Equifax vs TransUnion at a glance
Equifax
TransUnion
Good score (their definition)
~660+
~650+
Score model shown
Proprietary Equifax score
Often a VantageScore
Data held
May differ — not all creditors report to both
May differ — not all creditors report to both
Used by lenders
Yes (varies by lender)
Yes (varies by lender)
Bottom line: check both before a mortgage. A clean Equifax report doesn’t guarantee a clean TransUnion report, and your lender might pull the one with a stray error.
Equifax vs TransUnion — FAQ
Why is my Equifax score different from my TransUnion score?
Each bureau has its own scoring model and may hold different data — a lender or creditor might report to one bureau but not the other. So the same person commonly has two different scores. Always check both before a mortgage.
Which credit bureau do mortgage lenders use in Canada?
It varies by lender — some pull Equifax, some TransUnion, some both. Because they can differ, a clean report at one bureau isn't enough; we make sure both look right before submitting your file.
What's a good credit score at each bureau?
Roughly: Equifax treats ~660+ as good; TransUnion ~650+. For the best mortgage rates you want 680+ (760+ for the lowest pricing). See credit score for a mortgage.
How do I check both credit reports for free?
Both Equifax and TransUnion must provide a free report on request, and several Canadian apps/banks show a free score. Checking your own report is a 'soft pull' and never affects your score.
Does an error on one bureau affect my mortgage?
It can — an error or a stray collection on the bureau your lender pulls can change your rate or approval. Dispute errors with that bureau directly; we can advise on what underwriters care about most.