💳 How to Rebuild Your Credit Score After Debt Review in South Africa
Completing debt review is a major milestone on your journey to financial freedom — congratulations! But now that you’re debt-free (or nearly there), you may be wondering: how do I rebuild my credit score?
In this post, we’ll explain:
- What happens to your credit score after debt review,
- The steps to restore and improve your credit profile,
- Smart habits to maintain a healthy score over time.
🧾 What Happens to Your Credit Record After Debt Review?
When you complete debt review and receive a Form 19 Clearance Certificate, your debt counsellor notifies all credit bureaus. Your debt review status is removed from your profile, and your accounts reflect as “paid-up” or “closed”.
However, this does not instantly restore a high credit score — it only clears the debt review flag. Your credit history (missed payments before debt review, or no recent credit activity) may keep your score low at first.
But don’t worry — with the right steps, you can rebuild quickly and responsibly.
🔟 10 Proven Steps to Rebuild Your Credit Score
- ✅ Get a Copy of Your Credit Report
Start by reviewing your current credit profile. In South Africa, you can get one free credit report per year from:
- TransUnion: www.transunion.co.za
- Experian: www.experian.co.za
- Compuscan / XDS
📌 Check for:
- Debt review status removal
- Paid-up accounts correctly listed
- Any errors or outdated listings
- 🧾 Dispute Any Errors Immediately
If you see incorrect listings — like a debt review flag that hasn’t been removed — log a dispute with the relevant credit bureau. You’ll need:
- Your Form 19 Clearance Certificate
- ID copy
- Proof of payment (if applicable)
Credit bureaus must respond within 20 business days.
- 💳 Apply for a Low-Risk Credit Product
Once your credit review flag is removed, you may want to cautiously reintroduce credit into your profile — but only if you’re ready.
Start with:
- A retail store account (e.g. Ackermans, Jet)
- A secured credit card (where you prepay a deposit)
- A small personal loan from a reputable lender
💡 Tip: Use less than 30% of your limit and always pay on time.
- 📅 Always Pay On Time — No Exceptions
Your payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Set up debit orders, calendar reminders, or app alerts to make sure you never miss a payment again.
- 🧠 Don’t Apply for Too Much Credit at Once
Every application triggers a “hard inquiry” on your profile — too many in a short time can hurt your score. Apply only when needed, and space them out.
- 📉 Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Using too much of your available credit (e.g., maxing out cards) signals financial stress. Try to stay below 30% of your limit — the lower, the better.
- 📆 Build a Track Record Over Time
The longer you maintain active accounts in good standing, the stronger your score becomes. Don’t close older accounts unless necessary — their age helps your profile.
- 🔁 Diversify Your Credit Mix
If possible, use different types of credit:
- A revolving credit (like a credit card),
- A fixed-term credit (like a small loan)
This shows lenders you can manage various obligations responsibly.
- 📲 Use Credit Score Tracking Tools
Platforms like ClearScore, MyTransUnion, or Debt Check’s partners let you track your score monthly — often for free. These tools offer tips and alert you to changes or risks.
- 🙋♂️ Ask for Help if You Slip
If you ever feel you’re slipping again, don’t wait — speak to a financial advisor or debt counsellor early. Rebuilding takes time and discipline, but it’s absolutely possible.
📈 How Long Will It Take to Rebuild My Score?
Every case is different, but you could see noticeable improvement within 6–12 months by:
- Using credit responsibly,
- Paying consistently,
- Maintaining low balances.
Within 18–24 months, many clients qualify for car finance, small home loans, or credit cards again — assuming clean repayment behavior.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Debt review helped you break free from overwhelming debt. Now, with a clean start, you can rebuild your credit stronger than ever.
At Debt Check, we walk with you beyond debt review. We offer:
- Credit report guidance,
- Budgeting tools,
- Smart next steps for financial recovery.
👉 Start your free post-debt review consultation
📞 Or call us on 0860 017 454 to talk to a friendly advisor on WhatsApp 0679579140
