Debt review is often misunderstood, with many fearing that it permanently damages their financial standing. This misconception prevents some South Africans from seeking the help they need to regain control of their finances. If you're wondering whether debt review can ruin your credit forever, this guide will give you a clear understanding of what debt review is, how it affects your credit profile, and how you can rebuild your credit after completing the process.
What Is Debt Review?
Debt review, also known as debt counseling, is a legal process introduced in South Africa under the National Credit Act (NCA) in 2007. It’s designed to assist over-indebted individuals by restructuring their debts into more affordable monthly payments. The process ensures:
- Protection from creditors: Once under debt review, creditors cannot take legal action against you.
- Affordable repayments: A registered debt counsellor negotiates reduced monthly payments with your creditors.
- Improved financial stability: The process allows you to meet your essential living expenses while repaying debt.
Debt review aims to rehabilitate your finances, not to ruin your credit or make borrowing impossible.
How Does Debt Review Affect Your Credit Profile?
- Temporary Credit Restrictions
When you enter debt review, the National Credit Regulator (NCR) notifies the credit bureaus. Your credit profile is flagged as "under debt review." This status means you cannot take on additional credit while in the program.
- Why the restriction? This limitation is designed to prevent further over-indebtedness and ensure you focus on repaying existing debt.
- Duration: The flag remains on your profile until you’ve completed the debt review process and received a clearance certificate.
- Impact on Your Credit Score
Debt review itself does not directly harm your credit score. However, your score might already be low due to missed payments, defaults, or legal actions before entering debt review. Under the programme:
- You’ll avoid further missed payments since your debt counsellor consolidates your payments into one manageable monthly installment.
- Creditors report regular payments, which may stabilise your credit score.
Does Debt Review Ruin Your Credit Forever?
The short answer is: No, debt review does not ruin your credit forever.
The impact of debt review is temporary. Once you complete the programme and receive a clearance certificate, the "under debt review" status is removed from your credit profile. This allows you to rebuild your credit over time.
Key Facts:
- The flag is lifted: After completing debt review, the NCR instructs credit bureaus to remove the "under debt review" flag.
- No long-term penalties: Debt review does not result in a permanent blacklisting.
- Rebuilding is possible: You can restore your creditworthiness with consistent, responsible financial behavior post-debt review.
How to Exit Debt Review Successfully
Completing debt review is the most important step to ensuring your credit profile recovers fully. Here's how to do it:
- Make Timely Payments
Your debt counsellor will create a payment plan tailored to your financial situation. Stick to this plan and make all payments on time.
- Avoid Taking on New Debt
The programme prohibits additional credit. Abiding by this rule ensures you can repay your existing debt without added financial strain.
- Communicate with Your Debt Counsellor
If your financial situation changes, inform your debt counsellor immediately. They can renegotiate terms with your creditors if necessary.
- Obtain a Clearance Certificate
Once you’ve settled all your restructured debts, your debt counsellor will issue a clearance certificate. This document confirms you’ve completed the process and have no outstanding debt under review.
Rebuilding Your Credit After Debt Review
After completing debt review, rebuilding your credit is crucial to restoring your financial reputation. Here’s how to get started:
- Check Your Credit Report
Once the debt review flag is removed, verify that your credit report reflects this change. You’re entitled to one free credit report annually from each credit bureau in South Africa (TransUnion, Experian, XDS, and Compuscan).
- Start Small with Credit
Begin with manageable forms of credit to rebuild your score, such as:
- A retail account or store card with a low credit limit.
- A secured credit card (backed by a deposit).
Make small purchases and pay them off in full each month to establish a positive credit history.
- Pay Bills on Time
Whether it’s utility bills or a new credit account, ensure all payments are made on or before the due date. Consistent on-time payments are one of the most effective ways to improve your credit score.
- Keep Credit Utilisation Low
Avoid maxing out your credit cards or using a high percentage of your available credit. Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
- Avoid Frequent Credit Applications
Each credit application results in a hard inquiry on your profile, which can temporarily lower your score. Apply for credit only when necessary.
Why Debt Review Is a Lifeline, Not a Lifelong Burden
Debt review is often unfairly perceived as a financial trap, but it’s quite the opposite. Here’s why:
- Protects Assets: Unlike sequestration or bankruptcy, debt review allows you to retain your home, car, and other assets while paying off your debt.
- Restores Financial Health: By the time you exit debt review, you’ll have a clean slate and a better understanding of managing your finances.
- Provides Legal Protection: Creditors cannot harass or take legal action against you while you’re under debt review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Review and Credit
- How long does the "under debt review" flag stay on my credit profile?
The flag remains until you’ve completed the debt review process and received a clearance certificate.
- Can I apply for credit while under debt review?
No. The process prohibits taking on additional credit to prevent further over-indebtedness.
- What happens if I don’t complete debt review?
If you exit debt review prematurely, creditors may resume legal action to recover unpaid debts. This could worsen your financial situation and harm your credit profile further.
Debt Review is a Fresh Start, Not a Dead End.
Debt review is a temporary solution designed to help over-indebted individuals regain control of their finances. While it does impose restrictions on your credit during the process, it does not ruin your credit forever. By completing the programme and following good financial practices, you can rebuild your credit and achieve long-term financial stability. If you are keen to learn more check out this blog.
If you're struggling with debt and unsure about your options, Meerkat is here to help. Our experienced debt counsellors can guide you through the process and set you on the path to financial freedom.
Contact us today for a free debt assessment and take the first step toward a brighter financial future.
