How long does a SCHUFA entry stay?
Usually three years after settlement. Credit agencies like SCHUFA may, under current practice, store data on payment defaults for up to three years after settlement and use them in reports — the Federal Court confirmed this on 18 Dec 2025 (I ZR 97/25). Anyone who pays quickly (settlement within 100 days without further negative data) can achieve a shorter storage of about 18 months; in special hardship cases even less is possible. You always have a right to a free data copy and to correction or deletion of wrong entries (GDPR).
📋 The rules
- Negative entries: storage generally up to 3 years after settlement (Federal Court 2025)
- Quick payment (within 100 days, no further negatives): partly 18 months
- Right to a free data copy (once a year, GDPR Art. 15)
- Right to correction/deletion of wrong or unlawful data
- Unfounded, unsettled claims may not be recorded as a hard negative
🔓 Exceptions
- Pure contract data (e.g. a current account) aren't negative entries
- After discharge of residual debt, special, shortened storage periods apply
- Rate enquiries (conditions request) are score-neutral
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If an agency stores wrong or unlawful data or doesn't delete it despite a claim, you can demand correction/deletion and turn to the data-protection authority; in individual cases damages under the GDPR are possible. Check your free data copy regularly — wrong entries are common and can cost you loans, flats or contracts.
📎 Official sources
- Federal Court · Press release 18 Dec 2025 (agency storage period) →
- GDPR Art. 15 · Right of access (free data copy) →
- Verbraucherzentrale · SCHUFA & credit agencies — your rights →
❓ Frequently asked
How long does a negative SCHUFA entry stay?
After settlement, generally up to three years. The Federal Court confirmed in 2025 that this storage period is lawful. With quick payment (within 100 days, no further negative data) it can be shortened to about 18 months.
Is an entry deleted at once after payment?
No. Even settled claims may remain stored for a reasonable time — the Federal Court denied immediate deletion. But the entry is marked as 'settled', which can positively affect the score.
How do I see what's stored about me?
Under Art. 15 GDPR you're entitled to a free copy of your stored data — once a year. Request it and check all entries for accuracy and currency.
Can I have wrong entries deleted?
Yes. You needn't accept wrong, outdated or unlawful entries — you can demand correction or deletion. If the agency doesn't help, turn to the data-protection supervisory authority.
Does every loan enquiry harm my score?
No. A pure conditions enquiry (to compare rates) is score-neutral and should be marked as such. Only a real loan application can have an effect — when comparing, watch for the right wording.
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