Free debt review removal: is it really free?

There is no magic free button that wipes debt review off your record while debts remain unpaid. But the legitimate exit is close to free in the sense that it costs only the clearance certificate:

• Pay up the debts in your plan.
• Your counsellor issues the Form 19 clearance certificate.
• The bureaus remove the flag at no charge to you.

You do not need to pay a separate company a large 'removal fee'. That is the real answer to 'is free debt review removal possible'.

Some '[debt review removal companies](/debt-review/debt-review-removal-companies/)' charge large fees to do what your own counsellor must do anyway. They may:

• Charge to 'apply' for your clearance certificate (your counsellor issues it).
• Promise to fast-track removal (no one can fast-track the legal process for a fee).
• Offer 'instant' removal (misleading - the flag only comes off once debts are paid or the order is rescinded).

If your debts are paid, you do not need them. If your debts are not paid, they cannot legitimately remove the flag anyway.

You will incur some cost in two situations:

• The clearance certificate itself, which is a small, legitimate cost via your counsellor.
• A court application to rescind the order if you want out before you are paid up. That carries legal fees and is not free.

Beyond those, be very sceptical of any large 'removal' charge.

1. Contact your own debt counsellor first - they hold the key to your clearance certificate.
2. Confirm your debts are paid up and provide any paid-up letters.
3. Ask them to issue the Form 19 certificate and notify the bureaus.
4. Check your credit report after about 21 business days.
5. Only consider a court application if you are not paid up and have a genuine case to rescind.

Following this, you avoid paying a third party for something already covered by the regulated process.