Does an unpaid default/ccj stay on your file forever??

in_a_mess_4

Hi all,

I have extremely bad credit history from years ago.

Does anyone know if an unpaid CCJ or default stays on your credit file forever until its paid off??

Jinx

A default disappears from your file 5 years after it was added to your credit report in Scotland, 6 years in England. I think its the same with a CCJ. The debt still exists its just not showing on the credit report.

DarkConvict

Defaults and CCJ lasts 6 years from the date they were added to your credit file, they are then not visible after this date. Settled or unsettled they do fall off.

There is only thing worth saying though, if a CCJ is unpaid a creditor can request it be readded to your credit file. Can be done in theory but never heard of it ever been done.

Jinx

DarkConvict is correct, its 6 years, sorry was getting my statute barred and default timelines mixed up!

DarkConvict

On an offshoot, Im not sure how long the credit file is in scotland, but i do think its still 6 years.

Jinx

DarkConvict wrote: »

On an offshoot, Im not sure how long the credit file is in scotland, but i do think its still 6 years.

The credit files are still 6 years long, you are spot on. And defaults will appear for the full amount of time.

I belive the difference is that in Scots law a statute barred debt becomes so after 5 years of non-contact and the debt is dissolved/disappeared whereas in England it is 6 years which matches nicely with the default going :j I guess its just a historic thing...