A Fresh Start: Understanding Credit Repair

Taking control of your credit is one of the most important financial steps you can make — but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to buy a home, qualify for a better car loan, or simply stop paying sky-high interest rates, understanding credit repair can help you achieve the financial freedom you deserve.

Credit Repair

What is credit repair and how can it help?

What happens during the credit repair process?

When is it a good time to start credit repair?

How long does it take to rebuild credit?

How long will it usually take to fix my credit?

What should I expect to pay for credit repair?

How is credit repair different from settling debt or getting credit counseling?

What do credit repair companies actually handle for clients?

What goes into calculating my credit score?

Will checking my own credit reports lower my score?

Is working with a credit repair service legal?

What protections does the Fair Credit Reporting Act give me?

How does the Credit Repair Organizations Act protect consumers?

How can I recognize a trustworthy credit repair company?

What steps can I take to improve my credit myself?

What kinds of things can negatively affect my credit score?

How long do negative records stay on my credit reports?

What can I do to keep my credit healthy once it’s repaired?

Could credit repair be the right option for my situation?

Why Credit Repair Matters?

• Studies show 1 in 5 Americans has an error on their credit report that can unfairly lower their score and cost them thousands in higher interest rates.

• According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), errors can range from inaccurate personal information to accounts that don’t belong to you at all.

• A good credit score isn’t just about borrowing: it affects renting an apartment, getting affordable car insurance, or even landing some jobs.

A Brief History of Credit Repair

The modern credit repair industry began gaining traction in the 1970s, after the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) passed in 1970, giving consumers the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on their credit reports. Over time, as credit reports became more central to everyday life — from mortgages to cell phone plans — the demand for help fixing errors grew. By the 1990s, the credit repair industry was established as a vital resource for consumers who needed professional help navigating the dispute process.

Who Reports to the Credit Bureaus?

Your credit reports are created and updated by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These bureaus receive data from a variety of sources, including:

• Banks and credit unions

• Credit card companies

• Auto lenders and mortgage providers

• Collection agencies

• Utility and telecom providers (in some cases)

• Some landlords and property management companies

Each creditor isn’t required to report to all three bureaus, which is why your reports can look different across each agency — making it even more important to review all three.

Why Credit Repair Is Important

Your credit score can determine your access to life’s biggest opportunities, including homeownership, business funding, and education. Errors or outdated information can unfairly drag down your score, locking you out of affordable financing. By fixing mistakes and establishing positive credit history, you can:

• Qualify for better rates on loans and credit cards
• Reduce security deposits on utilities or rentals
• Improve your chances of mortgage approval
• Lower car insurance premiums
• Gain peace of mind knowing your credit accurately reflects your financial responsibility

Pros and Cons of Credit Repair

The Pros:

• Errors can be fixed, improving your score quickly
• A professional team saves you time and frustration
• Expert strategies can address even complex credit issues
• Education helps you maintain good credit long-term

The Cons:

• Some disputes take time to resolve
• Results can vary depending on your credit history
• Credit repair won’t remove legitimate negative items 

Can you fix your own credit? Absolutely — the law gives every consumer the right to dispute errors themselves. But just like doing your own taxes, it can be stressful, time-consuming, and confusing. Our team uses proven systems and years of expertise to save you time and maximize results.

Things to Look Out For 

• Avoid companies that guarantee specific score increases or immediate results — no one can legitimately promise those outcomes.
• Stay away from anyone who tells you to create a new identity or “credit profile” — that’s illegal and could land you in serious trouble.
• Never pay for services before they’re delivered. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), reputable companies like Got Credit? only charge after work is performed.
• Don’t ignore your credit once you start repair. Maintaining healthy habits, like paying on time and keeping balances low, is key to lasting success.