Tag: credit reporting agencies

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3 TOP WAYS TO SUCCEED IN CREDIT REPAIR USING A CREDIT CARD FOR REBUILDING CREDIT

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

Credit card for rebuilding credit: Introduction

Money mistakes in the past can negatively impact your credit score and your ability to qualify for a loan or obtain a good interest rate. Fortunately, there is hope. Bad credit scores can be improved in Canada by the use of perseverance and some time. You might even qualify for a credit card for rebuilding credit in Canada.

This Brandon Blog shows you how to take control of your finances, including learning how to use a credit card for rebuilding credit to improve your credit rating.

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

A credit card for rebuilding credit for people with bad credit is not your first step

Getting a copy of your credit report is the best way to determine which areas need improvement when it comes to repairing your credit. How many late or missed payments have you had in the past? The credit bureaus can report past due utility payments, outstanding cell phone bills, and old parking tickets. Have you exceeded your debt utilization ratio? Did you experience bankruptcy in your past?

Could your credit report be inaccurate? This is something that needs to be brought to the creditor’s attention so that they can fix the problem and revise their reporting. As an alternative, you can provide proof to the two credit reporting agencies in Canada, so that each can correct the error.

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

A credit card for rebuilding credit Canada is not your next step either

Now that you know your debts need to be addressed, you need to figure out how to get your payments in order. You need to develop smart spending and saving habits to rebuild your credit score. One of the best ways to do this is to create a budget that reflects your income and expenditures. In my Brandon Blog, I have written extensively about the importance of household budgets. Budgets are essentially a plan for how you will spend your money. Following a budget will help you with having normal and current payment activity.

Getting comfortable with not overspending and living within your means should become a habit. You don’t have to give up every nice dinner or outing just because you have a budget, but you do have to be aware of how much income you have available to spend and save after taxes. This will allow you to be able to make all necessary payments on time.

Next, you must establish better credit history through consistent payments. Your payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score, so if you’ve fallen behind on your payments – or haven’t been paying on time – your credit situation is unlikely to improve until you catch up on your accounts. Without improving on this, you cannot fix a poor credit score. Spoiler alert – making only the minimum payment each month against your regular credit card is not keeping current on that debt.

If you cannot pay your overdue accounts right now, call up your creditors. Maybe you can negotiate a special repayment plan that fits your budget. Cut your debt as much as possible. Credit utilization ratios are very important. If your various types of credit, such as credit card balance, line of credit, or overdraft are used more than three-quarters of your available credit, that will bring down your credit score.

With time, patience, and financial discipline, building a better credit history and credit score – even rebuilding credit after bankruptcy – can be done. In the beginning, you may need to only use cash, and preferably not your debit card, for all of your necessary everyday purchases. Put your credit cards away to avoid temptation. Knowing that if you do not follow your budget you will run out of money is a strong motivation to stay on track when you only take out the amount of cash your budget says you can afford to spend.

One of the first steps to rebuilding credit with a credit card might be to lock each traditional credit card away and not use them!

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

Prepaid Credit Cards vs. Secured Credit Cards: What’s the Difference?

Prepaid cards are sold at many retail locations, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. A service fee is charged when you load money onto the card and when you use it. So not all the money you load onto the card is applied to your purchases. Whenever you do buy something with this kind of credit card, the dollar amount of your purchase is deducted from your cash balance.

You can still get a prepaid credit card without having a good credit score. That is because by getting this type of card, you are not applying for or getting credit from anyone. To load it, you use your own money. To put money onto a prepaid card you can: (i) transfer money from your bank account onto the card; or (ii) give cash to the clerk who will add it to the card at the store that sold it to you.

Prepaid cards are not credit cards in the traditional sense, so they won’t help you build credit or repair credit. In the same vein, it is not a credit card for rebuilding credit.

One of the requirements of a secured credit card is that you need to pay a cash deposit. Once the deposit is made, the credit limit is equal to the amount of the deposit. The security deposit that you pay is collateral held onto by the credit card issuer in return for the credit they are extending to you. If you don’t repay your balance on time, the credit card company can use this security deposit to pay off your debt. Once you have paid the security deposit, you can use the secured credit card.

The normal size of payment of security deposit typically varies from $500 to $10,000. You can get a secured charge card if you do not get approved for a standard unsecured credit card. Those with a poor credit history looking for a credit card for rebuilding credit will certainly find a charge card of this kind beneficial. Secured cards do not require a credit check because the financial institution is protected by the down payment. Consequently, you are practically certain to be authorized.

