How to Clear Your Name Without Paying Debt: 7 Proven Legal Strategies in 2025
Are you tired of having a bad credit history and not being able to get credit? Know that How to clear your name on Serasa in 2025 it has become easier than ever. There are free and legal methods that can get your name out of the red without you having to pay the full amount of your debts.
More than 70 million Brazilians have a negative credit rating today. This means that 7 out of 10 adults face difficulties in obtaining credit cards, financing or even making purchases using installment plans.
The good news is that the law has recently changed. The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has ruled that debts older than 5 years can no longer be collected judicially or extrajudicially. This opens up a unique opportunity for millions of Brazilians.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover 7 tried and tested methods to clear your name. Some are completely free, others involve discounted negotiations. The important thing is that they all work when applied correctly.
Having a clean credit history with Serasa is not just a matter of pride. It is a basic necessity for anyone who wants to rebuild their financial life. With a clean credit history, you will once again have access to credit, get better payment terms and can plan your future with more peace of mind.
Having a bad name in Serasa means being registered with credit protection agencies as a defaulter. This happens when you are late in making payments for more than a few months and the creditor company decides to blacklist your CPF.
Enter the due date of your debt to check if it has expired:
Negation directly impacts your credit score, which is a score from 0 to 1000 that indicates your risk as a payer. The lower the score, the more difficult it is to get approval for credit and the worse the conditions offered by banks.
In Brazil, there are three main credit protection agencies: Serasa, SPC and SCPC. Each one maintains an independent database, but in practice they work in an integrated manner. When a company files a negative report, it usually does so in all three agencies simultaneously.
O Serasa is the largest and best known. It is responsible for calculating the score that most banks use to approve or deny credit. Therefore, clearing your name on Serasa is usually the number one priority.
The rules for How to clear your name on Serasa changed significantly in 2025. New court decisions have strengthened consumer rights, especially in relation to old debts. This has created unprecedented opportunities for those with statute-barred debts.
The secret that few people know is that you don't always have to pay the full amount of the debt to clear your name. There are specific legal situations where it is possible to obtain free exclusion, especially when it comes to debts that are more than 5 years old.
What Are Time-Barred Debts and How to Identify Them
A prescribed debt is one that has lost its legal validity for collection after the deadline established by law. In Brazil, according to the Article 206 of the Civil Code, most consumer debts expire in 5 years from the due date.
This means that if you have a credit card debt that was due in January 2019, it expired in January 2024. From that date onwards, the creditor can no longer collect this debt in court or maintain its negative listing in protection agencies.
O STJ recently decided that these prescribed debts cannot be collected, even out of court. This includes debt collection calls, settlement offers and keeping the name on the negative list. It is a revolutionary change that benefits millions of Brazilians.
To identify whether your debt has expired, access the Serasa app and check the start date of each negative listing. If it has been more than 5 years, you have the legal right to request the free deletion of this information.
⚠️ Important Attention: Not all debts are time-barred after 5 years. Labor debts are time-barred after 2 years, and some tax debts may have longer terms. However, the general rule for consumer debts (credit card, loan, financing) is 5 years.
The statute of limitations does not mean that the debt disappears. It continues to exist, but the creditor loses the right to collect it. It is like a legal “amnesty” for those who were unable to pay on time.
Use the official form for debts older than 5 years
Government platform for complaints
Lawsuit Without a Lawyer When Other Methods Fail
Take advantage of campaigns with up to 99% discount
Build a positive track record for free
Contact the original company for better conditions
Technology for monitoring and trading
Method 1 – Exclusion of Statute-barred Debts in Serasa (Free)
This is the method 100% free to How to clear your name on Serasa when you have prescribed debts. Serasa itself recognizes this right and offers an official form for the request.
- Step 1: Access the official link and click on “Reason for contact”.
- Step 2: Select “My debt, protest or legal action” and then “I was listed as a defaulter but I do not recognize the debt”.
- Step 3: Fill in your personal details (CPF, name, email, telephone number) and in the “Subject” field write: “Statutory debt – Exclusion requested”.
- Step 4: In the “Tell me what happened” field, use this sample text: “I accessed the Serasa platform and identified statute-barred debts being improperly maintained. According to the STJ decision in Special Appeal 213726, these debts cannot be collected, including through extrajudicial means. I request the immediate exclusion of all offers of debts older than 5 years.”
- Step 5: Attach a copy of your ID or driver's license and screenshots of the Serasa screens showing debts over 5 years old.
- Step 6: Authorize Serasa to update your contact details and click “Send”.
The system will generate a protocol number. Write down this number, as it will be your guarantee if you need to make a later charge. Serasa has up to 5 business days to respond to your request.
