Working with a credit repair company could provide some much-needed relief if you’re struggling with significant credit issues. Credit repair companies can identify and remove inaccurate or incomplete information from your credit reports, with the goal of improving your credit history and score. Doing so can lead to getting you access to better interest rates that can ultimately save you money, especially on large purchases.
The best credit repair companies of August 2024
To help you find a reputable credit repair service, we’ve researched over a dozen companies, analyzing their services provided, pricing, transparency, time it takes to see results, and company reputation. Their fees are subject to change, but all figures on our list are current as of July 22, 2024. Here are our top picks for the best credit repair companies available.
1. Best overall: Credit Saint
Credit Saint is a long-standing credit repair service that has been helping customers with their credit since 2007. It offers all the services you’d expect from a credit repair company, including a free initial consultation, dispute letters to the credit bureaus, and creditor-specific intervention letters, inquiry tracking, and credit education for customers.
Why we like Credit Saint as best overall credit repair
Credit Saint is a solid choice for those seeking credit repair assistance, and its tiered services make it suitable for many situations. Its customer service team is also accessible through many channels if you have questions or concerns. While Credit Saint isn’t the lowest-price service around, its industry reputation, array of features, and 90-day money-back guarantee make it worth considering.
Unlike many competitors, Credit Saint has a decent reputation with its customers and very few complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Trustpilot reviewers give it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars across nearly 500 reviews.
Satisfied customers praise the company’s team, mentioning how patient, helpful, and informative it was during the credit repair process. While the company’s reviews are positive overall, some dissatisfied customers complain about a lack of results.
Credit Saint’s Pros and cons
Pros
- Positive reputation in the industry and among most customers
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Unlimited dispute letters with Clean Slate plan
Cons
- Some negative reviews from past customers
- Not the cheapest credit repair service available
- Limited disputes with less expensive plans
Credit Saint’s plans breakdown
Credit Saint offers the packages to help repair your credit. The right package will depend on the number of challenges you may need since only one option offers unlimited challenges to the three credit bureaus. Here’s a breakdown:
Does Credit Saint limit the number of monthly disputes?
Credit Saint offers unlimited challenges to the credit bureaus with its Clean Slate plan, which costs $139.99 per month, plus a $195 initial work fee. More challenges can mean more opportunities to dispute negative credit report items and a faster process overall. The company indicates it offers challenges to the three credit bureaus with its less expensive plans, but it doesn’t disclose its monthly limits.
Does Credit Saint offer discounts?
Some previous customers report that Credit Saint offered $15 off its first working fee in the past, although there’s no information about this discount on the company’s site. But Credit Saint gives any family member added to your plan a free first working fee for one month.
Learn more in our full Credit Saint review.
2. Best for couples: Sky Blue Credit
Sky Blue Credit has been helping its clients rebuild their credit since 1989. It specializes in offering credit help to couples at a discounted rate, whether they want to improve their credit before getting a mortgage or for another purpose. Users can benefit from Sky Blue’s array of credit repair services, and the company offers a transparent process that’s clearly outlined on its website, so you’ll understand how the company is working on your behalf.
Why we like Sky Blue as best credit repair for couples
Sky Blue Credit is our top pick for those looking to repair their credit. The company has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and it offers affordable pricing, a $0 set-up fee, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. According to Sky Blue Credit, the average time it takes to see results in our reports is 45 days. Additionally, Sky Blue Credit offers a special discount for couples. This makes it a great option if you want to work as a team to better your financial situation in general or in advance of a home purchase.
While Sky Blue Credit has many pros, feedback from past customers is fairly limited and existing reviews are mixed. The company has two consumer reviews on Trustpilot, with a 2.9 out of 5 star rating. But it’s important to note that its Trustpilot reviews don’t look legitimate. It fares slightly better with BBB reviewers, with an average of 3.29 out of 5 stars. Reviews on BBB seem authentic, with some past customers praising the company’s customer service team and positive results. That said, a few reviewers mentioned that they didn’t see their credit improve after working with Sky Blue.
Sky Blue Credit has two recent CFPB complaints, one of which was resolved in a timely manner. The other remains unresolved, but the complaint itself states that the company didn’t help repair their credit. It’s worth noting that credit repair companies don’t guarantee they can fix your credit.
