FAQs
Questions, answered straight.
Twelve common questions covering CIFAS, CCJs, credit files, bank accounts and how we run cases. Send us anything else by email or WhatsApp and we will reply.
Common questions
Questions, answered straight.
How long does a CIFAS marker take to remove?
Typical cases run between four and twelve weeks once the dispute is filed. The first month tends to be evidence and SAR work. The bank then has 28 days to respond. If they refuse and we believe the marker should not be there, we escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which adds eight to sixteen weeks but is usually decisive.
Can you guarantee an outcome?
No, and you should be wary of anybody who does. We only take on cases we genuinely believe we can win. Our published success rates of 97 to 100 percent reflect that filtering.
How much will it cost?
The first 30 minute consultation is free. After that, fees depend on the case and are agreed in writing before any work starts. There are no hourly billing surprises. Some service lines are offered on an outcome based arrangement.
Do I have to live in the UK?
No. We work UK records (CIFAS, UK CCJs, UK bank accounts, UK credit bureaus). Most clients send us documents by email and speak to us by phone or WhatsApp.
What information do you need from me?
For the first call, just a clear picture of what has happened. If we move ahead, we will ask for photo ID, any letters from the bank or court, your most recent credit reports if you have them, and signed authority for us to make Subject Access Requests.
Will my information stay confidential?
Yes. A dedicated specialist team handles every case. We do not discuss live cases externally. We do not publish identified case studies without written permission. Your data is held under standard UK GDPR safeguards.
How do I know if I have a CIFAS marker?
Most people find out when they get rejected for an account or product without an explanation that makes sense. The only way to confirm is a CIFAS Subject Access Request.
Can a CCJ be removed once it has been issued?
A CCJ paid in full inside one calendar month of judgment is removed automatically. After that, removal requires a set aside application to the court. Usually based on grounds like the claim never being properly served or the underlying debt being wrong.
How long do entries stay on a credit file?
Six years from the entry date, generally. Late payments six years from the late date. Defaults six years from the default date (not the settlement date). CCJs six years from the judgment date.
Will applying for new credit during a dispute hurt me?
Yes. Hard searches stack up and dispute work moves slower if the file is changing weekly. We ask clients to hold off any applications until after a dispute round closes.
Do you take cases with bankruptcy or IVAs on file?
No. Bankruptcy and IVAs are handled by insolvency practitioners and we do not work in that area. We can still assist with non insolvency entries on the same file (incorrect defaults, CIFAS markers) where present.
What is the Financial Ombudsman Service and when is it used?
The FOS is the UK independent dispute resolution service for financial complaints. It is free for consumers and binding on the bank. We escalate to the FOS when a bank refuses to remove a marker or otherwise reach a fair outcome on the internal complaint route.
Did not see your question?
Drop us a line. The first call is free and we are happy to answer general questions even if you do not end up working with us.