How long do hard inquiries stay on your credit report in Canada?
How long hard credit checks generally stay on Equifax and TransUnion Canada reports, hard vs soft inquiries, and how to dispute ones you didn't authorize.
Short answer
FCAC lists lender credit inquiries as remaining for 3 years with Equifax and 6 years with TransUnion. How long an inquiry is visible is different from how it affects a score; do not use visibility alone to predict a score change.
Hard vs soft inquiries
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit and a lender checks your file. Soft inquiries, such as checking your own report or pre-approved offers, are visible to you but don't affect your score.
Inquiries you didn't authorize
An inquiry from a lender you never applied to can be a sign of identity theft. Dispute it with the bureau, ask the lender for proof you gave consent, and consider adding a fraud alert to your file.
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General information only, not legal advice. Laws and bureau policies change.