FAQ's
What is credit repair?
Credit repair is the process of identifying and correcting inaccuracies, errors, or outdated information on your credit report to improve your credit score. This can involve disputing negative items or negotiating with creditors to remove or modify certain entries.
How long does credit repair take?
Credit repair timelines vary depending on the complexity of your credit report and the number of errors or issues that need to be addressed. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but in some cases, it may take longer.
How can I check my credit report?
You can check your credit report for free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Additionally, we use Smart Credit score which will provide you with your credit score from all three bureaus.
Do I need to hire a credit repair company?
While you can handle credit repair on your own, many people choose to work with a credit repair company because they have experience navigating the dispute process and dealing with credit bureaus and creditors. It can save you time and increase your chances of success.
Can credit repair companies remove accurate negative items from my credit report?
No, credit repair companies cannot remove accurate information. They can only help you remove items that are incorrect, outdated, or unverifiable. If a negative item is accurate, it will remain on your report until it naturally drops off after a certain period.
What types of negative items can be disputed?
You can dispute a variety of negative items, including late payments, charge-offs, collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and inquiries, provided there is evidence that they are inaccurate or outdated.
Is credit repair legal?
Yes, credit repair is legal. The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) governs how credit repair companies operate to ensure they are ethical and transparent their practices. However, it’s important to be cautious and avoid companies that make unrealistic promises or charge upfront fees.
Can credit repair help me raise my credit score?
Credit repair can help raise your credit score by removing inaccurate or outdated information from your credit report, which may positively impact your score. However, it’s important to remember that credit repair is just one piece of the puzzle, and practicing good financial habits will also be key to long-term improvement.
Will credit repair affect my credit score?
Credit repair itself typically won’t hurt your score. In fact, it may improve it if negative or incorrect items are removed. However, any disputes or requests made to creditors or credit bureaus could cause small, temporary dips in your score, but the long-term impact is often positive.
Can credit repair fix my credit instantly?
Credit repair takes time. There is no quick fix for credit issues, and anyone promising an instant boost to your score should be treated with skepticism. Proper credit repair involves a careful process of disputing inaccuracies and negotiating with creditors.
How can I avoid bad credit in the future?
To avoid bad credit, it’s important to pay bills on time, keep credit card balances low, monitor your credit regularly, and avoid accumulating too much debt. Building a positive credit history over time will help maintain a healthy score.