How debt review works
Debt review and your credit record
By Lerato Molefe · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Debt review affects your credit record by placing a temporary debt-review status flag on your profile while the process runs, which tells lenders you are in a court-backed plan and cannot take new credit, but it is not a default or judgment, and it is removed once your counsellor issues your clearance certificate and the bureaus update your profile.
Understanding the flag matters, because the way you finish debt review decides how cleanly your record recovers.
This page explains what the flag is, how it differs from a default, and how your record looks during and after debt review.
What the debt-review flag is
From the day you apply, the credit bureaus add a debt-review status flag (shown via a status code) to your profile. It marks that you are under debt review. Any lender who checks your record sees it and will decline new credit, because the law does not allow you to take on new debt during the process.
The flag is a status, not a black mark for missed payments. It exists to protect the integrity of your plan.
Flag vs default vs judgment
| Listing | What it means | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Debt-review flag | You are in debt review | Until you get your clearance certificate |
| Default | You missed payments | Up to set bureau periods |
| Judgment | A court ordered you to pay | Until rescinded or its period ends |
The debt-review flag is the most benign of these. Many people enter debt review with defaults already on their record, and debt review stops further defaults from piling up.
Your record during debt review
While you are under debt review:
- The flag blocks new credit applications.
- Existing accounts in the plan are marked as being managed under debt review.
- As long as you pay, no new defaults should be listed on those accounts.
This is why debt review can actually protect your record: it freezes the damage and replaces a spiral of defaults with one managed status.
After debt review
When you finish, your counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate, notifies the NCR and all bureaus, and the bureaus remove the debt-review flag, usually within about 21 business days. Your accounts in the plan show as settled.
From there you can rebuild credit responsibly. The history of having been under debt review does not bar you from future credit once the flag is gone. Always pull your credit report afterwards to confirm the flag was removed.
Frequently asked questions
Does debt review show on my credit record?
Yes, as a temporary status flag while you are in the process. It is removed once you finish and receive your clearance certificate. It is not a default or judgment.
Is the debt-review flag the same as being blacklisted?
No. The flag simply shows you are in a managed repayment plan. It is more benign than a default or judgment, and it is removed when you get your clearance certificate.
Does debt review damage my credit score?
It places a temporary flag, not a missed-payment mark. Because it stops new defaults from being listed, it often protects a profile that was already deteriorating.
How do I get the debt-review flag removed?
Finish your debt review. Your counsellor then issues a Form 19 clearance certificate and notifies the bureaus, which remove the flag, typically within about 21 business days.
Can I check my credit record while under debt review?
Yes. You are entitled to a free credit report each year from the bureaus. Check it during and after debt review to confirm the flag is present, then later that it has been removed.
Will I be able to get credit after debt review?
Yes. Once the flag is removed you can apply for credit again and rebuild your profile by borrowing responsibly and paying on time.
