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Mistakes on credit reports pop up more often than you’d think. Getting rid of wrong info on your credit report can be a real headache, though it’s doable.
That’s where credit repair companies step in. They do the heavy lifting by fetching your reports, spotting errors, and disputing issues with creditors and major credit bureaus.
If you’re ready to leave poor credit behind, keep reading. We’ll guide you through the best credit repair services out there.
>> Boost Your Score with the Best Repair Services! >>
8 Best Credit Repair Companies
- Credit Saint – Best Credit Repair Company Overall
- Safeport Law – Best for Legal Representation
- The Credit People – Most Aggressive Timeline
- CreditRepair.com – Best Simple Credit Repair Options
- Lexington Law – Best for Transparency
- Sky Blue – Best for a One-Service, Budget Option
- The Credit Pros – Best for Bonus Features
- Ovation – Best for Discounts
Our approach to ranking the best credit repair companies involves a detailed and thorough process of research and analysis. We assess each company on several critical factors, including their effectiveness in boosting credit scores, the breadth of services they provide, customer feedback, reputation within the industry, and clarity in pricing.
Our goal is to offer readers a dependable and impartial list of the leading companies in the credit repair sector, enabling them to make well-informed choices on their financial path.
Credit Saint – Best Simple Credit Repair Options
Credit Saint has established itself in the credit repair industry over the past 17 years, earning a solid reputation. It offers a free initial consultation for new customers and manages all interactions with credit bureaus once a customer selects one of its service packages. These packages begin at $79.99 per month with a setup fee starting at $99.
Credit Saint specializes in addressing inaccuracies in credit reports, including:
- Late payments
- Judgments
- Collections
- Repossessions
- Bankruptcies
- Credit Inquiries
- Liens
Customers are reassured by Credit Saint’s 90-day money-back guarantee, which promises a full refund if no questionable items are removed from their credit reports within 90 days of service. To be eligible for this refund, customers must remain active in the program for at least 90 days, with the eligibility period beginning on day 90.
- Offers three different credit repair packages
- Includes a 90-day money-back guarantee
- Features transparent pricing
- Does not include credit monitoring in the lowest-priced package
- Setup fees range from $99 to $195
- Limited online resources available
Pricing & Packages
- Credit Polish Package: At $79.99 per month, it focuses on targeted disputes, challenging up to 5 items per cycle.
- Credit Remodel Package: For $109.99 per month, it offers escalated information requests and challenges up to 10 items per cycle, plus Experian credit monitoring.
- Clean Slate Package: Priced at $139.99 monthly, this package includes comprehensive disputes for up to 15 items per cycle across all three credit bureaus, inquiry targeting, and monthly credit score updates. Each package also includes a First Work Fee, which covers initial setup costs.
Safeport Law employs a distinctive approach to improving consumers’ credit scores, leveraging a team of experienced attorneys and consumer advocates well-versed in credit reporting laws. If your credit report suffers from discrepancies or inaccuracies, Safeport Law has the expertise to address these issues.
The process begins with a free consultation to assess if you’re a suitable candidate for credit repair and to explain how their attorneys can assist you.
Should you decide to use Safeport Law’s services, you’ll be asked to provide some personal information, after which your attorney will obtain your credit report at no cost.
The next step involves a thorough review of your credit report to identify any potential inaccuracies. For example, an account you’ve closed might still appear as open, or there may be duplicate accounts listed under different spellings.
- Transparent pricing
- Comprehensive service offering
- Regular dispute filings
- Personalized approach to each case
- Research into statutes of limitation
- Guidance on rebuilding credit
- Limited package options
- Initial setup fee required
- No guaranteed results
- Uncertain time frame to achieve results
- Customer support variations
- Debt settlement consultations are available
Pricing & Packages
Safeport Law offers a single, transparent credit repair solution through its “Credit Cleanse” package. This package includes a complete range of services, such as credit score analysis, disputing errors with major credit bureaus, creditor interventions, detailed credit score tracking, and continuous monitoring of progress via an online dashboard.
Priced at $129.99 per month with an initial fee of $129 for the first work, this package is designed to proactively tackle credit issues, enhancing the likelihood of a significant improvement in your credit score.
Unlike some competitors who provide unclear timelines for customer results, The Credit People start working almost immediately and indicate that some customers may see results in as little as 60 days.
They also provide your credit scores and reports immediately after you sign up, giving you a clear understanding of your credit status at the outset. This initial snapshot can be very helpful for tracking your progress over time.
