3 strong steps to keep a clear credit record
A clear credit record is more than a score. It’s your financial safety net: there to catch you when life takes a turn. It keeps your options open and makes borrowing money easier when you need it most.
But life happens. One missed payment, a court judgment that has not been updated, or even a small data error can weaken your net. In fact, sometimes debts marked as settled still show as unpaid until a credit bureau updates its system.
The good news is that you can strengthen it again. With three simple steps and the right tools from Finance365, credit report clearance is completely possible.
Step 1: Check and correct
Start by getting your free annual credit report from each registered credit bureau or ask Finance365 forone at any time. You can get as many reports as you need throughout the year from us, at no cost.
Go through your report line by line. If you see an account you do not recognise or an amount that looks wrong, it’s up to you to dispute credit errors. Let the bureau that issued the report know about the mistake in writing. Send them proof such as payment confirmations or a copy of your ID.
By law, the bureau must investigate and update your record within 20 business days. If they do not, ask for help from the Credit Ombud.
Step 2: Pay and prove
If the debt listed is valid, pay it directly with the shop, lender, or service provider. You can also agree on a repayment plan with them, but make sure you stick to it. Once it is paid, ask for a clearance or paid-up letter as proof that the account is closed.
If there is a court judgment against your name, pay the debt in full and ask the company you owed to help you remove it from the court record. Once confirmed, the listing will fall away and your file should show a clear credit judgment. This simple step goes a long way to helping you rebuild the strength of your financial safety net.
Step 3: Plan and protect
If your debts have become too heavy, do not wait to fix things. Debt counselling in South Africa can help you reorganise what you owe. A registered counsellor can negotiate smaller monthly payments, protect you from legal action, and guide you towards stability.
Once your record is clean, keep it that way. Pay every bill on time, avoid taking on too much credit at once, and check your report a few times a year to make sure everything stays accurate. A clear record is not a once-off fix. It is an ongoing protection.
FAQs
How long does it take to clear a credit record? Once the credit bureau has received your dispute, they are required by law to resolve it in 20 business days. Court judgments can take up to two months once paid and rescinded.
Will paying off debts improve my score straight away? You are likely to start seeing gradual improvements as the bureaus update your report, usually over a few months.
Can I clear my record while under debt review? Yes, but listings are removed only once your clearance certificate is issued.
Is it free to dispute credit errors? Yes. Credit bureaus are not allowed to charge consumers for valid disputes.
Helpful tips: Avoid these common mistakes
Never pay debts without asking for a clearance letter. Don’t ignore old or wrong listings. Dispute them properly. Avoid “credit-fix” agents who promise instant results or charge upfront fees. Work only with trusted sources such as registered bureaus, licensed debt counsellors or reach out to us.
When your credit record is clear, your score will start to rise, loans may get approved more easily, and you can qualify for better interest rates. You’ll also know that no matter when life throws you a curveball, your financial safety net can catch you.
Just remember: Clearing your credit record takes action from you. It’s ultimately about building a stable base that can get you to your goals and every step you take has the power to move you closer to more financial control.
