They said this… · Credit files & defaults

“A default stays for six years, so it cannot be changed before then”

Generally incorrect

The normal retention period does not prevent correction or removal where the entry itself is inaccurate or should not have been reported as it was.

Not sure which right applies? Check your situation →

Why this answer

What actually matters

  • Retention rules answer how long an accurate default is ordinarily displayed.
  • They do not make inaccurate data immune from rectification.
  • The challenge must still show what is wrong with the reporting.

What you could say

Keep the response tied to the actual rule.

Evidence

What to have beside you

  • Current reports from each relevant CRA
  • Full account/payment history
  • Default or arrears notices and reporting correspondence
  • Any arrangement-to-pay history and complaint decisions

If they still refuse

Move the dispute forward.

  1. Challenge the underlying provider as the usual data furnisher and, where useful, raise a dispute with the CRA too.
  2. Focus on accuracy, timing and the actual account history rather than the impact on your score alone.
  3. FOS and/or ICO may be relevant depending on whether the issue is financial-service fairness or data accuracy.

Read the full rules

Go deeper before escalating.

Primary guideRead the detailed ConsumerWise guidance.DefaultsRead the full guide.Inaccurate credit dataRead the full guide.PRAADRead the full guide.