If your application is approved, your outstanding debts will be automatically deleted and your score may improve immediately. This is the fastest and most efficient method when you fall into this category.
Method 2 – Complaint via Consumidor.gov.br
O Consumer.gov.br is an official federal government platform that works as a “national Procon”. It is a powerful alternative when the previous method does not work or you want to reinforce your request.
The advantage of this platform is that companies are required to respond within 10 business days. In addition, there is additional pressure because the platform is monitored by government agencies.
How to make a complaint: Go to consumer.gov.br and create a free account. Search for the company “Serasa” and click on “Register Complaint”.
Complaint title: “Request for exclusion of prescribed debts – Consumer law”
Description: Use a text similar to the previous method, but emphasize that you have already tried to resolve the issue directly with the company. Mention that it is your right as a consumer to have correct information from protection agencies.
Documents: Attach the same documents as in the previous method, plus the printout of the attempted direct request to Serasa (if applicable).
The success rate on Consumidor.gov.br is very high, with around 80% of cases being resolved favorably for the consumer. Companies prefer to resolve issues quickly to maintain a good reputation on the platform.
💡 Important tip: Be polite but firm in your complaint. Cite the legal basis (Civil Code art. 206) and the STJ decision. This shows that you know your rights.
Method 3 – Small Claims Court
When administrative methods fail, the Small Claims Court It is your guarantee that the law will be followed. It is possible to file a lawsuit without a lawyer and still ask for compensation for moral damages.
When to use: If Serasa denied your request to exclude prescribed debts or did not respond within the legal deadlines.
Costs: For amounts up to 20 minimum wages, there are no initial costs. You only pay if you lose the case and even then the amount is low.
Required documents: ID, CPF, proof of residence, printouts of prescribed debts, protocols of previous attempts at resolution.
Step by step: Go to the courthouse in your city and look for the Special Court section. There you will fill out a form explaining your case. The employee will help you fill it out.
What to order: Immediate exclusion of prescribed debts + compensation for moral damages (suggestion: R$ 5,000 per debt unduly maintained).
A advantage of the Court is that the decision is final and binding. If the judge orders the exclusion, Serasa will have to comply immediately. In addition, you may be compensated for the embarrassment suffered.
Term: The process in the Small Claims Court is quick, usually between 3 and 6 months. In many cases, an agreement is reached at the first hearing.
Method 4 – Negotiating with a Discount at the Serasa Fair
O Serasa Clean Name Fair 2025 is the largest debt negotiation campaign in the country. It takes place several times a year and offers discounts of up to 99% for those who want to settle their debts.
When it happens: The main fairs are in January, May and November. But there is the “Permanent Fair” that offers special conditions all year round.
How it works: You access the Serasa website or app, check your debts and negotiate directly with creditor companies. Payment can be made in full (with a greater discount) or in installments.
Strategies to get a better discount:
- 1- Always negotiate at the end of the month or at the end of the market
- 2- Prefer cash payment via PIX (discount can reach 95%)
- 3- Compare offers from similar companies before closing
- 4- Don't accept the first offer, always ask for an additional discount
Payment methods that clear instantly: PIX, debit card and single payment slip. These methods guarantee the automatic cancellation of the negative credit rating within 5 business days.
⚠️ Be careful with the installments: If you choose to pay in installments, your name will only be removed from Serasa after you pay the first installment. And if you are late with any installment, you will be back on the negative list.
O The fair is ideal For those who have income and want to resolve everything at once. Even paying a reduced amount, you definitively pay off the debt and rebuild your credit history.
Method 5 – Positive Registration and Score Improvement
O Positive Registration It is a free tool that can increase your score even if your name is on the negative list. It works like a “good payment history” that you build over time.
How to activate: Go to the Serasa, SPC or Quod website and authorize the sharing of your positive financial history. It's free and can be done in just a few minutes.
What's included: Payment history of basic bills (electricity, water, telephone), banking relationships, employment and income information, financial transaction data.
Impact on score: Even with debts, the Positive Registry can increase your score by 50 to 100 points. This improves your chances of getting pre-approved credit.
Documents that help: Proof of income, income tax return, bank statements showing regular transactions, proof of payment of basic bills on time.
💡 Valuable tip: Always keep your data updated in the Positive Registry. Have you changed jobs? Update it. Have you increased your income? Let us know. This will have a positive impact on the calculation of your score.
The Positive Registry is complementary to other methods. While you negotiate or request debt relief, you can build a positive history that will make your future financial life easier.
Simulate how your actions can impact your score:
Estimated improvement: +0 points
Rating: Low
Method 6 – Direct Negotiation with the Creditor
Often, negotiate directly with the lender cash can be more advantageous than using intermediary platforms. Banks and companies have the autonomy to offer special conditions.
