If you’re tired of getting turned down for credit cards and/or loans, it’s probably time to work on repairing your credit report. and you Many people turn to professional services since it can be a difficult process to review the reports, have negative items removed, and to work on repairs. However, not all of these services are worth the time and investment. Some are outright scams. What do the best credit repair programs offer?
Some of the good things to look for include a free consultation, adherence to local laws, longevity, and an association with at least one attorney. The ideal credit repair organization will NOT charge you outright. They will offer you a free consultation and review your report in order to let you know what can and cannot be done. Ask them if they have experience with the type of situation you need resolved, such as huge credit card debt or having an IRS lien removed.
Speaking of attorneys, it’s probably for the best that you stick with a program that has attorneys working for it. Law firms are the best credit repair programs since they already know all of the laws regarding the credit agencies, banks, and lenders. Having them on your side is especially helpful if there are any suspicious items on your credit report and you have concerns about attempted fraud.
What are some of the “red flags” you absolutely must look for? How do you know when to turn away from a “credit repair program”?
Features Best Credit Repair Programs Do Not Have
What to AVOID:
• Any company that tries to demand upfront payment.
• A promise of a “fast / easy fix”. There are no “fast, easy fixes” when it comes to credit repair.
• Any sort of guarantee or promise that a company will “raise your score”
• Companies that have unresolved complaints against them.
• Any suggestion that you “lie” or create a “parallel identity”.
• Make any suggestion or do anything whatsoever that makes you feel uncomfortable.
The fact is that the best credit repair programs never make any promises, aside from the guarantee that they will take a look at your credit reports and give you an analysis of whether there really is any hope for you, and that they will help you in any way they can as long as the methods adhere to both local and federal laws.
Before signing any contract, read all of the disclosures. Do NOT set up an auto-detect payment plan. Familiarize yourself with the “Credit Repair Organizations Act” so that you’ll know what exactly a company is forbidden to do. If the program is legitimate, you will only have to begin payments upon receiving proof that they are doing everything they possibly can (legally) to help you.
Now that you know what the best credit repair programs offer, you can get started with your search. Many people recommend Lexington Law, as the company offers a free personalized consultation and access to your TransUnion report summary. There are also a lot of positive Lexington Law reviews online.