If you’ve spotted a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit report, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – you’re not stuck with it forever. There are ways to remove a CCJ from your credit file, and doing so can make a real difference to your financial future. This guide is written for people in the UK and explains how CCJs work, how they affect your credit, and most importantly – how you can remove them.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland when someone fails to repay money they owe. It’s usually the result of unpaid debts like loans, credit cards, or utility bills. The creditor takes legal action, and if the court agrees, a CCJ is recorded against you.
Once it’s issued, the CCJ is added to your credit report and becomes public record. It can damage your credit score and make it harder to get approved for mortgages, loans, credit cards, or even mobile contracts.
How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit Report?
A CCJ will stay on your credit file for six years from the date of the judgment – even if you pay it off. This six-year rule applies unless you take action early enough to get it removed.
How Does a CCJ Affect Your Credit Score?
A CCJ can seriously harm your credit rating. Lenders see it as a red flag that you’ve struggled (or refused) to pay back debt in the past. This can lead to:
- Higher interest rates
- Loan or mortgage rejections
- Problems getting a rental agreement
- Difficulties opening certain types of accounts
How to Remove a CCJ from Your Credit Report
There are a few different ways to get a CCJ removed from your credit report in the UK, depending on your situation:
1. Pay the Full Amount Within One Month
If you pay the full amount owed within one calendar month of the judgment date, the CCJ can be removed completely. You’ll need to:
- Pay the creditor the full amount.
- Ask for a Certificate of Satisfaction from the court (this costs a small fee).
- Contact credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion with proof of payment.
If everything checks out, the CCJ will be removed from your file as if it never happened.
2. Wait for Six Years
If you don’t pay within a month, the CCJ will stay on your credit report for six years, even if you pay it off later. But after six years, it automatically drops off – no need to do anything.
During that time, lenders will see the CCJ and might reject applications or offer less favourable terms. So if you can pay it off, it’s still worth doing, even if it won’t remove it straight away.
3. Set Aside or Cancel the Judgment (Court Application)
If you believe the CCJ was made in error or you didn’t know about it (for example, the claim was sent to an old address), you can ask the court to set it aside.
You’ll need to:
- Complete and send Form N244 to the court.
- Pay a court fee (around £275, unless you qualify for help with fees).
- Attend a hearing to explain your situation.
If successful, the CCJ will be removed from your credit record – but this isn’t guaranteed and depends on the judge’s decision.
5. Dispute Incorrect Information
Sometimes, mistakes happen. If you spot an incorrect CCJ on your credit report – maybe it’s not yours, or the amount is wrong – you can raise a dispute with the credit reference agency. They’ll investigate and, if it turns out you’re right, they’ll correct or remove it.
How Does Removing a CCJ Help?
Getting a CCJ removed can boost your credit score and make lenders more likely to say yes. It also shows future creditors that you take your responsibilities seriously.
If you’re thinking about applying for a mortgage, car finance, or even renting a flat, having a clean credit record can make the process much smoother.
Helpful Links (UK Resources):
If you’re unsure where to start or need advice, it’s worth speaking to a debt charity or financial adviser. They can guide you through the process and help you rebuild your credit with confidence.
FAQs
You can only have a CCJ removed without payment if you successfully apply to have it “set aside” by the court. This is usually only possible if you weren’t aware of the claim or didn’t receive the paperwork. Simply ignoring a CCJ won’t lead to removal.
Yes. While the CCJ stays on your report, paying it off shows lenders you’ve settled the debt. It won’t erase the CCJ, but it can still help improve your creditworthiness over time.
Not always. If you’re paying within one month or disputing incorrect information, you can do this yourself. For court applications (like setting aside a judgment), legal advice can help, but it’s not a requirement.
Yes, some landlords or letting agents carry out credit checks and may reject tenants with CCJs. Having it removed – or at least marked as satisfied – can make renting easier.
Absolutely. Removing a CCJ means it’s taken off your credit file completely. Satisfying it means the debt is paid, but the CCJ remains visible for six years, with a note showing it’s been settled.
Not necessarily. You may need to contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion separately with evidence if a CCJ has been removed or satisfied. They don’t always update automatically.
Scotland uses a different system called Decrees. These also show up on your credit file but are handled through the Register of Judgments rather than the County Court. The removal process differs slightly.
You can’t speed up the six-year expiry, but if you pay the CCJ in full within one month, you can request immediate removal. Outside that timeframe, only court action or a reporting error will lead to earlier removal.
Once a CCJ is fully removed from your credit file, lenders won’t see it in credit checks. However, some may still ask you directly about past credit issues, especially for mortgages or high-value borrowing.
Yes. After removal, you can check your credit file through free services like ClearScore, Credit Karma, or by requesting your statutory credit report from each agency.
Continue Reading
How long does information stay on my credit file?
Can you get a mortgage with a default?
A comprehensive guide to mortgages for limited company directors
How to download your credit reports
Can you get a mortgage with a CCJ?
Single brick construction mortgage
How to get a mortgage with 1 years’ accounts
Mortgage with a gifted deposit
Joint mortgage with bad credit
First-time buyer mortgage with bad credit
Do self-employed individuals need a broker to deal with a mortgage?
Can I remortgage my bad credit mortgage once my credit score improves?