Best Credit Repair Companies
The best credit repair companies can help change that bad credit into a good one. Read on for your options.
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Here are some of the best companies that can help fix your credit:
- Credit Saint for discounted first-work fee
- Sky Blue Credit for couples
- The Credit Pros for credit building
- The Credit People for money-back guarantee
- Credit Firm for the cheapest plans
So, you've finally decided to improve your credit. But viewing that credit report can make you feel a little woozy.
What do those numbers even mean? And how do you actually start to improve your credit score?
Thankfully, there are experts and professional credit repair companies that can help you out.
And you can compare the best options one after another with this guide. Read on.
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- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
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- Challenges to three credit bureaus
- Score Analysis and Tracker
- 90-Day Money-back Guarantee
- No first work fee for additional family member
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 90 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
5 Best Credit Repair Companies
Credit repair companies offer different services with their packages. So, they will also have varying costs for credit repair.
Let's break down what you can get from them.
Credit Saint: Discounted First-work Fee
Credit Saint is a credit repair company based in New Jersey. And it's been in business for over 15 years. It also offers one of the most transparent pricing for credit repair services.
Here are the credit repair packages they offer:[1]
| Credit Polish | Credit Remodel | Clean Slate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $79.99 | $99.99 | $119.99 |
| Challenges to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion | 5 per cycle | 10 per cycle | Unlimited per cycle |
| Creditor interventions | — | — | ✔ |
| Score analysis and tracker | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inquiry targeting | — | ✔ | ✔ |
Money-back guarantee: 90-day money-back guarantee
Mobile app: None available
Why we like Credit Saint:
Credit Saint has been accredited by Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2007. And it's received an A-rating from BBB for its credit repair services.
You can even have a family member sign up with you. It's one of the best ways to maximize your Credit Saint package. Credit Saint will waive their first-work fee and only charge the monthly package fee along with yours for the next billing cycle.
Downsides:
Credit Saint remains one of the most expensive credit repair services in the industry. Clean Slate's $195.00 first-work fee covers more than two billing cycles for Credit Polish, Credit Saint's most affordable plan.
Credit Saint is not available in all states. Double-check Credit Saint's directory to determine if they offer credit repair services in your area.
Sky Blue Credit: for Couples
Sky Blue Credit is one of the best credit repair companies that offer more affordable services (compared to others in this list).
Sky Blue Credit has been in the credit repair business since 1989. That's more than twice as long as some credit repair companies.
Here are the credit repair packages to choose from:[2]
| Individual | Couples | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $99.00 | $149.00 |
| Pro analysis | ✔ | ✔ |
| Custom disputes | ✔ | ✔ |
| Score assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor intervention | ✔ | ✔ |
Money-back guarantee: 90-day guarantee (in case you're not satisfied, contact Sky Blue Credit within 90 days of enrollment)
Mobile app: None available
Why we like Sky Blue Credit:
Sky Blue Credit offers a faster 35-day dispute cycle than a typical credit repair company with a 45-day cycle.[3]
Also, the company offers a couples discount. You get to save $50 for anyone you sign up with. It's beneficial if you plan to split the total service cost equally.
Moreover, Sky Blue Credit allows you to pause your program if you are tight on budget. Contact their customer support if you feel you need to pause your membership for whatever reason.
Downsides:
Sky Blue Credit does not offer credit monitoring. So, you can't get real-time updates to changes in your credit report.
Sky Blue Credit's customer support is also not available 24/7. You'll need to wait for business hours to get in touch with Sky Blue Credit professionals.
Customer Support: 9AM - 5PM, Monday-Friday, EST
Phone: (800) 790-0445
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
The Credit Pros: for Credit Building
The Credit Pros has been offering credit repair services for 12 years. And with a slight twist to these services, the company also offers credit building features.
There are two credit repair packages to choose from:[4]
| Prosperity | Success Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $129.00 | $149.00 |
| Challenges to credit bureaus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor interventions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personalized dispute letters | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Financial management tools | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit Builder Loan | — | ✔ |
Money-back guarantee: 90-day money-back guarantee
Mobile app: iOS app and Android app available
Why we like The Credit Pros:
The Credit Pros allow you to repair and build your credit at the same time. The credit builder loan feature is available through the Success Plus plan.
