Getting out of debt review
How much does it cost to remove debt review?
By Lerato Molefe · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Removing debt review costs only the clearance certificate if your debts are paid up, because your counsellor issues the Form 19 and the bureaus remove the flag at no extra charge, but if you want out before you are paid up you generally need a court application to rescind the order, which carries legal fees.
The cost depends entirely on which route applies to you.
This page sets out the real costs of each route so you do not overpay for something the regulated process already covers.
Route 1: You are paid up
If your debts are settled, removal costs only the clearance certificate. Your counsellor issues the Form 19, notifies the NCR and the bureaus, and the flag comes off, usually within about 21 business days. There is no separate large fee for this - it is part of finishing debt review properly.
Route 2: You want out before paying up
If you are not paid up but no longer over-indebted, you generally need a court application to rescind the section 87 order. This involves:
- Legal or attorney fees to prepare and bring the application.
- Evidence that you can now meet your obligations.
There is no fixed figure - it depends on the attorney and the complexity. Before a court order was ever granted, withdrawing is far cheaper and your counsellor handles it.
What you should not be paying
You should not be paying a 'debt review removal company' thousands of rands to remove the flag. If your debts are paid, your own counsellor does it for the cost of the certificate. If they are not paid, no one can legitimately remove the flag for a fee anyway.
Treat any advert quoting a large flat fee for 'guaranteed' or 'instant' removal as a red flag.
Cost by situation
| Your situation | What removal costs |
|---|---|
| Debts paid up | Cost of the clearance certificate only |
| Not paid up, before court order | Low - counsellor withdraws application |
| Not paid up, after court order | Attorney/court fees to rescind |
| Sold an 'instant removal' package | Often a costly scam - avoid |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove debt review?
If your debts are paid up, only the cost of the clearance certificate. If you want out early after a court order, you pay attorney and court fees to rescind it. There is no large standard removal fee.
Is there a fixed fee to get off debt review?
No. The clearance-certificate route costs only the certificate; the court-rescission route depends on attorney fees. Any advert quoting a big flat 'removal' fee is misleading.
Why do some companies charge thousands to remove debt review?
They charge for what your own counsellor must do anyway, or they promise impossible 'instant' removal. If your debts are paid, you do not need them; if not, they cannot legitimately remove the flag.
Does removing debt review cost more with a home loan?
The removal cost itself is the same - the clearance certificate. A home loan mainly affects how long the process takes to reach paid-up status, not the cost of issuing the certificate.
Do I pay the NCR to remove debt review?
No. The NCR does not charge consumers to remove the flag. Your counsellor issues the certificate and the bureaus remove the flag at no charge.
What is the cheapest route off debt review?
Finishing your debts and getting your counsellor to issue the Form 19 clearance certificate. It costs only the certificate, far less than paying a removal company or a court application.
