Best Credit Repair Companies

Below, we compare services, fees and customer experiences from five of the top-rated credit repair companies. You can read verified reviews to learn more about typical customer experiences with each company.

Methodology

The Reviewconsumerservices research team vetted 15 credit repair companies rated by more than 2,465 customers. To narrow it down, we considered only companies that dispute claims from all three credit reporting bureaus. We also excluded agencies that don’t offer a free consultation for new clients.

We then used a proprietary algorithm that takes into account the recency and length of reviews, among other information, to rank the top credit repair companies this year. To narrow it down again, we excluded companies with an overall satisfaction rating below 3.5.

Our research team also analyzed 5-star review data from the top-rated companies to find the best qualities of each.

• Credit Saint
• Sky Blue Credit Repair
• The Credit People
• The Credit Pros
• Ovation

All prices are correct as of the time of publishing.

As of publishing, Credit Saint has an overall satisfaction rating of 3.9 on our site based on 54 customer experiences submitted over the last year.

What to consider: Credit Saint offers three credit repair packages that range from medium to extremely high aggressiveness. First work fees range from $99 to $195, depending on the package you choose. Monthly fees start at $79.99 and go up to $119.99, and pricing varies depending on what services you need. Credit Saint lets you add a family member that lives in your household to your plan and pay just one first work fee.

How it works: During the consultation, a representative helps you understand how you’ll be charged for services. Packages can include unlimited challenges to the credit reporting bureau, cease and desist letters, score tracking, Experian monitoring and other services. In addition to monitoring a client’s credit and disputing claims, Credit Saint educates clients on achieving credit improvements and maintaining positive scores.

What we like: Positive Credit Saint reviews from the last year often describe the company’s agents as friendly and responsive. In addition to quality customer service, previous clients who would recommend Credit Saint to a friend also highlight that their credit scores improved with the company’s help.

As of publishing, Sky Blue Credit is the top-rated credit repair company on our site. The company has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.7, based on 110 customer experiences submitted over the last year.

What to consider: The company charges a $79 setup fee and $79 per month for services. Couples who sign up together can also take advantage of a half-price discount for one member.

How it works: After your initial consultation, Sky Blue specialists typically turn out five disputes or more per cycle on your behalf (each cycle is 35 days). The company’s credit restoration services include professional analysis, score assistance and custom disputes for derogatory marks. If you're unsatisfied with the service or the results, you can receive a full refund during the first 90 days of membership.

What we like: Customers who would recommend Sky Blue to a friend like that the company’s credit repair experts are helpful, knowledgeable and available over the phone and through email.

As of publishing, The Credit People is one of the top-rated credit repair companies on our site. It has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.6 based on 10 customer ratings submitted over the last year.

What to consider: You can select from monthly or flat-rate membership fees. To pay monthly, there’s a $19 first work fee and a recurring $79 fee per month. The flat-rate option costs $419 for six months of service. You can cancel any time if you have a monthly membership.

How it works: The Credit People advertises that you can expect to see results in 60 days. With the monthly membership, you can cancel at any point without being charged for the current month if you aren't satisfied with the service. The sixth-month membership comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

What we like: The Credit People is our pick for flexible payments because setup is relatively inexpensive and it offers two plan options. In the last year, positive reviews describe an easy process from start to finish. Previous clients seem to appreciate the company’s quick response times and competitive pricing.

As of publishing, The Credit Pros has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.2, based on 37 customer ratings submitted over the last year.

What to consider: The company offers four plans that cost between $19 and $149 to set up. On the low end, the CreditSentry Monitoring plan ($19 to set up and $19 per month) includes IDCover monitoring but not credit restoration services. The top-tier Success Package ($149 to set up and $149 per month) comes with monitoring plus credit restoration services, such as debt validation letters, access to the TCP legal network and National Credit Direct.

How it works: During the consultation, you work with a certified FICO professional to understand your credit reports and come up with a plan of action, including debt validation letters and identity theft restoration disputes. Once you're in the system, you can track your progress through an online portal.

What we like: The Credit Pros makes it easy to schedule your initial consultation online. Happy customers who left reviews for The Credit Pros typically mention professional services and quick results. We also like that its plans come with credit monitoring at no additional charge.

As of publishing, Ovation has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.3 based on 331 customer ratings submitted over the last year.

What to consider: Ovation offers two credit repair plans: Essentials and Essentials Plus. Both plans require an $89 first work fee. At $79 per month, the Essentials plan is appropriate for most standard credit resolution issues. The Essentials Plus plan is a little pricier at $109 per month, but it’s designed to remove more complicated negative items more quickly. Essentials Plus includes unlimited challenge validation letters, credit goodwill letters and credit monitoring.

