How do I remove debt review from my credit record?

The debt review flag is removed from your credit record when your debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate under the National Credit Act (NCR) — section 71(1) of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA) and sends it to all registered credit bureaus. The bureaus are then legally obligated to update your record. The process takes between 7 and 21 business days after the certificate is issued.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Name from Debt Review

Step 1 — Settle All Debts Listed in Your Court Order

The clearance certificate can only be issued once every credit agreement included in your debt review court order has been paid in full. This includes your home loan, vehicle finance, and any unsecured credit agreements covered by the order. Confirm each balance with the relevant creditor and obtain a paid-up letter or settlement confirmation in writing.

Step 2 — Request Your Clearance Certificate from Your Debt Counsellor

Your debt counsellor is obligated under section 71(1) to issue the clearance certificate once all debts are settled. Contact your debt counsellor in writing (email is sufficient) and formally request the certificate. Keep a record of this request and the date you sent it.

Regulation 27 of the NCA Regulations prescribes the format of the clearance certificate (Form 19). The certificate must list all the credit agreements that were under review and confirm that each has been settled.

Step 3 — Debt Counsellor Notifies Credit Bureaus and the NCR

After issuing the clearance certificate, your debt counsellor must send it to:

All registered credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, Compuscan/XDS, and Equifax)
The National Credit Regulator (NCR)

The NCR uses this to update its own debt counselling register. Credit bureaus update their records separately.

Step 4 — Check Your Credit Report

Wait 7 to 21 business days after the clearance certificate has been issued, then pull your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each registered credit bureau under section 72(1) of the NCA. You can request reports from:

TransUnion — transunion.co.za
Experian — experian.co.za
Compuscan (XDS) — compuscan.co.za
Equifax — equifax.co.za

The debt review flag should no longer appear. Your credit report will reflect the accounts as closed and settled.

What to Do If the Bureaus Have Not Removed the Flag

If the debt review flag still appears on your credit report after 21 business days from the date your clearance certificate was issued, you have the following remedies.

Option 1 — Lodge a Dispute with the Credit Bureau Directly

Each credit bureau has a dispute resolution process. Submit a formal dispute in writing and attach a copy of your clearance certificate. The bureau is required under section 72(2) of the NCA to investigate and respond within 20 business days.

Option 2 — Lodge a Complaint with the NCR

The NCR is the regulator for both debt counsellors and credit bureaus. If a bureau fails to remove the flag after receiving a valid clearance certificate, you can lodge a complaint at:

Phone: 0860 627 627
Email: [email protected]
Website: ncr.org.za

Include your clearance certificate, proof of the date it was issued, and the credit report still showing the debt review flag.

Option 3 — Contact the Credit Ombud

The Credit Ombud handles disputes between consumers and credit bureaus or credit providers. This is a free service. Contact the Credit Ombud at:

Phone: 0861 662 837
Email: [email protected]

The Credit Ombud has the authority to direct a bureau to correct your record and can award compensation in egregious cases.

What the Flag Looks Like on Your Credit Report

When you are under debt review, your credit report will reflect a code indicating "under debt counselling" or "debt review" against your profile, as well as against each credit agreement in the review. Once removed, these codes disappear and the individual accounts show as settled or closed.

Common Mistakes

Waiting passively after completing payments without following up on the clearance certificate — debt counsellors do not always issue certificates automatically; you must request it
Assuming the flag is removed the moment payments are complete — removal only happens after the clearance certificate is issued and sent to the bureaus
Paying a third party to "expedite" removal — the removal process is free and governed by statute; companies charging large fees for "removal services" are taking money for something you can do yourself
Only checking one credit bureau — each bureau holds its own data; check all four to confirm the flag is cleared across all of them

For more on this topic, see what debt review is.

For more on this topic, see exiting debt review.

For more on this topic, see debt review costs.

When to Consult an Attorney

Consult a debt review or consumer law attorney if your debt counsellor refuses to issue the clearance certificate despite all debts being settled, if a credit bureau continues to show the debt review flag after a formal dispute has been lodged and ignored, or if a creditor claims you still owe an amount that you believe is settled. An attorney can bring an urgent application against a non-compliant debt counsellor and can engage the NCR formally on your behalf.

Key Legislation

National Credit Act 34 of 2005, section 71(1) — Obligation on debt counsellor to issue clearance certificate
National Credit Act 34 of 2005, section 72(1) — Consumer's right to a free annual credit report
National Credit Act 34 of 2005, section 72(2) — Credit bureau's obligation to investigate and correct disputed information
NCA Regulation 27 / Form 19 — Prescribed format of the clearance certificate

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Disclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. About the Author: This answer was prepared by the Justibly Legal Research Team, reviewed for accuracy by practising attorneys admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Verify attorney credentials on the LPC register.

Last updated: April 2026