Published on July 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Let’s be honest: When was the last time you sat down with a friend and talked about your credit score? We know money conversations can feel awkward, but a recent survey reveals just how far that awkwardness goes, and credit scores are at the centre of it.
Canadians are lying about their salary and credit scores
A recent MooseMoney survey on Canadian money taboos revealed how our collective financial anxiety is driving us to stretch the truth. The survey found that nearly one in three Canadians (31.5%) admits to lying to someone about their annual salary, while over a quarter (26.3%) hide their credit card debt.
Credit scores are close behind. Nearly one in four Canadians (22.9%) admits they’ve lied about their credit rating.
The gap widens significantly depending on the financial situation. Among Canadians who are struggling financially, 30.4% have lied about their credit score. That’s more than three times the number of people who are financially comfortable (9.3%). The same pattern holds across the board: Struggling Canadians lied about their salary almost two times more than financially comfortable ones did (38.1% vs. 20.9%).
If you’ve ever felt tempted to fudge the numbers, take a deep breath. When a three-digit number feels tied to how well you're doing in life, it makes sense that it's the last thing you want to talk about.
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What most people actually know about credit scores
Part of the reason credit scores feel so intimidating is that nobody really teaches us how they work. It’s normal to feel lost about what a good credit score in Canada even is, or how lenders use it when you apply for a loan or a rental.
How to check your credit score for free in Canada
Thankfully, keeping tabs on your score is easier (and cheaper!) than it used to be. In fact, you don’t even have to pay anything to do it. Here are a few ways to check your credit score online, for free:
- If you have a Neo credit card, the Neo app has credit monitoring features that let you track your credit score and monitor your progress.
- Credit monitoring apps like Borrowell pull your score for free and update it regularly.
- Equifax and TransUnion are Canada’s two major credit bureaus. Both offer free online access to your credit report, which shows your credit history including accounts, payment records, and any negative marks.
Start improving your credit score
Your credit score is a financial starting point, not a permanent verdict. With time and the right habits, most scores can be rebuilt.¹
If you are struggling to get approved for a traditional credit card because your credit history is damaged or thin, a secured credit card can be an empowering tool to help you build up your credit. By providing a small, refundable security deposit², you can open an account designed to help you practice healthy habits.
You don't have to navigate your financial journey in hiding. Understanding your score is the first step toward taking control of it—no fibs required.
By Francesca Treñas
Francesca Treñas is an editor, journalist, and the Content Manager at Neo. Her work has appeared in premier Canadian and international publications including Chatelaine, FASHION, and Vogue Philippines.
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