How it works: During the free consultation, a professional credit analyst reviews your reports and financial background information. Once you sign up, your advisor comes up with a strategy for disputing the discrepancies on your report. Like our other top picks, clients can track their progress 24/7 through an online portal.

What we like: Ovation offers same-day service, one-on-one customer support and personalized dispute options. Positive customer feedback mentions that the company’s representatives are nice, helpful and easy to work with. We also like that the company offers discounts to seniors and members of the military.

Credit repair is the process of disputing negative marks or inaccurate information on credit reports to get them removed. Sometimes called credit restoration, it involves challenging negative claims on your credit reports with the credit reporting bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax).

For many people, credit repair is essential to access financial services such as loans and credit cards. With an improved score, you can raise your credit limit and qualify for better interest rates. The most common derogatory marks targeted during credit repair include:

• Fraudulent accounts
• Delinquent accounts
• Accounts in collections
• Missing accounts
• Data management errors
• Incorrect personal information
• Judgments
• Expired debts
• Unverified or invalidated debts
• Foreclosure
• Repossessions
• Late payments
• Hard inquiries
• Charge-offs
• Bankruptcy

Doing credit repair yourself is a lot of legwork, especially if you’re struggling with identity theft or have multiple marks against your credit score. We suggest hiring a credit repair company if you have multiple and varied disputes.

Often, hiring an expert to dispute all your credit report errors is quicker and more convenient than doing it yourself. Credit restoration specialists have the experience and expertise to navigate some of the most complicated credit situations.

How does credit repair work?

To get inaccurate marks off your credit history, you must request that the credit bureaus validate the information you believe is inaccurate. If a disputed item can’t be validated, then the credit reporting bureau must remove it from your credit history. Over time, removing negative items improves your overall credit rating. Removing just a single negative item on your credit report can increase your credit score by more than 100 points.

It takes anywhere from
30 days to 1 year
to repair credit.

Credit repair companies begin by pulling your credit reports from all three credit reporting bureaus. A credit repair specialist then analyzes your credit reports for possible errors or mistakes. Common errors that a credit repair company looks for include incorrect queries and duplicate, inaccurate or missing accounts. If the company's credit repair specialists identify errors on your credit reports, they dispute those errors on your behalf.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit bureaus have 30 to 45 days to investigate a disputed claim. If they can’t verify it within that time, they must remove the entry. For example, if you file a dispute with a credit bureau over a late payment and your creditor can’t verify the information, the bureau must remove that late payment from your credit report. For payments less than 90 days late, you can request a goodwill adjustment from your creditor and set up payments to prevent further damage to your credit history.

Credit bureaus must send a notice of any corrections made to your report. Sometimes, a deleted dispute can reappear on your credit reports if the lender proves its claim is valid. If you find a derogatory mark reinserted on your credit reports, you can dispute it again. If you believe a credit reporting agency or one of your creditors has violated the FCRA, you should submit a consumer report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Credit repair strategies also include sending cease-and-desist letters to debt collectors. Negative items that can be removed by credit repair companies include late payments, collections, credit report errors and charge-offs.

Invalid credit report item	Damage to credit score
Hard inquiry	Up to 15 points
Account in collections	Up to 110 points
Debt settlement	Up to 125 points
Late payments	Up to 150 points
Foreclosure	Up to 160 points
Bankruptcy	Up to 240 points

If you have concerns about your report, the right credit repair company can dispute significant errors on your behalf. Credit repair companies work with teams of licensed attorneys and financial experts who understand the nuances of credit law. A credit repair company handles everything from drafting letters to managing correspondence with credit reporting agencies, creditors and debt collectors. However, you will need to supply documentation to support disputes.

The best credit repair companies also help you understand what causes your credit score to be low. In addition to credit report disputes, some of the top credit repair agencies offer debt negotiation and credit monitoring services. Some also offer credit counseling and debt management to help clients improve and maintain their credit standing. Credit restoration services can be most beneficial when they help individuals:

• Understand their credit scores
• Analyze and evaluate their credit reports
• Identify strategies to improve their credit profile
• Challenge credit bureaus to remove negative claims
• Report inaccuracies directly to creditors
• Reduce or eliminate calls from debt collectors

Credit report analysis

Many credit repair companies offer analysis as part of their free consultation. During credit analysis, credit restoration specialists review and inspect their clients’ credit reports to look for common mistakes, such as fraudulent accounts, duplicate accounts and incorrect credit inquiries.

Many credit repair companies offer analysis as part of their free consultation. During credit analysis, credit restoration specialists review and inspect their clients’ credit reports to look for common mistakes, such as fraudulent accounts, duplicate accounts and incorrect credit inquiries.

Credit report disputes

A credit repair company initiates credit challenges to bureaus when they notice errors in your credit reports. Credit report disputes involve challenging credit bureaus, drafting goodwill letters to remove late payment entries and contacting data furnishers to verify old debts.