You will boost your credit rating as you make purchases and repay your full balance outstanding every month with this type of card. It is because the issuer of the secured credit card is really giving you credit. Your balances as well as payment history are reported frequently to the two credit bureaus in Canada. You can enhance your credit score over time by making your full regular monthly payments when due. Any individual aiming to use a credit card for rebuilding credit should seriously look into getting a secured credit card.

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

Credit card for rebuilding credit: Secured credit cards vs. unsecured credit cards

There are differences between secured cards and unsecured credit cards. An unsecured credit card is a routine charge card that can be made use of day-to-day as much as the credit limit allows. The issuer of these types of traditional charge cards makes a hard credit check inquiry right into your credit report when you apply for one. An unsecured card does not need a down payment. An unsecured charge card normally has a higher credit limit, and some credit card companies offer with their unsecured cards benefits like cashback, price protection, a better interest rate on purchases or travel points.

You can ask if your secured card can be turned into an unsecured one after an amount of time (and your security deposit returned). I would say that a reasonable time period would be six months to a year of making consistent payments on time as well as staying within your credit line. You have to demonstrate that you can handle credit properly.

Credit cards, both secured and unsecured, report your activity to the credit bureaus. If you use the card responsibly, you can build or rebuild your credit. Look around carefully to find the right credit card for your financial and credit score situation that will help you rebuild your credit. Secured, unsecured, low-interest rate, travel benefits and even guaranteed approval credit cards are available from many financial institutions in Canada.

Picking the ideal credit card for rebuilding credit is really crucial. While some bank cards have an annual cost, others do not. You must constantly check out the fine print in the contract when picking a credit card. I wish you great success in your financial journey.

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

Credit card for rebuilding credit: Summary

I hope you found this credit card for rebuilding credit Brandon Blog post informative. Are you worried because you or your business are dealing with substantial debt challenges and you assume bankruptcy is your only option? Your situation may be so dire that a redone budget and a secured credit card may not be enough of an answer. If it is too much debt for any reason, call me. It is not your fault that you remain in this way. You have actually been only shown the old ways to try to deal with financial issues. These old ways do not work anymore.

The Ira Smith Team utilizes new modern-day ways to get you out of your debt difficulties while avoiding bankruptcy. We can get you the relief you need and so deserve.

The tension put upon you is big. We know your discomfort factors. We will check out your entire situation and design a new approach that is as unique as you and your problems; financial and emotional. We will take the weight off of your shoulders and blow away the dark cloud hanging over you. We will design a debt settlement strategy for you. We know that we can help you now.

We understand that people and businesses facing financial issues need a realistic lifeline. There is no “one solution fits all” method with the Ira Smith Team. Even though we are licensed insolvency trustees, we have found that not everyone has to file bankruptcy in Canada. The majority of our clients never do. We help many people and companies stay clear of bankruptcy.

That is why we can establish a new restructuring procedure for paying down debt that will be built just for you. It will be as one-of-a-kind as the economic issues and discomfort you are encountering. If any one of these seems familiar to you and you are serious about getting the solution you need, contact the Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. group today.

Call us now for a no-cost consultation. We will get you or your business back up driving to healthy and balanced trouble-free operations and get rid of the discomfort factors in your life, Starting Over, Starting Now.

credit card for rebuilding credit
credit card for rebuilding credit

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

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CREDIT SCORE IN CANADA: ARE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES REQUIRED TO PULL A CREDIT REPORT ON NEW BRUNSWICK RESIDENTS?

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

A credit score in Canada: Can car insurance companies use your credit score?

According to the CBC News show “Marketplace” in 2010, home insurance rates can be influenced by a person’s credit score in Canada. A number of people experienced doubled insurance premiums after their insurance company included credit scores in calculating risk.

Consumer credit scores are portrayed positively by those who make use of it. Insurers only check your credit score to determine the best premium for you, according to Desjardins. The Cooperators offer a different perspective. The credit score reflects a person’s financial responsibility and behaviour. The issue is undoubtedly contentious.

In Ontario, as elsewhere in the country, credit scoring has been controversial. In this Brandon Blog, I discuss the recent request by certain auto insurance companies in obtaining consent to check a New Brunswick resident’s credit score in Canada when determining auto insurance rates.

New Brunswick has Canada’s highest rates of personal insolvency and some of its lowest credit scores

There are two Canadian credit bureaus that perform credit scoring in Canada, Equifax and TransUnion. Credit reporting agencies track your credit history by tracking consumer borrowing and payment histories. Credit scores in Canada are derived from these activities.

