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Business credit

Who keeps your business credit file, what’s in it, and how to fix mistakes before a lender sees them.

3 minute readUpdated October 13, 2026By the NorthAxis Capital team

The short answer

  • In Canada, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet keep business credit files.
  • Business reports usually cost money. Your personal report is free from Equifax and TransUnion.
  • Lenders often check both your business and personal credit.
  • Check once a year and fix any errors before you apply for a loan.

Who keeps business credit files in Canada?

Two main companies keep credit files on Canadian businesses:

  • Equifax Canada
  • Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Canada

These files are separate from your personal credit report. But lenders often look at both.

What is in a business credit report?

  • Your business name, address and how long you’ve been open
  • How you pay suppliers and lenders, and if you pay on time
  • Accounts sent to collections
  • Legal claims or judgments
  • Recent credit checks by lenders
  • A score or rating that sums it all up

How do I check my business credit?

  1. Contact Equifax Canada or Dun & Bradstreet Canada and ask for your business credit report.
  2. Have your business’s legal name, address and business number ready.
  3. Business reports usually cost money. Ask what options they have.
  4. Also get your personal report. It’s free from Equifax and TransUnion, and checking it doesn’t hurt your score.
Why check both?For smaller and newer businesses, lenders lean on the owner’s personal credit. A mistake on your personal report can cost your business a loan.

How do I fix errors?

  1. Write down each mistake, like a bill you paid that shows as unpaid.
  2. Gather proof, like receipts or bank records.
  3. Send a dispute to the credit bureau that shows the error.
  4. Follow up until it is fixed.

Our credit repair team can help you review your reports and fix wrong items.

How do I raise my business credit score?

  • Pay suppliers and lenders on time, every time.
  • Open trade accounts with suppliers that report your payments.
  • Use a business credit card and keep the balance low.
  • Keep your business name and address the same everywhere.

For the full plan, read how to build business credit. Planning a loan? Talk to our team.

FAQ

Quick questions, quick answers.

Is there a free business credit report in Canada?

Business reports usually cost money. Your personal credit report is free from Equifax and TransUnion, and lenders often check it too.

Does my business have a credit score?

If your business has used credit or trade accounts, it likely has a file with Equifax or Dun & Bradstreet. New businesses may have little or no file.

Is business credit separate from personal credit?

Yes. They are separate files. But for small businesses, lenders usually look at both.

How long do mistakes take to fix?

It depends on the bureau and the mistake. Send clear proof and follow up until it’s fixed.

Keep reading

More simple guides.

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