More Than Half of Canadians Have Never Checked Their Credit Report Reveals TransUnion Study

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Oct 29, 2013) - As children eagerly wait for trick-or-treating this Halloween and look forward to haunted houses, ghosts and goblins, TransUnion finds many adults may be spooked as well -- by their credit.

According to a recent Google Consumer Survey conducted by TransUnion, more than half (54.5 percent) of Canadians surveyed said they have never checked their credit report or credit score. Another 20.9 percent surveyed said they had not checked credit report or credit score in the last year. 

"Many people are scared to go to the dentist or to the doctor, but when it comes to checking your credit -- knowledge is power. Your credit report and credit score play crucial roles in achieving your financial goals. With a healthy score and responsible past credit behavior, you will make it more likely for lenders to offer you lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, other loans and credit cards -- even your property and insurance rates can benefit," said Julie Springer, vice president at TransUnion. "Consumers should not be scared of checking their credit report and score, but rather monitor it on an ongoing basis so they constantly understand their credit situation and areas that may need work."

By monitoring your credit with TransUnion, you can:

• Stay on top of your credit score and see what lenders see about you.
• Track your credit health progress at your convenience.
• Receive email alerts for all three credit reporting companies that can help warn you of possible identity theft.
• Watch your progress over time with trending reports.

For more information on how checking your credit regularly can help you reach your financial goals, as well as receive your free credit score by signing up for a 7 day trial as part of your paid TransUnion membership, visit www.TransUnion.ca.

Methodology
Written by TransUnion Interactive and conducted using Google Consumer Surveys, September 2013. Survey of 1110 Canadians. Survey results have a 95 percent confidence level.

About TransUnion
As a global leader in information and risk management, TransUnion creates advantages for millions of people around the world by gathering, analyzing and delivering information. For businesses, TransUnion helps improve efficiency, manage risk, reduce costs and increase revenue by delivering high quality data, and integrating advanced analytics and enhanced decision-making capabilities. For consumers, TransUnion provides the tools, resources and education to help manage their credit health and achieve their financial goals. Through these and other efforts, TransUnion is working to build stronger economies worldwide. Based in Burlington, Ontario, with global headquarters located in Chicago, Illinois, TransUnion provides local service and support throughout Canada. Visit www.transunion.ca to learn more. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TransUnion.