Frequently asked questions

Debt review is a formal process under the National Credit Act, regulated by the National Credit Regulator, that can restructure all your credit agreements into one plan with legal protection while you comply. Debt mediation is an informal, account-by-account negotiation outside that framework, with no statutory protection. See our debt review and debt mediation pages for the full detail.

No. Qualifying depends on an assessment of whether you’re over-indebted — meaning you can’t comfortably meet your credit repayments alongside reasonable living expenses. A consultant or debt counsellor needs to assess your specific situation.

Not necessarily. Any change depends on what’s agreed with each credit provider. We won’t promise a reduction before that’s actually been worked out.

No. Credit providers aren’t obliged to accept every proposal. Under formal debt review, disputes can end up before a court or the National Consumer Tribunal. Under debt mediation, a creditor can simply decline.

No. That protection applies to formal debt review, not to informal mediation. A creditor can still pursue legal action during mediation.

No. Being under formal debt review is reflected on your credit record for the duration of the process. This is normal and is removed once you exit debt review through a legally recognised route.

No. Removal follows specific legal routes and requires an assessment — an improved income alone doesn’t automatically qualify you. See debt review removal.

It’s the document a registered debt counsellor issues once the debts covered by your restructured plan have been paid off in full, confirming you’ve completed debt review. It’s used to update your status with the credit bureaus. Exiting debt review before your debts are settled is different, and generally requires a court application instead. See debt review removal.

Yes. The National Credit Regulator has publicly warned consumers about businesses promising fast debt review removal in exchange for a large upfront fee. Under section 126A(3) of the National Credit Act, a business offering to help remove information from your credit record generally can’t take payment from you before that service has actually been carried out.

No. Restructuring your repayments through debt review is not a new loan — it’s a revised repayment plan across your existing credit agreements. We don’t offer a consolidation loan product.

No. Your results appear immediately after the debts step — you can request a callback afterwards, but it’s entirely optional.

No. It’s a general budget summary based on the amounts you enter. A personalised repayment estimate requires a full assessment.

No. The figures you type into the calculator stay in your browser for that session and are not saved on our servers or sent anywhere unless you separately choose to submit a callback request.

A consultant reviews your request and contacts you, ideally during your preferred time. Submitting the form is an enquiry, not a commitment to anything.

No. This site provides general information to help you understand your options. It doesn’t replace a personal assessment of your circumstances. See our terms of use.