How long a consumer proposal stays on your credit report
Quick summary
A consumer proposal comes off your report 3 years after you finish it, or 6 years after you sign it, whichever comes first. That is what Equifax and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada say for both bureaus. One government page words Equifax differently, so check your own report. Next step: get your free credit report.
Checked November 2, 2026. Main source: Equifax Canada, How long does information stay on your credit report. Checked November 2, 2026.. See all 4 sources.
Key facts
- Equifax
- Removes a proposal 3 years after completion
- Source: OSB, Compare debt solutions (modified Nov 26, 2025)
- TransUnion
- Earlier of 3 years after completion or 6 years after signing
- Source: OSB, Compare debt solutions (modified Nov 26, 2025)
- Check yourself
- Sources word the end date a little differently, so check your own reports
- Source: This page, read Nov 2, 2026
The official times
| Bureau | How long a consumer proposal shows |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 3 years after you finish, or 6 years after you sign, whichever comes first |
| TransUnion | 3 years after you finish, or 6 years after you sign, whichever comes first |
Sources: Equifax Canada, How long does information stay on your credit report; Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, How long information stays on your credit report. The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy lists Equifax as 3 years after you finish, with no 6 year limit. When sources differ, your own credit report is the final word. Checked November 2, 2026.
Worked examples
These examples use the official rules above. They are our own arithmetic, so your report can differ.
A 5 year proposal: you finish in year 5. Three years after you finish is year 8. Six years after you sign is year 6. The sooner date is year 6.
A 3 year proposal: you finish in year 3. Three years after you finish is year 6. Six years after you sign is also year 6. So it shows until year 6.
If the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy table is right for Equifax, the 5 year example would run to year 8 on that bureau. This is why checking your own report matters.
How this compares
| Option | How long it shows on your credit report |
|---|---|
| Debt management plan | A payment arrangement shows for 2 years after you finish |
| Consumer proposal | See the table above |
| Bankruptcy | First time: 6 or 7 years after discharge, depending on the province. Second time or more: 14 years after discharge |
Source: Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Compare debt solutions. Checked November 2, 2026.
What to do while it shows
The entry is accurate, so you cannot remove it early. You can still build your score with on time payments and low card balances.
Check your report from both bureaus to see the dates yourself. If you find a mistake, you can dispute it.
Questions people ask
How long does a consumer proposal stay on your credit report in Canada?
3 years after you finish, or 6 years after you sign, whichever comes first, according to Equifax and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. One government page words Equifax differently, so check your report.
Can I remove a consumer proposal from my credit report early?
Not if it is accurate. You can dispute a mistake with Equifax or TransUnion.
Is a consumer proposal shorter on your report than bankruptcy?
It depends on the dates. A first bankruptcy shows 6 or 7 years after discharge, depending on the province, and a second one shows 14 years after discharge. A proposal can end sooner, especially on TransUnion.