How debt review works

Debt review and your credit record

By DebtReviewZA editorial team · 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
Adverse classification (e.g. default)	You missed payments	1 year, or the period in section 71A
Judgment	A court ordered you to pay	The earlier of 5 years or until rescinded or abandoned

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.
Your credit providers must keep reporting your payment history, so keep paying as agreed.

Debt review protects you from legal action while you keep to the plan, but your payment history is still reported to the bureaus.

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, which the NCR circular gives the bureaus three working days to do after the Debt Help System is updated. 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. It is not a default, but your credit providers still report your payment history, so keep paying as agreed.

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, which the NCR circular gives the bureaus three working days to do after the Debt Help System is updated.

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.