Credit Bureau Disputes in South Africa: Fix Your Credit Record
Your credit record is held by registered credit bureaus and affects your ability to get loans, rent property, and secure certain jobs. If information on your record is incorrect, outdated, or relates to prescribed debt, you have the right to dispute it and have it corrected or removed. Under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, every South African is entitled to one free credit report per year from each credit bureau.
You can also access a combined credit report at annualcreditreport.co.za. The NCR maintains a list of all registered credit bureaus at ncr.org.za.
Your Free Annual Credit Report
Section 70 of the NCA requires every registered credit bureau to provide you with one free copy of your credit report per year on request. You do not need to pay for a subscription service to access your basic credit report.
| Credit Bureau | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TransUnion | 0861 886 466 | transunion.co.za |
| Experian | 0861 105 665 | experian.co.za |
| Compuscan | 0861 514 131 | compuscan.co.za |
| XDS | 011 645 9100 | xds.co.za |
Common Errors to Look For
- Accounts that belong to someone else with a similar name or ID number
- Accounts showing as open and in arrears that were actually closed and settled
- Duplicate listings for the same account
- Adverse information older than the prescribed retention period
- Prescribed debt still listed as active
- Accounts opened fraudulently using your identity
How to Dispute a Listing
- Obtain your credit report and identify the incorrect listing with its account number and credit provider name.
- Contact the credit bureau in writing and specify the error, providing supporting documentation such as settlement letters or an affidavit.
- The credit bureau must investigate and respond within 20 business days.
- If the bureau confirms the listing is incorrect, it must be corrected or removed immediately.
- If the bureau upholds the listing and you disagree, escalate to the NCR by calling 0860 627 627 or filing a complaint at ncr.org.za.
Paying even R1 on a prescribed debt, or sending a written acknowledgement of it, restarts the prescription period. Seek advice before making any payment on an old debt.
Prescribed Debt and Your Credit Record
Under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, most consumer credit debts prescribe after 3 years of no payment and no acknowledgement. Once prescribed, a debt is no longer legally enforceable and should not be listed as an active adverse debt. If you identify such a listing, dispute it citing the Prescription Act.
Retention Periods for Credit Information
| Information Type | Maximum Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Adverse credit information (default) | 1 year after payment or 2 years from listing |
| Debt review status | 2 years or until clearance certificate issued |
| Judgment | 5 years or until rescinded |
| Administration order | 10 years or until rescinded |
| Credit enquiries | 2 years |