How to find the original creditor: In the Serasa app, click on “View debt details”. The name of the company that gave you a negative rating will appear there. That’s the person you should contact.
Trading Strategies:
- Always call in the morning (more willing operators)
- Mention that you have other debts to negotiate
- Ask about “special campaign” or “wallet sale”
- If you can't get a good discount, ask to transfer to a supervisor.
Arguments that work: “I’m organizing my financial life”, “I received an inheritance/settlement and I want to pay it all off”, “I have other better offers, can you match them?”
Essential care: Always request the agreement by email or WhatsApp before paying. Confirm that the settlement will definitively remove the negative rating. Keep all receipts.
When the creditor is a recovery company: Companies like Recovery, Tricard, and Ipanema are “credit recovery companies.” They buy old debts for low amounts, so they have room to give big discounts.
Direct negotiation is longer than the fairs, but it can result in even better conditions. It's worth a try, especially for high-value debts.
Method 7 – Use of Applications and Digital Platforms
Technology can be your ally How to clear your name on Serasa more efficiently. There are free tools that automate monitoring and make trading easier.
Essential Official Apps:
- Serasa: Free monthly consultation, negotiation offers, negative alerts
- SPC: SPC score monitoring, specific offers, credit simulator
- Registered: Consultation with the Central Bank, information about your banking relationship
Open Finance Tools: Banks such as Nubank, C6 Bank and Next offer free analysis of your CPF and personalized suggestions to increase your score.
Financial control apps: GuiaBolso, Organizze and Minhas Economias help you organize your finances and avoid new negative entries.
Automatic alerts: Set up notifications to be notified immediately if your name is blacklisted. This allows you to take quick action before the problem becomes serious.
💡 Tech tip: Use the “Chat” feature of the official apps. You can often get a faster resolution than by phone or email.
Bank integration: Authorize your banks to share positive information. This automatically feeds your Positive Registry and can improve your score without additional effort.
Digital platforms are perfect for accompaniment continuous monitoring of your situation. Use them to monitor improvements in your score after each method is applied.
Important Care and Tips
How to identify scams: Never pay in advance to “clear your name”. Legitimate companies do not charge a fee for negotiation. Be wary of “miraculous” proposals or those that ask for PIX in advance.
Documents proving payment: Always demand written proof (email, WhatsApp, letter) confirming that the payment will fully settle the debt and remove the negative credit rating.
Legal deadlines for cancellation: After payment is confirmed, Serasa has up to 5 business days to remove the negative rating. If this happens, you can complain and even ask for compensation.
When to seek legal advice: If you have a lot of prescribed debts (more than 10) or high amounts involved (over R$ 50,000), it may be worth hiring a specialized lawyer.
⚠️ Be careful with new CPFs: Never use someone else's CPF or try to “create” a new CPF. This is a crime and can cause much bigger problems than the original debts.
Settlement contracts: Always read before signing. Confirm that it says “full and final settlement” and not just “installment agreement”.
Document backup: Take photos of all receipts and save them in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud). These documents may be needed for years.
How to Keep Your Name Clean After Settling Your Taxes
Basic financial organization: Use the 50-30-20 rule: 50% of income for essential expenses, 30% for personal expenses, 20% for emergency fund.
Conscious use of credit: Only use a credit card if you can pay the bill in full. Revolving credit interest can reach 300% per year.
Control tools: Set up alerts on your cell phone to remind you of due dates. Use automatic debit for basic bills (electricity, water, telephone).
Building a positive history: Even if you don't need credit now, keep up with regular banking transactions and pay small bills on your card (always in full).
Emergency reserve: Start by saving R$50 per month. In 1 year you will have R$600 for emergencies, avoiding getting into debt again.
Extra income: Consider side hustles (freelance, online sales, skill monetization) to accelerate your financial recovery.
Financial education: Invest time in learning about finances. YouTube channels, free courses from Serasa and materials from the Central Bank are excellent resources.
Conclusion
Now you know How to clear your name on Serasa using 7 different and proven methods. Each situation calls for a specific strategy:
- Statute-barred debts: Use methods 1, 2 and 3 (free)
- Do you have money to pay off: Methods 4 and 6 (with discount)
- Want to gradually improve: Methods 5 and 7 (history construction)
Recommendation by profile:
- Retired with old debts: Focus on free methods (1-3)
- Worker with income: Combine fair (4) + positive registration (5)
- Entrepreneur: Direct negotiation (6) + technology (7)
Your next step: Check your debts today on the Serasa app. Identify which ones are more than 5 years old and start with method 1. For recent debts, wait for the next fair or negotiate directly.
Remember: having a clean record is just the first step. True financial success comes from organization and planning. Use this opportunity not only to resolve the past, but to build a prosperous future.
Your new financial life starts now! 🚀
