TL;DR Summary
Being blacklisted means you have a poor credit record, which can affect your ability to get loans or credit. To check your status, request a free credit report from major bureaus like TransUnion, Experian, or XDS. If you’re blacklisted, take steps to clear your name through debt repayment or debt review.
Previously, when credit bureaus only stored negative information, people in South Africa who made use of credit services could be blacklisted. However, for some time now, there has been no such thing as being blacklisted in South Africa. This is because credit bureaus store both negative and positive information regarding your credit profile/ credit history.
Introduction
If you’ve applied for credit and been declined, you might wonder if you’re blacklisted. In South Africa, being “blacklisted” usually refers to having a negative credit history. This guide explains what blacklisting means, how to check your status, and what to do if you’re affected.
How do I know if I'm blacklisted in South Africa?
While there is no such thing as being blacklisted in South Africa, your credit report can contain negative information.
What Does Being Blacklisted Mean?
Blacklisting isn’t an official term used by credit bureaus, but it generally means you have unpaid debts or judgments against your name. These are recorded on your credit profile and can make lenders hesitant to approve your applications.
How Can I Check If I’m Blacklisted Online in South Africa?
- Request a Free Credit Report
- Every South African is entitled to one free credit report per year from major credit bureaus like:
-
- https://www.transunion.co.za
- https://www.experian.co.za
- https://www.xds.co.za
- Look for Negative Listings:
Check for overdue accounts, defaults, or court judgments. - Monitor Regularly:
Reviewing your credit report helps you spot errors and take corrective action early.
Find out everything you need to know about your credit score and how you can improve it by watching this video with Founder & CEO of Meerkat, David O'Brien:
What happens when you are blacklisted in South Africa?
Some of the consequences of being 'blacklisted' are that credit lenders will see you as a higher risk and may either:
- Not approve your loan or credit application.
- Grant your loan application with a higher interest rate.
Do you want to stop negative information from appearing on your credit report? Are you stuck in a cycle of missing debt payments. Meerkat can help you!
How long does blacklisting last in SA?
The time negative information remains on your credit report depends on the type of negative information it is. Let’s consider how long ‘blacklisting’ lasts in South Africa, depending on the type of negative information:
What is a judgement in South Africa?
A judgement is granted by a court against a consumer who has not paid their debts according to their credit agreement.
Read: What to do if you have a judgement against you
How long can a judgement stay on your credit report?
A judgement can stay on your credit report for 5 years or:
- Until you’ve paid the outstanding balance in full.
or
- Your judgement is rescinded by a court.
What does defaulting on your account mean?
Defaulting on your account means you have not followed the terms of your credit agreement. This agreement was signed when you took out a loan for a service or product. A default can include either missed or a late payment.
When will a creditor let a credit bureau know you’ve missed a payment?
A creditor will usually wait at least 30 days after a consumer has missed a payment before notifying a credit bureau.
How often is your credit report updated?
Your credit report is usually updated every month when creditors send credit bureaus updates regarding your credit profile.
How long does an inquiry remain on your credit report?
An inquiry by a credit lender can remain on your report for 1 year.
How long does a default or missed payment remain on your credit report?
A default can remain on your credit report for 5 years.
Can I be blacklisted without knowing?
You may not realise that you've been 'blacklisted' (have negative information on your credit report), that's why it's considered good financial hygiene to check your credit report at least once a year.
How do you clear your name from ‘blacklisted’ in South Africa?
If you cannot make your monthly payments or fear you may miss them and get negative information on your credit report, you should strongly consider debt review.
How can I improve my credit score after being blacklisted?
The best way to improve your credit score after being blacklisted is to pay your debt. You can dispute incorrect information on your credit profile, but you can’t dispute accurate information.
How can I find out if I'm under debt review in South Africa?
You can find out if you're under debt review in South Africa by downloading a copy of your credit report.
3 Tips to improve your credit score
- Pay your debts in full and on time each month.
- Do NOT take out any more credit.
- If you are able to, pay more than the minimum balance each month.
How do you clear your name from ‘blacklisted’ in South Africa?
If you cannot make your monthly payments or fear you may miss them and get negative information on your credit report, you should strongly consider debt review. This is a great option to help you manage your debt.
Debt review, also known as debt counselling, is a legal debt relief measure in South Africa. Its purpose is to assist South Africans who have too much debt and can't afford to make their monthly debt repayments.
It works by assessing if you are over-indebted. It also takes into account your income and expenses. This creates a reduced and affordable repayment plan to pay off your debt.
Who is Meerkat?
Meerkat is a financial wellness company that wants to help South African consumers do MORE with their money. We can help with debt repayment negotiations, provide affordable insurance and help you kickstart an emergency fund
Fill in the contact form on our website to receive a free callback from the Meerkat team today.