Delete SCHUFA Entry – Step-by-Step Guide

A negative SCHUFA entry can significantly impair your creditworthiness and thus considerably reduce your chances of getting loans. However, under certain conditions, you can request a deletion. This guide takes you through the process step by step.

Who or what is SCHUFA?

SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is a credit bureau that collects and stores data on the creditworthiness of private individuals and companies. Banks, landlords, and other contractual partners use this information to assess your solvency.

Which SCHUFA entries can be deleted?

A deletion can be requested in the following cases:

• Incorrect entries
• Unauthorized entries
• Mistaken identity (confusion of persons)
• Claims that are already statute-barred

NEW: Alternative Procedure

Recently, you can also use this method (see Reel):

Step-by-Step Guide for Deletion

1. Request SCHUFA report: First, obtain your complete report to check all stored data. Avoid expensive third-party providers who sell "help" with the application – this is unnecessary.
2. Check data: Upon receipt (usually after a few days), check the entries for errors, false information, and traceability. also check recency (younger than 3 years?).
3. Settle open claims: Legitimate entries can only be deleted once open claims have been settled.
4. Have negative entries deleted: For unjustified entries, contact the creditor first (initiate deletion). If it is a false entry, you can request deletion directly from SCHUFA.
5. Check again: Processing takes approx. 3–4 weeks. Afterwards, check whether the entry/entries have been removed.

Sample Letter for Deletion

Use the following template to request the deletion of incorrect/unauthorized entries:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Zip Code, City]
[Date]

SCHUFA Holding AG
Postfach 10 34 41
50474 Köln

Subject: Application for deletion of an incorrect/unauthorized SCHUFA entry

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby request the deletion of an incorrect/unauthorized entry in my SCHUFA file pursuant to § 35 Para. 2 BDSG or Art. 17 GDPR.
The entry in question is:

• Entry Number: [Entry number or description]
• Creditor: [Name of creditor]
• Date of entry: [Date]

Reasoning:
[Brief, factual reasoning – e.g. "The claim was settled on [Date] (Receipt number ...)" 
or "I never had a claim with this creditor."]

Please check the process and, if applicable, delete the entry completely. 
I attach the following as proof:
• [Proof of payment]
• [Correspondence with the creditor]
• [Other relevant documents]

I request written confirmation of the receipt of my application as well as the completed deletion.

Thank you and kind regards,

[Signature – for postal delivery]
[Your Name]
      

Alternative

Alternatively, you can also use the official SCHUFA contact form: