Cheap Credit Repair
Cheap credit repair companies and software can still offer excellent service. Here are your options.
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Credit repair can cost you hundreds of dollars per month.
What if you're already squeezing the budget to pay for rent and bills? Then it's a tough one. You can't just put off fixing your credit and expect your score to improve.
The solution? Cheap credit repair services. There are affordable credit repair companies and apps that won't leave a dent in your budget. Read on for your options.
Here are the cheapest credit repair options you can choose from:
- Sky Blue Credit as best overall
- The Credit People for best money-back guarantee
- Credit Firm for cheapest service
- Credit Versio as the best AI-powered app
- Go Clean Credit for free DIY credit repair app
- Dovly for best credit monitoring
- DIY as the cheapest option
Most Affordable Credit Repair Companies
Although you're looking at affordable options, there are still other things to consider. Take a look at the credit repair services they offer, other potential fees, and promos you can opt for.
Let's start with the best option.
Sky Blue Credit: Best Credit Repair Overall
Sky Blue Credit has been around since 1989. Since then, it has disputed millions of negative items for its clients.
Also, Sky Blue Credit offers one of the most affordable plans for unlimited disputes. Here's what you can get from them:[1]
| FULL SERVICE | BASIC SERVICE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | Individual: $99.00 Couples: $149.00 | Individual: $79.00 Couples: $119.00 |
| Setup Fee/Initial Working Fee | Same as your monthly fee | |
| Three-bureau reports and scores | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit Bureau Disputes | ✔ | ✔ |
| One-on-one consultations | ✔ | ✔ |
| Score Tracker | ✔ | ✔ |
| 60 Day Credit Updates | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor Interventions | ✔ | — |
| Inquiry Disuptes | ✔ | — |
| Debt Validation Letters, Cease and Desist Letters, Personal Information Correction Letters | ✔ | — |
| 45 Day Credit Updates | ✔ | — |
| Credit Builder Tool | ✔ | — |
Initial working fee is the cost of performing preliminary work on your credit. It is also known as first-work fee or setup fee. The initial working fee covers tasks like:
- Setting up and creating your account
- Fees for pulling up your credit report
- Initial disputes for your negative items
- Any agreed-upon initial work that's part of your service contract
Guarantees and Promos:
Sky Blue Credit offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you end up unsatisfied with the service.
And if you subscribe with your partner, you can opt for the Couples plan. You'll get to save as much as $25 every month per person. It's ideal if you split the bill equally.
Hidden Charges and Cancellation Policy:
Sky Blue Credit does not charge extra fees apart from the initial working fee and monthly service cost. You can also cancel your service with no need for termination fees.
However, if you're still undecided, you can just pause the service within the app. You can continue the service anytime.
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 People: For Service Guarantee
The Credit People has been in business for more than 20 years. That longevity shows the kind of service they provide.
You can choose from one of their monthly plans. Or opt for their flat-rate plan with premium service. You're covered with a satisfaction guarantee either way.[2][3]
| STANDARD | PREMIUM | PREMIUM FLAT RATE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 per month | $119.00 per month | $599.00 for six months |
| First fee | $19.00 | ||
| Unlimited challenges to three credit bureaus | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit score updates | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Monthly credit monitoring (report and scores) | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor interventions | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Escalated disputes and validations | — | ✔ | ✔ |
Guarantees and Promos:
Like Sky Blue Credit, The Credit People offers promos and discounts. You'll get $20 off a plan when you sign up with your spouse (for Standard and Premium plans).[4] You'll also get $125 for successful referrals for any package.[5]
And if you aren't happy with the service, the Satisfaction Guarantee will waive the fee for you. This guarantee is available for all plans.
Hidden Charges and Cancellation Policy:
The Credit People does not charge hidden fees that rack up your bill. You can cancel your plan at any time without penalties, too.
Credit Firm: Cheapest Credit Repair Service
Credit Firm offers the cheapest, all-inclusive credit repair service among other companies in this list. That and a team of attorneys with over 20 years of experience in credit repair.
Here's what we mean by "cheapest":[6]
| INDIVIDUAL PLAN | COUPLES PLAN | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $49.99 | $89.99 |
| Initial Working Fee | None | None |
| Personal Credit Consultant | ✔ | ✔ |
| Online Portal Access | ✔ | ✔ |
| In-Depth Credit Audit | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Challenges to Credit Bureaus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Verifications for Credit Bureau Compliance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Inquiry Challenges | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Personal Info Challenges | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Goodwill Interventions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Dispute Escalation | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited Debt Validation | ✔ | ✔ |
It's rare for a credit repair company to start your service without initial fees. So Credit Firm stands out by being the only company on the list that does not charge a first work fee.
Guarantees and Promos:
Unfortunately, Credit Firm does not offer a money-back guarantee or refund policy. But you can save $10 if you sign up with another person as part of the Couples Plan.[7]
Hidden Charges and Cancelation Policy:
Credit Firm does not charge hidden fees. The costs advertised on their service pages are the only charges you need to worry about. You can also cancel your plan anytime without penalties.
