Credit repair involves correcting or removing inaccurate, misleading, or outdated information from your credit reports to improve your credit scores. It can involve disputing errors with credit reporting agencies or creditors.
The process typically starts with obtaining and reviewing your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. Then, we identify any discrepancies or inaccurate items to dispute on your behalf. This may include negotiating with creditors to remove or update information.
The duration of the credit repair process can vary depending on the number and complexity of discrepancies on your credit reports. On average, clients start seeing improvements in their credit scores within 3 to 6 months.
Yes, credit repair is legal under federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report.
Absolutely. You have the right to dispute any inaccuracies on your credit report by yourself. However, many people choose to use a credit repair service for convenience and to benefit from the expertise of professionals familiar with credit laws and dispute processes.
You can dispute any inaccuracies or incomplete information on your credit report, including late payments, charge-offs, collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and any personal information errors.
Costs vary by company and the extent of services needed. Some companies charge a monthly fee, while others may charge per item deleted. It's important to discuss fees upfront with any credit repair service.
In rare cases, an item that was removed during the credit repair process can reappear. This usually happens if the creditor verifies the item's accuracy after its initial removal. However, the Fair Credit Reporting Act ensures that an item cannot be re-added without notifying you within five days of the reinsertion.
Accurate, verifiable, and timely information cannot legally be removed from your credit report. This includes debts you genuinely owe or legal judgments against you.
Maintaining a good credit score involves paying your bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, not opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly checking your credit reports for accuracy.