Debt review is one of the most effective tools available to over-indebted South Africans — yet many people avoid it due to misinformation and myths.

In this blog post, we’ll debunk 5 of the most common myths about debt review that may be stopping you (or someone you care about) from taking the first step toward financial freedom.

💬 Myth 1: “Debt review is only for people who are completely broke.”

Truth: Debt review is designed for anyone who is over-indebted, meaning you can’t meet all your monthly debt repayments — even if you still have a job or income.

You don’t need to be unemployed or bankrupt to qualify. In fact, having a steady income is required so that you can make your new, reduced monthly repayment under the debt review plan.

✅ Debt review is for working South Africans who are overwhelmed by debt — not necessarily broke.

💬 Myth 2: “I’ll never be able to get credit again.”

Truth: Debt review temporarily restricts access to new credit while you’re in the program — but this is only for your protection.

Once you complete the process and receive your Clearance Certificate, the debt review flag is removed from your credit profile. You can then start rebuilding your credit score and qualify for loans, credit cards, or finance again — responsibly.

✅ You can absolutely access credit again after debt review — and often on better terms than before.

💬 Myth 3: “Debt review will make me lose my house or car.”

Truth: One of the main goals of debt review is to protect your assets from repossession — not take them away.

When you enter debt review:

• Your creditors can’t take legal action against you,
• Your assets are protected as long as you follow the repayment plan,
• And you get the chance to keep your home or car while making more affordable payments.

✅ Debt review often saves people from losing their cars, homes, or other valuable assets.

💬 Myth 4: “Debt review is a scam.”

Truth: Debt review is a fully legal process governed by the National Credit Act (NCA) and regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR).

Only NCR-registered debt counsellors are allowed to provide debt review services in South Africa. If you’re working with a reputable company (like Debt Check), the process is transparent, secure, and designed to benefit the consumer.

✅ Debt review is a regulated and legitimate path to becoming debt-free.

💬 Myth 5: “I’ll be in debt review forever.”

Truth: Debt review is not a lifelong sentence — it’s a temporary plan that helps you pay off your debt over a few years, typically between 36 to 60 months.

Once your restructured debts are paid off, your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 Clearance Certificate, and the process ends. Your credit profile is updated, and you can move on with your financial life.

✅ Most people finish debt review in under 5 years — often sooner if they pay extra when they can.

🧠 Why These Myths Are So Dangerous

Believing these myths can stop you from getting the help you need. Every month you delay means:

• More interest and fees,
• Increased stress,
• Greater risk of legal action or repossession.

By understanding the truth about debt review, you can take back control and begin a clear, protected path toward a debt-free future.

📞 Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back — Speak to Debt Check Today

At Debt Check, we’ve helped thousands of South Africans escape the burden of debt with:

• NCR-registered debt counsellors
• Transparent, honest advice
• Free assessments with no obligation

👉 Start your free debt assessment now
📞 Or call us 0860 017 454 to speak to someone who cares on WhatsApp 0679579140

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is debt review the same as blacklisting?
No — being under debt review is not blacklisting. It’s a legal, protected status to help you repay your debts affordably.

Q: Can I leave debt review if I change my mind?
You can exit debt review if you settle your debts or bring your accounts up to date — but it’s best to discuss your options with your debt counsellor first.

Q: What if I already have a court judgment?
You may still qualify for debt review depending on your situation — speak to a counsellor for a full assessment.

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

1. ✅ 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

2. 🧾 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.

3. 💳 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.

4. 📅 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.

5. 🧠 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.

6. 📉 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.

7. 📆 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.

8. 🔁 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.

9. 📲 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.

10. 🙋‍♂️ 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

During debt review, your restructured repayment plan is submitted to a Magistrate’s Court or National Consumer Tribunal. The NCR ensures:

• The plan complies with regulations,
• The court’s order protects both the consumer and creditors,
• The process remains transparent and enforceable.

✅ NCR-Registered Debt Counselling You Can Trust

At Debt Check, we work in full compliance with the National Credit Regulator. We:

• Hold an official NCR registration,
• Follow the NCA’s guidelines for fair and affordable debt restructuring,
• Put your financial well-being first, not profit margins.

📌 Check your debt status or get advice from a registered professional today.

👉 Start your free debt assessment
Or call us at 0860 017 454 or WhatsApp us 0679579140

🧠 FAQs About the NCR and Debt Review

Q: Is the NCR part of government?
Yes — the NCR is a statutory body established by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

Q: Can the NCR remove the debt review flag from my credit report?
No. Only your debt counsellor can issue a Form 19 Clearance Certificate, which then gets sent to credit bureaus.

Q: How do I verify if my debt counsellor is registered?
Visit https://www.ncr.org.za/register_of_registrants/ and search by name or registration number.

📌 Final Thoughts

The NCR plays a critical role in ensuring South African consumers are protected and empowered during debt review. Choosing a registered, compliant debt counsellor — like Debt Check — gives you peace of mind that your financial recovery is in safe hands.

If you’re exploring debt review in South Africa, you’ve likely come across the National Credit Regulator (NCR). But what is it, and how does it protect you as a consumer?

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What the NCR is,
• How it fits into the debt review process,
• How it protects your rights,
• And how it helps ensure your debt counsellor plays by the rules.