To get the negative marks off your credit history, you must request that the credit bureaus validate the information that you believe is inaccurate. Removing just a single negative item on your credit report can increase your credit score by more than 100 points.

Credit monitoring

Consider looking for a credit repair company that also offers credit monitoring with fraud protection and identity theft alerts. Identity theft can happen at any time, and many credit repair companies recommend ongoing credit monitoring services to catch problems early. Monitoring your credit report for inaccuracies makes it easier to address problems before they damage your credit profile.

Debt negotiations and settlements

Credit repair companies can help when debt collectors attempt to collect an expired debt you no longer legally owe. Most credit repair companies employ lawyers to assist with these processes. The company’s employees send official cease-and-desist letters to get these collectors to stop contacting you. Negotiating with creditors may help remove inaccurate or out-of-date marks from credit reports, improve credit histories and increase credit scores.

Please note, debt management and settlement services are not the same as credit repair services. While credit repair services work to remove errors and negative items from a credit report, debt management and settlement companies work to negotiate lower payment terms or settle a debt on your behalf.

Depending on your situation, one or both of these services might be necessary. However, most companies do not offer both credit repair and debt management/settlement.

Credit coaching and financial education

The best credit repair services include credit education tools that help you maintain your improved credit once it’s repaired. Credit coaching helps you better understand how different decisions affect your creditworthiness.

Many credit restoration companies provide credit rating simulators to see how specific actions are likely to affect your credit score. Financial education tools help you better manage your future credit profile after your reports are cleaned up and your score is improved.

How much you spend on credit repair depends on how involved you want to be in the process. If you hire a credit repair company, expect to pay a setup fee of up to $100 and monthly service fees of up to $150 for as long as six months. If you invest the time to repair your credit on your own, the credit repair process is free. Credit repair software that costs between $30 and $400 can help you draft letters to creditors and credit bureaus.

How much do credit repair companies charge?

Credit repair companies typically charge a one-time setup fee, sometimes called a first work fee, between $20 and $100. Some credit restoration companies charge per successfully deleted item, and others charge a flat-rate fee for a specific term, usually six months. If the firm charges per month, it’s usually between $60 and $150 per billing cycle.

Some companies offer a discount for couples who both need credit restoration services. Keep in mind that legitimate credit repair companies almost always offer a free consultation and won’t request service payments until they perform work on your account.

Authorized Partner Program
Setup fee*	$99	$19**	$79
Monthly cost*	$79.99 - $119.99	$79	$79
Flat-rate plans
Discount for couples
Satisfaction guarantee
Worth it?	Read reviews	Read reviews	Read reviews

		$99	$79.99 - $119.99				Read reviews
		$19**	$79				Read reviews
		$79	$79				Read reviews

*As of time of publishing
**With month-to-month credit repair plan

Credit repair companies can be useful if negative errors on your credit file are drastically affecting your overall score. However, it is important to understand whether a credit repair company is legitimate before engaging their services. Your success depends on finding the right credit repair company to get the job done correctly and promptly.

As you compare credit repair companies, consider the features and services each one provides. Consider factors such as pricing and reputation. Top companies notify you with updates about progress through email or over the phone. Look for red flags, such as a large sum of money required upfront or negative customer reviews. Additionally, check your state’s credit repair and debt reduction laws — for-profit debt reduction companies are illegal in certain states. Here are some tips to be sure you hire the right agency:

• Read reviews: As you compare reviews, keep an eye out for common issues such as unexpected fees, confusing or misleading advertising or suspected scams. Reading reviews from past clients can help you look for red flags. If a company charges a large sum upfront, it could be a fraudulent business.
• Ask the right questions: Don’t hire a company that can’t answer specific questions about its credit repair services and prices. The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) makes it illegal for credit repair and credit restoration companies to lie about their results to consumers. Per CROA, credit repair companies must provide a contract in writing, and you can cancel the contract within three days if you change your mind for any reason. Ask direct questions about the company’s credit repair process, such as:
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • Do you monitor all three credit reporting bureaus?
  • Do you have any certifications or accreditations?
  • Do you customize each dispute letter or use a blanket template?
  • How do you protect your clients’ privacy?
• Avoid credit repair scams: Be wary of credit repair companies that make promises before your consultation — no company can guarantee how successful they’ll be before they begin. Another red flag is if a company asks you to dispute accurate credit marks or change your identity in some way, which includes receiving a new Social Security number. Companies that demand large upfront payments before rendering services are usually credit repair scams.
• Set realistic expectations: Review your credit report and have an idea of why you want to hire a credit repair expert before you request a free consultation. You must have realistic expectations about your credit repair situation. During your consultation, ask about the company’s previous cases and success rates. Legitimate credit repair businesses will not ask for a large sum of money for a consultation. Instead, they offer free consultations to help you gain a better understanding of your financial situation.