With it, you can pay your loan on time to build positive items in your credit payments — all while The Credit Pros disputes your derogatory items.
Also, The Credit Pros has FICO-certified professionals. So you'll get recommendations from the same credit specialists measuring your FICO score.
Downsides:
The Credit Pros offers the Money Management package. However, it is more of a financial management tool rather than a credit repair service. It works best if you only want to monitor your credit instead of disputing your negative items.
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 90 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
The Credit People: Money-back Guarantee
The Credit People has been in the industry for more than two decades. You can choose from one of their monthly plans or a flat-rate plan. All plans come with a satisfaction guarantee.
Here are the credit repair packages to choose from:[5]
| Standard | Premium | Premium Flat Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 per month | $119 per month | $599 for six months |
| Unlimited challenges to credit bureaus | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| "Before & After" Credit Scores | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Monthly credit report update | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor interventions | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Escalated disputes and validations | — | ✔ | ✔ |
Money-back guarantee: If you request a refund, The Credit People will return your payment for the last month and not charge you for your current month.
Mobile app: None available
Why we like The Credit People:
The Satisfaction Guarantee covers the entire six months for the Premium Flat Rate plan. That means you can get a refund for your full payment if you're unsatisfied with the service.
And just like Ovation, The Credit People offers a discount. Couples can get a $20 discount for registering together.[7] The Premium Flat Rate offers greater value for your money. You'll end up paying around $99 monthly for the entire service.
Also, The Credit People charges one of the lowest initial work fees. First, The Credit People will call you and set up your online account. Then, they will pull your credit reports. The same work may cost you a month's worth of service fees in another company.
Credit repair companies typically charge services in one of two ways: through a subscription model or a pay-per-delete model.
- Monthly subscription model: This is your most common type of payment. You pay for your package every month until you decide to end your service.
- Pay-per-delete model: Some companies will charge you for each negative item they delete from your report. It is a newer pricing model for credit repair, so only a few services may offer this type of plan.
Downsides:
You can't view real-time changes to your credit since The Credit People updates your reports monthly. You may need to pay for another service to monitor your credit in real-time.
Also, the company does not offer additional features to help you improve your credit.
Credit Firm: Cheapest Credit Repair Plans
Credit Firm has been in the industry since 1997. And they offer some of the most affordable credit repair packages, starting at $49.99 per month.
Here are the credit repair packages to choose from:[8]
| Individual Plan | Couples Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $49.99 | $89.99 |
| Personal Credit Consultant | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit Audit | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit Bureau Challenges | ✔ | ✔ |
| Procedural Compliance Verification | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal Info Challenge | ✔ | ✔ |
| Goodwill Interventions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Debt Validation | ✔ | ✔ |
| Escalated Info Requests | ✔ | ✔ |
| Online Portal Access | ✔ | ✔ |
Best part? There is no limit to Credit Firm's inclusions. Meaning all listed features above, such as disputes, challenges, or verifications, are unlimited.
This is unlike some companies that offer limited disputes or challenges to your creditor every month.
Money-back guarantee: None available
Mobile app: None available
Why we like Credit Firm:
Credit Firm is one of the credit repair companies offering the most affordable services. You'll even get a discount with the Couples Plan. You can save almost $10 if you sign up with another person.
Because it's a law firm, you get the expertise of legal professionals with extensive experience in credit repair and credit laws. Credit Firm lawyers and paralegals may use aggressive methods to deal with the credit bureau and your creditors.
Lastly, Credit Firm does not have any hidden or extra fees you need to worry about. You can cancel your service anytime without obligation or penalties.
Downsides:
Credit Firm does not have credit monitoring features. You may need to pay for another service or an app to get real-time updates on your credit.
Also, Credit Firm's website is a bit outdated, which can negatively affect your user experience.
Here's a little summary of how these companies work in general.
How Do Credit Repair Companies Work?