Maybe these companies are still too costly. You're not out of options just yet.
Yes, you can repair your credit without paying fees by doing a Do-It-Yourself approach and using free apps to get started. This means you'll do all the legwork to improve your credit by reviewing all your credit reports, disputing the credit bureaus, and building better financial habits to avoid dragging your credit score.
Most Affordable Credit Repair Apps
Credit repair apps are cheaper than credit repair companies because mostly, there are no human professionals assisting you.
Below are some of the cheapest apps for restoring your credit.
Credit Versio: AI-Powered Credit Repair
Credit Versio is a cloud-based credit repair software that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It analyzes and disputes negative items for you. The lawyers and credit counselors are out of the picture.
The plans are relatively cheaper than that of credit repair companies. You also don't need to worry about initial working fees or setup fees.
Here are the plans to choose from:[8]
| SMARTCREDIT BASIC | SMARTCREDIT PREMIUM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $24.95 | $29.95 |
| Unlimited Disputes | ✔ | ✔ |
| Monthly Credit Bureau Reports and Scores | ✔ | ✔ |
| SmartCredit Money Manager | ✔ | ✔ |
| Identity Theft Insurance | $1 million | $1 million |
| TransUnion Monitoring and Alerts | 2 updates only | Unlimited updates |
The downside is that there will be no handholding from trained professionals. You need to do all the work in disputing negative items in your report. It is a more DIY approach to credit repair, with the power of AI doing some legwork for you.
Mobile Apps:
Credit Versio does not have a mobile app.
Go Clean Credit: Free Diy Credit Repair App
Go Clean Credit is a credit repair company that offers a free app to help you DIY your credit repair. That said, it's one of the cheapest solutions since it's free!
Here are the things you can do with the app:
| FREE CREDIT REPAIR APP | |
|---|---|
| Price (per month) | — |
| Import and analyze credit reports | ✔ |
| Create custom dispute letters | ✔ |
| Step-by-step guide for dispute process | ✔ |
| Remove collections and late payments | ✔ |
| Check for inaccurate information | ✔ |
| Track progress | ✔ |
You pay nothing by creating an account. There are also no hidden charges or surprise fees.
Although, keep in mind that you're completely on your own with this app. So that means you'll need to come up with the most effective dispute letters and manage cases alone.
Mobile Apps:
Go Clean Credit does not have a mobile app. However, you can download the DIY app on your desktop and begin your own credit repair process.
Dovly: Best Credit Monitoring
Dovly is an automated credit repair app that lets you follow a general Select-Increase-Dispute process for your credit reports. It also comes with a free and paid plan.
Although the free plan surely makes it affordable, the annual paid plan offers the best value. You'll be getting unlimited disputes for just less than $10 a month.[9]
| FREE | PREMIUM (MONTHLY) | PREMIUM (ANNUAL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $39.99 per month | $99.99 per year |
| TransUnion Report and Score | Monthly | Weekly | Weekly |
| Credit Bureau Disputes per Month | 1 dispute to TransUnion only | Unlimited disputes with all 3 bureaus | Unlimited disputes with all 3 bureaus |
| Credit Monitoring and ID Theft Alerts | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| $1 Million ID Theft Insurance | — | ✔ | ✔ |
The free account is actually more than enough for people with few negative items in their report.
The app also works great as a credit monitoring app for your TransUnion report and credit score.
Mobile Apps:
Dovly has two mobile apps: iOS app and Android app.
DIY: The Cheapest Option of Them All
You can always review, analyze, and dispute negative items on your own. It's your right as a consumer according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.[10] The only cost will be your time.
Steps to do a DIY credit repair:
Although it's the cheapest option, it will definitely require the most effort.
Here's what you need to do:
- Get your free annual credit report
You can access your free credit reports in Annual Credit Report — an online source authorized by Federal Law.Currently, the website offers free weekly reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This initiative began during the start of the COVID-19 crisis. - Check all information in your credit reports
Check all information in your credit reports, including personal information such as your name and address.Then review all your transactions for accuracy. Note the dates, status of the lender (if they're still in the business), amounts, outstanding balance, remarks, etc.
- Dispute negative items
List down negative items, such as transactions with inaccurate information and records that aren't yours.Then, write a letter for transactions you want to dispute. In this part, you can explain your case and prove why the negative item shouldn't be part of your report.
If you have evidence to support this, place it with your printed dispute letter. Then send the letter to each credit bureau by mail.
Keep in mind to limit your dispute letters to up to five inaccurate items. - Wait for results
Give your disputes about 30 to 45 days. By law, credit bureaus have 30 days to search on your cases. The 15 days is a standard addition to your cycle if there is new evidence, such as you sending more proof to dispute the item.
Having said all this, what is the best way to repair your credit?
