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