- Money-back guarantee
- Competitive pricing
- Free credit consultation
- Lacks a mobile app
- Does not offer a debt management program
- No identity theft insurance
Pricing & Packages
- Standard: At $99 per month with a pay-as-you-go structure and a satisfaction guarantee, this plan includes access to all three credit bureaus, unlimited challenges, and before and after credit scores from each bureau.
- Premium: For $119 monthly, this advanced service provides extensive features to help improve your credit. It includes unlimited challenges, refreshed reports and scores monthly, creditor interventions, and escalated disputes and validations, all on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Premium Flat Rate: At a flat rate of $599 for six months, this package offers the same comprehensive benefits as the Premium plan but allows for budget-friendly, long-term planning. This includes unlimited challenges, monthly refreshed reports and scores, creditor interventions, and escalated disputes and validations, providing robust support for improving your credit.
CreditRepair.com – Best Credit Repair Company Overall
CreditRepair.com has been operational for a decade. CreditRepair.com members saw over 200,000 items removed from their credit reports in 2023. The company focuses on challenging inaccuracies in customers’ credit reports with each credit bureau, requesting creditors to verify reported negative items and providing ongoing credit monitoring to support customers in achieving their financial goals.
Customers can choose from three distinct packages. An introductory assessment at no cost will help determine the best fit for their needs. Package prices range from $69.95 to $119.95, with a first payment equal to the monthly rate for each tier.
A standout feature of CreditRepair.com’s offerings is that all packages include credit monitoring, a service not universally available from all credit repair companies.
- Credit monitoring included in all packages
- 50% discount for veterans and active military personnel on their first payment
- Three diverse packages are available
- No guarantee that items removed
Pricing & Packages
- Direct Package: This package is priced at $69.95 per month, with a $69.95 first payment. It allows up to 15 challenges of negative items per cycle across all multiple bureaus and up to 3 creditor disputes each month. It includes inquiry assists, quarterly credit score updates, and TransUnion credit monitoring.
- Standard Package: This package costs $99.95 per month with a $99.95 first payment. It covers up to 15 negative item challenges per cycle across all multiple bureaus and up to 3 monthly creditor disputes. It also includes inquiry assists, quarterly credit score updates, TransUnion credit monitoring, and a FICO credit score.
- Advanced Package: Designed for those with more complex credit repair needs, this package is available for $119.95 monthly plus a first payment of $119.95. It offers extensive support, including up to 19 challenges per cycle, up to 6 creditor disputes monthly, inquiry assists, monthly credit score updates, TransUnion credit monitoring, a FICO score, and cease and desist interventions.
Lexington Law – Best Credit Repair Company for Transparency
Lexington Law has been a prominent name in the credit repair industry for 20 years, established to ethically and effectively assist consumers needing credit repair. Since 2004, Lexington Law Firm clients have seen over 83 million items removed from their credit reports.
Lexington Law’s approach focuses on four key areas: credit report analysis, credit disputing, dispute escalation, and credit score analysis and monitoring. Lexington Law offers a 50% discount on the first payment for military members and family and household clients who sign up together. They don’t guarantee success, as this goes against CROA.
Lexington Law doesn’t provide a money-back guarantee, but clients can cancel within the first five days without any charges. This period isn’t a free trial but rather a right of rescission, giving clients time to decide whether to continue with the service.
- No setup or cancellation fees
- Discounts for veterans, active military, and family sign-ups
- Credit monitoring is limited to the Premier Plus plan
- No satisfaction guarantee
Pricing & Packages
Premier Plus Package: At $139.95 per month, it includes 19 challenges per cycle across all three bureaus, creditor interventions, Identity Theft Insurance and Debt Handler. These options allow customers to tailor their credit repair experience to their specific financial needs and goals.
Sky Blue – Best Credit Repair Company for a One-Service, Budget Option
Sky Blue has been providing credit repair services since 1989, with over 30 years of experience in the field. Their process begins once you complete the sign-up form, at which point they review your credit report to identify disputable items. Sky Blue also offers personalized tips to help you start rebuilding your credit.
Following this, the company will dispute incorrect items with the three credit bureaus. If initial disputes are denied, Sky Blue will send repeated dispute letters to increase the likelihood of improving your credit score.
Once disputes are resolved, Sky Blue’s user-friendly platform allows you to monitor your credit progress, billing details, and financial goals. Throughout your membership, you have direct access to Sky Blue’s credit repair experts for advice or help with the services.
