Borrowell vs Credit Karma: Free Credit Score Check

Borro-well and Credit Karma are two prominent free credit score services in Canada. They offer Canadians access to their credit scores and reports at no cost. In addition to providing credit information, these platforms also offer various financial products, including personal loans, credit cards, credit monitoring, identity protection, mortgages, and more. This article will compare Borro-well and Credit Karma, discussing their key features, services, and safety.

Borrowell vs. Credit Karma

1. Credit Score Frequency:

Borrowell: Provides free credit scores updated weekly.
Credit Karma: Offers free credit scores updated monthly.

2. Credit Report Frequency:

Borrowell: Provides free credit reports updated weekly.
Credit Karma: Offers free credit reports updated monthly.

3. Loan Products:

Borro-well: Offers personal loans ranging from $500 to $50,000 with terms between 6 months and 7 years.
Credit Karma: Does not offer loans directly.

4. Mobile App:

Both Borro-well and Credit Karma have mobile apps for easy access to credit information.

5. Other Financial Products:

Borrowell: Provides credit cards, mortgages, insurance, savings, and investment options.
Credit Karma: Offers credit card recommendations.

6. Partnerships:

Borrowell partners with several financial institutions, including EQ Bank, CIBC, Equifax, Scotiabank, BMO, and more.
Credit Karma recently expanded to Canada after operating successfully in the United States.

Borrowell:

Borrowell is a Canadian fintech company founded in 2014. It offers free credit scores and reports through Equifax. Borrowell also provides personal loans ranging from $500 to $50,000 with fixed interest rates and terms from 6 months to 7 years. They partner with various financial institutions and have headquarters in Toronto.

Credit Karma:

Credit Karma, established in 2007 in the United States and expanded to Canada, offers free credit scores and reports based on TransUnion’s Credit Vision Risk Scoring model. It provides credit card recommendations on its website and receives referral fees from banks or lenders when users apply for recommended products.

Safety and Security:

Both Borrowell and Credit Karma use robust encryption to protect users’ personal information, making them as safe as traditional banks. Users are advised to use strong passwords and follow other necessary precautions when using online accounts.

Accuracy of Credit Scores:

The credit scores provided by Borrowell, Credit Karma, and Mogo may vary because they use different credit bureaus and models. Borrowell provides Equifax-based scores, Mogo provides Equifax scores, and Credit Karma offers TransUnion scores. These variations are normal in the industry.

Conclusion:

In Canada, there are multiple options to access free credit scores and reports. Borrowell and Credit Karma are popular choices, with differences in score update frequency and additional financial products. While the credit scores are free, users may receive occasional email offers for financial products. It’s essential to consider these options to make informed financial decisions and improve your credit health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does checking my credit score affect it?

No, checking your credit score through these platforms is a ‘soft’ inquiry and doesn’t impact your credit profile.

Is Borrowell safe?

Yes, Borrowell uses strong encryption, making it as safe as traditional banks.

Is Credit Karma Canada safe?

Yes, Credit Karma employs bank-level encryption to protect user information.

Is the credit score really free?

Yes, accessing your credit score and reports is free. Providers may send occasional product recommendations, and if you apply for a loan or credit card, they may receive a referral fee.

How accurate is Credit Karma Canada?

Credit Karma provides TransUnion-based scores, which may differ from Equifax-based scores offered by Borrowell and Mogo due to varying algorithms.

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