How Long Does a Consumer Proposal Stay on Credit Report in Ontario?

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Does a Consumer Proposal Affect My Credit?

The short answer is yes; a consumer proposal will affect your credit as it reduces your credit score and stays on your credit report for a period.

After completing the proposal, however, nothing is stopping you from raising your credit score.

Many are concerned about the impact a consumer proposal can have on your credit. The reality is that this debt relief solution can set you up for better credit and financial decisions in the future. One reason for this is that credit counselling services are mandatory with a credit consumer proposal.

Credit counselling sessions provide a debtor with the tools, resources, and debt management strategies they will need to repay the proposal and form better financial habits for the future. 

At David Sklar & Associates, we want to see you succeed and walk you through the entire process. We will explain what filing for a consumer proposal will mean for your credit and how it can help your financial future. 

How Long Does a Consumer Proposal Stay on Your Credit Report?

A consumer proposal can remain on your credit report a maximum of 6 years from the date you file based on the new guidelines from TransUnion and Equifax. A lot less time than bankruptcy. Bankruptcies, on the other hand, remain on your account for longer, and increases every time you file one.

Keep in mind that if you pay your consumer proposal faster, the length of time it appears on your credit report is shortened. This is another advantage that you don’t get when you file for bankruptcy. At David Sklar & Associates, we work with you to weigh both options and identify the best solution for you.

A consumer proposal that is completed in five years, will be removed from your credit report one year later (six years from the date you filed).

A consumer proposal that is completed in two years, will remain on your credit report an additional 3 years from the date you completed payment (for a total of five years).

A consumer proposal paid immediately as a lump sum, will be removed three years after the completion of the proposal.

How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on Credit Report in Canada?

How long a bankruptcy will stay on your credit report in Canada depends on the number of bankruptcies you’ve already filed. If this is your first bankruptcy, it will remain on your credit for six years after discharge.

If this is your second time filing for bankruptcy, it will stay on your credit report for 14 years. If you file for bankruptcy three times or more, it remains on your credit for life. The Canadian Government outlines these timelines.

Understanding Your Credit Rating History

The two agencies that report and keep a record of your credit history are TransUnion and Equifax. These agencies updated their retention policies for consumer proposals in 2019 to reflect the following:

TransUnion: TransUnion will remove a consumer proposal and any related accounts from your credit history after either a) three years after completing the proposal b) six years since the defaulting of the account. Whichever comes first will be applied.  

Equifax: Equifax will remove a consumer proposal from your report three years after you pay all debt or six years after filing the request. Whichever comes first will be applied.

How Does a Consumer Proposal Affect Your Credit?

There are various ways a consumer proposal can affect your credit. That said, keep in mind that these implications are only temporary.

When your consumer proposal is filed and approved, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy will obtain it and inform the credit bureau. This action will result in several things. 

  • You will likely receive either an R7 credit rating (keep in mind that if you don’t make your payments, this will also occur). Bankruptcy, on the other hand, results in an R9 score
  • The proposal will show up on two sections of your credit rating for three years (the legal and/or public records section of your credit report).
  • Each creditor will indicate that your account was included in a proposal 
  • The date of the filing is recorded and then updated upon completion. 
  • On occasion, your creditors may indicate a bankruptcy on your credit report instead of a proposal. You can request an update to rectify this.

These implications are removed once your consumer proposal is completed, leaving you with a fresh slate to rebuild your credit and achieve financial wellness. The sooner you complete the proposal, the sooner you can start rebuilding.

Rebuilding Your Credit

There are various ways to rebuild your credit after filing a consumer proposal. This includes:

  • Applying for a Secured Credit Card
  • Making sure you repay everything on time 
  • Paying in larger amounts when you can; not just the minimum
  • Avoiding opening new accounts before current ones are paid

Filing Consumer Proposals with David Sklar & Associates 

The hardest part of the consumer proposal process is asking for help. The team of compassionate Licensed Insolvency Trustees at David Sklar & Associates will guide you throughout the process, help you weigh your options, and make suggestions based on your unique situation. 

There is no one size fits all debt relief solution, and our compassionate trustees work with you to identify the solution that will be best suited to you so that you achieve financial independence as soon as possible. 

We provide the credit counselling required to file a proposal and establish debt management and financial plans for your future. Contact David Sklar & Associates to book your initial consultation.

Take Your First Step Towards A Debt Free Life

If you are overwhelmed by debt, call us at 1-844-962-9200 to book a FREE, confidential appointment. We will review your financial situation in detail and discuss all of your options with you. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you. 

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Very knowledgeable, helpful and fast service
Anthony Mcfeat
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I am so delighted to have found this company. They are the best. Everyone in the office is very nice never to busy to assist you. Thank you David Sklar and Shirley and associates for being you. 😊🌺😊
Deborah
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Trina was amazing and quick. No judgement was made and they all made me feel I made the right decision. Would highly recommend them
Crystal Minaker
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Trina was very easy to work with. Any questions I had were answered promptly. What seemed like a complicated process was explained in a clear manner that wasn't at all intimidating. It made for a more comfortable experience during a turbulent time.
Eldon Aubie
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Jackie is very professional...I would recommend David Sklar to anybody especially knowing how understanding they are.
Kimberley Lyder-Niles
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I had Shirley and Kim take care of my finances. From the very first moment I spoke with Shirley I could sense how caring, professional and patient she was. She was also very understanding with my lack of financial knowledge and never made me feel dumb as some other companies have.Her and Kim were always very quick to respond to emails, always available if I called and answered my abundance of questions in such detail that I now believe I have a thorough understanding of how finances work. I am hopeful about my fresh financial start and very grateful I had the privilege of meeting and working with these two beautiful women.I also spoke briefly with Richard over zoom and he to was extremely friendly, patient and made sure I was well taken care of.I could not recommend David Sklar and Associates more. Thank you again.
Shayleen Muzi
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Good professional team! Jennifer is the best, helped me through everything and answered all my questions. Made the process easy! Would recommend Jennifer and the team at David Skylar.
gary round
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Christine and her team are amazing and professionals. I called for help and she responded right away to help me.thank you and I really appreciated for everything you do.
Marcelina Sunas
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Thank you so much for the helpYou took away the most stressful things in our lives which was our dept you guys are amazing and would recommend you to everyone
Kaitlyne Sunas
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The staff here are fantastic (Cori handled my visit) and are willing to go above and beyond to help people who need help, I recommend them 100% for people who are looking to move on in good standing.
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