CCJs & defaults
Catalogues when you have a CCJ or defaults
A County Court Judgment or a default is the heaviest mark a credit file can carry. It narrows your options, but it doesn't close them all.
What a lender sees
Both show on your file for six years. Score-based catalogues treat them as an automatic no. Affordability-led plans look at how long ago it happened and whether your payments have been steady since.
Improving your position
- Mark any CCJ as satisfied once it's paid. Ask the court for a certificate.
- Add a short notice of correction explaining what happened.
- Build a recent run of on-time payments, even small ones.
Common questions
How long does a CCJ stay on my file?
Six years from the date of judgment. Paying it within a month of the judgment gets it removed completely.
Does a satisfied CCJ still count?
It stays visible until the six years are up, but it's marked satisfied. Many lenders weigh that more kindly.
How long do defaults show?
Six years from the default date, whether or not the debt has been paid.