- Single price for all features
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- 50% discount for couples signing up together
- Setup fee is required
- Does not include or offer credit monitoring
Pricing & Packages
Sky Blue Credit offers a Basic package is priced at $79 (Couples Pricing $119.00/month). This package includes a range of services aimed at thorough credit repair. Full Service is priced $99.00 /month (Couples Pricing $149.00/month). The premium plan costs $119.00 /month (Couples Pricing $179.00/month).
Features include Pro Analysis to pinpoint the best dispute candidates, 15 item disputes across all three bureaus every 35 days, tailored dispute letters, research on statutes of limitations, guidance on credit rebuilding, debt validation, goodwill letters, and cease and desist letters, along with advice on debt settlement and negotiation.
This transparent pricing model provides a complete set of tools for those looking to improve their credit status.
The Credit Pros – Best Credit Repair Company for Bonus Features
The Credit Pros has been operating for 12 years, offering an AI-driven platform for personal credit management and repair that includes credit monitoring at no extra cost, a feature typically charged for by other credit repair companies.
For those opting to work with The Credit Pros, a one-time setup fee starting at $119 is required. Subsequently, a monthly fee beginning at $69 applies, depending on the chosen package from the three available. Customers selecting the top-tier Prosperity or Success Packages benefit from a Slash Rx discount, which can save up to 80% on medications.
Potential clients can arrange a free consultation in English or Spanish before committing, providing an opportunity to determine if The Credit Pros meets their specific needs and which package would be most beneficial.
The Credit Pros also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. If no deletions occur from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion within 90 days, clients are entitled to a refund of the amounts paid during that period.
- Includes credit monitoring across all package levels
- Offers a free initial consultation
- Provides a 90-day money-back guarantee
- Requires a one-time setup fee starting at $119
- Does not offer services in Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon
Pricing & Packages
- Build Credit Plan: $69/month ($119 First Work Fee) This plan includes positive payment reporting, one bureau report and score, ID cover dark web monitoring, fraud alerts from TransUnion, real-time account sync, a bill reminder system, and a debt payoff & budgeting system.
- Repair + Build Credit Plan: $149/month ($149 First Work Fee) The Repair + Build Credit Plan offers unlimited disputes with all three credit bureaus, creditor interventions, cease & desist letters, letters of reference, access to all three credit bureau reports and scores, plus all the features of the Build Credit Plan.
- Repair Credit Plan: $129/month ($129 First Work Fee) Focused on credit repair, this plan provides unlimited disputes with all three credit bureaus, creditor interventions, cease & desist letters, letters of reference, access to all three credit bureau reports and scores, positive payment reporting, credit-building tradelines, and ID cover dark web monitoring.
Ovation Credit Services is a respected player in the credit repair and restoration industry. Committed to assisting individuals in enhancing their credit profiles, Ovation provides customized solutions to tackle credit challenges and foster healthier financial futures.
The company’s team of seasoned credit professionals meticulously reviews credit reports, spots inaccuracies or discrepancies, and coordinates with credit bureaus and creditors to resolve these issues. Through personalized advice and strategic guidance, Ovation equips its clients with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively manage their credit.
- Offers multiple discounts
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Includes financial management tools in both plans
- Backed by LendingTree, a company with a strong reputation
- Credit monitoring available only with the Essential Plus plan
- Requires phone-only application process
- Lacks 24/7 customer support
Pricing & Packages
- Essentials Plan: Costs $89 for the initial work fee and $79 monthly. This plan provides personalized dispute options and access to expert case advisors to help tackle credit issues.
- Essentials Plus Plan: Priced at an initial fee of $89 and a monthly rate of $109. This enhanced plan includes unlimited challenge validation letters, access to creditor letter templates, TransUnion credit monitoring, and a valuable recommendation letter from Ovation.
Ovation is notable for offering more discounts than many other credit repair companies. Depending on your circumstances, you might benefit from:
- The Competitive Upgrade — $50 Credit: Switch from another credit repair company to Ovation and receive a $50 credit.
- Tell a Friend — $30/$50 Credit: Earn a $30 credit for every individual referral and $50 for every couple you refer to Ovation.
- Couples Discount — 20% Discount: Two associated individuals who sign up together for credit repair services receive a 20% discount. This applies to couples, but friends or relatives are also eligible.
- Military Discount — 10% Discount: Active-duty and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount on their monthly bill upon presenting a valid military ID.
- Senior Discount — 10% Discount: Customers aged 65 and older are eligible for a 10% discount on the monthly plan fee.