Pros
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Can cancel or pause your service anytime
- More affordable than some competitors
Cons
- Some negative reviews from past customers
- Doesn’t specify how many disputes it offers with its plans
- No credit builder tool with basic service
Sky Blue’s plans breakdown
Sky Blue Credit offers two plan types, both with the option to sign up as an individual or couple.
Does Sky Blue Credit limit the number of monthly disputes?
Sky Blue Credit provides credit bureau disputes with both of its plans, but it doesn’t disclose how many monthly disputes it offers. In the past, it seems this company has limited disputes to 15 a month—five for each of the major credit bureaus. But it doesn’t specify a limit any longer.
Does Sky Blue Credit offer discounts?
How much does cost to repair credit?
The fees credit repair companies charge to help you fix inaccuracies in your credit report typically include an initial setup fee and a monthly fee. The range for setup fees are between $0 and $149; and the range for monthly are between $49 to $200 per month.
What is the best possible credit score?
Older credit score models used to go as high as 900, but that's not the case anymore. The highest possible credit score one can achieve is capped at 850, which only less than 2% of Americans have.
Can you really pay someone to fix your credit?
Yes, it’s possible to pay a credit repair company to help dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit reports. Getting this information removed could help improve your credit. That said, credit repair companies don’t guarantee they’ll fix your credit.
What’s the fastest way to fix your credit?
Several actions could help you fix your credit, including contacting the credit bureaus to get inaccurate or incomplete information removed from your credit reports, paying down credit card debt, making on-time payments, increasing your credit limits, and limiting the number of new accounts you open.
How long does it take to repair credit?
The three credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — typically evaluate credit on a monthly basis. They monitor factors that include debt and late payments. Reducing debt presents the quickest path to improving your credit where you may see results in less than two months. Seeing results after removing inaccuracies will take about three to six months.
What is a bad credit score?
Bad credit, or subprime credit, is typically anything below 580. The lower your credit score, the harder it will be to secure a lower interest-rate loan or credit card. A high credit score can help unlock the best available loans, credit cards, and other financial products.
Our methodology
To develop our list of the best credit repair companies, we researched and analyzed over a dozen companies in the market. In our analysis, we considered factors like transparency, pricing, services provided, and company reputation. We also weighed other things like overall customer experience, customer satisfaction, and whether companies had any recent regulatory action taken against them.
Average time to see results (53%) - When it comes to repairing credit, time is money. The sooner your credit score improves, the sooner you can get better rates on loans and credit cards.
Consumer Reviews (22%) - What actual consumers have to say about their experience with a credit repair agency was taken into account. We looked at a number of consumer review sites — like TrustPilot and Google Reviews — to compile the score.
Costs (15%) - Many credit repair companies have developed a poor reputation of charging high fees while delivering little-to-no results. We ranked them based on fees including monthly rates, setup fees, money back guarantees, and available discounts.
Ratings (10%) - We ranked each company based on how well they are rated by Better Business Bureau and other independent rating agencies.
Credit Firm doesn’t offer a percentage-off discount for new customers, although it provides some cost savings for couples. Instead of paying a monthly fee of $49.99 each, couples pay one monthly fee of $89.99. That’s a total cost savings of around $10 per month.
Learn more in our full review of Credit Firm.
5. Best track record: Lexington Law
Founded in 2004, Lexington Law has established itself as a go-to name in the credit repair service industry. Since its inception, the company has sent out over 200 million challenges and disputes for its clients. Lexington Law claims to have removed over 2 million inaccurate items from its clients’ credit reports in 2023. The company also states that it’s had over 83 million negative items removed from clients’ credit reports since its founding.
Despite its past track record, Lexington Law has had some recent legal troubles. The company and affiliated credit repair firms were sued by the CFPB in 2023 for shady business practices. It ended up settling with that suit for $2.7 billion.
Why we like Lexington Law
Due to its track record of success and almost 20 years in service, Lexington Law makes our list as one of the top credit repair companies. However, its pricing is higher than many of the competitors so it would be wise to shop around before settling.
