Find Credit Repair Services to Help You

Reliable credit repair services can help address inaccuracies on your credit report, improve your credit score, and boost your financial health for the future.

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What is credit repair?

Credit repair involves identifying and resolving issues that negatively impact your credit score, and giving you important tools for improvement if you're wondering how to fix your credit. This can include:

Disputing errors on your credit report.
Negotiating with creditors to update outdated information.
Building better financial habits for long-term success.

Your credit history plays a key role in your overall financial standing — and in helping you identify how to repair credit — and can open doors to new opportunities.

What is a credit repair company?

A credit repair company specializes in helping individuals address negative or inaccurate items on their credit reports. These companies act as intermediaries, contacting credit bureaus and creditors on your behalf to ensure your credit report is accurate. While you can handle credit repair independently, using a professional credit repair company can save time and provide additional expertise.

Do credit repair companies fix your credit?

Credit repair companies help improve your credit by identifying and disputing errors. However, they cannot legally remove accurate negative information from your credit report. Their role is to ensure your credit file reflects the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.

Credit Repair Organizations Act

The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) protects consumers by regulating credit repair companies. CROA ensures:

Companies provide clear contracts outlining their services and fees.
Misleading promises, such as "guaranteeing" credit score increases, are prohibited.
Consumers have the right to cancel within three days of signing a contract.

Learn more about your rights under CROA here.

Is using a credit repair company a good idea?

While everything a credit repair company can do, you can also do on your own, credit repair services can save time and reduce the stress of navigating disputes with creditors or credit bureaus. Many people prefer having an experienced professional guide them through the process.

How much does credit repair cost?

Most credit repair services charge a monthly subscription fee, ranging from around $20 to $150. The total cost depends on the complexity of your credit issues and the length of time you use their services. Always ensure the company is transparent about fees before signing up.

Can I improve my credit on my own?

Yes, repairing your credit on your own is entirely possible. Here’s how:

Review your credit reports. Obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors.
Dispute inaccurate items. Submit disputes to credit bureaus with proper documentation.
Pay bills on time. Your payment history significantly impacts your credit score.
Lower your credit utilization. Aiming to use less than 30% of your available credit limit is usually the recommendation.

First step to credit repair: Understand your credit history

Your credit score is based on your credit history, which includes payment history, credit utilization, and the age of your accounts. Reviewing your credit report helps you identify errors and areas for improvement.

Your free credit reports

Federal law allows you to access your credit reports for free once a year from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to download your reports and review them for inaccuracies.

Is my credit score good or bad?

Credit scores are typically categorized like this:

Excellent: 750+
Good: 700–749
Fair: 650–699
Poor: Below 650

Factors that can negatively affect your score include late payments, high credit card balances, and derogatory marks like collections or bankruptcies.

See a mistake on your credit report? What can you do to fix it on your own:

If you spot an error on your credit report, take these steps to resolve it:

Submit a dispute. Contact the credit bureau reporting the error.
Provide documentation. Include evidence that supports your claim.
Follow up. The credit bureau must investigate your dispute within 30 days.

Find more helpful tips here on removing errors from your credit report.

Don’t have time or energy to dispute a mistake? Enter: Credit repair company

If you’re short on time or overwhelmed by the process, credit repair companies can take on the burden for you. They handle disputes, follow up with credit bureaus, and track your progress, helping you focus on other priorities.

How to repair credit

Repairing your credit is simpler than you might think, especially when you focus on the basics. Here are three key steps to get started and help you maintain good credit:

1. Pull your free credit reports

You’re entitled to one free report annually from each major bureau. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors that could be dragging down your score.

2. Pay off overdue balances

Clearing overdue accounts or negotiating payment plans with creditors can reduce negative marks and boost your credit score over time.

3. Keep credit utilization low

Aim to use less than 30% of your total credit limit. Paying down high balances improves your credit utilization ratio, which is a major factor in your score, and can potentially help fix your credit score.

Avoid credit repair scams

When seeking help with credit repair, it's crucial to recognize and avoid scams. Dishonest companies often make promises they can't keep or charge illegal fees. Here are common red flags:

Upfront fees: Legitimate credit repair companies won’t charge you before providing services.
Guaranteed results: No company can guarantee specific credit score improvements.
Requests for false information: Scammers may ask you to lie or create a new credit identity, which is illegal.

What to do if you paid a scammer to repair your credit?

If you’ve already paid a fraudulent credit repair service, take these steps:

File a complaint. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state attorney general.
Dispute the charges. Contact your credit card issuer or bank to dispute the payment.
Seek help. Reach out to a nonprofit credit counseling service for guidance on managing your credit repair process.

The bottom line

Repairing your credit is a journey, but with patience and the right tools, you can achieve your financial goals. Whether you choose to take a DIY approach or work with trusted credit repair services, the key is to stay informed and proactive. Ready to take the next step? Explore MoneyLion’s resources and trusted partners to help you get started today.