Account disappeared from credit reference agency reports but not due to old default?

np1v08

Hi, this is a bit of a head-scratcher for me and I'm not sure how to proceed without potentially putting myself in a less favourable position than I am now. I would really appreciate some advice or inputs (if someone has been in a similar position).

I had a Vanquis credit card (among others) and in August 2019 I entered into a managed DMP with PayPlan, which I just got on with paying back each month. Fast forward to August 2025, I finally started looking at the information held about these accounts on Equifax/Experian/TransUnion by taking out a Checkmyfile trial subscription. I could track and see all my accounts, most of which had been defaulted in late 2019/early 2020 so they have been gradually dropping off my files now.

However, there was no sign of the Vanquis account, nor was there any reporting by NCO Europe Ltd/Capquest (one bought the debt from Vanquis and the other manages collections). My assumption was that Vanquis pulled the trigger and defaulted the account earlier than my other creditors and the reason I couldn't see any sign of the account was that it had dropped off prior to August 2025.

I also put in a CCA request in September 2025 and as yet neither NCO nor Capquest have been able to provide the CCA. The account has been on hold since October and I've stopped paying the monthly repayments while the debt is unenforceable. They have now started pushing me to pay the 'arrears' (even though the account is on hold ) and have warned me that they could default the account. I always respond by reminding them I am still waiting for the CCA. Both NCO and Capqest dispute that the account was ever defaulted (they told me categorically it wasn't defaulted by Vanquis). If I knew for sure the account had been defaulted I would feel more relaxed.

If I ask Vanquis to confirm the date of the default and it transpires it never was defaulted, might they may rectify the clericial error and add something to my credit records showing that it was e.g. up to 6 months in arrears before being sold . I don't understand why NCO/Capquest aren't reporting to the 3 CRAs (other 3rd parties like PRA and Intrum do). Obviously, if the CCA doesn't turn up they can't default the account or initiate a CCJ ,and if it does turn up I could just make them a lowball offer to settle (I owe about £600 now).- either way there is no trace on my credit files currently.

Is there any other reason I've not considered for why there is no record of the Vanquis account anywhere on my credit files? Would I be better off not contacting Vanquis about the default (just in case), and would it be more prudent just to wait and see what happens about the CCA?

If you've got this far, many thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.

fatbelly

I don't see why you need to contact them at all.

The account is unenforceable while they cannot produce an agreement and nothing is showing on your file.

So they want you to make a payment? So what? Ignore them unless they send you a formal letter before claim.

np1v08

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81857059#Comment_81857059

Ok, thank you. I was hesitant to contact Vanquis certainly in case I opened a can of worms. Previously, I had actually refused when NCO Europe asked me to get written proof of the default for them. Can they send me a letter before claim if there is no CCA though?

sourcrates

Yes of course they can, and if you do get one, you tick the box that asks for more information, the paperwork for the account, which they should not be able to provide, and it would end there.

np1v08

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81857279#Comment_81857279

Yes, I see what you both mean and thanks for the clarification. I think what I was getting at (but didn't express it very well) is would they even try sending a LBA if they already know they don't have the CCA? I've formally requested the CCA under Sections 77-79 of the Consumer Credit Act  etc. I did that 5 months ago and the account has been on hold. I guess I would just have to tick the box and re-request it.