What Is a CCJ?

If you've been told you have a CCJ, or you're worried one might be on the way, it's important to understand what it is and how it can affect your finances — especially if you're hoping to borrow.

A CCJ, or County Court Judgment, is a court order confirming that you owe a debt and must repay it. It's recorded on a public register and on your credit file, where it can stay for six years and make borrowing — including getting a mortgage — harder.

In this insight, we explain what a CCJ is, its effect on credit and mortgages, how to remove or satisfy one, and the six-year register.

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Key Takeaways

• A CCJ is issued by a court when a creditor takes legal action over an unpaid debt.
• It appears on your credit file for six years and can significantly affect your ability to borrow.
• Pay the full amount within one month and the CCJ can be removed from the register entirely.
• Pay after a month and it's marked "satisfied" but stays on record for the six years.

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What is a County Court Judgment?

A County Court Judgment is a formal court order made when a creditor takes legal action to recover money you owe. If you don't repay a debt and don't respond to the creditor's earlier attempts, they can apply to the court, which can then issue a judgment ordering you to pay.

The judgment sets out how much you owe and how you must repay it — often in instalments, or as a lump sum. Ignoring a CCJ is serious: it can lead to enforcement action such as bailiffs or an attachment of earnings.

CCJs apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has a separate system called a decree).

How a CCJ Affects Your Credit

A CCJ is one of the more damaging marks on a credit file. Once recorded, it tells lenders you have failed to repay a debt to the point that court action was needed. As a result:

• Your credit score is likely to drop noticeably.
• Applications for credit cards, loans and mortgages may be declined or offered on worse terms.
• Even after the debt is paid, the record of the CCJ can remain visible.

Because it's so significant, it's worth checking your credit file regularly so you know exactly what's showing. Our guide explains how to check your credit score for free, and if you're rebuilding, 5 ways to build your credit score is a useful next step.

CCJs and Mortgages

A CCJ can make getting a mortgage harder, but not always impossible. Lenders will typically look at:

• How much the CCJ was for — small judgments may be viewed more leniently.
• How long ago it was registered — the older it is, the less weight it usually carries.
• Whether it's satisfied — a paid (satisfied) CCJ looks better than an unpaid one.

Some high-street lenders decline applicants with recent CCJs, while specialist lenders may still consider them, often requiring a larger deposit. If you're in this position, our guides on the lowest credit score you can have and whether there's a minimum credit score for a mortgage explain how lenders weigh up adverse credit.

How to Remove or Satisfy a CCJ

There are a few ways to deal with a CCJ, depending on your situation:

• Pay in full within one month. If you pay the whole amount within 30 days of the judgment, you can apply to have the CCJ removed from the register completely, as though it never happened. You'll usually need to provide proof of payment.
• Pay after one month (satisfy it). If you pay later, the CCJ is marked as "satisfied" rather than removed. It stays on the register for six years, but a satisfied judgment looks far better to lenders than an unpaid one.
• Set it aside. If the CCJ was issued incorrectly — for example, you never received the paperwork or don't actually owe the money — you may be able to apply to the court to have it "set aside".

Always keep evidence of any payment, and make sure the register and your credit file are updated to reflect it.

The Six-Year Register

CCJs are recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, which is a public register. Anyone, including lenders, can search it. A CCJ generally stays on the register — and on your credit file — for six years from the date of judgment, unless you pay it in full within the first month.

After six years, the CCJ drops off automatically, whether or not it was paid. That said, paying it sooner and having it marked satisfied is far better for your credit in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a CCJ disappear if I ignore it?

No — ignoring it can lead to enforcement action, and it will still sit on your file for six years. It's much better to deal with it.

Does paying a CCJ remove it from my credit file?

Only if you pay in full within one month of the judgment. Paying later marks it "satisfied" but leaves it on record for six years.

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Possibly. Specialist lenders may consider you, particularly if the CCJ is small, old, or satisfied, though you may need a larger deposit.

How do I check if I have a CCJ?

You can search the public register and review your credit file with the credit reference agencies to see any judgments recorded against you.

This is general information, not personal financial or legal advice. If you're struggling with debt, free help is available from services such as Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.