Our Ranking Methodology for the Best Credit Repair Companies
When evaluating the best credit repair companies, it’s crucial to utilize a clear and well-defined set of criteria that capture the essential aspects of their services. Our goal was to provide a detailed and transparent review, helping readers make well-informed decisions that align with their goals for improving their credit.
- Transparency and Legitimacy: We examined the clarity with which each company outlines its credit repair processes, methods, and strategies. Clear communication indicates a commitment to transparency and honesty. We also scrutinized how each company presents its pricing, including any initial fees, monthly charges, and potential extra costs. Transparent pricing helps ensure that clients understand all associated costs upfront.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials: We considered the volume and sentiment of customer reviews across various platforms. A high number of reviews suggests a broad base for judging customer satisfaction. Positive reviews typically indicate successful credit repair outcomes and high client satisfaction.
- Success Rate and Track Record: The effectiveness of each company was assessed by reviewing historical data on clients’ credit score improvements and the average score increases over set periods.
- Services Offered: We looked at the range and depth of services each company provides, including credit report analysis, tailored credit improvement strategies, and dispute resolution support.
- Pricing and Value: Pricing was compared against the scope of services offered, ensuring there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges post-sign-up.
- Online Experience: The usability of the company’s website and client portal was crucial; a user-friendly interface can significantly enhance the customer experience. Features that allow clients to monitor their credit repair progress, such as updates on dispute statuses and score improvements, were also evaluated.
- Years in Operation: The longevity of the company in the credit repair sector was taken into account, as a longer operational history often suggests greater experience and expertise.
- Guarantees and Refunds: We assessed whether companies offer a satisfaction guarantee, which shows confidence in their ability to deliver results. Additionally, we reviewed their refund policies to determine how they handle client dissatisfaction, with a fair refund policy reflecting a commitment to client satisfaction.
>> Credit Saint – Best Credit Repair Company >>
Best Credit Repair Companies – Buyer’s Guide
What is Credit Repair?
Credit repair involves enhancing your creditworthiness, usually by identifying inaccuracies in your credit history and disputing them with credit reporting agencies. If your report is accurate, other strategies such as consistently paying your bills on time and reducing your overall debt can also improve your credit score.
Improving your credit can increase your chances of being approved for new loans and credit cards with better interest rates.
How Does Credit Repair Work?
Credit repair is a process that may take months or even years, depending on your specific financial circumstances. To improve your creditworthiness, consider following these steps:
- Make timely payments
Consistently paying your bills on time is crucial as payment history is the most significant factor in credit scoring models. Even one payment that is 30 days late can drop your credit score by up to 100 points, with greater negative impacts for 60 or 90-day delinquencies.
- Lower your credit utilization ratio
This ratio shows how much of your available credit you’re using and is a critical factor after payment history. Keeping your credit utilization below 30% is generally seen as favorable by lenders, indicating that you aren’t overly reliant on credit.
You can calculate this ratio by dividing your total credit card balances by your total credit limits. For instance, if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit, you should aim to use at most $3,000 of that limit at any time.
- Reduce your overall debt
Lowering your debt not only improves your creditworthiness but also enhances your chances of getting approved for new credit by lowering your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This ratio is a key measure lenders use to assess loan applications, and it’s recommended to keep it at or below 36%. Reducing your debt shows lenders that you can manage new credit responsibly.
- Check for credit report errors
Part of credit repair involves examining your credit reports for errors and disputing any incorrect information with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), as allowed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If an error is verified, the bureaus are required to remove it.
This can be done independently at no cost, although it can be a meticulous process, especially with multiple errors. Credit repair services can simplify this by reviewing your reports, contacting credit bureaus and creditors on your behalf, and assisting with the dispute process, often asking you for supporting documentation to challenge inaccuracies.
>> Repair Your Credit with Credit Saint! >>
How Do Credit Repair Companies Work?
Most credit repair companies employ a structured four-step process to help improve your credit:
Free Consultation
During this initial step, the credit repair company will explain its process, pull your credit reports from all three bureaus, and assess whether credit repair is suitable for you. They might also offer personal finance tips to help improve your credit score.
Limited power of attorney and written consent
If errors are found in your credit report, the company will request your written consent and a limited power of attorney. This gives them the legal authority to act on your behalf in dealings with creditors and credit bureaus.
Challenge items
With the necessary legal permissions, the company will then dispute inaccuracies with your creditors and the major credit bureaus. Common errors might include incorrect tax liens, foreclosures, duplicate accounts, outdated bankruptcies, or other outdated information. Credit bureaus are required to investigate these disputes within 30 days and remove any inaccuracies they confirm.
