How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File in the UK?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order that says you owe money to a creditor and have not kept to an agreement to repay. It can affect your ability to get credit, rent a home, or switch to cheaper deals. This guide explains how long a CCJ stays on your credit report, when it can be removed early, and what you can do to limit the damage.
- A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years from the judgment date
- Pay in full within 30 days and it can be removed completely
- After six years it drops off your credit file, even if unpaid, but the debt can still be enforceable
- You can ask the court to set aside a CCJ if there was a valid reason, such as not receiving the claim
How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit Report?
A CCJ remains on your credit file for six years from the date of judgment. This applies whether you pay it off or not. The entry is held by all three main UK credit reference agencies.
Can You Remove a CCJ Early?
There are two main routes to early removal:
- Pay in full within 30 days: If you pay the judgment in full within 30 days, you can have it removed from the Register of Judgments and your credit file. Keep proof of payment and ask the court or creditor to confirm that the judgment has been satisfied within the 30 day window.
- Apply to set aside: If you did not receive the claim, or you had a valid defence that you could not present, you can apply to the court to set aside the judgment. If the court agrees, the CCJ is removed. You will usually need to submit form N244 and pay a court fee. Outcomes are not guaranteed.
What Happens After Six Years?
After six years the CCJ drops off your credit file automatically. The debt itself may still exist. Creditors typically need the court’s permission to enforce a judgment that is more than six years old. This is not the same as the debt being written off. Keep all paperwork in case of questions later.
How a CCJ Affects Your Credit
- Lowers your credit score for the duration of the six years
- Makes it harder to be accepted for credit cards, loans, car finance, or mortgages
- Can lead to higher interest rates or lower credit limits
Real Examples
Example 1: Paid within 30 days
Amira receives a CCJ for £600 on 10 June. She pays the full amount on 25 June and keeps the receipt. The judgment is removed, and lenders will not see it on her credit file.
Example 2: Paid after 30 days
Lewis pays his CCJ in month three. The entry remains for the full six years but is marked as satisfied, which is viewed more positively by lenders than leaving it unpaid.
How to Check if You Have a CCJ
Check your credit report for free using:
You can also search the Register of Judgments for a small fee.
CCJs in England and Wales vs Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland the equivalent is a decree. It also appears on your credit file and is recorded on the public register. Northern Ireland has similar court processes. The six year reporting period is a useful rule of thumb across the UK, but the wording and processes differ by jurisdiction.
Reducing the Impact of a CCJ
- Pay as much as you can: If you cannot clear it in 30 days, pay it in full as soon as possible so it is marked as satisfied.
- Agree an affordable plan: If you cannot pay in full, propose realistic monthly payments to the creditor or apply to vary the order.
- Rebuild your profile: Keep other accounts in good order, register on the electoral roll, and keep credit utilisation low.
- Keep records: Save letters, receipts, and court documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paying a CCJ remove it from my credit file?
Paying within 30 days can remove it entirely. Paying after 30 days will mark it as satisfied, but it stays on your file until the six year anniversary.
How do I apply to set aside a CCJ?
You usually complete form N244 and explain why the judgment should be set aside, for example no service of the claim or a real defence. There is a court fee and you may be asked to attend a hearing. Seek advice before applying.
Can I get a mortgage with a recent CCJ?
It is harder, but some lenders will consider applications, especially if the CCJ is satisfied and your credit is otherwise strong. Expect stricter terms.
Will my employer see my CCJ?
Most employers do not check. Roles that require financial vetting may look at credit history. A CCJ is public record on the Register of Judgments.
Do I need a certificate to show it is paid?
You can apply for a certificate of satisfaction from the court for a small fee. This updates the public register to show the judgment has been paid.
Need Free Help?
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