In Canada, two major credit bureaus report credit scores between 300 and 900. It is through this report that lenders determine whether you have good credit. You are more likely to get credit and have low interest rates if your credit score is high. A credit score in Canada at a high level is therefore beneficial.

What is a good credit score in Canada? You can get a pretty good idea of what they are by looking at the following list:

  • 740 plus Excellent
  • The 700 to 740 range is a very good score
  • A score of 680 to 700 is considered good
  • 600 to 679 Fair
  • Below 600 Poor

Missing payments or maxing out your credit card can result in a bad credit score. As a fintech company, Borrowell Canada represents multiple lenders in Canada that issue credit cards and make loans to individuals based on their respective credit score in Canada. They became the first business in Canada to offer free credit scores and credit reports. Borrowell’s New Brunswick users have an average credit score of 634.

New Brunswick has the lowest average credit score in Canada. Adults in New Brunswick deal with financial problems at a higher rate than anywhere else in Canada. New Brunswick is currently the province with the highest bankruptcy rates for consumers.

credit score in canada
credit score in canada

Are bills up to date? New Brunswick auto insurance companies are interested in your credit score

According to insurance companies, studies show bad credit drivers are more likely to have an accident than those with similar driving records, and they want premiums in New Brunswick to reflect that. Several insurance companies in New Brunswick recently gained approval to ask for the introduction of credit scores when setting auto premiums for insurance.

The insurance companies claim studies show that motorists with bad credit are more likely to get into accidents than those with similar driving records, and they want New Brunswick premiums to reflect that.

In Canada, insurance companies believe your credit score in Canada is an accurate predictor of risk and therefore future claims. As a result, policyholders are said to be given rates based on the justest risk segmentation. The application they submitted for approval argued this.

A policyholder will be charged more if they are likely to generate the highest costs than a policyholder who is likely to generate lower costs, according to the New Brunswick Insurance Board. According to the board, it was satisfied there is a relationship between bad credit and bad driving and, as a result, granted the right to set rates using a person’s credit score in Canada.

As part of the risk assessment, a credit score raises a number of concerns:

  • What will the insurance companies do if New Brunswick residents refuse to have their credit score used?
  • For insureds with low credit scores and limited resources, insurance may be harder to obtain and more expensive.
  • Is an individual’s driving record more indicative of risk when it comes to car insurance than their credit score in Canada?
  • Suppose you are a young adult, new to Canada, unemployed, or barely getting by? A low credit score may make it harder for you to get to school, work, or a doctor’s appointment.

A credit score in Canada: Are insurance companies allowed to check credit scores?

Are the rules the same in all the Canadian Provinces? No, they are not. If you live in a certain province, your credit score may also affect your monthly premium. Those who live in Ontario or Newfoundland and Labrador can breathe easier. In these two provinces, auto insurance companies are not allowed to use your credit score in Canada as there is a ban on insurance companies doing so.

As of spring 2019, the Progressive Conservative Party announced plans to allow companies to ask you for your credit score in exchange for a better rate. It hasn’t happened yet. Premier Ford’s plans may have been thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic!

It is already the case in Nova Scotia, though you cannot be denied coverage if you refuse. In March 2021, the province’s insurance regulator approved RSA Canada’s request to offer discounts to auto policy applicants based on their credit scores.

In Alberta, insurers are required to ask for your consent before looking at your credit score, and they can’t use it if you only want the most basic plan.

Business is regulated by the provincial government in Manitoba and British Columbia. Manitoba Public Insurance and Insurance Corporation of British Columbia do not list credit scores among their criteria.

As for Saskatchewan, it’s the same story with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Despite the fact that drivers are required to get basic coverage through SGI, you might face a credit check if you choose private company coverage.

Quebec, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island don’t have any laws forbidding the practice, but it was not common in the two Maritime provinces until the recent change in New Brunswick.

In addition to your driving history, insurance companies also consider your location, driving experience, and the type of car you drive when assessing your accident risks.

We also have a consumer watchdog called the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). The code has been published and 85% of Canada’s car and home insurance companies have signed on.

There are a number of friendly ground rules:

  • Asking for your permission prior to checking your credit score in Canada.
  • Do not cancel or deny your insurance if you do not consent.
  • In the absence of much credit history, calculating your premiums using other relevant information.

    credit score in canada
    credit score in canada

A credit score in Canada: Auto insurers’ interest in N.B. credit scores is bad news for many

I hope this credit score in Canada Brandon Blog was informative. The auto insurers’ interest in New Brunswick credit scores is bad news for many. But if you have a low credit score and too much debt, wherever you live in Canada, you are considered insolvent. There are several insolvency processes available to you. It may not be necessary for you to file for bankruptcy.