Its recent legal troubles with the CFPB are also cause for concern. As mentioned, the company settled with the CFPB for $2.7 billion in the summer of 2023 after an investigation into its business practices. A district court ruled that Lexington Law defrauded countless consumers by charging advanced fees for credit repair services through telemarketing. It filed for bankruptcy after the court’s ruling.
Lexington Law’s pros and cons
Pros
- Established company
- Has helped many consumers with their credit
Cons
- Recent legal troubles
- Has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- High prices
Does Lexington Law limit the number of monthly disputes?
In the past, Lexington Law disclosed its limits for monthly credit bureau disputes. But it no longer shares that information. Instead, the company indicates that it provides a “certain amount” of disputes each challenge cycle; cycles typically last 30-45 days.
Does Lexington Law offer discounts?
Unfortunately, Lexington Law doesn’t offer any discounts. Customers pay $139.95 per month for its services. The company no longer offers tiered plans tailored to different consumers.
Learn more in our full review of Lexington Law.
6. Best for additional features: The Credit Pros
Launched in 2009, The Credit Pros has grown to become a reputable credit repair company with over 1 million customers. It provides all the services you’d expect from a credit repair company, plus some extras.
The Credit Pros also offers clear guidance on its process, explaining how it works from start to finish. In addition to helping clients repair their credit, The Credit Pros also offers tools to help them understand their finances and credit better. It provides a more holistic credit and budgeting solution than many competitors. The Credit Pros offers three plans, and it has no recent complaints with the CFPB.
Our verdict
Those seeking additional money management features beyond credit repair might find what they’re looking for with The Credit Pros. In addition to typical credit repair services, such as dispute letters and creditor interventions, users also get access to identity monitoring, a budgeting system, bill reminders, and a credit-builder loan with the top-tier account. That said, The Credit Pros isn’t the cheapest option around, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget and prioritizing affordability.
The Credit Pros fares pretty well with its past customers. Online reviewers rate the company 3.83 out of 5 stars on its BBB page. It also has an A+ rating with the BBB itself. However, its Trustpilot page was shut down recently because it didn’t follow the site’s guidelines. Trustpilot indicates that it “removed a number of fake reviews for this company.” This could call its reviews on other sites into question too.
The Credit Pro’s pros and cons
Pros
- Discount available
- Offers 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Offers bill reminders for each plan
Cons
- Past legal issues
- Relatively expensive plans
- Potentially fake online reviews
Does The Credit Pros limit the number of monthly disputes?
The Credit Pros doesn’t limit the number of monthly disputes it sends on your behalf. Instead, it offers unlimited disputes with each of its plans. This sets it apart from certain competitors that send a relatively small number of monthly disputes.
Does The Credit Pros offer discounts?
The Credit Pros is currently advertising a $100 off coupon for new customers who enroll in its plans online. While this could bring the cost of a plan down significantly, this company’s high work fees are still a significant cost.
Learn more in our full review on The Credit Pros.
What to know about credit repair companies
There’s not one specific menu of services or pricing model for credit repair companies. Instead, you’ll find that each offers different features, and while many companies charge a monthly fee, this isn’t true in all cases. For this reason, it’s essential to compare companies to find the best credit repair service for your situation.
Alternatively, you can also do most of what credit repair companies do independently. If you notice inaccuracies or incomplete information on your credit report, it’s possible to contact the three major credit bureaus or your creditors directly to resolve the issue. But for those with significant credit issues, working with a credit repair service could save you time and potential headaches.
How to choose a credit repair company
If a credit repair company sounds right for your situation, here’s what to compare as you research companies.
- Transparency: Reputable companies will be upfront and clear about their pricing and services offered. Seek out companies that provide detailed information on their websites, and steer clear of those that aren’t transparent about their offerings.
- Services and features: As mentioned, different companies offer varying services, including free initial consultations, dispute letters, credit repair, credit education, and access to credit reports among other services. Find one with services that best suit your situation.
- Pricing: Pricing models also vary, often depending on the level of service you require. Look into pricing to find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
- Customer service: You’ll want to compare each credit repair company’s customer service channels to ensure you can reach a representative if needed.
