There are a few simple ways to keep a solid credit rating:

• First, pay your bills promptly and always meet payment due dates.
• Borrow only the amount you can afford to repay.
• Draw up a budget to control your spending.
• If you have debts, pay them off as scheduled or even ahead of schedule.
• And finally, review your credit file regularly to stay informed about the details in your credit file.
  
  
  Credit Score (BEACON) components
  
  

  To those of you that wonder "HOW" do they come up with a "Credit number"?
  
  

• 35%  Payment History
• 30%  Amount of Utilization
• 15%  Length of Credit History
• 10%  Type of Credit
• 10%  Inquiries

  For Consumers who want to obtain a copy of their personal credit report:
  
  

• Go to the Consumer Information Centre to get general information.
  
  
• Go to the Purchase Your Credit Report On-Line to get a copy of "your specific" credit report.
  
  
• Phone 514-493-2314 or 1-800-465-7166 to request a copy of your report and further information
  
  
• Mail a written request with copies of two pieces of identification to:
  
  Equifax Canada Inc.
  Consumer Relations Department
  Box 190 Jean Talon Station
  Montreal, Quebec
  H1S 2Z2
  
  

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