Most negative information stays on your Canadian credit report for about six years from the date of last activity – but it varies by the type of item. Here is how long each one lasts, whether you can remove it early, and how to rebuild in the meantime.
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How Long Each Negative Item Stays
- Late or missed payments – about 6 years from the date of the missed payment.
- Collections – about 6 years from the date of last activity. See when collections fall off your report.
- Consumer proposal – about 3 years after you finish paying it, or up to 6 years from filing. More on consumer proposals and your credit.
- Bankruptcy – a first bankruptcy stays 6 to 7 years after discharge; a second can stay 14. See rebuilding after bankruptcy.
- Judgments & registered items – about 6 years.
- Hard inquiries – about 3 years (and only a small, short-term effect).
Can You Remove Bad Credit Early?
You can only remove information that is inaccurate, outdated or not yours by disputing it with Equifax and TransUnion. Accurate items cannot be deleted early – be wary of anyone who promises otherwise, and read what credit repair can legally do.
How to Rebuild While You Wait
The good news: the impact of bad credit fades well before it drops off. Open a secured credit card, keep your utilization low, and pay everything on time. Our full guide covers it: how to fix your credit in Canada.
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