Good to know. Thanks sfor the quick response. Clearly better to default as soon as possible if there is no realistic prospect of returning to the agreed credit terms in the near future.

Thanks capquest. I don't think I was served a default notice by Capitol One credit card or Mint credit card - just switched to reduced payments. Does that make any difference?

My first post - apologies if this type question has already been answered elsewhere. Due to ill health around 2001-2002 I was unable to meet the monthly payments on credit cards and a loan. My creditors agreed to suspend interest/charges and accepted reduced payments that I continue to pay today unsecured loan,; Frederickson International,Capitol One credit card; Mint credit card). I was served a default notice in October 2002 for the Halifax loan but do not recall receiving the same from the other creditors. I have never missed or been late with the reduced monthly payments (total now owing ~£3XXX. total monthly repayments £45). I have recently obtained £2 statutory reports from Call credit, Experian and Equifax. None of my creditors appear on these reports. My questions: 1. Even though I cannot view these debts or their records on my credit files are potential lenders able to 'see' more than me when they make a lending decision? 2. Once I have paid these debts off with the agreed reduced monthly payments will they re-appear on my credit files as 'settled'? If so, could this affect future borrowing? If wanting to apply for a mortgage/ other credit would it be better to do it before these are paid off. Thanks.