How to Dispute a Credit Bureau Listing in South Africa
You have the right to one free credit report per year and to dispute inaccurate or outdated listings. The Credit Bureaus must investigate and correct errors within 20 business days.
FreeSouth African Law2 related guides
Direct Answer
Under the National Credit Act, you are entitled to one free credit report per year from each registered credit bureau. If information is inaccurate, outdated, or relates to a prescribed debt, you can dispute it and the bureau must investigate and respond within 20 business days. Persistent errors can be escalated to the National Credit Regulator.
The law above is general — your case may be different
Describe exactly what happened and get a specific answer based on your facts. 2 free answers, no account needed.
“A consumer is entitled, once per year, to receive a free copy of their credit profile from each registered credit bureau.”
National Credit Act 34 of 2005
Section 72(3)
“A credit bureau must, within 20 business days of receiving a challenge from a consumer, investigate the disputed information and inform the consumer of the outcome.”
National Credit Act 34 of 2005
Section 71
“Credit information relating to an adverse classification of a consumer must be removed after 1 year (default) or 2 years (judgment) from the date of fulfilment of the obligation or order.”
What to Do
Step-by-Step Guide
1Get your free credit report from the major bureaus: TransUnion (0861 482 482), Experian (0861 105 665), Compuscan (0861 514 131), and XDS (011 645 9100). One per year is free.
2Identify the error — wrong amounts, accounts that are not yours, listings that should have been removed after payment, or prescribed debts.
3Submit a written dispute to the relevant bureau, citing the specific inaccuracy and providing supporting documentation (proof of payment, ID, etc.).
4The bureau must investigate within 20 business days and notify you of the outcome. If they find the information was incorrect, they must remove or correct it.
5If they do not respond or the error is not corrected, escalate to the National Credit Regulator (0860 627 627) or the Credit Ombud (0861 662 837).
What to Say
Exact Words to Use
“"I am lodging a formal dispute regarding the following listing on my credit profile: [describe listing]. This information is [inaccurate/outdated/paid/prescribed]. I attach supporting documentation. In terms of Section 72(3) of the National Credit Act, I require your written response within 20 business days."”
Tone: In writing to the credit bureau
Now practise saying it. The Advocate has a scenario that walks you through exactly this situation — phrase by phrase, with audio playback and a practice drill. Free to try.
How long does a judgment stay on my credit record?
A court judgment is listed for 5 years OR until the judgment debt is paid in full and you apply to have it rescinded — whichever comes first. Once paid and rescinded, the credit bureau must remove it within 20 business days. A paid judgment that was not rescinded may still appear — consult an attorney about rescission.
Can I be listed without notification?
No. Section 71(2) of the NCA requires credit providers to give a consumer at least 20 business days' notice before listing them at a credit bureau. If you were listed without notice, this is an NCA violation — report it to the National Credit Regulator.
Knowing the law is step one. The Advocate has scenarios on Privacy — practise the exact words to use, with audio, law references, and Scripture. Free to start.