- Company reputation: Review company websites and history, and look at company profiles on sites like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s compliant database, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and other consumer review sites. Doing so will provide some insight into whether a company is reputable and trustworthy.
- Cancellation policy: Some credit repair services offer more flexible cancellation policies than others, and policy information is often available on company websites. Read over cancellation policies and look into any guarantees companies may offer. For instance, some provide a 90-day money-back guarantee if you don’t see inaccuracies removed from your credit reports.
Credit repair legal controversies
The credit repair industry, as a whole, has checkered reputation. They are sometimes viewed as predatory because the services they provide can be done by any individual with credit report inaccuracies. Some consumers with complaints were validated when Lexington Law and Creditrepair.com entered into $2.7 billion settlement agreement with CFPB in 2023. The CFPB accused the two companies of taking illegal advance fees from their clients through telemarketing, which violates federal law.
When considering hiring a credit repair company to assist in disputing inaccuracies in your report, be sure that the company is being transparent and upfront with their fees, which should be displayed clearly on their website.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best credit repair company?
The best credit repair company for you will depend on your needs and budget. Each company offers an array of different services and pricing models, so comparing options can help you find a company that suits your situation. Some top companies include Credit Saint, The Credit People, The Credit Pros, Sky Blue, and Lexington Law.
How much does cost to repair credit?
The fees credit repair companies charge to help you fix inaccuracies in your credit report typically include an initial setup fee and a monthly fee. The range for setup fees are between $0 and $149; and the range for monthly are between $49 to $200 per month.
What is the best possible credit score?
Older credit score models used to go as high as 900, but that's not the case anymore. The highest possible credit score one can achieve is capped at 850, which only less than 2% of Americans have.
Can you really pay someone to fix your credit?
Yes, it’s possible to pay a credit repair company to help dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit reports. Getting this information removed could help improve your credit. That said, credit repair companies don’t guarantee they’ll fix your credit.
What’s the fastest way to fix your credit?
Several actions could help you fix your credit, including contacting the credit bureaus to get inaccurate or incomplete information removed from your credit reports, paying down credit card debt, making on-time payments, increasing your credit limits, and limiting the number of new accounts you open.
How long does it take to repair credit?
The three credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — typically evaluate credit on a monthly basis. They monitor factors that include debt and late payments. Reducing debt presents the quickest path to improving your credit where you may see results in less than two months. Seeing results after removing inaccuracies will take about three to six months.
What is a bad credit score?
Bad credit, or subprime credit, is typically anything below 580. The lower your credit score, the harder it will be to secure a lower interest-rate loan or credit card. A high credit score can help unlock the best available loans, credit cards, and other financial products.
Our methodology
To develop our list of the best credit repair companies, we researched and analyzed over a dozen companies in the market. In our analysis, we considered factors like transparency, pricing, services provided, and company reputation. We also weighed other things like overall customer experience, customer satisfaction, and whether companies had any recent regulatory action taken against them.
Average time to see results (53%) - When it comes to repairing credit, time is money. The sooner your credit score improves, the sooner you can get better rates on loans and credit cards.
Consumer Reviews (22%) - What actual consumers have to say about their experience with a credit repair agency was taken into account. We looked at a number of consumer review sites — like TrustPilot and Google Reviews — to compile the score.
Costs (15%) - Many credit repair companies have developed a poor reputation of charging high fees while delivering little-to-no results. We ranked them based on fees including monthly rates, setup fees, money back guarantees, and available discounts.
Ratings (10%) - We ranked each company based on how well they are rated by Better Business Bureau and other independent rating agencies.
Sky Blue doesn’t offer a discount, per se, though it does provide special savings for couples seeking help with credit repair. If you opt for a basic plan, you can add your partner to the service for $40 per month for a total of $119 monthly. That cost increases to $50 per month with its full-service plans, bringing the total cost to $149 monthly.
Learn more in our full Sky Blue Credit review.
3. Best for low initial work fees: The Credit People
The Credit People has been in business since 2001, and it has helped over 100,000 customers struggling with their credit. New customers get a free credit consultation to discuss their specific situation with a company representative. Its services also include unlimited disputes, credit score tracking, monthly credit scores and reports, and higher-level interventions and disputes for premium account holders.
