Credit repair companies specialize in helping you fix mistakes on your credit reports that could be negatively impacting your score. These errors can include outdated accounts, duplicate listings, incorrect balances, or even debts that don’t belong to you. A credit repair company reviews your reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), identifies problematic items, and prepares formal disputes to challenge those inaccuracies. They also handle communication with the bureaus on your behalf, track responses, and guide you through the process — so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

They can be very valuable, especially if you’re not sure how to fix your credit on your own or don’t have the time to deal with the back-and-forth of credit disputes. While you have the right to dispute errors yourself, a credit repair service can save you hours of work and ensure that everything is handled professionally and strategically. They know exactly how to format disputes, which documents to include, and how to follow up if the bureaus don’t respond in time. For many people, the peace of mind and faster results make the service worth every penny.

No, and it’s important to know this upfront. Legitimate credit repair companies can’t remove accurate, verified information — such as real late payments or unpaid debts. What they can do is challenge information that’s inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or not properly documented. If the credit bureau can’t verify the disputed item within the legal time limit, it may be removed. Be wary of any company that guarantees they can “delete everything” from your credit report — that’s a major red flag and likely a scam.

The timeline varies depending on your situation, the number of disputes, and how responsive the credit bureaus are. Many users start seeing results within 30 to 90 days, especially for clear-cut errors. However, more complex cases may take longer. The process involves sending dispute letters, waiting for bureau responses (which can take up to 30 days per round), and sometimes submitting additional documentation. Credit repair is not instant, but consistent effort — especially with professional help — can yield solid results over time.

Yes, as long as you choose a reputable, well-established company. Look for providers with strong customer reviews, clear pricing, and transparent terms of service. The company should follow federal guidelines like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and never ask for payment upfront. You’ll also want to ensure their website uses secure encryption (look for “https” in the URL) before entering any sensitive information. A trustworthy credit repair company will prioritize your privacy and data security.