If you are concerned because you or your business are dealing with substantial debt challenges, you need debt help and you assume bankruptcy is your only option, call me.

It is not your fault that you remain in this way. You have actually been only shown the old ways to try to deal with financial issues. These old ways do not work anymore.

The Ira Smith Team utilizes new modern-day ways to get you out of your debt difficulties with debt relief options as an alternative to bankruptcy. We can get you the relief you need and so deserve. Our professional advice will create for you a personalized debt-free plan for you or your company during our no-cost initial consultation.

The tension put upon you is big. We know your discomfort factors. We will check out your entire situation and design a new approach that is as unique as you and your problems; financial and emotional. We will take the weight off of your shoulders and blow away the dark cloud hanging over you. We will design a debt settlement strategy for you. We know that we can help you now.

We understand that people with credit cards maxed out and businesses facing financial issues need a realistic lifeline. There is no “one solution fits all” method with the Ira Smith Team. Not everyone has to file bankruptcy in Canada. The majority of our clients never do as we know the alternatives to bankruptcy. We help many people and companies stay clear of filing an assignment in bankruptcy.

That is why we can establish a new restructuring procedure for paying down debt that will be built just for you. It will be as one-of-a-kind as the economic issues and discomfort you are encountering. If any one of these seems familiar to you and you are serious about getting the solution you need to become debt-free, contact the Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. group today.

Call us now for a no-cost consultation.

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

credit score in canada
credit score in canada
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LOWEST CREDIT SCORES RATING: THESE CANAD1ANS LED GIGANTIC CREDIT CARD DEBT REPAYMENT

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

Canadians with the lowest credit scores rating led a wave of pandemic credit card debt repayment

Statistics Canada reported on August 23, 2021, that Canadians with the lowest credit scores rating repaid the most credit card debt in the first year of the pandemic. Over the period of the pandemic to January 2021, the mortgage debt of Canadian households increased by a record amount of $99.6 billion, driven by rising home prices, especially for single-family houses. Over the same period, non-mortgage debt fell by a record $20.6 billion, mainly due to a $16.6 billion decline in credit card debt.

In this Brandon Blog, I look at the area of people with credit scores rating and discuss how and why these lowest credit scores rating Canadians were able to pay down their high-interest debt.

Credit scores rating: Credit report and score basics

Credit scores are three-digit numbers derived from your credit report. An individual’s credit report summarizes their Canadian credit history. The Canadian credit reporting bureaus are Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. These private companies are credit reporting agencies that collect, store, and share information about how you use credit. As your credit report changes over time, your credit score will change as well. The more responsibly you manage your credit, the more points you get. According to a review of Borrowell Canada members, even a single missed payment can lower credit scores by 150 points.

Your credit score calculation is based on information in your credit report. A credit score between 660 and 900 is generally considered good, very good, or excellent credit scores.

The credit score model has credit score ranges from 300 to 900 that is used to determine creditworthiness. People always ask if there is a “magic number” to obtain better loan rates. This is an age-old question. Different lenders may focus on different aspects of your credit history. So, I cannot give you one number that unlocks the door to the best loan rates.

credit scores rating
credit scores rating

Credit scores rating: How to check your credit report

Getting a credit card, getting a car loan, or applying for any loan will result in a credit file being opened up on you. The report keeps getting updated over time. Your borrowing history and borrowing experience are all taken into account.

The report contains information about every loan you have taken out in the last six years and whether you pay on time or not, how much you owe, what your credit limit is on each, as well as a list of creditors who are authorized to access your record.

You can get a free credit report on yourself yearly from each credit bureau. You need to submit your ID and background details to prove you are the person entitled to make the request. You can make sure that your credit history report is error-free. Any errors will be corrected by each credit bureau based on the evidence you provide.

A credit rating of R1 is the best. That means you pay within 30 days of receiving your bill, or “as agreed.”

Anyone who wants to grant you credit or provide you with a service that involves you receiving something before you pay for it (such as a rental apartment or phone service) can get a copy of your credit report so they can make a credit decision about you.

R9 is the lowest credit rating.

Average Canadian credit scores rating improved during the pandemic, Borrowell study finds

With Borrowell, a fintech company, you can get your credit score every week for free. From Q1 2020 to Q1 2021, they analyzed credit scores and credit reports of 1,015,369 Canadians, including those in 20 of Canada’s largest cities, to investigate changes in credit scores and missed payment trends across the country.

