After 6 years is an unsatisfied CCJ.....

markbbe

After 6 years is an unsatisfied CCJ automatically taken off my credit file??

Also I've applied for 0% balance transfer cards last year, and presumably been refused because of the CCJ. Will the companies I have applied for a card from have kept details of my CCJ on file, or if the CCJ (touchwood - hopefully?!) leaves my file in a few months will I be able to apply again with them having no knowledge of it?

I'm trying to get debt free and a 0% card would help massively.

Thanks in advance.

poorandindenial

Request to see a copy of your credit reference files and then you can see what is on there.

You can do a free trial with experian (sign up through quidco and there might eb some cashback) or you can write to easch of the three agencies enclosing a cheque for £2 asking to see it. There is all the info you need for the latter on the information comissioner's website if you do a search for credit reference file (www.ico.gov.uk)

My guess is no as the debt isn't satisfied so it will still show on your CRF as an active debt (although not sure how it is flagged as CCJ) - have you been making payments in line with the CCJ?

markbbe

The CCJ is from when I was at Uni. I haven't made any payments had any contact or anything on the CCJ.

I haven't been in a position to make any payments financially, and surprisingly (but touch wood) no-one has chased me for the money.

poorandindenial

The 6 year limitation (I think) no longer applies where a CCJ is in place. It could be worth asking the National Debtline for some advice too (and in the event they (the people you owe the debt to) come-a-huntin' there should be some handy letters there. They can also advise on what other implications there might be.

markbbe

Thanks very much for the replies. I've done a google search and there seem to be 2 main opinions:
1) unpaid ccjs stay on your file until they are paid and then for 6 years
2) they stay on your file for 6 years regardless.

I hope that 2) is the right one.

fatbelly

Yes it is.

From the Experian site:

Judgments are kept on your report for six years from the date of issue. If it is paid, it can be updated to read as satisfied but will remain on your report. However, judgments paid within one month can be removed from your report. For county court judgments you will need to obtain a Certificate of Satisfaction from the court before we are able to update our records.

The judgement still remains in force - it just drops off your credit files. If the creditor wants to take action they can do so but will require permission from the court.

Fire_Fox

I think it falls off your record after six years, but the creditor can apply to the court at a later date to have the debt reactivated. Basically a CCJ does not ever become completely statute barred unless satisfied.