Credit Repair Company vs. App vs. DIY
There are pros and cons to each method of repairing your credit. Let's talk about some things you can weigh on.
When to choose a cheap credit repair company:
Choose a company if you have a budget for credit repair. Extensive credit repair is not an easy job, especially if you have other things to do. At least with a company, you are sure that professionals are handling your credit and dispute cases.
Credit repair companies are also the better choice if you don't have the confidence to fix your credit. The entire process can be intimidating and, at worst, very aggressive.
When to choose a cheap credit repair app:
Choose an app if you want a cheaper way to restore your credit. These apps are powerful enough to analyze your credit reports and identify what's affecting your credit score.
You can also maximize free apps for self-credit repair. This way, you don't actually get to spend a dime to fix your credit.
Credit repair can be expensive, but here are some more affordable ways to do it:
- Monitor your credit reports with a credit repair app and track changes.
- File your disputes. Most apps can help you review, write, and send dispute letters to credit bureaus.
- Try to settle collections and late payments with your creditors.
- Keep a low utilization ratio among your credit lines and credit cards
- Open a credit builder so you can build better payment history.
When to choose DIY:
DIY is the cheapest option since it costs $0 to dispute items on your own. But you do need to spend time and effort to accurately analyze your credit reports.
You also need effective disputes to get credit bureaus to remove your negative items. So there's a lot to learn compared to the previous two options.
There isn't a shortage of content if you want to learn more about disputing your negative items or dealing with creditors. Many credit repair companies, even the new ones, put up a blog as an additional resource for credit education.
How to Choose Cheapest Credit Repair for You
Now, you can choose between credit repair companies, credit repair apps, or doing the DIY approach. But what if you're not sure how to choose the best option for you?
- Set your budget for credit repair
How much can you afford for credit repair? Some companies charge hefty first work fees — sometimes double the monthly fees. You might need to shell out a huge fee at the beginning. - Compare credit repair packages
If you are opting for a credit repair company or app, always look at the features and inclusions. Different packages offer different things. Select the one that fits your needs best! - Look for track record
Legit companies have been around for years. Some companies use an aggressive or strategic approach in disputing credit bureaus, helping thousands of clients improve their credit. - Know the process and timeline
Each dispute lasts 30–45 days. Know how many items you need to dispute so you can estimate when you can end your service. Each extra month can become costly to your budget. - Verify refund policies, cancellation process and service guarantee
Review any refund policy, guarantee, or cancellation process in your service. These things can serve as extra layers of protection for your payments.
Credit repair companies usually charge fees of $80–$150 every month. However, you can get cheaper options that usually start at $49.99 every month. Note that first work fees may differ per package and company, and it can jump up the total cost of your credit repair.
Tips to Avoid Credit Repair Scam
Illegitimate services can cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Here are some tips for you to avoid wasting your money on credit repair scams.
- Legit companies don't guarantee specific results
Be wary of companies promising an increase in your credit score or immediate removals. It takes time for disputes to conclude. Results don't reflect until a few weeks later. - Avoid companies that demand upfront fees
It's against the law for companies to demand upfront payment! This is a red flag. You shouldn't be paying for work that hasn't been done yet. - Look for reviews online
Read reviews from Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot and get insight on the company you're eyeing. If there are more poor reviews, the company may not be living up to its services. - You shouldn't be doing anything unlawful
Fraudulent companies may ask you to file identity theft reports and use these reports during disputes. Remember, this move can backfire legally and cause problems in the future, especially when you aren't a real victim of identity theft. - Legit companies disclose relevant information
Legit companies should disclose your rights and options to you during the free consultation. For example, you can always dispute errors in your credit reports by yourself for free!
You need to do background checks and read reviews to know if the company you are interested in is real. It's best to look out for red flags so you can avoid falling for credit repair companies operating a scam.
What the Experts Say
CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said:
Bottom Line: Are Cheap Credit Repair Companies and Apps Worth Trying?
Cheap credit repair companies and apps can still deliver the best credit repair services. You don't need to put out hundreds of dollars monthly if more affordable options do the trick.
In fact, you can repair your own credit when you learn and apply effective dispute strategies. That would be the cheapest option because you are monitoring your credit on your own.
But don't just go for the cheapest option! There are always other things to consider, such as extra features, time and effort needed, and company performance. Your best bet is always the option providing the most value.
References
- ^ Sky Blue Credit. Member Pricing, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ The Credit People. Plans and Pricing, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ The Credit People. All the Cost Up Front, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ The Credit People. FAQ: Is there a discount for couples?, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ The Credit People. Helping People While Making Money, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ Credit Firm. Pricing, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ Credit Firm. Do you have a couples rate?, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ Credit Versio. Pricing, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ Dovly. Pricing, Retrieved 05/17/2024
- ^ CFPB. Consumer Advisory: Don't Be Misled by Companies Offering Paid Credit Repair Services. Retrieved 05/17/2024
Write to Alex Mambaje at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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