What Does "Under Debt Review" Mean on a Credit Report?
The 'under debt review' marker on a credit report indicates that the consumer is in a formal debt-review process under the National Credit Act. It tells credit providers that the consumer may not take on new credit while existing debt is being restructured. The marker is not a judgment or blacklist; it is removed once a Form 19 clearance certificate is issued and processed.
Key Points
- The flag indicates an active debt-review process.
- It restricts new credit to protect the consumer.
- It is not a judgment or a blacklist.
- It is removed after your clearance certificate is processed.
Why is the flag there?
When you apply for debt review, your debt counsellor notifies the credit bureaux. The bureaux record the flag so that credit providers can see you are in a regulated restructuring process and should not extend new credit.
This is a protective mechanism — it prevents you from taking on more debt while you repay what you owe.
What does it mean for lenders?
Lenders see the flag and understand that the consumer is under debt review. Registered credit providers are legally restricted from extending new credit to a consumer with an active flag.
The flag does not prevent you from keeping existing accounts (such as a home loan) that are included in the restructuring.
When is the flag removed?
The flag is removed after your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate and submits it to the bureaux. Once processed, your profile no longer shows the debt-review indicator.
Check your report after completion to confirm the removal, and contact your debt counsellor if the flag remains beyond the expected period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Worried That Your Debt Has Become Unaffordable?
Debt Guidance can assess your income, essential expenses and debt commitments to determine whether debt review may be appropriate.
Reviewed by Carolina Guevara Harris
Registered Debt Counsellor · NCRDC3152
Last updated: 17 September 2025
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