Hi there. I entered into a DAS in Jan 2020. 7 of the 8 creditors defaulted my accounts, however HSBC added an AR marker in relation to a credit card. 7 of these defaulted accounts will drop off my credit file in 2026, however due to the length of the DAS and it not being completed until 2028, the HSBC account will remain on my file until 2034. At the time I was only 2 payments behind when I entered into the DAS however lost my job, therefore I thought I was being proactive.

HSBC refused to remove the AR marker or change it to a default. I complained to the ICO and they have initially sided with HSBC unfortunately, even though their own guidelines state a customer should not be punished for attempting to repay the debt. I have asked for my case to be reconsidered by an Ombudsman and I am wondering if there are any precedents or other info I can use to support my case.

I have made early settlements and closed 7 of the 9 credit accounts, and only HSBC and a small amount elsewhere remain. At this time, given I have no assets of any kind, and rent a property, it would almost be more beneficial for my long term creditworthiness to stop repaying my DAS to allow this account to default and clear from my file 2 years earlier than it would otherwise.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks a lot!