditions apply. Cancel anytime.
Featured
Exclusive Ratebuddy Cash Rebate

Equifax Complete™ Protection

RateBuddy 4.6

by Equifax Canada

Online Security, Credit Monitoring and ID Protection Equifax
Monthly price $34.95 per month
Score updates Up to once daily Refresh frequency
Credit bureau Equifax Data source
RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: Get the Equifax Complete™ Protection plan for $0 dollars for the first 30 days, after RateBuddy Cash Rebate of $10 —making the first 30 days free after rebate. The plan is $34.95 per month thereafter. This web-only offer is not available to current myEquifax members or past members who received a discounted product within the previous 180 days. Cancel at any time; no partial-month refunds. Equifax and RateBuddy conditions apply.
Get your first 30 days at $0 net cost after a $9.95 RateBuddy rebate for eligible web customers
Social media and dark web monitoring help identify possible exposure of personal information
Includes device protection, parental controls, VPN access and a password manager
Equifax credit monitoring and alerts help identify relevant changes
Access to Identity Restoration Specialists if identity theft occurs

Equifax Complete™ Protection is a paid online security, credit monitoring and identity protection subscription. It includes social media and dark web monitoring, device protection, parental controls, a VPN, a password manager, Equifax credit monitoring and alerts, access to Identity Restoration Specialists, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to applicable terms, conditions and exclusions. Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for residents of Quebec.

What stands out

  • Get your first 30 days at $0 net cost after a $9.95 RateBuddy rebate for eligible web customers
  • Social media and dark web monitoring help identify possible exposure of personal information
  • Includes device protection, parental controls, VPN access and a password manager
  • Equifax credit monitoring and alerts help identify relevant changes
  • Access to Identity Restoration Specialists if identity theft occurs
  • Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to terms and the Quebec exception

Things to keep in mind

  • The regular price becomes $34.95 per month after the first 30 days
  • The introductory offer is web-only and subject to customer eligibility requirements
  • The discount is unavailable to current myEquifax members and certain past discounted-product members
  • Credit monitoring focuses on Equifax credit information rather than multiple credit bureaus
  • Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for Quebec residents
  • Security features can help prevent identity theft but cannot stop or block it.
  • Customers may cancel at any time, but partial-month refunds are not available
Your credit monitored. Your identity supported. One complete plan.

Equifax Complete™ Premier

RateBuddy 4.8

by Equifax Canada

Credit Monitoring and ID Protection Equifax
Monthly price $24.95 per month
Score updates Up to once daily Refresh frequency
Credit bureau Equifax Data source
Access your updated Equifax credit report and score whenever you log in, up to once daily, with alerts for new inquiries, new accounts and score changes, dark web monitoring, credit score trending, Identity Restoration Specialist support, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance—subject to applicable terms and unavailable with new product purchases for Quebec residents.
Equifax credit report and score update whenever you log in, up to once daily
Alerts for new credit inquiries, new accounts and changes to your Equifax credit score
Dark web monitoring searches for specified personal and financial information
Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to terms and the Quebec exception
Credit score trending helps you understand changes to your Equifax credit score over time

Equifax Complete™ Premier is a paid credit monitoring and identity theft protection solution. Your Equifax credit report and score are updated whenever you log in, up to once daily. The service includes credit monitoring alerts, dark web monitoring, credit score trending, access to Identity Restoration Specialists and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to applicable terms, conditions and exclusions. Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for residents of Quebec. Credit Lock is available to residents of Quebec and Ontario.

What stands out

  • Equifax credit report and score update whenever you log in, up to once daily
  • Alerts for new credit inquiries, new accounts and changes to your Equifax credit score
  • Dark web monitoring searches for specified personal and financial information
  • Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to terms and the Quebec exception
  • Credit score trending helps you understand changes to your Equifax credit score over time
  • Access to Identity Restoration Specialists if your identity is stolen
  • Credit Lock is available to residents of Quebec and Ontario

Things to keep in mind

  • $24.95 monthly subscription rather than a free credit-score service
  • Monitoring is based on Equifax credit information rather than multiple credit bureaus
  • The provided Equifax credit score is for educational use and lenders may use a different score
  • Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for Quebec residents
  • Credit Lock is available only to residents of Quebec and Ontario
  • Customers may cancel at any time, but partial-month refunds are not available
Two adults. One plan. Credit monitoring and identity support for both. Cancel at any time.