Credit repair companies share the same basic inclusions for their services, such as:
- Analyze and break down your credit report and credit score
- Review any inaccurate information in your credit reports
- List down negative items for dispute
- Dispute negative items with creditors and the credit bureaus
- Update you on your dispute cases
- Monitor any changes in your credit
- Schedule consultation sessions with you
These credit repair services can get really pricey. But you can actually do some of them by yourself.
D.I.Y. vs. Professional Services
Do you think professional companies are not fit for your needs? You can just DIY and try to improve your credit yourself.
Here's how to decide:
Choose DIY if you:
- Want to save some money for credit repair
Credit repair services can be pricey. Some companies even ask for an initial working fee on top of their monthly fee. - Have time to spare
It takes time to analyze your credit reports and write dispute letters. Once you send your letters, the waiting game begins. Realistically, you need a few months to see improvements. - Are willing to learn more about credit repair
There are credit laws that protect your rights as a consumer. Plus, there are different dispute letters for negative items in your report. Learning these things may help you dispute effectively.
Choose professional services if you:
- Want to save time
If the work is too much and you have the budget to choose professionals, you can entrust your credit to a reputable company. DIY looks simple, but it requires effort and focus to be effective. - Want professionals to handle your credit
Credit repair companies are experts in credit laws and negotiating with creditors and credit bureaus. They have the experience and the know-hows of what works in credit repair. - Are looking for other features and options
Most of these credit repair companies may offer other packages and features, such as credit monitoring, credit building, and personal finance management. These can be helpful in maintaining a good credit score in the long run.
Speaking of other features, these companies may also offer debt settlement and credit counseling. How do these services differ?
Credit Repair vs. Debt Settlement vs.
Credit Counseling
Not all credit repair companies offer creditor negotiations or other inclusions. You may need a more reputable company, depending on your credit situation.
But here's a comparison of these services:
Credit Repair
Best for: People with no time to analyze, dispute, and repair their credit
What they do:
Credit repair services are for profit. Companies restore your credit by disputing negative items in your credit report.
Pricing:
Companies can charge as high as $150 monthly, not including first work fees, taxes, and other charges.
How service impacts credit:
- Improves your credit if credit bureaus remove disputed items
- Communicates with credit bureaus and creditors to correct negative items from your report
- You have better chances for new loans and credit cards
Debt Settlement Service
Best for: People with no other options to settle debts; it should be your last resort
What they do:
Debt settlement services are also for profit. Companies renegotiate or settle your debt with creditors or debt collectors.
Pricing:
Companies can charge up to 25% of the original debt amount.
How service impacts credit:
- Impacts your credit score for up to 7 years
- May ask you to stop paying debt until you reach a settlement
- You may not be able to get new loans and credit cards with existing debt collection items
Imagine Living Life Without Debt
- Get a free savings estimate today
- See how quickly you can be debt free
- No upfront fees and no obligation
Credit Counseling Service
Best for: People who need help managing debts and finances
What they do:
Credit counseling services are not for profit. Companies just provide guidance regarding your credit and finances.
Pricing:
Most companies offer this for free.
How service impacts credit:
- Provides best advice and professional consultations to improve credit
- Negotiates payment plans before your loans reach collections
- You get professional advice on how to best get credit cards and new loans
Having said all that, know that everybody's credit is unique. You may only need credit repair services. But others may require all three to get to their ideal credit score.
Here are some other things to keep in mind.
What You Should Know About Credit Repair
Credit repair companies are far from perfect. It's best if you set your expectations first before getting your credit repair service.
Here are 3 things to remember the most:
- Increase in credit score is not guaranteed
Reputable credit repair companies never promise things like "we will increase your credit score by 100 points."The most aggressive companies can promise to analyze, dispute and correspond with credit bureaus on your behalf. Their goal is to remove disputed items as you slowly build more positive transactions until you reach your desired credit.
- Changes aren't instant
Credit repair takes time. Don't expect your cases to disappear immediately after the first round of disputes.Credit bureaus handle millions of items on a regular basis. You can allot 30 to 45 days for credit bureaus to go through your dispute.
- You can repair your credit yourself
There's nothing credit repair companies do that you can't do. There are plenty of resources that can teach you about the best DIY methods.