Progress reports
Reputable credit repair companies will keep you informed about the status of your disputes. They typically provide regular updates and progress reports, including updated copies of your credit report so you can see the results of their efforts.
How to Verify a Legitimate Credit Repair Company?
When considering a credit repair service, it’s crucial to select a reputable provider. Unfortunately, the industry includes some unscrupulous companies eager to exploit financially vulnerable consumers, making thorough vetting essential.
All the companies featured in our list comply with the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) regulations. However, if you’re interested in exploring further, you might begin by examining the CFPB Complaint Database, which contains consumer complaints logged with the CFPB since 2011. Be aware that a lack of complaints does not necessarily signify a positive reputation since only responded complaints are recorded.
Although the Better Business Bureau (BBB) might seem like a reliable resource for researching companies, it’s important to note that companies can pay for BBB accreditation, which might present them as more reputable than they might actually be.
If you encounter a credit repair company that seems to be engaged in fraudulent activities or scamming customers, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
>> Boost Your Score With Credit Saint >>
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Credit Repair Company?
Here are several key points to consider when looking to rebuild your credit history:
Credit repair takes time
Improving your credit report could take anywhere from three months to a year.
Not all negative information can be removed
Items like late payments, hard inquiries, charge-offs, repossessions, and collections can only be removed if they’re inaccurately reported. Steer clear of companies that guarantee to remove accurate entries from your credit report or offer to create a new credit identity for you.
You have to do some of the legwork
You may need to provide documentation to support disputes over inaccuracies in your credit report.
Most companies have setup fees
Most credit repair companies charge an initial fee, ranging from $15 to $200, to cover the cost of setting up your account and developing a tailored credit strategy.
Credit repair companies can’t charge you in advance for their services
Beyond the initial setup fee, legitimate credit repair companies cannot charge you until they have fulfilled the services outlined in their contract.
Legitimate credit repair companies should include a copy of the Consumer Credit File Rights
Under CROA, credit repair companies are required to provide you with a written contract detailing their services before they accept payment. They must also provide you with the “Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law,” which informs you of your rights to obtain and dispute your credit reports.
By understanding these aspects, you can better navigate the process of selecting a credit repair company and set realistic expectations for your credit repair journey.
7 Warning Signs of a Credit Repair Scam
The credit repair sector has faced numerous controversies and scams, making it essential to be aware of certain red flags that may indicate dubious practices by a company or agent.
- Guaranteed Results: A major red flag is if a credit repair company guarantees the removal of negative items from your credit report. Legitimate companies cannot assure specific results, as effective credit repair depends on various factors, including the accuracy of report data.
- Upfront Payment: Exercise caution if a company requires substantial payment upfront before any services are rendered. Reputable credit repair organizations generally only bill clients after completing the promised services.
- Limited Information: If a company is not forthcoming about its services, processes, or fees, it may be attempting to conceal something. Transparency is key in any legitimate operation.
- Pressure Tactics: Be wary if you feel pressured to sign up quickly or if you’re pushed to provide personal information without sufficient explanation. Ethical companies allow you time to assess their services and make an informed decision without undue pressure.
- Promises a New Credit Identity: Be extremely cautious of any company claiming it can create a new credit identity for you using an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) that is not yours. This tactic is not only unethical but also illegal and can have severe legal ramifications.
- Lack of Physical Address: A credible credit repair company should have a verifiable physical address. Be skeptical of companies that only list a P.O. Box or provide no address at all.
- No Contract or Agreement: Legitimate credit repair companies will offer a clear contract or agreement that details the services to be performed, the timeframe, and the fees involved. Steer clear of companies that do not provide any written documentation of their services.
By recognizing these red flags, you can better navigate the credit repair landscape and choose a company that conducts its business ethically and legally.
>> Repair Your Credit with Credit Saint! >>
Best Credit Repair Companies – FAQs
Bottom Line on Best Credit Repair Companies
With so many credit repair companies out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Make sure any company you consider offers a free credit consultation and report analysis. This will help you spot any errors or questionable items you might want to dispute.
Before signing up, be clear on the company’s setup and monthly fees. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, Credit Saint is well-known for its affordability. On the other hand, if you want thorough services, including credit monitoring and unlimited disputes, Safeport Law comes highly recommended.
Whether you’re facing a bunch of errors on your credit report or just a few negative marks, getting help from a credit restoration specialist can be a smart move for your financial health.
