A consumer proposal credit report shows a note in the legal/public records section indicating the proceeding type and dates. It won’t haunt your credit forever—but it can feel that way if old notes linger on your file. If you’ve completed your proposal and are ready for a mortgage renewal or new credit, you deserve a clean slate. Let’s break down how long it should stay, what should be removed, and what to do if outdated remarks are still holding you back.
How Long Does a Consumer Proposal Stay on Record?
Most consumer proposals last five years, usually with fixed monthly payments. After completion, the credit bureaus apply different rules:
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Equifax: Removed 3 years after completion or 6 years from filing—whichever comes first.
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TransUnion: Removed 3 years after completion or 6 years from the date of default—whichever comes first.
👉 Example: If you finished your proposal in early 2022, it should be purged from your report by early 2025, even if you filed it only months before paying it off.
Note: Rules may vary by province. Always confirm directly with Equifax and TransUnion.
What Should Disappear vs. What Should Stay
When a consumer proposal is cleared, it should be removed from:
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The public records section of your credit file
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Each individual account included in the proposal
If you’re still seeing notes like “Account closed, included in proposal” or “Written off as part of a proposal”, those are outdated and shouldn’t remain once the proposal is gone.
Why Leftover Notes Still Hurt You
Even closed accounts with $0 balances can drag you down if they still carry negative remarks. Lenders—especially mortgage lenders using Equifax—may treat you as if you’re still in recovery, even though you’ve moved on.
Worse, an unnecessary credit denial based on stale notes can further damage your profile, making it harder to qualify for the rates and terms you deserve.
What to Do if Your Credit Report Hasn’t Caught Up
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Order your full reports from both Equifax and TransUnion—not just summaries.
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Highlight outdated remarks tied to your proposal. Screenshots help.
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Hold off on new applications until corrections are made—rejections only make things worse.
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File disputes yourself, or work with a professional who knows the system.
Tip: Credit file experts like Richard Moxley (a CMT contributor) specialize in getting Equifax and TransUnion to correct errors effectively.
The Bottom Line
Once your consumer proposal is behind you, your credit report should reflect it. If it doesn’t, that’s not your fault—but it is your responsibility to fix it.
Clean up your report before applying for a mortgage or new credit. A few lingering notes can cost you thousands in higher interest or even lead to declines. Take control now, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to move forward with confidence.
👉 Get a your free credit report here.
Ready to move forward with confidence? Get your credit report cleaned up before applying for a mortgage or new loan. Reach out today and leave your contact information or schedule a 30-minute strategy call and let’s make sure nothing holds you back.