How to Dispute Your Credit Bureau Record in Free State

If your credit bureau record in Free State contains incorrect or outdated information — from a prescribed debt, an error, or identity theft — the National Credit Act gives you the right to challenge it for free. Credit bureaus must remove incorrect information within 20 business days.

The Law That Protects You

National Credit Act 34 of 2005 — Section 72

Every consumer has the right to a free credit record once per year. Consumers may dispute inaccurate information; credit bureaus must investigate and correct within 20 days.

National Credit Act 34 of 2005 — Section 71

Paid-up judgments must be removed from your credit record by the credit bureau within seven days of receiving proof of payment.

What To Do — Step by Step

Get your free credit report from the major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, XDS) — you are entitled to one free report per bureau per year.
Identify incorrect information — wrong amounts, old paid-up judgments, identity fraud accounts, or prescribed debts.
Submit a written dispute to the credit bureau with supporting evidence. They must investigate and respond within 20 business days.
Escalate to the National Credit Regulator (0860 627 627) or approach the National Consumer Tribunal if the bureau does not correct genuine errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does negative information stay on my credit record in Free State?

Default listings: 1 year after payment. Adverse information: 2 years. Court judgments: 5 years or until rescinded. Debt review: until clearance certificate issued.

Can I have a paid judgment removed from my credit record in Free State?

Yes. Once the judgment is paid, you can apply to the magistrates' court for a rescission. The credit bureau must remove it within 7 days of being notified.

What if someone opened accounts fraudulently in my name in Free State?

Report to SAPS (open a fraud case), contact the credit bureau's fraud department, and report to the NCR. The NCR investigates identity fraud affecting credit records.

Legal Resources in Free State

📋 CCMA: Bloemfontein CCMA (051 411 2700)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Bloemfontein (051 411 8600)

🏛️ High Court: Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein (051 492 4700)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Bloemfontein, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba, Kroonstad, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Free State Rental Housing Tribunal (051 403 3710)

The Free State has a large agricultural sector with significant ESTA farm worker rights issues, and Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal — the highest court on non-constitutional matters.