What determines credit score?

The main factors that determine your credit score are payment history and accounts owed, followed by length of credit history, new credit and types of credit used. Most credit scoring systems use scores between 300 and 850, with a higher number indicating greater creditworthiness.

VantageScore and FICO credit scores are the ones most commonly used by lenders to determine how likely you are to make good on your debts. However, not all factors affect your credit in the same way:

• Payment history: Payment history determines 35% of your FICO credit rating and is moderately influential on your VantageScore. Paying your bills on time has a positive effect. In contrast, accounts in collections, charge-offs, debt settlements and foreclosures lower your credit score. Most negative payment history entries affect your credit history for up to seven years, and bankruptcies stay on your report for even longer.
• Amounts owed: Amounts owed determines 30% of your FICO credit score. FICO and VantageScore scores factor in your credit utilization ratio to measure how well you manage debt relative to your available credit limit.
• Length of credit history: The length of your credit history determines 15% of your FICO credit score and is less influential to your VantageScore. Lenders like to see a long, healthy credit history, which is why your credit score goes down when you close a credit card account.
• New credit: New credit determines 10% of your FICO credit score. Applying for a new line of credit requires lenders to pull a hard inquiry on your credit information. If you apply for many lines of credit in a short time, it indicates to potential lenders that you could have cash flow problems.
• Types of credit used: Types of credit you use determine 10% of your FICO score. Creditors like to see applicants who have successfully managed diverse types of credit, including installment loans, mortgages and credit cards.

Credit scores are only determined by information found in your credit file. For example, your age, occupation, salary, marital status and receipt of public assistance do not affect your credit score. As of 2018, credit reports no longer include tax liens.

How long does it take to repair credit?

It takes most people between six months and a year to repair their credit by themselves. If you hire a professional, the credit repair process typically takes between three and six months. However, even the best credit repair company cannot guarantee success within a specific amount of time.

How long credit repair takes depends on the number of claims you challenge and your credit score goal. It could take longer if your credit score is low due to bankruptcy, high debt or past due balances. If the negative marks on your report are accurate, you can improve your score over time through targeted actions, such as responsibly managing a secured credit card or aggressively paying down debt with a balance transfer card.

After you access your credit files, it takes several hours to review them for errors. Then, you must gather documentation and draft dispute letters, which could take up to a week or more if you aren’t already familiar with your records. Depending on the item and the reason it's in your credit history, this could involve writing a short letter or performing significant amounts of research.

How can I raise my credit score in 30 days?

It’s possible to raise your credit score in 30 days by disputing all the inaccuracies. Even though hiring a credit repair company could help speed things up, significant improvement usually takes longer. Keep in mind that paying off accounts in collections or charge-offs doesn’t automatically remove it from your credit reports. If you have an account in collections, you can either pay the amount, wait out the statute of limitations or challenge the claim with the credit bureaus and collection agency. Credit repair takes time and effort, so be realistic about your goals and have a little patience.

Is credit repair illegal?

No, credit repair isn’t illegal. The Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act give everyone the legal right to dispute inaccurate items on their credit reports with the credit bureaus and individual creditors.

Federal laws make it illegal for credit repair companies to make false claims. They have further legal obligations under the FCRA’s furnisher rule. The credit repair industry is also regulated by state governments. Most states require credit repair agencies to be bonded and insured. Some states also require them to have a licensed attorney on staff.

Do credit repair companies hurt your credit?

While using a credit repair company will not directly hurt your credit, it can put you in a poor financial situation if not managed properly. For instance, once creditors know you are working with a credit repair company, this can impact the interest rates of future loans and financing opportunities. Additionally, credit fix companies can only eliminate negative items if they are inaccurate. If you’re paying a service in an attempt to remove negative credit items that are accurate, you will continue to owe money, which can impact your credit score and debt levels.

Is credit repair worth it?

A credit repair agency doesn’t technically do anything you can’t do yourself, but the service is worth it for many people who find the DIY credit repair process time consuming and confusing. The best credit repair service combines financial education with proven techniques to remove negative items from your credit history. If your poor credit resulted from a complicated situation out of your control, such as identity theft, professional credit repair services save you time and effort.

Credit histories sometimes contain inaccurate or invalid items that damage your score. If you check your credit and your score is lower than you anticipated, it could be because of incorrect information on your credit reports. A credit repair agency can help you remove derogatory marks on your credit reports in exchange for a monthly fee or flat-rate for services. However, a legitimate credit repair company can’t remove accurate marks just because they are negative.

We compared our favorite credit repair services across the U.S. to help you find trusted companies in your city.

• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Austin
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Dallas
• Denver
• Houston
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Milwaukee
• Orlando
• Pittsburgh
• Portland
• Sacramento
• San Antonio
• Tulsa