Aany and all accounts that are in positive standing, keep them that way!  If you are in the process of paying off collection accounts, and creditors that are already charged off, and or in collections, never be late on your  current credit cards, car payment , and mortgage.  It is good that you are paying off your back debt, but most people don't realize that messing up your current accounts more recently, is more damaging to your credit  than something that has been unpaid as of five years ago.
So make sure you keep your current bills on time , and paid on.  That will improve your credit
substantially within one year.


The first step in repairing your credit is knowing what is on your credit.  If you already pulled your consumer credit report, then you are ready to continue. 
If you have not, then click this arrow  before you continue.

Assuming that you have your credit reports in front of you; Now you are ready to start making some repairs to your consumer credit report.  You have a  a few options at your disposal.  One is that you could hire a lawyer to repair your credit reports. Two you could use those credit repair clinics. Three   you could repair it yourself. 

To repair your credit yourself is, of course the cheapest way to do the job.  Most credit repair clinics are paid to do what most people can do themselves.   They usually just send generic letters of dispute to the credit reporting agencies requesting deletion of inaugurate information.  Well , guess what ? You can do the same thing from home.

Now do not expect this to be something that can be done over night, whether you do it , or pay someone to do it for you.  The law allows them 30 days to take action, and an additional 15 days for creditors to come back against any action that the credit reporting agencies take.  So if you get something deleted, a creditor ( if legally able could have 15 days to report accurate information)  But if that window closes , and  the information has not been updated, then the deletion stands, and there is no going back. That is good for you, because you will have repaired your credit.

First thing you do is create a generic letter.  ( see sample dispute letters )

Second, you enter the account numbers, creditor name, ( all information as seen on each report. )

Third, mention the  reason for disputing of the item. Here are some examples and good reasons to dispute.  These are common situations that are in violation of the FCRA, and it hurts your credit in an unfair manner;


NEGATIVE & DEROGATORY INFORMATION

* account listed twice ( with same creditor )

* account listed twice (with different creditors)

* account has been re-aged ( that is when an account has defaulted at an earlier point in time, and the creditor reported it as if it happened more recently.

* account reporting period has expired. ( 7 years on most negative accounts )  (10 years on Bankruptcy ) ( 7 years after payment on taxes )  ( judgments , varies by state )

*  Not your account ( ie; most cases of divorce, couples assume separate obligations, and sometimes one spouse uses the other spouse's information to obtain credit.) (or it is split property, split obligations)

*  Identity theft issues

*  You can simply have the debt validated, and or verified. ( sometimes when a debt has been sold off to another collection agency, a lot of information in your file is missing, thus making the ability to prove the account to be legitimate to the credit reporting agency very difficult )

*  Account has been paid**

*  Inaccurate payment history

*  Creditor has agreed to remove this information from credit report**


Note** sometimes the credit reporting agency will require proof to your claim.  You will have to mail in all corresponding proof of any claim, especially accounts that were paid , or when you have a letter from the creditor stating that they will remove , or correct all reported information.

Disputes can be done on line with the three credit reporting agencies Go to their dispute page on their site, or you can use these link that are provided by clicking their names ( Trans Union,  Equifax, Experian ).  You must have a report number.  Usually the report number will be displayed on the top right hand corner of your report.  You will need that number as a reference to dispute.

Once you dispute each credit report on line, they will email you the results of their investigation. Sometimes you will have to wait the full 30 days. Each CRA will send you a new report, with a new report number.  If you are not satisfied, try again. Repeat the process all over again.  Eventually, you will need to submit a dispute in writing if you want more results. (see Sample Dispute Letters)

Now if you have positive information, even if it is too old, leave it alone.  The more positive information you have, the better your credit ranking is.  Repairing credit is not only disputing negative information, it is improving your current status as well.  It is important to make sure all current accounts are paid on time.  If you have a credit card that is close to it's max;

Example: $1,000 credit limit. You have a balance of $900 , and you are making your payments on time.  You need to get that balance below the 50% of credit limit. Below 30% if trying to by a car or a home. Don't do it all at once, credit scores are set up to recognize behavior over time.  ( THE BEST WAY TO DO  THIS )
is pay down the balance over six months!  Three months if you are in working with time restrictions.