The essential guide
What is credit repair?
Credit repair should focus on identifying inaccurate information and using the formal dispute process. Accurate negative information generally cannot be removed simply because it is inconvenient.
Quick path
Explore credit repairHow it works
The basic idea
Get matched with services that dispute inaccurate items and help you rebuild. Providers evaluate eligibility and set their own terms. Your goal is to compare equivalent offers, understand the complete cost, and choose only what fits comfortably within your budget.
What to compare
- Services included
- Total and recurring fees
- Cancellation policy
- Written promises versus legal rights
When it may make sense
- Your reports contain possible errors
- You want help organizing disputes
- You understand you can dispute errors yourself
Risks and watchouts
- Guaranteed score increases
- Requests to create a new credit identity
- Payment demanded before work is performed
What to prepare
- Reports from all three bureaus
- Identity and address documents
- Account statements
- Copies of previous disputes
Common questions
Can accurate negative items be removed?
No. Accurate, timely information stays until it ages off, generally seven years for most negatives and ten for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. What repair services can do is dispute items that are inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.
Can I do this myself for free?
Yes. You can pull your reports at annualcreditreport.com and file disputes with each bureau at no cost. People pay for a service to handle the volume and the follow-up, not because it is the only path.
How long does it take?
Bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate a dispute. Meaningful score movement usually takes several months of disputes plus on-time payments.