If you don't want to DIY, however, here are some things to consider when selecting a professional service.
What To Consider When Choosing a
Credit Repair Company
Not all credit repair companies are the same. Below are the factors you'll need to assess.
- Years in the business
One of the indicators of a reputable company is its years in the industry. If your prospect company has been around for years, it means they are more likely to be legitimate.Also, the business's longevity will showcase a proven track record for dispute removals and compliance with the FTC.
- Well-written contract
Credit repair services have a contract. Read the contract thoroughly to know what's covered.Be sure to check information on first-work fees, insurance coverages, and guarantees. Also, look for clauses on cancellation fees, refund policies, personal information, and data privacy.
- Locations served
Many credit repair companies don't offer their services in all states. You can visit their company website or social media pages to learn about the locations they serve. - Reviews and feedback
Feedback and reviews are insightful in telling you about actual results and company performance. Look for Google reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditations, certifications, social media comments, and feedback.
Aside from knowing what to look for, there are also signs to watch out for. There are things a legitimate company would never do.
Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Get Free Consultation From Experts
- Challenges to three credit bureaus
- Score Analysis and Tracker
- 90-Day Money-back Guarantee
- No first work fee for additional family member
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 90 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
7 Red Flags of Credit Repair Scams
Want to know how to spot a shady credit repair company from a mile away? Watch out for these warning signs.
- Charges upfront fees
It's unlawful for credit repair companies to ask for any form of payment BEFORE performing services. Steer clear of companies that demand an advanced payment when they haven't even done anything yet.[9] - Guarantees outcomes
Companies shouldn't promise anything. Watch out for those that guarantee to increase your credit score or overpromise to deliver results in as fast as one week.Apply a golden rule: "If it's too good to be true, then it probably is."
- Promises to dispute all items — even accurate transactions
Credit repair companies shouldn't dispute all negative items in your credit report, even accurate transactions. You could be charged with fraud.For example, you've incurred a collection account from missed payments. Credit repair companies should correspond with debt collectors instead of challenging credit bureaus for something you actually did.
- Can't answer your questions
Professional companies should know the basics and the best credit repair methods.If your prospect service can't even answer your questions, think twice. They probably don't know what to do to improve your credit. They may even use illegal methods.
- Requests you not to contact credit bureaus
It's a red flag when a credit repair company asks you not to contact the credit bureaus. It is your right to inquire about your profile and dispute inaccurate items in your credit report. You can keep tabs on your credit yourself. - Promises you to create a new credit identity
There's no such thing as starting fresh with a new credit identity. For instance, it's illegal to use a different credit privacy number (CPN) or employee identification number (EIN) for future credit applications.Companies asking you to use a different social security number are risking you for fraud. They are basically asking you to take somebody else's identity to start over again. Run away from companies suggesting this idea!
- Doesn't explain your rights
You have rights as a consumer, even if you've incurred multiple negative items in your credit.Reputable companies should be able to list down what they can do for you, use legal practices for disputes, and provide you with a fair contract for your service.
What the Experts Say
CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said:
BOTTOM LINE: CAN THE BEST COMPANIES HELP REPAIR YOUR CREDIT?
There is no perfect credit repair company. But credit repair companies should at least cover the basics of credit repair.
You can weigh extra features and other offers to ensure they meet your preferences and needs.
The best credit repair companies are worth paying for if you see the improvements you want in your credit profile.
Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Are credit repair companies too intense for your needs? You can browse and try credit repair software instead. Explore some apps, then look at integrated options for booking credit repair from human professionals.
References
- ^ Credit Saint. Packages, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ Sky Blue Credit. Member Pricing, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ Sky Blue Credit. Faster Disputes, Retrieved 9/15/23
- ^ The Credit Pros. How Much Does It Cost, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ The Credit People. Plans and Pricing, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ The Credit People. All the Cost Up Front, Retrieved 7/15/2023
- ^ The Credit People. FAQ: Is there a discount for couples?, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ Creditfirm.net. Pricing, Retrieved 7/16/2023
- ^ Federal Trade Commission. Credit Repair Organizations Act Retrieved 06/27/2023
Write to Alex Mambaje at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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