How to Know If Your Debt Review Flag Has Been Removed

Short answer: check your credit report. When you finish debt review, a registered debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate and sends it to the credit bureaus. The bureaus then remove the "under debt review" flag. If your report no longer shows the flag, you're cleared. If it still shows the flag after you've received your clearance certificate, contact your debt counsellor and ask them to follow up with the bureaus.

If you've paid up your debts but never received a clearance certificate, the flag will stay until one is issued. Meerkat can do that for you online.

How to check whether the flag has been removed

1. Get your credit report. You're entitled to one free credit report a year from each registered credit bureau, such as TransUnion, Experian and XDS. Request it from the bureau's website or a free credit report service.
2. Look for the debt review status. The report shows whether you are flagged as under debt review, usually in a consumer status or notices section.
3. Check every bureau. Credit providers don't all use the same bureau, so make sure the flag has been removed at each one.
4. Check your accounts. Accounts that were part of debt review should show as paid up or closed.

What it means if the flag is still there

You have a clearance certificate

The bureaus may not have updated your report yet. Credit bureaus can take up to 2 months to clear your record. If it's been longer than that, ask your debt counsellor to confirm they've sent the certificate to every bureau. Keep a copy of your clearance certificate. You can show it to a credit provider if your report hasn't caught up.

You've paid up but have no clearance certificate

Paying off your debts doesn't remove the flag on its own. A registered debt counsellor has to issue the clearance certificate first. If your original debt counsellor isn't responding, another registered debt counsellor, such as Meerkat, can help.

You still owe on some accounts

The flag stays until every debt in your repayment plan is settled or has prescribed. Your home loan can still be running if it wasn't in arrears when you entered debt review. Read can I remove myself from debt review? for your options.

How to get the flag removed with Meerkat

1. Apply online with your ID number.
2. Upload your paid-up letters from your credit providers, if you have them.
3. Pay the R1,750 fee. If you don't have your paid-up letters, we can get them for you at an extra cost.
4. We contact your credit providers and the credit bureaus.
5. Your clearance certificate is issued, usually within about 10 days. The credit bureaus can then take up to 2 months to clear your record.

After the flag is removed

You can apply for credit again. Debt review shows you can keep up regular payments, which counts in your favour. We recommend you:

• wait until every bureau shows your updated status before you apply;
• start with a small amount of credit and pay it on time;
• compare interest rates and the total cost of credit before you sign.

Read more: How to rebuild your credit after debt review and how to check if you're blacklisted.

Frequently asked questions

Is the debt review flag the same as being blacklisted?

No. There is no official blacklist in South Africa. The debt review flag is a temporary note on your credit report that is removed once you're cleared.

Can a credit provider end my debt review?

A credit provider can take steps to end debt review if you stop making your repayments, after following the legal process, which includes giving you notice. Keeping up your payments protects you.

How much does it cost to remove the flag?

At Meerkat it costs R1750.

How long does it take for the flag to be removed?

Your clearance certificate is usually issued within about 10 days. The credit bureaus can then take up to 2 months to clear your record.

For costs, timelines and every exit option, see our Ultimate Guide to Debt Review Removal in South Africa.

MyMeerkat FSP (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 50979) and a registered debt counsellor (NCRDC2613). This article is general information, not personal financial or legal advice.