Equifax Complete™ Friends and Family

RateBuddy 4.4

by Equifax Canada

Credit Monitoring and ID Protection for Two Adults Equifax
Monthly price $34.95 per month
Score updates Up to once daily Refresh frequency
Credit bureau Equifax Data source
Add a second adult and stay on top of your Equifax credit reports and scores with updates up to once daily, credit alerts with optional sharing, dark web monitoring, score trending, Identity Restoration Specialist support, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance—subject to applicable terms and unavailable with new product purchases for Quebec residents.
Provides credit monitoring and identity restoration features for two adults.
Equifax credit report and score update whenever each user logs in, up to once daily.
Alerts for new credit inquiries, new accounts and changes to the Equifax credit score.
Dark web monitoring searches for specified personal and financial information.
Both adults can choose whether or not to share credit alerts with each other.

Equifax Complete™ Friends and Family provides credit monitoring and identity restoration features for two adults under one monthly product. It includes Equifax credit report and score updates whenever each user logs in, up to once daily, credit monitoring alerts, dark web monitoring, credit score trending, access to Identity Restoration Specialists and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to applicable terms, conditions and exclusions. Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for residents of Quebec. Credit Lock is available to residents of Quebec and Ontario.

What stands out

  • Provides credit monitoring and identity restoration features for two adults.
  • Equifax credit report and score update whenever each user logs in, up to once daily.
  • Alerts for new credit inquiries, new accounts and changes to the Equifax credit score.
  • Dark web monitoring searches for specified personal and financial information.
  • Both adults can choose whether or not to share credit alerts with each other.
  • Access to Identity Restoration Specialists if identity theft occurs.
  • Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to terms and the Quebec exception.
  • Credit Lock is available to residents of Quebec and Ontario.

Things to keep in mind

  • $34.95 monthly subscription.
  • The additional adult must consent to sharing an email address and receiving Equifax communications.
  • The primary adult's credit alerts are not automatically shared with the additional adult, both adults can choose whether or not to share credit alerts.
  • Monitoring is based on Equifax credit information rather than multiple credit bureaus.
  • The provided Equifax credit score is for educational use and lenders may use a different score.
  • Identity theft insurance is not available with new product purchases for Quebec residents.
  • Customers may cancel at any time, but partial-month refunds are not available.
Household protection for two adults and up to 10 devices

Equifax Complete™ Protection for Family

by Equifax Canada

Family Credit Monitoring, ID Protection & Online Security Equifax
Monthly price $44.95 per month
Score updates Up to once daily Refresh frequency
Credit bureau Equifax Data source
Protect two adults with Equifax credit monitoring and alerts, identity restoration support, dark web and social media monitoring, plus device protection, parental controls, a password manager and secure VPN coverage for up to 10 household devices.
Protects two adults under one household plan
Device protection, parental controls and secure VPN for up to 10 devices
Dark web and social media monitoring plus a password manager for two adults
Equifax credit monitoring with alerts and credit information updated up to once daily
Identity Restoration Specialists provide recovery assistance for both adults

Household credit monitoring, identity protection and online security for two adults. The plan includes device protection, parental controls and a secure VPN for up to 10 household devices, plus dark web monitoring, social media monitoring and a password manager for two adults. It also provides Equifax credit monitoring with alerts, identity restoration assistance and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for each adult, subject to applicable terms and availability; the identity theft insurance is unavailable with new product purchases for Quebec residents.

What stands out

  • Protects two adults under one household plan
  • Device protection, parental controls and secure VPN for up to 10 devices
  • Dark web and social media monitoring plus a password manager for two adults
  • Equifax credit monitoring with alerts and credit information updated up to once daily
  • Identity Restoration Specialists provide recovery assistance for both adults
  • Each adult may receive up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, subject to applicable terms
  • Includes lost wallet assistance
  • Supports alert sharing between the two adults

Things to keep in mind

  • $44.95 monthly price is higher than the other listed Equifax Complete plans
  • Credit monitoring is based on Equifax information rather than multi-bureau coverage
  • Identity theft insurance is not available for new product purchases by Quebec residents
  • Payment information is required and cancellations do not receive partial-month refunds
  • Product features, insurance coverage, eligibility and availability remain subject to Equifax terms
Learn the basics

Understand your credit. Choose the right support.

A score is a starting point. Your report adds the detail, and monitoring can help you notice changes. Knowing what each service does makes it easier to decide what you actually need.

  1. Read your report

    Check the accounts and payment history recorded in your name. Look for information you do not recognize.

  2. Understand the changes

    Look beyond a single number. Review balances, recent applications and any details that may need correcting.

  3. Choose useful support

    Decide whether you need occasional access, ongoing alerts or assistance with identity recovery.

The information behind the number

Your score and your report do different jobs

Your report records your credit accounts, balances and payment history. A score uses information from that report to help a lender assess credit risk. It is one part of a lending decision.

Equifax and TransUnion are Canada’s two main credit bureaus. The information held, scoring model and timing of updates can differ, so two services may show different scores. A lender may use a different score again.

Read FCAC’s credit report and score basics
Putting the number in context

What does a good score mean?

