If you are under debt review, you may be wondering how to remove the debt review flag from your credit profile and move forward financially.
Debt review is designed to protect consumers who are struggling with debt. It helps restructure repayments so you can afford them. But once your debts are settled or your circumstances improve, you may want to exit the process.
This guide explains everything you need to know about debt review removal in South Africa, including:
- when you can remove debt review
- how the removal process works
- how much debt review removal costs
- how long the process takes
- whether you can remove debt review yourself
- how to check if your debt review flag has been removed
If you are looking for clear and practical information, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What Is Debt Review Removal?
Debt review removal is the process of removing the debt review flag from your credit profile once you have met the requirements set out by the National Credit Act.
When you enter debt review, your credit profile is flagged with a “debt review” status. This prevents you from taking on additional credit while you are repaying your debts.
Once your debts are settled or you qualify to exit the process, a registered debt counsellor can issue a clearance certificate. This certificate confirms that the requirements for debt review removal have been met.
The debt counsellor then notifies the credit bureaus, and the debt review flag is removed from your credit record.
When Can You Remove Debt Review?
Debt review cannot be removed at any time. There are specific conditions that must be met.
In most cases, debt review can be removed when:
1. All debts included in the debt review have been paid
If every debt under the debt review process has been settled, a clearance certificate can be issued.
2. Only your home loan remains
If you have paid all other debts and only your home loan remains, you may still qualify for a clearance certificate provided your bond repayments are up to date.
3. A court rescinds the debt review order
In some situations, a court may rescind the debt review order if the consumer is no longer over-indebted.
Your debt counsellor will determine whether you meet the legal requirements to exit the debt review process.
Think you qualify for debt review removal? Let's get you cleared!
How the Debt Review Removal Process Works
The debt review removal process usually follows a clear set of steps.
Step 1: Confirm your debts are paid
The first step is confirming that the debts included in your debt review have been settled or meet the requirements for removal.
This often requires paid-up letters from your creditors.
Step 2: A debt counsellor reviews your case
A registered debt counsellor must verify your financial position and ensure the legal requirements are met.
Consumers cannot remove debt review themselves.
Step 3: A clearance certificate is issued
If everything is in order, the debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate confirming that the debt review process has been completed.
Step 4: Credit bureaus are notified
The clearance certificate is submitted to the credit bureaus.
They update your profile and remove the debt review flag.
Once this happens, your credit profile will reflect that you are no longer under debt review.
Start your online application to be cleared from debt review today!
How Much Does Debt Review Removal Cost?
Debt review removal can cost as little as R3000 if you already have your paid-up letters from creditors.
The cost may vary depending on:
- how many creditors are involved
- whether documents still need to be obtained
- how complex the case is
It is important to understand that free debt review removal does not exist. A registered debt counsellor must handle the process, and professional services are required to issue the clearance certificate and notify the credit bureaus.
If you see companies advertising free debt review removal, it is often a sign of misleading or unethical practices.
How Long Does Debt Review Removal Take?
The time it takes to remove debt review can vary depending on the circumstances.
Once the clearance certificate has been issued, the process can be completed relatively quickly.
In some cases, consumers have had their debt review flag removed within a few days after all required documents were submitted.
However, delays can occur if:
- paid-up letters are missing
- creditors take time to confirm settlement
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there are errors on the credit record
Working with an experienced debt counsellor can help speed up the process.
Debt Review Removal Timeline
Most debt review removals follow a similar timeline.
| Step | What Happens | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paid-up letters obtained from creditors | 1–7 days |
| 2 | Debt counsellor reviews documents | 1–2 days |
| 3 | Clearance certificate issued | 1 day |
| 4 | Credit bureaus updated | 1–5 days |
Can You Remove Debt Review Yourself?
No. Consumers cannot legally remove debt review on their own.
Under the National Credit Act, the removal process must be handled by a registered debt counsellor who is authorised to issue a clearance certificate.
Only a debt counsellor can:
- review your debt review status
- confirm the requirements for removal have been met
- issue the clearance certificate
- notify the credit bureaus
Attempting to remove debt review without going through a registered professional will not work.
What Is a Debt Review Clearance Certificate?
A clearance certificate is an official document issued by a registered debt counsellor.
It confirms that the consumer has met the legal requirements to exit debt review.
The certificate typically confirms that:
- all debts under the debt review have been paid, or
- only a home loan remains and payments are up to date
Once issued, the clearance certificate is sent to:
- credit bureaus
- creditors
- the National Credit Regulator if required
After the certificate is processed, the debt review flag is removed from the consumer's credit profile.
How to Check If Your Debt Review Flag Has Been Removed
After the clearance certificate has been issued, you may want to confirm that the debt review flag has been removed.
You can do this by checking your credit report.
Credit reports are available from major credit bureaus in South Africa. Once the debt review removal has been processed, the report should no longer show a debt review status.
If the flag still appears, it may mean the credit bureau has not yet updated the information or there is an error that needs to be corrected.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Remove Debt Review?
In most cases, you do not need a lawyer to remove debt review.
The process is usually handled entirely by a registered debt counsellor.
However, legal assistance may be required if:
- a court order must be rescinded
- there are disputes with creditors
- complex legal issues are involved
For the majority of consumers, a debt counsellor is the appropriate professional to handle the removal process.
What Happens After Debt Review Is Removed?
Once the debt review flag has been removed, your credit profile will no longer show that you are under debt review.
However, it is important to remember that your credit history remains.
This means lenders will still consider factors such as:
- your repayment history
- existing accounts
- your credit score
Many consumers choose to rebuild their credit slowly after debt review by maintaining good payment habits and managing their finances carefully.
Avoid Debt Review Removal Scams
Unfortunately, some companies take advantage of consumers who want to exit debt review quickly.
Be cautious of companies that:
- promise instant removal
- claim they can remove debt review without a debt counsellor
- advertise free removal services
- ask for large upfront payments without explaining the process
Always work with a registered debt counsellor to ensure the process is handled correctly
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Review Removal
How much does it cost to remove debt review?
Debt review removal can cost around R3000 if you already have your paid-up letters from creditors. Costs may vary depending on the complexity of the case.
How long does debt review removal take?
Once a clearance certificate has been issued, the debt review flag can sometimes be removed within a few days.
Can I remove debt review myself?
No. Only a registered debt counsellor can issue the clearance certificate required to remove debt review.
Can I apply for credit after debt review removal?
Yes, but lenders will still assess your credit profile and financial situation before approving new credit.
About MyMeerkat FSP
MyMeerkat FSP is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 50979).
They assist South Africans with:
- Debt review removal
- Clearance certificates
- Credit profile rehabilitation
Thousands of consumers have successfully completed the process and removed their debt review flag through compliant legal procedures.
Ready to start your online application and get cleared with Meerkat?
TL;DR – Quick Summary
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Cost: Removing debt review costs R3,000 if you have all your paid-up letters. Without them, fees may increase due to the need to obtain these documents.
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Requirements: You must have settled all debts under review, excluding your home loan, or have debts that have prescribed.
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Process: A registered debt counsellor must handle the removal. They will issue a clearance certificate and update credit bureaus.
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Timeline: Once all requirements are met, the debt review flag can be removed from your credit report within approximately 10 days.
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Scams Alert: Beware of offers claiming "free" debt review removal. Only accredited professionals can legally assist, and there will always be associated costs.