Why we like The Credit People
The Credit People is worth considering if you need moderate assistance with your credit without all the bells and whistles of a service, such as Credit Saint.
It’s also a great choice if you have a limited budget and are seeking a credit repair service that offers low initial work fees. These fees can be costly, so the fact that The Credit People charges $19 sets it apart from competitors. While this company doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, it does let you cancel at any time, and you won’t be charged for that particular month of service.
While The Credit People could be a good fit for some, online reviews from past customers are poor overall. The company has a 2.3- out of 5-star rating across seven Trustpilot reviews, and a 2.42- out of 5-star rating with BBB reviewers. Happy customers praise its customer service team and good results, though many displeased reviewers mention they didn’t see any improvement to their credit after using this company.
The Credit People’s pros and cons
Pros
- Fairly low initial work fee
- Can cancel at any time
- Unlimited disputes with each plan
Cons
- Higher plan costs than some competitors
- Mixed customer reviews
- No money-back guarantee
The Credit People’s plans breakdown
Like Credit Saint, The Credit People offers tiered plans based on the level of service you require. There are no differences in the features between the Premium and Flat rate plans; the only difference is a commitment for six months with Flat rate.
Does The Credit People limit the number of monthly disputes?
The Credit People gives you unlimited monthly disputes with all of its plans, which is a huge competitive differentiator. Many other companies limit disputes, especially with lower-tier plans. Unlimited disputes mean that you might see results in a shorter time frame, as the company won’t be sending a limit of only five or 10 challenges each month.
Does The Credit People offer discounts?
The Credit People doesn’t offer a percentage-off discount for its plans, though you can get a reduction in price when you sign up for six months of its premium plan. Typically, its premium plan costs $119 per month, but you can get a flat rate of $599 when you sign up for six months — a total cost reduction of $115.
Learn more about the credit repair company in our full review of The Credit People.
4. Most affordable: Credit Firm
Credit Firm has been helping consumers improve their credit scores since 1997 and was founded by attorneys who specialize in consumer credit. The company has an A+ BBB rating, though its customer reviews are mixed.
Why we like Credit Firm as most affordable credit repair company
While no credit repair company can truly guarantee results within a specified time frame, Credit Firm says consumers may see results within 30 to 45 days (but should allow for 90 days for more meaningful changes). With its relatively quick average time to see results, couples discount, and unlimited services, Credit Firm can be a great choice for couples looking to get a loan or lower interest rates within a few months. Additionally, the company does not charge a setup fee as many of its competitors do; consumers only pay the $49.99 monthly fee (or $89.99 for couples).
Credit Firm offers attractive pricing and a high BBB rating, but reviews from its past customers are mixed. The company has a mere 2.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. While 71% of Trustpilot reviewers rate it 4 or 5 stars, indicating they’re satisfied with their results, 20% give it one star. Negative reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with their results, with several mentioning they saw no improvement in their credit scores.
Credit Firm’s pros and cons
Pros
- Fairly affordable plans
- Couples discount available
- Offers unlimited disputes
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t offer credit monitoring
- Mixed customer reviews
Credit Firm’s plans breakdown
While Credit Firm does not offer tiered plans as some of its competitors do, it does offer two plans — one for individuals, and the other for couples. Both plans provide the same credit services including unlimited credit bureau and inquiry challenges.
Does Credit Firm limit the number of monthly disputes?
Credit Firm is unlike some competitors in that it customizes your total disputes based on your needs. The company indicates it typically disputes 5-7 accounts for each credit bureau monthly, but it can dispute as many as you’d like. The fact that it offers as many disputes as you need sets it apart from other credit repair companies offering lower monthly limits.
Does Credit Firm offer discounts?
Credit Firm doesn’t offer a percentage-off discount for new customers, although it provides some cost savings for couples. Instead of paying a monthly fee of $49.99 each, couples pay one monthly fee of $89.99. That’s a total cost savings of around $10 per month.
Learn more in our full review of Credit Firm.
