How To Repair Your Credit In 11 Steps

Not all credit repair companies operate ethically, and some may engage in deceptive practices. Research and vet any company thoroughly to protect yourself from debt relief and credit scams. Credit professionals possess the knowledge and experience to thoroughly review your credit reports and identify the factors that contribute to a lower score. This insight is invaluable in understanding the root causes of credit challenges.

Credit Counseling

If you have a significant amount of outstanding credit card debt, you may be able to consolidate the debt to make payments more manageable and pay it off faster. A debt consolidation loan can offer lower interest rates to help you save as you pay off the debt. It could keep you from getting the best rates on loans and credit cards, leading you to pay higher interest rates — or get rejected altogether. In some instances, a below-average credit score can even affect your job prospects. Your credit score, a three-digit number derived from your credit reports, is a reflection of your credit history with each credit bureau. Not all credit repair services are reputable, and some are outright scams.

Rise Again Credit Solutions owner Cecilia Campos is a former credit repair specialist for a Houston-based law office. She volunteers as a team lead for the non-profit organization Elijah Rising. Credit Fix Now is a Los Angeles-based agency offering free credit repair services.

Products

When evaluating the best credit repair companies, it’s crucial to utilize a clear and well-defined set of criteria that capture the essential aspects of their services. Our goal was to provide a detailed and transparent review, helping readers make well-informed decisions that align with their goals for improving their credit. A standout feature of CreditRepair.com’s offerings is that all packages include credit monitoring, a service not universally available from all credit repair companies. With a low credit score, you might have a hard time getting approved for any large loan or purchase.

No Guaranteed Results

These are not just bad ideas, they’re also scams — and they’ll hurt your credit if you buy into the scam. If a company promises to create a new credit identity or hide your bad credit history or bankruptcy, that’s also a scam. These companies often use stolen Social Security numbers, or they get people to apply for Employer Identifications Numbers (EINs) from the IRS under false pretenses.

The Credit Pros has been in operation for 14 years and claims to have helped over 100,000 clients in the U.S. You can schedule a free consultation in English or Spanish, and once enrolled in the program, a Credit Pros specialist will begin addressing inaccuracies on your credit report in three to five business days. Some Credit Pros plans come with additional services like three-bureau credit reports and the option to apply for a credit builder loan. We follow all regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA). Our credit repair services are honest, lawful, and always focused on long-term results—not quick fixes. We help clients all over the country leverage state and federal laws and regulations and your rights as a consumer to challenge negative information placed on your credit report.

These services may not specify an exact timeline for results, but many start working on your credit issues soon after you sign up. However, it may still take several months to observe any substantial changes in your credit score and reports. Under CROA, credit repair companies are required to provide you with a written contract detailing their services before they accept payment. creditrepair must also provide you with the “Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law,” which informs you of your rights to obtain and dispute your credit reports.