SCHUFA verdict: This is how long the credit agency stores your debts!

SCHUFA verdict: This is how long the credit agency stores your debts!

Today, November 6, 2025, the focus is on consumer questions about the storage of data at credit agencies such as SCHUFA. A current case recently caused a stir before the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). The central topic of discussion is how long settled debts can remain in data storage. This not only affects those affected, but also has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole.

How Mirror reported, the question is whether there is a legal limit for the length of time such entries can be stored. Currently, negative entries can remain for several years, even if the debts have already been paid. This has a massive impact on everyday things such as cell phone contracts or finding an apartment. A negative entry can quickly become a hurdle here.

Consumer rights

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives consumers some important rights to take back control of their personal data. LHR explains that consumers have, among other things, the right to information about their stored data. You can also request corrections if your entries are incorrect, or even request the deletion of data that is no longer needed or stored unlawfully.

The EU court recently increased the transparency requirements for credit reports. Consumers can now also gain insight into the logic and scope of score calculations, making the handling of this sensitive data clearer and more understandable.

Need for action for those affected

Anyone who discovers incorrect or outdated entries in their SCHUFA report should take action. This is not only a good right, but also urgently necessary. Those affected can apply for a free self-disclosure, which must be provided to them within one month. If the credit agency does not fulfill its obligation, the path to the data protection supervisory authority or legal support remains open.

The developments surrounding SCHUFA are not only interesting for consumers, but also for lawyers and data protection experts. Law firms like LHR offer support in verifying self-disclosures and helping to enforce claims - valuable help in times when personal data is becoming increasingly important.

In another interesting context, we encounter a technological problem: several users report difficulties with audio settings in Windows 11. They report that their devices, like the FX3, do not work as they should under Windows 11, even though everything is configured correctly. These challenges demonstrate the need to constantly monitor and adapt to technological changes. Information about this can be found in an article in Fractal Audio Forum.

The current events surrounding SCHUFA clearly show that consumers and experts must pull together to strengthen the rights of individuals and prevent abuse. Let’s ensure that this discourse doesn’t fall silent!