The Borrowell study came up with several very interesting findings:

  • Government relief measures, lifestyle changes, and financial shifts have impacted credit scores and bill payments over the past year – sometimes revealing the divergence in how COVID-19 affected different segments of society’s financial future.
  • In spite of the coronavirus pandemic, credit scores for Canadians actually improved.
  • The average number of people with missed payments decreased from 3 out of every 10 consumers to 2 out of every 10 people between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021.
  • From Q1 2020 to Q1 2021, Borrowell members’ average credit scores increased by 18 points, rising from 649 (under the average) in Q1 2020 to 667 (fair).
  • The risk of missing paying bills on time is 432 times higher for consumers with low credit scores rating.

    credit scores rating
    credit scores rating

The Statistics Canada study: Canadians with the lowest credit scores rating led the wave of pandemic credit card debt repayment

The new StatsCan study, “Trends in household non-mortgage loans: The evolution of Canadian household debt before and during COVID-19“, examines how Canadians reduced non-mortgage debt and debt levels during the pandemic.

During the pandemic, households began to see their disposable income rise, partly due to the limited spending opportunities during lockdowns, as well as the government’s monetary assistance, such as CERB or enhanced Employment Insurance. This was an opportunity for many households to pay down their expensive non-mortgage debt, with unsecured credit lines and credit card balances being paid down at record levels.

Prior to the pandemic, the outstanding balance on credit cards was $90.6 billion in February 2020, compared with $74 billion just a year later. During the two decades prior to the pandemic, the outstanding balance carried on credit cards had increased on average by 20.7% per year.

Debt reductions were greatest among Canadians with the lowest credit ratings, suggesting that those most vulnerable to financial hardship used savings prudently during the pandemic. Home prices increased, especially for single-family houses, as I indicated at the outset, driving a record increase in mortgage debt for Canadian households of $99.6 billion.

For me, this is a mixed blessing. You may be pleased to hear that many Canadians with low credit scores have been able to save money and reduce their household debt. In my opinion, mortgage debt is highly unlikely to have been accumulated by the same people.

People with low credit scores were not the ones filling out mortgage applications. It was rather people with good and excellent credit who either moved up and/or refinanced in order to do renovations, improvements and/or to pay off debt with a high-interest rate. Furthermore, it shows that people with low credit scores can earn more money staying home and receiving government COVID-19 assistance than they could make at their normal job. That is a very sad comment.

Minimum credit scores rating for mortgages in Canada

You can either be approved or declined for a mortgage based on your credit score. It can affect your mortgage interest rate, the type of mortgage available, as well as the mortgage lenders that you can choose from.

A mortgage requires a minimum credit score of:

  • in the case of major banks, 600;
  • for B lenders, 550;
  • private lenders have no minimum requirements; and
  • for CMHC mortgage default insurance mortgages, 600 points are required.

For a mortgage with bad credit, your only options are B lenders and private lenders, and they may require a large down payment or equity in your home. A lower credit score is generally associated with a higher mortgage interest rate. Low mortgage rates require a credit score of at least 680.

Having a credit score above 600 is good for getting a mortgage in Canada, as it opens up more options. In most cases, CMHC mortgage default insurance is not available to people with credit scores below 600. When you have a low credit score, your mortgage loan application may be denied, your mortgage rate may be higher, or you may be limited in the amount of money you can borrow.

A credit scores rating must be 680+ to qualify for the low-interest rates advertised in the media. CMHC mortgage default insurance is another issue some borrowers need to be concerned about. As long as you have sufficient income and property value to service the mortgage, a low score may suffice, however, the private lender will charge you higher fees and interest rates.

credit scores rating
credit scores rating

Credit scores rating summary

I hope that you found this credit scores rating Brandon Blog. Credit scores do not always properly reflect people who have problems because they are cash-starved and in debt. There are several insolvency processes available to a person or company with too much debt. You may not need to file for bankruptcy.

If you are concerned because you or your business are dealing with substantial debt challenges, you need debt help and you assume bankruptcy is your only option, call me.

It is not your fault that you remain in this way. You have actually been only shown the old ways to try to deal with financial issues. These old ways do not work anymore.

The Ira Smith Team utilizes new modern-day ways to get you out of your debt difficulties with debt relief options as an alternative to bankruptcy. We can get you the relief you need and so deserve. Our professional advice will create for you a personalized debt-free plan for you or your company during our no-cost initial consultation.

The tension put upon you is big. We know your discomfort factors. We will check out your entire situation and design a new approach that is as unique as you and your problems; financial and emotional. We will take the weight off of your shoulders and blow away the dark cloud hanging over you. We will design a debt settlement strategy for you. We know that we can help you now.

