Can I clear a default off my credit score??

andrewd28

Evening all

A few years ago, I was silly and took a mobile phone contract out in my name for my partners. She decided to run up a huge bill while she was abroad that I couldn't afford to pay. The phone ended up getting cancelled etc and the debt passed on. Which I still couldn't afford to pay. My partner then told me that all of the debt etc had been transferred onto her name and credit file. For reasons unbeknown to myself I believed her. Understandably she is now my ex partner. However this phone contract has gone down as a default on my credit report. So I can't get mortgages at a normal rate or even a car on finance. I am now in a new job earning double than what I was doing and I am up to date with all bills. I've got an online shppping account that is paid well before interest starts with the buy now pay later. And a credit card which I recently paid off in full. As well as my Mobile phone

I've been trying for 2 years now to get my credit up, it is still poor on Experian but has improved and is almost at fair.

I paid roughly £400 of the £700 bill off to the debt company 2 years ago. As that was all I could afford. I've since spoken to them and they said even if I pay the rest it wouldn't change my credit score.

I would like to ask what my options are? Can I pay to have this default cleared off my score? Or if I pay the remainder will that clear it? I've just had a baby with my fianc! and this is preventing me from getting a mortgage or car. Really frustrating!!

Any advice or tips would be greatly welcomed.

Many thanks

[Deleted User]

The default will remain for 6 years. However, lenders will view you more positively if it is settled.

Ignore the scores the CRAs give you. They're fictional and have no relevance to your creditworthiness.

andrewd28

Thank you. So it's there for good, no matter what?

[Deleted User]

It's there for 6 years. The older it gets, the less impact it will have - especially if settled.

glentoran99

andrewd28 wrote: »

Thank you. So it's there for good, no matter what?

no only 6 years

andrewd28

Ok thanks. Will the 6 years be from when the debt agency took the debt? Or from when I paid it? Or from when the phone was cut off? I can't remember what the company was called

[Deleted User]

None of them. From when it defaulted.

andrewd28

Thanks, Is there anyway of finding out when it defaulted?

[Deleted User]

It'll be on your credit file(s).

Ficofuture

Ask for credentials before seeking any kind of financial advice on here.

Ficofuture

The best outcome is you pay in full on the understanding they REMOVE the default

Yes it can be done, but it wont be a quick phone call to the first person you speak to at the company, but if you are astute and professional, and get to deal with someone with the authority to agree such terms, it can be done