5. Best track record: Lexington Law
Founded in 2004, Lexington Law has established itself as a go-to name in the credit repair service industry. Since its inception, the company has sent out over 200 million challenges and disputes for its clients. Lexington Law claims to have removed over 2 million inaccurate items from its clients’ credit reports in 2023. The company also states that it’s had over 83 million negative items removed from clients’ credit reports since its founding.
Despite its past track record, Lexington Law has had some recent legal troubles. The company and affiliated credit repair firms were sued by the CFPB in 2023 for shady business practices. It ended up settling with that suit for $2.7 billion.
Why we like Lexington Law
Due to its track record of success and almost 20 years in service, Lexington Law makes our list as one of the top credit repair companies. However, its pricing is higher than many of the competitors so it would be wise to shop around before settling.
Its recent legal troubles with the CFPB are also cause for concern. As mentioned, the company settled with the CFPB for $2.7 billion in the summer of 2023 after an investigation into its business practices. A district court ruled that Lexington Law defrauded countless consumers by charging advanced fees for credit repair services through telemarketing. It filed for bankruptcy after the court’s ruling.
Lexington Law’s pros and cons
Pros
- Established company
- Has helped many consumers with their credit
Cons
- Recent legal troubles
- Has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- High prices
Does Lexington Law limit the number of monthly disputes?
In the past, Lexington Law disclosed its limits for monthly credit bureau disputes. But it no longer shares that information. Instead, the company indicates that it provides a “certain amount” of disputes each challenge cycle; cycles typically last 30-45 days.
Does Lexington Law offer discounts?
Unfortunately, Lexington Law doesn’t offer any discounts. Customers pay $139.95 per month for its services. The company no longer offers tiered plans tailored to different consumers.
Learn more in our full review of Lexington Law.
6. Best for additional features: The Credit Pros
Launched in 2009, The Credit Pros has grown to become a reputable credit repair company with over 1 million customers. It provides all the services you’d expect from a credit repair company, plus some extras.
The Credit Pros also offers clear guidance on its process, explaining how it works from start to finish. In addition to helping clients repair their credit, The Credit Pros also offers tools to help them understand their finances and credit better. It provides a more holistic credit and budgeting solution than many competitors. The Credit Pros offers three plans, and it has no recent complaints with the CFPB.
Our verdict
Those seeking additional money management features beyond credit repair might find what they’re looking for with The Credit Pros. In addition to typical credit repair services, such as dispute letters and creditor interventions, users also get access to identity monitoring, a budgeting system, bill reminders, and a credit-builder loan with the top-tier account. That said, The Credit Pros isn’t the cheapest option around, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget and prioritizing affordability.
The Credit Pros fares pretty well with its past customers. Online reviewers rate the company 3.83 out of 5 stars on its BBB page. It also has an A+ rating with the BBB itself. However, its Trustpilot page was shut down recently because it didn’t follow the site’s guidelines. Trustpilot indicates that it “removed a number of fake reviews for this company.” This could call its reviews on other sites into question too.
The Credit Pro’s pros and cons
Pros
- Discount available
- Offers 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Offers bill reminders for each plan
Cons
- Past legal issues
- Relatively expensive plans
- Potentially fake online reviews
Does The Credit Pros limit the number of monthly disputes?
The Credit Pros doesn’t limit the number of monthly disputes it sends on your behalf. Instead, it offers unlimited disputes with each of its plans. This sets it apart from certain competitors that send a relatively small number of monthly disputes.
Does The Credit Pros offer discounts?
The Credit Pros is currently advertising a $100 off coupon for new customers who enroll in its plans online. While this could bring the cost of a plan down significantly, this company’s high work fees are still a significant cost.
Learn more in our full review on The Credit Pros.
What to know about credit repair companies
There’s not one specific menu of services or pricing model for credit repair companies. Instead, you’ll find that each offers different features, and while many companies charge a monthly fee, this isn’t true in all cases. For this reason, it’s essential to compare companies to find the best credit repair service for your situation.
Alternatively, you can also do most of what credit repair companies do independently. If you notice inaccuracies or incomplete information on your credit report, it’s possible to contact the three major credit bureaus or your creditors directly to resolve the issue. But for those with significant credit issues, working with a credit repair service could save you time and potential headaches.
How to choose a credit repair company
If a credit repair company sounds right for your situation, here’s what to compare as you research companies.
