How Will An IVA Impact My Credit Rating?

One of the main questions people have when it comes to taking out an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is “How does IVA affect credit rating?” and whether they’ll be able to obtain further credit after the IVA is finished.

An IVA will affect your credit rating because it will be kept on your credit report due to the duration. However, this won’t last forever and will typically only be kept on record for up to six years. During these six years, you will likely find it difficult to get credit as your credit rating will be poorer.

During your IVA, you must obtain written permission from your Insolvency Practitioner if you wish to borrow more than £500 worth of credit. There will be a clause in your IVA agreement that states this and clearly outlines restrictions on your ability to take our further credit while the IVA is is in effect.

However, there are some circumstances in which your IP may give you permission to obtain further credit, such as for a replacement hire purchase arrangement or a re-mortgage. But they will be concerned about how taking out more credit will impact your Individual Voluntary Arrangement or your ability to keep up with monthly payments.

How Can I Remove Or Amend An IVA On My Credit File?

The IVA will automatically be marked complete and automatically removed from your credit file. So you won’t need to do anything to remove it. If information is inaccurate and requires updating, you can ask for it to be updated. Note that this may require you to provide evidence from your IP.

How Can I Improve My Credit Score After An IVA?

It might seem like a simple solution to apply for credit after your IVA to improve your credit rating, but this can prove expensive, and you might have problems trying to pay it back.

Once you complete your IVA, your IP will inform the Insolvency Service, which will then amend the Insolvency Register to show its completion. Even though the IVA is finished, it will stay on your credit report for six years from the date it was issued.

This means it can be challenging to get credit whilst the IVA is still listed on your credit report. For this reason, many lenders will view you as high risk and refuse to give you credit or charge you significant interest rates.

However, there are some things you can do after your IVA to improve your credit score.

Build up your credit history

Building up your recent credit record doesn’t have a quick fix. Instead, it takes time. However, there are many positive steps you can take to build your credit history, such as opening a secured credit card and keeping your credit utilisation to a minimum.

Prove where you live

One way to do this is to register on the electoral roll at your current address. You can do this even if you aren’t living alone, for example, if you’re living with your parents or in a shared accommodation.

Open a bank account

Opening a new bank account might cause your credit score to fluctuate initially, but opening a bank account and managing it well can show lenders that you’re financially responsible.

Get a credit builder credit card

A credit builder credit card typically has low spending limits and high-interest rates, which can cause your score to drop initially but can help you build your score over time when used correctly.

Get your name on utility bills

Credit lenders and agencies can use utility bills to examine your credit history. Having your name on bills can make this easier for them to track and provides you with accountability.

Make sure you pay your payments on time

It’s important to pay your payments on time; this includes bills such as electric, gas, and mobile phone contracts, as this information will appear on your credit report. Missed payments will appear on credit reports and negatively impact credit ratings.

Final Thoughts

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a debt solution for people who can’t afford to pay back their debts and need help in doing so. Discussing your debt with a professional is always the best start, and we’re here to help you. Give us a call or check out our Knowledge Hub online to get the answers you need to see if an IVA is right for you.

Being chased by creditors can be unsettling; an IVA is a legally binding agreement that means that creditors can’t chase you once the IVA is in place, allowing you more agency over how you make your debt repayments. And not to forget, possibly giving you more peace of mind.

Whilst there are many pros and cons to taking out an IVA, this is why it’s always a good idea to get debt advice before making the decision.

If you worry about how long an IVA will remain on your credit report, remember that it won’t last forever. If you are savvy with your money and don’t fall into traps laid by high-interest credit companies, you will be on track to rebuilding your credit score in no time.