🏛️ What Is the NCR?

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is the government body established under the National Credit Act (NCA) of 2005 to regulate South Africa’s credit industry. Its core mission is to promote fair, transparent, and responsible credit practices.

The NCR:

• Licenses and oversees debt counsellors, credit providers, and payment distribution agencies (PDAs),
• Educates consumers about their rights,
• Investigates complaints against industry players,
• Ensures compliance with the National Credit Act.

🔍 The NCR and Debt Review: How It Works

1. Registers and Regulates Debt Counsellors

Only debt counsellors registered with the NCR can legally offer debt review services in South Africa. The NCR ensures:

• Debt counsellors are qualified and compliant,
• Consumers are not charged illegal fees,
• Counsellors act in your best interest — not that of creditors.

📌 Tip: Before working with any debt counsellor, verify their NCR registration number on the NCR website.

2. Creates Consumer Protections Under the NCA

The NCR enforces the National Credit Act, which includes:

• Your right to apply for debt counselling,
• Protection from unlawful repossessions and garnishee orders during the process,
• Transparent communication from credit providers,
• A right to be informed and to dispute unfair treatment.

3. Monitors Compliance Across the Industry

The NCR actively monitors:

• Credit providers for reckless lending practices,
• PDAs to ensure correct allocation of your monthly payments,
• Debt counsellors to prevent abuse, fraud, or failure to follow due process.

If a debt counsellor or credit provider violates the Act, the NCR can:

• Suspend or cancel their registration,
• Investigate complaints and enforce corrective action,
• Refer matters to the National Consumer Tribunal for prosecution.

🧾 What Can You Do If You Have a Complaint?

If you feel your rights have been violated — for example:

• You’ve been misinformed,
• Charged illegal fees,
• Or a debt counsellor is not acting professionally —

You can lodge a formal complaint directly with the NCR:
📧 Email: complaints@ncr.org.za
📞 Call: 0860 627 627
🌐 Website: www.ncr.org.za

The NCR will investigate and, where needed, take enforcement action.

Here’s how the process typically works with a registered debt counsellor, like Debt Check:

1. Assessment

Your income, monthly expenses, and debts are evaluated. If you are declared over-indebted, you qualify for debt review.

2. Legal Protection Begins

Once under debt review, creditors are legally barred from taking further legal action (like repossessions or garnishee orders).

3. Debt Restructuring

Your counsellor negotiates with creditors to:

• Lower interest rates,
• Extend repayment terms,
• Consolidate multiple payments into one manageable monthly installment.

4. Court Order Issued

The restructured plan is made legally binding through a court order or consent order.

5. Repayment & Support

You make a single monthly payment via a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), while your counsellor monitors compliance and supports your progress.

✅ Key Benefits of Debt Review

• Legal protection from creditors.
• No more harassment from debt collectors.
• One simplified, affordable monthly repayment.
• Reduced stress and improved budgeting control.
• A structured pathway to becoming debt-free.

⚠️ Important Considerations

While debt review offers strong protections, it’s important to understand the limitations:

• You cannot take on new credit during the process.
• Your credit record is flagged as “under debt review” (but this is removed once you complete the process).
• You must remain committed to the payment plan — missing payments may lead to cancellation.

🧾 How Long Does Debt Review Take?

On average, debt review can last between 36 and 60 months, depending on the amount of debt and your repayment ability.

Once you’ve paid off your debts (except your home loan), you receive a Clearance Certificate (Form 19) — and your credit record is updated accordingly.

🏁 What Happens After Completing Debt Review?

Once you’ve paid off all the debts under review:

• A Clearance Certificate is issued.
• The debt review flag is removed from your credit report.
• You can begin rebuilding your credit score and applying for credit again, if needed.

📞 Start Your Journey to Financial Freedom

At DebtCheck, we’ve helped thousands of South Africans regain control of their finances through professional, compassionate debt counselling.

✅ Free, no-obligation assessment
✅ Registered with the NCR
✅ Transparent support throughout your journey

👉 Start your free debt assessment now

🧠 FAQs About Debt Review

Q: Will debt review affect my job?
No. Being under debt review is a private matter and doesn’t affect employment unless you apply for a job requiring credit clearance.

Q: Can I exit debt review early?
Yes, if you settle your debts in full or bring your accounts up to date — a counsellor can apply for early termination.

Q: What if I miss a payment?
Missing payments can cause the plan to fail and may allow creditors to take legal action again. It’s essential to stay on track or communicate with your counsellor if you’re struggling.

Debt review was introduced in 2007 through the National Credit Act (NCA) to help South Africans who are struggling to meet their monthly debt payments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, this process can offer structured relief — with legal protection and a clear path to regaining financial control.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What debt review is and how it works,
• The benefits and limitations of entering debt review,
• The step-by-step process,
• How it affects your credit profile, and
• How to start the process with a trusted debt counsellor.

🔎 What Is Debt Review?

Debt review is a legal process designed to assist over-indebted consumers by restructuring their debt repayments into a single, affordable monthly payment. It is managed by a registered debt counsellor who works with your creditors to negotiate better terms.

When Should You Consider Debt Review?

• You’re falling behind on monthly payments.
• You’re using credit to pay off other credit.
• Creditors are threatening legal action.
• You’re struggling to cover basic living expenses due to debt.