- Transparency: Reputable companies will be upfront and clear about their pricing and services offered. Seek out companies that provide detailed information on their websites, and steer clear of those that aren’t transparent about their offerings.
- Services and features: As mentioned, different companies offer varying services, including free initial consultations, dispute letters, credit repair, credit education, and access to credit reports among other services. Find one with services that best suit your situation.
- Pricing: Pricing models also vary, often depending on the level of service you require. Look into pricing to find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
- Customer service: You’ll want to compare each credit repair company’s customer service channels to ensure you can reach a representative if needed.
- Company reputation: Review company websites and history, and look at company profiles on sites like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s compliant database, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and other consumer review sites. Doing so will provide some insight into whether a company is reputable and trustworthy.
- Cancellation policy: Some credit repair services offer more flexible cancellation policies than others, and policy information is often available on company websites. Read over cancellation policies and look into any guarantees companies may offer. For instance, some provide a 90-day money-back guarantee if you don’t see inaccuracies removed from your credit reports.
Credit repair legal controversies
The credit repair industry, as a whole, has checkered reputation. They are sometimes viewed as predatory because the services they provide can be done by any individual with credit report inaccuracies. Some consumers with complaints were validated when Lexington Law and Creditrepair.com entered into $2.7 billion settlement agreement with CFPB in 2023. The CFPB accused the two companies of taking illegal advance fees from their clients through telemarketing, which violates federal law.
When considering hiring a credit repair company to assist in disputing inaccuracies in your report, be sure that the company is being transparent and upfront with their fees, which should be displayed clearly on their website.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best credit repair company?
The best credit repair company for you will depend on your needs and budget. Each company offers an array of different services and pricing models, so comparing options can help you find a company that suits your situation. Some top companies include Credit Saint, The Credit People, The Credit Pros, Sky Blue, and Lexington Law.
How much does cost to repair credit?
The fees credit repair companies charge to help you fix inaccuracies in your credit report typically include an initial setup fee and a monthly fee. The range for setup fees are between $0 and $149; and the range for monthly are between $49 to $200 per month.
What is the best possible credit score?
Older credit score models used to go as high as 900, but that's not the case anymore. The highest possible credit score one can achieve is capped at 850, which only less than 2% of Americans have.
Can you really pay someone to fix your credit?
Yes, it’s possible to pay a credit repair company to help dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit reports. Getting this information removed could help improve your credit. That said, credit repair companies don’t guarantee they’ll fix your credit.
What’s the fastest way to fix your credit?
Several actions could help you fix your credit, including contacting the credit bureaus to get inaccurate or incomplete information removed from your credit reports, paying down credit card debt, making on-time payments, increasing your credit limits, and limiting the number of new accounts you open.
How long does it take to repair credit?
The three credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — typically evaluate credit on a monthly basis. They monitor factors that include debt and late payments. Reducing debt presents the quickest path to improving your credit where you may see results in less than two months. Seeing results after removing inaccuracies will take about three to six months.
What is a bad credit score?
Bad credit, or subprime credit, is typically anything below 580. The lower your credit score, the harder it will be to secure a lower interest-rate loan or credit card. A high credit score can help unlock the best available loans, credit cards, and other financial products.
Our methodology
To develop our list of the best credit repair companies, we researched and analyzed over a dozen companies in the market. In our analysis, we considered factors like transparency, pricing, services provided, and company reputation. We also weighed other things like overall customer experience, customer satisfaction, and whether companies had any recent regulatory action taken against them.
Average time to see results (53%) - When it comes to repairing credit, time is money. The sooner your credit score improves, the sooner you can get better rates on loans and credit cards.
Consumer Reviews (22%) - What actual consumers have to say about their experience with a credit repair agency was taken into account. We looked at a number of consumer review sites — like TrustPilot and Google Reviews — to compile the score.
Costs (15%) - Many credit repair companies have developed a poor reputation of charging high fees while delivering little-to-no results. We ranked them based on fees including monthly rates, setup fees, money back guarantees, and available discounts.
Ratings (10%) - We ranked each company based on how well they are rated by Better Business Bureau and other independent rating agencies.
