CCJs & Defaults
What they are, how they happen, and what you can do about them.
A default and a county court judgment are two of the most serious marks a credit file can carry. Both can be dealt with, and in some cases removed – but only if you act, and the earlier the better.
From the lender
A default
When you fall seriously behind, usually after three to six months of missed payments, the lender can end your agreement and record a default. It stays on your file for six years from that date, even after you pay it, but it then shows as satisfied.
From the court
A county court judgment
If someone takes you to court for money you owe and you don't respond, or the court decides against you, a CCJ formally confirms the debt and sets how to pay it. It is recorded on a public register and on your credit file.
Why Paying A CCJ Quickly Matters
Paid in full within a month
Removed
Ask the court for a certificate of cancellation, and the judgment is taken off the register as if it never happened.
Paid in full later
Marked "satisfied"
It still stays for six years, but lenders can see you settled it. Ask the court for a certificate of satisfaction.
Not paid
Shows as unpaid
It stays for six years, and the creditor can take further action, such as bailiffs or deductions from your wages.
What You Can Do
- Never ignore court papers. Responding to a claim by the deadline gives you the chance to dispute it or offer affordable payments before a judgment is made.
- Ask to pay in instalments. If you owe the money but can't pay it all, you can ask the court to change the judgment to payments you can afford.
- Get it cancelled if it's wrong. If you don't owe the money, or never received the original claim, you can apply to have the judgment "set aside".
- Check the details. Make sure every default and judgment on your file is accurate, and dispute anything that isn't – our guide to fixing mistakes shows how.
Full guidance on judgments is on GOV.UK. In Scotland the courts issue "decrees" under different rules, and Northern Ireland has its own system for enforcing judgments.
CCJ And Default Questions
Can I still borrow with a CCJ or default?
It is harder, especially while the mark is recent, and the price is likely to be higher. Some lenders do look beyond older marks, and our bad credit loans page explains what they consider.
Does paying a default remove it?
No, but it is updated to show as satisfied, which looks much better to lenders than an unpaid default. It then drops off your file six years after the default date.
Can a debt collector add a new default?
No. If a debt is sold on, the new owner can update the existing entry, but the original default date should stay the same, so it should still drop off at the same time.