How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report in Canada?

A collection account is one of the most damaging items that can appear on a Canadian credit report. Whether it is a phone bill sent to a collection agency, an unpaid credit card balance, or a medical account, the impact on your credit score can be significant. The good news is that collections do not follow you forever.

How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report in Canada?

In Canada, a collection account remains on your credit report for 6 years from the date of last activity. The date of last activity is typically the date of the last payment, the last charge, or the last update made to the account. This 6-year window applies to both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.

This is different from the United States, where collection accounts can remain on a credit report for up to 7 years. If you have seen US-based information online, it does not apply to your Canadian credit file.

When Does the Clock Start?

The 6-year clock starts from the date of last activity, not from when the account was sent to collections. If you had a credit card with a last payment date of January 2020, the collection entry should fall off your credit report by January 2026, regardless of when the collection agency first reported it.

This is important because some Canadians make a payment to a collection agency hoping to settle the debt, without realizing that a partial payment can reset the clock. Before making any payment on a collection account, get professional advice.

Equifax Canada vs TransUnion Canada: Are the Timelines Different?

Both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada follow the 6-year rule for collections. However, the two bureaus can show different account details because they receive information from different creditors. It is possible for a collection account to appear on one bureau and not the other.

That is why you should always check both of your Canadian credit reports. You can request a free report from Equifax Canada at equifax.ca and from TransUnion Canada at transunion.ca.

What About Quebec?

Quebec residents are protected by both the federal PIPEDA framework and the provincial Consumer Protection Act. The reporting timeline in Quebec is also 6 years. However, Quebec has additional consumer protections around collection practices. Collection agencies in Quebec must follow stricter rules about how and when they can contact you.

What Can You Do While Waiting?

Even with a collection on your report, there are steps you can take to rebuild your credit. Opening a secured credit card and making on-time payments each month will add positive information to your file. Over time, new positive history reduces the weight of the older collection account.

If the collection account is inaccurate, reporting the wrong amount, showing the wrong date, or belonging to someone else entirely, you have the right to dispute it. A successful dispute can result in the item being corrected or removed from your report entirely, which is faster than waiting for the 6 years to expire.

When Professional Help Makes Sense

Disputing collection accounts is not always straightforward. Collection agencies sometimes re-report accounts after a dispute is filed. A credit repair professional knows how to navigate this process under Canadian consumer protection law and PIPEDA requirements. They can identify which items are eligible for removal and handle the dispute correspondence on your behalf.

FAQ

**How long does a collection stay on my credit report in Canada?** Six years from the date of last activity, at both Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.

**Can a collection agency make the collection stay longer?** A collection agency cannot extend the 6-year reporting period. However, if you make a payment on the account, this creates a new date of last activity, which can restart the clock.

**Does paying off a collection remove it from my credit report?** Paying a collection changes the status to paid, but the account typically remains on your report for the full 6 years. A paid collection is better than an unpaid one, but it does not disappear immediately.

**Can I dispute a collection account in Canada?** Yes. Under PIPEDA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. If the dispute is successful, the bureau must correct or remove the item.

If you have collections on your Canadian credit report and want to understand your options, call us at (437) 755-6579 for a free consultation. We help Canadians across the GTA navigate the credit repair process.