How to Get ITC Clearance in South Africa (Step-by-Step)

Quick answer
ITC clearance means having your debt review flag removed from your credit record after you've paid off your debts. The only person who can legally issue a clearance certificate (Form 19) is a registered debt counsellor. Meerkat's founder and CEO is a NCR-registered counsellor (NCRDC2613) and can clear your name online in as little as 10 days, from R3,000 - once you have your paid-up letters.

If you've completed debt review or paid off your debts and want to clear your credit record, ITC clearance is the process you need. This guide explains exactly what ITC clearance means, who qualifies, what it costs, how long it takes, and how Meerkat can help - step by step.

What is ITC and what does ITC clearance mean?

ITC (Information Trust Corporation) was one of South Africa's largest credit bureaus. In 2003 it rebranded as TransUnion, which remains one of the main credit bureaus in the country today. South Africans still commonly refer to their credit record as their 'ITC record', the two terms mean the same thing.

ITC clearance means having negative information - specifically a debt review flag - removed from your credit record. When the flag is cleared, lenders can see you have completed the debt review process and settled your debts. Your access to credit is restored.

ITC clearance is not the same as simply paying off a debt. You need an official document- a clearance certificate (Form 19) - issued by a registered debt counsellor and submitted to all credit bureaus before your record is updated.

Do you qualify for ITC clearance?

This is the most important question. Meerkat can issue you with a valid ITC clearance certificate if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You have paid all your debts according to your debt review repayment plan (credit cards, store accounts, personal loans, vehicle finance, etc.)
• You have paid all your debts except your home loan, which you continue to pay according to the original agreement
• All your debts have been paid and any remaining debts have prescribed under South African law

Watch this video with Founder & CEO of Meerkat, David O'Brien as he discusses how you can be legally removed from the debt review process:

What is a debt review clearance certificate (Form 19)?

A debt review clearance certificate - also known as Form 19 - is the official legal document that confirms you have successfully completed the debt review process and settled your debts.

Once your debt counsellor issues Form 19:

• All credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, XDS, Compuscan) are instructed to remove the debt review flag from your credit record
• The flag is typically removed within one month of the certificate being issued
• You can apply for credit again once the flag is cleared and you've begun rebuilding your credit score
  

Important: Only a registered debt counsellor can legally issue Form 19. Beware of companies offering 'clearance certificates' who are not registered with the NCR.

How to get ITC clearance in South Africa - step by step

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm that you've paid all your debts according to your debt review repayment plan (or meet one of the qualifying criteria above). If you're unsure, Meerkat offers a free eligibility check online.
2. Gather your paid-up letters. Contact each of your creditors and request a paid-up letter confirming your account is settled. This is typically the step that takes the most time - allow 5–10 business days per creditor. Meerkat can collate all the paid up letters on your behalf for an extra fee.
3. Submit your application to Meerkat. Submit your paid-up letters and ID via Meerkat's online application. Everything is handled digitally - no need to visit an office.
4. Transfer to Meerkat. Meerkat will request a transfer of your debt review file across to their code (NCRDC2613). This is so they can issue the clearance certficate.
5. Meerkat issues Form 19. Once Meerkat's registered debt counsellors verify your documentation, they issue your clearance certificate (Form 19) and submit it to all credit bureaus on your behalf.
6. Credit bureaus update your record. All bureaus remove the debt review flag from your credit profile. This typically takes a month, but each bureau is different. Check your credit report via TransUnion or ClearScore to confirm the flag has been removed.

How do I check my ITC record in South Africa?

Before applying for clearance - and after - it's worth checking your credit report to confirm what's on it. You're entitled to one free report per year from each bureau.

• TransUnion (formerly ITC): transunion.co.za or dial *120*8801# via USSD
• Experian: experian.co.za - free annual report
• XDS: xds.co.za - free annual report
• ClearScore: clearscore.com/za -free, linked to Experian; updates monthly

Once your clearance certificate has been issued and submitted, check your report again after a month to confirm the debt review flag has been removed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ITC clearance and debt review removal?

They are effectively the same thing. Debt review removal means exiting the debt review process. ITC clearance means having the debt review flag removed from your credit record. Both happen simultaneously when your debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate (Form 19) and submits it to the credit bureaus.

Can I clear my ITC record myself without a debt counsellor?

You can dispute incorrect information on your credit report directly with the bureau. However, if you are under debt review, you cannot remove that flag yourself - only a registered NCR debt counsellor can legally issue the Form 19. Attempting to remove a debt review flag without a counsellor is not legally possible.

What if I still have a home loan, can I still get clearance?

Yes. If you've paid all your debts except your home loan, and you're continuing to pay the home loan according to the original agreement, you can still qualify for ITC clearance. The debt review flag will be removed while your home loan continues as normal.

How long does it take for the debt review flag to disappear from my credit report?

Once Form 19 is submitted to the credit bureaus, most bureaus update their records within a month. Check your report via TransUnion or ClearScore after a month to confirm the flag has been removed.

What is Form 19?

Form 19 is the official name for the debt review clearance certificate under the National Credit Act. It is the legal document your registered debt counsellor issues once your debts are settled. It instructs all credit bureaus to remove the debt review flag from your profile.

What are the ITC clearance requirements?

To qualify: you must have paid all your debts according to your debt review repayment plan, OR paid all debts except your home loan (which continues normally), OR all debts are paid and any remaining have prescribed. You also need paid-up letters from each creditor.

How much does ITC clearance cost at Meerkat?

Meerkat charges R3,000 for ITC clearance (debt review removal), provided you have your paid-up letters from creditors. This covers eligibility review, Form 19 issuance, bureau submission, and confirmation. If you do not have your paid-up letters we can collate for you for an extra fee.

Can I apply for ITC clearance online?

Yes. Meerkat handles the entire ITC clearance process online. You do not need to visit any office. Submit your paid-up letters and ID via Meerkat's online portal and a registered debt counsellor will process your application.

About Meerkat

Meerkat is a South African financial wellness company and their founder and CEO is a registered NCR debt counsellor (NCRDC2613). Meerkat is also an authorised financial services provider (FSP 50979). We help South Africans get ITC clearance, manage debt through debt review, and protect their finances with affordable insurance and savings products.

Our ITC clearance certificate service is fully online, handled by registered debt counsellors, and typically completed in as little as 10 business days once you have your paid-up letters. Visit meerkat.co.za or fill in the contact form for a free callback.