Credit freeze in Canada: where it is available and how to place one
Quick summary
A credit freeze, also called a credit lock, stops a bureau from giving your credit report to lenders who are looking at a new application. Equifax Canada says its free Credit Lock is available to Ontario residents from July 1, 2026, and Quebec residents have had it since 2023. If you were scammed, start with the scam recovery steps.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: Equifax Canada: Credit Lock for Ontarians (announced June 11, 2026). See all 2 sources.
What a credit freeze does
Equifax Canada says that while a lock is on file, it is legally prohibited from returning your credit score, report or personal information to lenders considering new credit. It says placing a lock does not affect your credit score calculations.
A lock is for new credit. It does not stop an account you already have from being used.
Source: Equifax Canada: Credit Lock for Ontarians (announced June 11, 2026).
Where it is available
Equifax Canada: Ontario residents from July 1, 2026, and Quebec residents since 2023, per the Equifax announcement. It is free. You can place, remove or suspend the lock through myEquifax, by phone or by mail.
TransUnion Canada has its own credit freeze page. We could not open it on November 3, 2026, so check that page for where it applies and what it costs.
Sources: Equifax Canada: Credit Lock for Ontarians (announced June 11, 2026); TransUnion Canada: Credit freeze.
If you live somewhere else
The Equifax announcement names Ontario and Quebec only. Elsewhere, a fraud alert may be the tool available. Our scam recovery guide lists the Equifax and TransUnion fraud alert options and phone numbers.
Check your report
A freeze does not show you what is already on your report. Get your free report from both bureaus and look for accounts you do not recognize.
Questions people ask
Can you freeze your credit in Canada?
In some places. Equifax Canada says its free Credit Lock is available to Ontario residents from July 1, 2026, and Quebec residents have had it since 2023.
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
Equifax says placing a lock has no impact on credit score calculations.
Does it cost anything?
Equifax Canada's Credit Lock is free. Check TransUnion Canada's page for its terms.
How do I lift it when I need credit?
Equifax says you can remove or suspend a lock through myEquifax, by phone or by mail.
What can I do if I do not live in Ontario or Quebec?
Look at fraud alerts. Equifax and TransUnion each have their own, and each only covers its own file.