Canadian credit scores commonly range from 300 to 900. Higher scores generally indicate lower credit risk, but each lender applies its own criteria.

300Common Canadian range900

This is a general range, not an approval scale. There is no single score that guarantees approval or a particular rate.

Explore credit score ranges

Four things to pay attention to

A monitoring subscription does not create a payment history for you. Focus on the habits behind your file.

Payment history

Pay on time and make at least the minimum payment. Contact your lender early if a payment will be difficult.

Credit usage

Watch how much of your available credit you use. High balances relative to your limits can affect your score.

Account history

Time and consistent account management matter. Consider fees and manageability before keeping an older account open.

New applications

Apply for credit when you need it. A formal application may involve a hard inquiry; checking your own report does not lower your score.

Further reading: FCAC’s guidance on improving your credit score.

Match the service to the job

Start with the access you already have. If you want more support, compare the named plan’s alerts and recovery features with its ongoing cost.

Score-range reference: TransUnion Canada’s explanation of credit scores. See FCAC’s steps for checking and disputing report errors.

Identity protection

Look beyond the alerts

Before choosing a plan, check what it monitors, who helps you after an incident and which conditions apply. These three questions make the details easier to compare.

What does it monitor?

Check which credit bureau is covered, how often information updates and which identity or breach alerts the named plan includes.

Who helps you recover?

Look for clear details on contacting support and the tasks they help with, such as contacting organizations or preparing recovery documents.

Which limits apply?

If insurance is included, read the covered expenses, exclusions, eligibility and any deductible. Confirm the plan is available where you live.

Compare services with these checks in mind

Worried your identity has already been misused? Follow the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s next steps.

Build your credit history

Put what you learn into practice

New to credit or rebuilding your file? Explore practical steps you can work on over time.

Read the credit-building guide
Your questions, answered

Credit scores & identity protection FAQs

Clear answers about your credit file, monitoring and the details to check before choosing a service.

Credit scores & reports

What is a good credit score in Canada?

Scores commonly range from 300 to 900. Higher scores generally indicate lower credit risk, but labels such as “good” depend on the scoring model and lender. A score alone does not guarantee approval or a particular rate.

How is a credit report different from a score?

A report contains information about your credit accounts, balances and payment history. A score summarizes information from that report as a number. Reading the report helps you see the details behind changes in your score.

Why do different services show different scores?

The bureau data, scoring model and update date can differ. Equifax and TransUnion may not hold identical information, and a lender may use a different score from the one you see in a consumer service.

Does checking my own credit hurt my score?

No. Requesting your own credit report or score does not lower your credit score. A formal credit application may involve a hard inquiry, which can affect it.

Can I check my credit without paying for a subscription?

Yes. Free credit reports are available from Equifax and TransUnion, and some banks or other services provide free score access. Check exactly what is included. Free access, a free trial and a paid monitoring subscription are different offers.

Will a monitoring subscription improve my credit score?

Monitoring can help you follow changes, but paying for it does not itself build a payment history. Focus on paying on time, managing balances and applying for credit when needed. Correct inaccurate information with the bureau and the organization that reported it.

Identity protection & choosing a plan

Is credit monitoring the same as identity protection?

Credit monitoring tracks certain changes to a credit file. Identity protection may add other alerts, including dark web monitoring, and assistance with recovery. The exact features depend on the named plan.

Can identity protection prevent all fraud?

No service can guarantee that. Monitoring and recovery tools may help you notice and respond to misuse, but they have limits. Continue securing your accounts and reviewing statements even when you subscribe.

Does every plan monitor both credit bureaus?

Do not assume it does. Check whether the plan identifies Equifax, TransUnion or both, and whether that coverage means score access, report access or monitoring alerts. These features may have different update frequencies.

Does identity theft insurance reimburse every loss?

No. If insurance is included, the policy determines which expenses or losses are covered, subject to eligibility, exclusions, limits and any deductible. A headline insurance amount is not a promise that all stolen money will be reimbursed.

What should I check before signing up?

Review the regular price, trial expiry, renewal and cancellation terms. Confirm features and provincial availability for the exact plan. Read how your personal information will be stored, used and shared, and check whether you already have similar services through another provider.

Do I need to buy a plan before reporting identity misuse?

No. Contact affected banks or service providers promptly, secure compromised accounts and keep records. Contact both credit bureaus about suspicious activity, report to local police and use Canada’s official fraud-reporting service. A subscription is not required to take these steps.

Sources and further reading
  • FCAC: credit reports and scores
  • TransUnion Canada: understanding your credit score
  • FCAC: getting your report and score
  • FCAC: improving your credit score
  • FCAC: report errors and fraud
  • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: responding to fraud
  • FTC: general descriptions of monitoring, recovery and insurance

The FTC reference explains service types; Canadian plan terms determine the features and coverage available here.