Messy credit? You’re not alone.
A late payment here, a forgotten bill there… and suddenly your credit record looks like a disaster zone.
Luckily, there are ways to clean up your credit record.
Here’s what you need to do.
Clearing your credit record
Just like any other problem, we need to understand the cause before we can get to the solution. We need to understand the WHY before we get to the HOW.
Bear with us for a sec…
How South Africans get bad credit records
South Africans can get bad credit records for several reasons, most of which stem from financial mismanagement, unexpected financial hardship, or lack of awareness about credit reporting.
Here are some of the most common ways it happens:
- Missed or late payments on loans and accounts
- Defaulting on debts
- Court judgments against unpaid accounts
- Taking on too much credit at once
It comes down to two things. One, having too much debt. And two, not being able to afford all of the debt.
If you miss a payment or pay late, it shows on your credit report. Defaults show up on your credit report. Judgments show up on your credit report. All of these add up.
We help thousands of South Africans reduce monthly debt costs, protect their assets, and stay out of court—find out what we can do for you.
So, how do you fix it?
How to clear your credit record
Steps to clean your credit record
- Get your credit report
- Check for errors and dispute them
- Pay off outstanding debts
- Request paid-up letters
- Follow up with credit bureaus
- Rescind judgments (if applicable)
- Maintain good credit habits going forward
1. Get your credit report
Start by pulling your credit report from all major bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and XDS). Each credit bureau offers one free comprehensive report per year. Use it.
(If you want easy access and unlimited free reports—try My Score Hero.)
Having a full view of your listings helps you spot issues and know exactly what you’re dealing with.
2. Check for errors and dispute them
Look for incorrect or outdated listings (including prescribed debt).
If you find any, file a dispute with the relevant credit bureau. Just contact them through their website or app. The bureau will investigate the listing and, if incorrect, remove or update it within 20 business days.
3. Pay off outstanding debts
Focus on settling accounts that are overdue, especially those listed as defaulted or with judgments. Contact creditors and try to negotiate settlements if possible, and make full payments to clear the debt.
4. Ask for paid-up letters
After settling debts, request a paid-up letter from the creditor. This document confirms that the account is fully settled and can help speed up the update process.
5. Follow up with credit bureaus
Send copies of your paid-up letters and proof of payment to the credit bureaus, asking them to update or remove the listings. Follow up to ensure they process your request within the 7–21 business day window.
6. Rescind judgments (if applicable)
If you have a court judgment on your record, paying the debt is only part of the solution. You need to apply for a rescission order through the court, and submit that order to the credit bureaus to have the judgment removed.
This may require legal help, but it is worth the effort.
7. Keep up good credit habits going forward
Once your record is cleaned up, keep it that way.
Pay accounts on time, limit your credit use, avoid unnecessary credit applications, and monitor your credit regularly.
It probably sounds like quite a bit of work because it is.
This will take time. Be patient, go step by step, and stick with it.
How long does it take to clear your credit record?
Clearing your credit record in South Africa can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the type of negative listing. Defaults can be cleared within 7–21 business days after settling the debt and submitting proof. Judgments require a court rescission process that can take 4–8 weeks, followed by 21 days for bureau updates. While sequestration can stick around for up to 10 years unless rehabilitated. And finally, disputes on incorrect listings are resolved within 20 business days.
How long it takes to clear different listings:
| Listing type | How long it stays on record | How long after action it can be cleared |
| Defaults/Adverse Listings | Up to 1 year after settlement | 7–21 business days after proof of payment submitted |
| Judgments | 5 years (unless rescinded) | 4–8 weeks to obtain court rescission, 21 days to update the record |
| Sequestration | 10 years (or until rehabilitation granted) | 21 business days after submitting the rehabilitation order |
| Incorrect Listings (Disputes) | Until corrected by the bureau | 20 business days for dispute resolution and update |
How to protect your credit record when money is tight
When finances are strained, it’s easy to fall behind — but there are practical ways to protect your credit record before damage occurs. Acting early and strategically can save you from years of financial difficulty.
- Speak to your creditors early
- Consider debt counselling
- Prioritise essential bills
- Set up automatic payments
- Avoid new credit
1. Speak to your creditors early
Most credit providers are willing to negotiate temporary payment relief or restructure repayment terms if you approach them before defaulting. It’s better to communicate, instead of ignoring the issue.
2. Consider debt counselling
Debt counselling (debt review) is a governed, legal process that helps South Africans who have too much debt manage debt repayments by creating a more affordable repayment plan. Debt counselling combines all of the debts into one lower monthly payment. Plus, it stops legal action and helps protect your credit record from judgments and defaults that make it worse.
You can learn more about it here.
We help thousands of South Africans reduce monthly debt costs, protect their assets, and stay out of court—find out what we can do for you.
3. Prioritise essential bills
Focus on paying accounts that impact your credit record first: home loans, vehicle finance, and credit cards. Missed payments on these accounts can really damage your credit score.
4. Set up automatic payments
Automating your minimum debt payments reduces the risk of missed deadlines or running out of money before the due date. Both of which can lead to negative listings.
5. Avoid new credit
When money is tight, resist the urge to open new credit accounts. Each application triggers a credit inquiry, which can further harm your score if done repeatedly.
Besides, if having too much debt is the problem, how could adding more debt be the solution? (It’s not.)
⭐ Related content: What is a good credit score in South Africa?
Final thoughts
Cleaning your credit record won’t happen overnight, but it can happen.
Dispute errors, settle old debts, and keep your credit behaviour healthy — those are your building blocks.
And when the pressure’s on, remember: help is out there, and small decisions now can save you big headaches later.
If you want to talk to someone about managing your debt, we can help. Try our online assessment at My Debt Hero to see if you qualify to reduce your debt.
