How Long Does It Take to Remove Adverse Listings After Debt Review?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: "I've settled my debt, so how long before those adverse listings disappear from my credit profile?" It's a fair question, and honestly, it's something that causes a lot of unnecessary stress for people who've worked hard to get their finances back on track.

Let's walk through what actually happens and how long you can expect to wait.

The Short Answer: Between 2 and 6 Weeks

Most of the time, you're looking at somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks for adverse listings to be removed from your name. Now, I know that sounds like a pretty wide range, but there's a good reason for it, and it's not because anyone's dragging their feet.

How the NCR Debt Help System Works

Here's what happens behind the scenes: We update the NCR Debt Help Status, and from there, they send out a notice to the credit bureaus. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, here's the thing - there are 11 credit bureaus operating in South Africa.

Yes, you read that correctly. Eleven.

Each one of these bureaus needs to receive the notice and then process the removal of the adverse listing from your credit profile. And because they all work at slightly different speeds and have their own internal processes, it can take up to 6 weeks for all 11 to complete the update.

Why the Timeline Varies

The actual time it takes really depends on which credit bureau you're checking your profile through. Some bureaus are quicker than others - it's just the reality of the system. If you happen to be looking at your profile through one of the faster bureaus, you might see the changes in as little as 2 weeks. If it's one of the slower ones, you might be waiting closer to that 6-week mark.

It's not ideal, we get it. But at least now you know what's happening and why there's a wait.

What If There's a Problem?

Now, here's the important part: if there is a problem, or if things seem to be taking longer than they should, you can always contact us. We can push things along from our side and follow up directly with the credit bureaus on your behalf.

Don't sit there stressing and wondering if something's gone wrong. Just pick up the phone or send us a message, and we'll sort it out. That's what we're here for.

What You Should Do While You Wait

While you're waiting for those adverse listings to be removed, here are a few things you can do:

• Keep copies of all your debt clearance certificates and payment confirmations
• Check your credit report after the 2-week mark to see if updates are starting to come through
• If you spot any errors or if the 6-week mark passes without changes, get in touch with us immediately
• Don't apply for new credit during this waiting period - patience pays off here

The Bottom Line

Getting adverse listings removed from your credit profile isn't instant, but it's not an endless wait either. Between 2 and 6 weeks is the normal timeframe, and that's largely down to the fact that there are 11 different credit bureaus that all need to process the update.

The key thing to remember is that you're not alone in this process. If something doesn't seem right, or if you're just not sure what's happening, reach out to us. We'll check what's going on, follow up with the bureaus if needed, and make sure everything gets sorted out properly.

You've already done the hard work of getting your debt under control. Now it's just a matter of letting the system catch up with your progress.