What Can a Credit Repair Company Do For You
A credit repair company is a business that helps consumers improve their credit. These companies often help people with bad credit remove incorrect items from their reports, but many also offer education and other services that can help their clients maintain good credit moving forward. While some consumers choose to use credit repair companies, others work to fix their own bad credit on their own, either by submitting their own disputes or working with a credit counselor for guidance. Whatever your approach, it’s important to understand what these businesses can and cannot do before hiring one.
Credit repair companies work to clear errors from consumers’ credit reports by contacting the three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian and Equifax—and disputing those items that aren’t accurate. Those items can include bankruptcies, tax liens and debt collection accounts, which can all have an impact on your credit score. Disputes can range from minor inaccuracies to serious issues, such as identity theft or fraudulent activity.
To ensure that their customers are getting the best possible service, many credit repair companies will offer educational materials, workshops or one-on-one consultations to help their clients stay on track and maintain good financial habits. They may also provide tools to help their customers monitor their credit scores and other aspects of their finances, such as debt repayment calculators.
Some credit repair companies charge a one-time setup fee in addition to monthly pricing for their services. These fees can vary, but you should look for a credit repair company that has a low startup cost and a monthly price that is reasonable for the services they provide. Those who are more concerned about upfront costs may opt for a company that offers a money-back guarantee or allows their subscribers to cancel their subscriptions without penalty.
The best credit repair companies have a strong reputation and a track record of success. They’ll usually be registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have high BBB ratings, as well as positive reviews on sites like Google or Yelp. If a credit repair company isn’t registered with the BBB or doesn’t have a clear, concise website, it may be illegitimate.
It’s a good idea to check the credit repair company’s record of complaints with the BBB and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before signing an agreement. Additionally, it’s important to find out whether the company is a member of the Credit Repair Organizations Association. Membership in this organization requires adherence to certain standards, including the fact that credit repair companies cannot demand payment up front and must provide a written contract before beginning their services.
Some of the top credit repair companies include Lexington Law Firm, Credit Saint and The Credit Pros. Each company has its own unique offerings, but they all focus on helping consumers dispute negative items on their credit reports and work to improve their financial health. The Credit Pros, for example, is an innovative credit repair company that offers a new type of AI-driven personal credit monitoring and a tiered pricing system.