A debt management plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement, so the plan itself is not usually recorded on a public register, but creditors may record reduced payments, missed payments or defaults on your credit file. This will generally make it harder to obtain credit while the plan is in place, although your exact credit record depends on how each creditor reports the arrangement. Defaults normally remain on your file for six years from the default date, even after the debt is repaid, while making agreed payments can help prevent further missed-payment markers. Check your credit reports with the main credit reference agencies and consider free guidance from a debt charity such as StepChange before starting a plan.