We understand that people with credit cards maxed out and businesses facing financial issues need a realistic lifeline. There is no “one solution fits all” method with the Ira Smith Team. Not everyone has to file bankruptcy in Canada. The majority of our clients never do as we know the alternatives to bankruptcy. We help many people and companies stay clear of filing an assignment in bankruptcy.

That is why we can establish a new restructuring procedure for paying down debt that will be built just for you. It will be as one-of-a-kind as the economic issues and discomfort you are encountering. If any one of these seems familiar to you and you are serious about getting the solution you need to become debt-free, contact the Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. group today.

Call us now for a no-cost consultation.

We hope that you and your family are safe, healthy and secure during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is absolutely operational and Ira, in addition to Brandon Smith, is readily available for a telephone consultation or video meeting.

credit scores rating
credit scores rating
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ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT CANADA REVIEW: A DEBACLE REQUIRES 1 IN 6 CANADIANS TO QUICKLY NEED IT

Annual credit report Canada: Introduction

On Monday, July 29, 2019, Capital One Financial Corp. (Capital One) reported a huge data breach. On the same day, Capital One announced that the FBI arrested a suspect, Paige A. Thompson. She is a Seattle software engineer. It is reported that the breach concerns 100 million individuals in the United States and approximately 6 million people in Canada touched in some capability by this violation. There are about 37 million people living in Canada. That is why I say that 1 in 6 Canadians will want an annual credit report Canada.

In Canada, Capital One issues and administers the Costco and Hudson’s Bay MasterCard. So, if you have one of those credit cards, then you have a high probability of having had your information hacked.

Annual credit report Canada: What Capital One said

Capital One claims there were no credit card account numbers or login details swiped. They also state that most of the Americans and Canadians impacted were from small companies that requested a bank card from 2005 through 2019. The jeopardized information consisted of information typical to such applications. Names, addresses, zip and postal codes, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth and annual income.

However, Capital One also admitted that for its US customers, 140,000 Social Security numbers for bank card clients and also 80,000 connected savings account numbers were also exposed. For Canadian customers, about 1 million social insurance numbers were obtained by the hacker.

Capital One’s press release has tried to downplay the data breach by saying how low the number of stolen data was. But that is still a great deal of stolen personal details for 106 million people in North America. I bet none of those people think that it was not a big deal!

Capital One said they are going to make free credit monitoring and identity protection available to everyone involved. I am sure that many attorneys will be asking a simple question: In the wake of the Equifax data breach, what did Capital One do to reinforce its cybersecurity? I am sure more will be reported on this over time.

Annual credit report Canada: What to do immediately if you might be affected

If you have ever applied for a Capital One card over that 14-year span, you could be affected. As I mentioned at the beginning, about 1 in 6 Canadians are at risk. No statements or other evidence has come out yet as to what Ms. Thompson did with the information, if anything if it was me, I would take certain steps to protect myself. Identity theft is what I would be most worried about.

The very first thing I would do is change my login credentials and password to my Capital One online account. Depending on what email address I use for that account, I would consider whether that email account was essential for me or could I use a new one. If essential, I would make sure that I had sufficient cybersecurity over the email account. In either case, I would make sure that I had proper security on any computer or device I might use to access my Capital One account.

In Canada, there are two credit reporting agencies or credit bureau Canada; Equifax Canada (Equifax) and TransUnion Canada (TransUnion). Unfortunately in Canada, unlike in the USA, you cannot put a freeze on your credit report. A freeze would require anyone wanting to access your credit files to first get your permission on a case by case basis.

However, in Canada, you can put a fraud alert on your credit report. I would contact both Equifax and TransUnion to see if they would let me put such an alert on my credit report. The alert would be that you believe you are a victim of the Capital One data breach in 2019. It is possible though that unless I could prove that a problem already existed, they may not let me. However, that would not stop me from trying.

I would also order my free annual credit report Canada to make sure that there are not any items showing up that you never applied for.

These are the three things that I would do immediately.

Annual credit report Canada: There are other things I would also do to protect myself

Next, I would watch my credit card statements very carefully when they arrive each month. I would look for any suspicious transactions and investigate them. If there were any, I would, of course, report them to the credit card issuer immediately. No doubt they would shut down my card and issue a new one to me.

If my information was sold or otherwise shared by the hacker, I would expect to receive phishing scam emails. I would be most vigilant not to succumb to any of them. I would mark them spam immediately, without clicking on any of the links.

