How to remove old debt from Equifax
Still seeing an old debt on your Equifax report that should have disappeared years ago? You’re right to question it. Most negative data should be automatically removed after six years. If it hasn’t been, it’s most likely a system error.
Here’s how to check the dates, dispute it with Equifax, and what to do if they don’t remove it.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- Equifax must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 21 days to respond to Equifax’s enquiry.
- Check your Equifax report free via ClearScore.
How to dispute with Equifax
Use the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp. Select the appropriate category for the expired entry (e.g., “Financial Account information” for defaults, “Public Information” for CCJs).
Explain the entry has exceeded the 6-year retention period and provide the dates. Equifax should resolve this quickly.
Equifax-specific tips
If disputing via ClearScore, the dispute feeds through to Equifax. For old debt removal, this route works fine as the dates speak for themselves.
Evidence you’ll need
- Your Equifax credit report showing the entry and its original date is the main evidence. The 6-year clock starts from the default or registration date — not the date of last payment. Additional evidence is rarely needed for expired debt removal since the dates are verifiable in Equifax’s own system.
- If disputing through the Online Help portal, select the appropriate category: “Financial Account information” for defaults, or “Public Information” for CCJs or insolvencies. Standard document formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG) are accepted. You can also raise this via ClearScore, which feeds through to Equifax — for date-based removals, this route works fine.
Timeline
Old debt removals on Equifax are typically resolved quickly — often within 1–2 weeks. Equifax can verify the dates in their own records. If the lender is contacted, they have 21 days to respond — the shortest window of any CRA. Equifax confirms receipt within 24 hours.
Since this is a date-based issue that Equifax can verify internally, resolution should be faster than disputes requiring lender input.
If your dispute is rejected
If Equifax doesn’t remove expired data, escalate to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). Retaining personal data beyond the agreed period breaches UK GDPR Article 5(1)(e), the storage limitation principle. This is a clear-cut case for the ICO.
For re-submissions, try the alternative form at disputeuk.zendesk.com. Formal complaints go to [email protected] or call 0800 014 2955.
FAQs
When does the 6-year clock start on Equifax?
From the date of default (for defaults), date of judgement (for CCJs), or date of registration (for bankruptcies/IVAs). Not the date of last payment.
Why hasn’t Equifax removed it automatically?
CRAs should remove expired data automatically, but system errors do occur. A simple dispute should resolve it quickly.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on Equifax
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