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Debt review normally runs for years, but if you've paid off your qualifying debt early, you don't have to wait out the full term. This guide covers how debt review removal works, what a clearance certificate is, and what it costs to cancel debt review with Meerkat.
Already completed debt review the normal way and wondering what comes next? See our full guide: Life After Debt Review: How to Rebuild Your Credit.
What is debt review?
Debt review or debt counselling refers to the same debt relief process that was introduced by the National Credit Act (NCA) to help over-indebted consumers. It's a way of consolidating all your debt without taking out a consolidation loan. It can also be a way of reducing interest rates on your existing loans.
Read more about the process here.
How long does debt review usually last?
Once you're under debt review, the flag stays on your credit profile until you've successfully completed the process and received a clearance certificate. There's no fixed timeline — it depends on how much debt you have, what you can afford to repay each month, and your repayment terms — but the debt review process usually lasts between 3–5 years.
If you'd rather not wait that long, you may be able to cancel debt review early once your qualifying debt (excluding your home loan) is paid up. That's what the rest of this guide covers.
What happens if you stop paying debt review?
If you stop making your monthly payments for debt review, creditors can pursue legal action against you because you have not kept up your repayment plan.
What is a debt review clearance certificate?
A clearance certificate — also called a debt clearance certificate, credit clearance certificate, or Form 19 — is the official document introduced by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) confirming you've successfully completed debt review. You need it to get your name removed from the debt review register, and it's the only way to legally exit the process. To remove debt review, all your outstanding debt other than your home loan must be paid up.
How do I remove debt review myself?
While you can't remove debt review yourself, you can get Meerkat to do so for you. We can cancel debt review for you for only R1750.
Watch this video with our Founder & CEO to find out more about the debt review removal process:
How much does it cost to cancel debt review?
If you have your paid-up letters, it will cost you R1750 to cancel debt review at Meerkat.
What happens after your debt review is cancelled?
Once you're cleared, you can technically apply for credit around a week after receiving your clearance certificate — though credit bureaus usually take 3–4 months to fully update your profile. Debt review does not permanently damage your credit, and banks won't discriminate against you once your report reflects the clearance. For the full breakdown of timelines, rebuilding your credit score, and common mistakes to avoid, read our complete guide: Life After Debt Review: How to Rebuild Your Credit in South Africa.
If you want to know more about debt review (debt counselling) including:
- debt counselling fees
- who pays the debt counsellor
- how the process works
- if it would be a good idea for you, read this blog post.
Read Next:
- Life After Debt Review: How to Rebuild Your Credit
- How You Can Get ITC Clearance in South Africa
- How to Improve Your Credit Score After Debt Review
Who is Meerkat?
MyMeerkat FSP is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 50979). David O'Brien, our founder is a registered debt counsellor (NCRDC2613). We have successfully helped thousands of South Africans get out of debt and remove the debt review flag.