How to Remove a County Court Judgment (CCJ) from Your Credit File
16th Nov 2025
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can have a serious impact on your financial future. It can affect your ability to borrow money, get a mortgage, or even open certain bank accounts. If you have a CCJ, the good news is that under some circumstances, it can be removed. This guide explains how to remove a County Court Judgment from your credit file legally and what steps you must follow.
What Is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment is a court order issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland when you fail to repay money you owe. It is recorded on your credit file and remains visible to lenders. CCJs stay on your report for six years unless removed earlier.
Can You Remove a CCJ from Your Credit File?
Yes, you can remove it—but only in specific situations. A CCJ cannot be removed simply because you don’t want it there. It must meet at least one legal condition.
Ways to Remove a CCJ
1. Pay the CCJ Within 30 Days
If you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment being issued, it will be removed completely from your credit record. You may need proof of payment and must apply for a “Certificate of Cancellation.”
2. Apply for a Set Aside
If you were unaware of the CCJ—perhaps because papers were sent to an old address—you can apply to have it set aside. This cancels the judgment, and if successful, it will be removed from your credit report. You’ll need to complete form N244 and pay a court fee.
3. Prove the CCJ Was Issued in Error
If you don’t owe the money or there was a genuine legal mistake, you can challenge the CCJ. If the court agrees, it will be removed.
4. Wait Six Years
If none of the above applies, the CCJ will stay on your file for six years from the judgment date, even if fully paid. After that, it disappears automatically.
How a CCJ Affects Your Credit Score
A CCJ dramatically lowers your credit rating and makes lenders see you as high risk. This can:
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Increase interest rates on loans
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Prevent mortgage approval
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Affect car finance and mobile contracts
To monitor your credit status, you can check your file using CreditCheckOnline.co.uk (https://creditcheckonline.co.uk/) for insights and alerts.
Improving Your Credit After a CCJ
If you cannot remove the CCJ, you can still rebuild your score by:
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Paying off all debts on time
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Using small amounts of credit responsibly
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Checking your report for mistakes
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Registering on the electoral roll
FAQs
Can a paid CCJ still be removed?
If paid within 30 days, yes. After 30 days, it will remain but be marked as “satisfied.”
How much does it cost to set aside a CCJ?
The court fee is usually £303, unless you qualify for help with fees.
Can lenders still see a CCJ after six years?
No, once removed, it no longer appears on your credit file.
Do CCJs appear in Scotland?
Scotland uses a different legal system. The equivalent is a “decree,” not a CCJ.
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