I might also expect to receive scam phone calls to at least the phone number(s) I provided to Capital One. I would never share personal information over the telephone with someone calling me, even if it sounds legitimate. I would ask them for their company employee and contact details and then hang up. I would then do my own sleuthing to determine if that phone call was real or someone trying to pull a scam on me. You cannot rely on your caller id, since spoofing software exists to create a phony number resembling a legitimate company.

If you receive any calls from a credit card company or collection agency about an overdue account that you do not recognize, that to is a result of identity theft. Criminals take out credit cards and loans in the name of the person whose identity they stole. You don’t find out about it until the bank calls or writes you about your delinquent account.

Finally, both Equifax and TransUnion allow you to obtain an annual credit report Canada. I would not request both an Equifax Canada free credit report and a TransUnion Canada free credit report at the same time. Rather, I would first get, say, a TransUnion free credit report immediately and keep it as my baseline.

Then, 6 months later, I would request my Equifax free annual credit report Canada to compare. I would be looking for any credit inquiries from parties that I never made a credit application to or don’t currently have a credit line with. I would use this alternating procedure for a while to make sure nothing funny was going on in my credit files.

Conclusion for annual credit report Canada

I hope you enjoyed this annual credit report Canada Brandon’s Blog. Are you the victim of identity theft? Has your stolen information been used to run up debts in your name? Are you on the verge of bankruptcy? Do not wait till it is far too late to understand how you can restructure your financial affairs and avoid bankruptcy. You do not need to be one more person or company declaring bankruptcy in Canada.

As a licensed insolvency trustee (formerly called a bankruptcy trustee), we are the only specialists certified, accredited and overseen by the federal government to provide insolvency guidance and to apply remedies under the BIA. We will certainly help you to choose what is best for you to release you from your debt problems.

annual credit report canada
annual credit report canada

Call the Ira Smith Team today so we can get rid you for you the stress, anxiety, pain and discomfort that your money issues have created. With the distinct roadmap, we establish simply for you, we will without delay return you right into a healthy and balanced problem-free life, Starting Over Staring Now. Call the Ira Smith Team today.annual credit report canada

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT SCORE: KNOW YOUR CREDIT REPORT SCORE CARD?

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Difference between credit report and credit score: Introduction

Many people we see don’t realize the difference between credit report and credit score and they often confuse a credit report with a credit score. So, let’s get back to basics. We’ll clarify credit reports for you and explain why you should check your credit report and how often.

Difference between credit report and credit score: What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history – when you opened your account(s), how much you owe, if you make your payments on time, miss payments, go over your credit limit, etc. In Canada there are two major credit reporting agencies – Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. They collect information about how you use credit (lenders send them the information) and they create credit reports based on that information. Personal information that’s available in public records, such as a bankruptcy, is also included in your credit report.

Difference between credit report and credit score: What is a credit score?

A credit score is not the same as a credit report. A credit score is a three-digit number produced by a mathematical formula using the information in your credit report. You get points for using credit responsibly. You lose points if you’re having problems managing credit. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900 points (900 is the best score).

Difference between credit report and credit score:: Why is your credit report so important?

As a society we are increasingly dependent on credit. Every time you apply for a credit card, a utility, mortgage, an apartment rental and often even a job, your credit history is checked. These lenders use your credit report and score to decide how risky it would be for them to lend you money or extend you credit. Your credit report and score may also be used to set your interest rate and credit limit. If you have a poor credit history it’s unlikely that you will be approved for credit cards, mortgages and other loans. And if you do get approved you will more than likely have to pay a higher interest rate than someone with a good credit history.

Difference between credit report and credit score: How often should you check your credit report?

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, you should check your credit report at least once a year. They also recommend that you order your credit report from both credit reporting agencies – Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada and that you consider requesting your report from one agency and then waiting six months before you order from the other agency to detect any problems sooner. Mistakes on credit reports do happen so review them carefully and pay special attention to any signs of identity theft – accounts that you didn’t open, credit cards that you didn’t apply for, etc. Be aware that the credit reporting agencies charge a fee to order your credit score.

Difference between credit report and credit score:: How can I order my credit report or score for free?

You can get a free credit report. Equifax Canada offers what they call a “credit disclosure file” and TransUnion offers a “consumer disclosure”. However, these credit reports do NOT include your credit score. To get these free credit reports you must order them by mail, fax or phone and receive them by mail, fax or phone. If you prefer to get access to them online, you will have to pay a fee.

You may have seen commercials offering free credit scores. Beware! There’s no such thing. These companies are either fraudsters out to get your personal financial information or you’ll have to sign up for a paid service to get the free credit score.

