Cleaning up mistakes on your credit report can be a time-consuming process. Credit repair services can help by sending letters to creditors and disputing errors with credit bureaus on your behalf.

When shopping for a credit repair service, look at the upfront and monthly fees, customer reviews and whether they have a money-back guarantee. The best credit repair services will have a solid reputation and round-the-clock customer support.

Reputation

A reputable credit repair company will offer reasonable pricing and have a good track record of success. The best credit repair services also offer a variety of options so you can choose the service that works for your specific needs.

A good credit repair service will check your credit report for errors and omissions. It will then dispute them with the credit bureaus and creditors. In addition, the credit repair company will send you progress reports and updated copies of your credit report.

The Credit People is a great option for those who are looking for a comprehensive service that includes credit monitoring and dispute management. The company has been around for 12 years, and offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t see results within 90 days. The company also provides a free consultation and a low first work fee, which makes it more affordable than other services. Its other perks include a mobile app and customizable text alerts, and a personal credit management system that is powered by AI.

Pricing

The credit score is one of the most important financial assets a consumer can have, and it’s crucial that lenders and landlords see an accurate report. But disputing inaccurate information on your own can be a daunting task, and hiring a credit repair company to handle it is often the most effective approach. To find a reputable service, check out customer testimonials and accreditations, and avoid those that demand upfront payment.

Lexington Law is among the oldest in the credit repair business, and its experienced lawyers and paralegals navigate credit disputes adeptly. The firm’s tiered monthly pricing system includes credit monitoring, and a money-back guarantee is another notable perk. It also provides a convenient online interface for tracking updates and maintaining open disputes. However, remember that not every negative item can be removed from a credit report, and some can remain on your reports for up to seven years. Also, a high utilization rate can significantly impact your scores.

Guarantees

While no credit repair service can guarantee a certain increase in your credit score, most do offer a money back policy if they can’t improve your rating within a set timeframe. The best credit repair companies also update you frequently on the status of disputed items and provide an online portal where you can monitor the progress.

Some credit repair agencies even take it a step further, offering free credit monitoring as part of their package. It is important to note that you should never pay for a credit monitoring service from an agency that makes false guarantees or advises you to use identity theft techniques to improve your credit.

Any legitimate company should be able to answer all of your questions and give you an upfront, detailed list of services and their costs. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), companies must clearly outline all terms of their contract with you before they can begin working on your behalf.

Alternatives

If you’re not comfortable with paying for a credit repair service, you can still take steps to improve your credit score. For example, the credit bureaus and many lenders offer free credit monitoring, which can help you track your progress as you work to repair your report. You can also check out credit repair companies’ customer reviews and accreditations.

If your credit repair company isn’t up to snuff, you can always file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the attorney general or corporate commission in your state. You can also search for complaints against a specific company on the BBB website.

Sky Blue offers a low startup fee and allows you to pause your subscription online so that you don’t get charged monthly fees while you’re not using the service. This feature isn’t available at all credit repair services, and it can save you money if you’re not satisfied with the results of your credit repair efforts.