Difference between credit report and credit score: Are you having trouble managing credit?

If so, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as quickly as possible. With immediate action and a solid financial plan for moving forward we can help you deal with debt and learn to manage it well in the future, Starting Over, Starting Now. We’re just a phone call away.

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CREDIT REPORT: CHECK IT TO IMPROVE A POOR CREDIT SCORE OR A BAD CREDIT SCORE

credit report, credit score, bad credit score, credit bureau, TransUnion, Equifax, credit reporting agencies, poor credit score, trustee, insolvency, bankruptcy, starting over starting nowHave you checked your credit report lately? Everyone I know does not wish to have either a poor credit score or worse, a bad credit score, but many Canadians pay little or no attention to their credit report and that’s a mistake that can seriously impact your life.

According to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre:

  • 17% of Canadian adults had checked their credit reports in the prior three years
  • Of those who checked, 18% found inaccuracies in their credit reports
  • 10% believed they were denied access to financial services because of report inaccuracies

In fact, some credit bureau watchers estimate that there are errors in 10% to 33% of credit files. You may be surprised to know that one of the biggest sources of conflict isn’t fraud, it’s cell phone providers who send overdue accounts to collection. We reported on one such story in a blog titled Your Credit Rating Can Be Ruined Even If You Don’t Do Anything Wrong. Mr. Dave Johnson of Pembroke, Ontario had his credit rating ruined by Rogers even though he never had a Rogers account and he has spent three years fighting a Rogers Bill that isn’t his. “That one derogatory record has a substantial impact on credit score and it stands out on the credit report,” says Tim Ashby, a vice-president of personal solutions for Equifax. If your credit is not in good standing you will most likely be denied a loan or mortgage. It can also affect your ability to rent housing or get hired for a job.

How often should I check my credit report?

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, check your credit report at least once a year. Review it carefully for errors and signs of identity theft. Order your credit report from both credit reporting agencies. Consider requesting your report from one agency and then waiting six months before you order from the other agency. By spacing out your requests in this way, you may be able to detect any problems sooner.

Who are the credit reporting agencies and how can I contact them to get my credit report?

The credit reporting agencies are TransUnion and Equifax. By clicking on the links you will be taken to their websites where you can access their phone numbers, fax and email in addition to information on how you get your credit report.

Should you discover that you have a poor credit score or a bad credit score, you may need professional help to return to financial health. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is a full service insolvency and financial restructuring practice serving companies and individuals throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) facing financial crisis or bankruptcy that need a plan for Starting Over, Starting Now. Contact us today.

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Credit Scores But Were Afraid to Ask

everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask, credit, credit scores, credit score, credit report, credit reporting agencies, problems with credit, toronto, bankruptcy, vaughan bankruptcy
everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask

Everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask: Introduction

Credit may not be sexy but it does make the world go ‘round. That is why it is important for you to know everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask.

Everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask: Our lives revolve around credit

Our lives revolve around credit – mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards…. Take out your wallet and look inside; how many credit cards do you have? According to a poll conducted on behalf of Credit Canada:

  • 43% of Canadians have more than 3 credit cards
  • 80% of Canadians do not know their credit score
  • 63% of Canadians do not know how their credit score is determined

The more you understand about credit the less likely you are to get yourself into trouble.

Everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask: What is a credit score?

A credit score indicates the risk you represent to lenders compared to other consumers. In Canada we have two credit reporting agencies – Equifax and TransUnion. They use a scale from 300 – 900 to rate your credit score. The number is calculated using a mathematical formula based on the information in your credit report (has detailed information on a person’s credit history including identifying information, credit accounts and loans, bankruptcies and late payments, and recent credit inquiries). You get points if lenders believe that you use credit responsibly. Conversely you lose points if you manage credit poorly. The higher your number is the better. A high number means that you are a good risk for credit. There are many factors that figure your credit score:

  • Length of time you’ve had credit
  • The types of credit that you use
  • Do you pay your bills on time?
  • How much debt are your carrying?
  • How many people have inquired about your credit?
  • Have you been bankrupt before?

Everything you wanted to know about credit scores but were afraid to ask: Why is my credit score important?

At some point in your life you will want access to credit whether it’s for a credit card or to borrow money to buy a house or a car, or to start a business. If you have a high credit score, you may be able to get a lower interest rate on loans, which can save you a lot of money over time. A good credit score will allow you to meet your goals for the future.

If you’re experiencing problems with credit, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We can help you get your life back on track Starting Over, Starting Now.

Call a Trustee Now!