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Top 9 Credit Repair Companies of May 2023: Guide & Reviews | Kansas City Star
By Michelle Lambright Black MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Advisory team helps you take steps to improve your credit health overall
Pricing starts at $99.95 per month (cancel anytime)
Pricing starts at $99.95 per month (cancel anytime)
None
90 days
Access to an online account to check dispute progress, credit reports and scores from all 3 bureaus
$19
$79 (or $419 six month flat-rate)
Couples
Cancel your subscription whenever you want and get a refund for the last and previous month of service. (Not available with flat-fee pricing.)
In the United States, having good credit is essential to your financial health. Bad credit can make it harder, perhaps impossible, to be approved for a mortgage, to take out an auto loan, to be OK’d for credit cards, and more. You might also find it difficult to get affordable insurance, lease an apartment, or even get a job when you have credit problems.
Because good credit is so important, it’s important to take action when credit problems arise — especially if those problems are caused by credit errors. Negative items in your credit history can damage your credit score even if they’re inaccurate. But under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute credit errors. You can manage the dispute process on your own or hire a professional credit repair company to work on your behalf.
If you’re considering paying for professional credit repair services, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best deal. We researched credit repair companies and considered factors like services offered, pricing, and more. Below are our top six choices for the best credit repair companies.
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks for Best Credit Repair Companies
- Best Credit Repair Reviews
- Credit Repair Guide
- How We Found the Best Credit Repair Companies
- Best credit repair companies FAQs
- Summary of the Best Credit Repair Companies
Our top picks for best credit repair companies
- Best Overall: Credit Saint
- Best for Families: Sky Blue
- Best Value: The Credit Pros
- Best DIY: Credit Versio
- Best Guarantee: The Credit People
- Best for Discounts: Ovation Credit Repair
Best Credit Repair Reviews
There’s no shortage of credit repair companies available to help you deal with the errors in your credit history. Finding the best choice for you will involve comparing the services and benefits of credit repair companies that fit within your budget. And, of course, it’s critical to avoid credit repair scams.
Each of the six credit repair companies below has notable features that make it worth considering.
Best Overall: Credit Saint
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- 3 transparent pricing options
- Unlimited disputes available
- Unlimited disputes require the most expensive membership plan ($119.99/mo.)
- Must call to cancel services (recorded line)
- Online chat not available
Why we chose it: Credit Saint is our choice for the best overall credit repair service. The company has been around for a decade and a half. During that time, Credit Saint has developed a reputation for offering consumers fair pricing, an impressive money-back guarantee, and a competitive suite of services.
In addition to disputing inaccurate items with the credit reporting agencies on your behalf, credit score tracking and analysis are included with all Credit Saint membership options. The company will also dispute unauthorized credit inquiries upon request for any of its customers.
Credit Saint offers three credit repair packages that range from $79.99 to $119.99 per month. On top of the monthly fee, you’ll have to pay a one-time setup fee of $99 or $195 to join. However, the initial credit consultation is free to see if the services are a good fit for you.
| Cost | Disputes Per Month | Experian Credit Monitoring | Hard Inquiry Disputes | |
| Clean Slate | $119.99/mo. + $195 Setup Fee | Unlimited | Included | Included |
| Credit Remodel | $99.99/mo. + $99 Setup Fee | 10 Items Per Billing Cycle | Included | Included |
| Credit Polish | $79.99/mo. + $99 Setup Fee | 5 Items Per Billing Cycle | Not Included | Not Included |
Best for Families: Sky Blue
- Transparent pricing
- Affordable membership fees
- Couple's discount available
- Skip a month of membership upon request
- Free credit consultation
- No credit monitoring
- Limited disputes (5 per credit bureau every 35 days)
- No extra financial education tools (budgeting, etc.)
Why we chose it: Sky Blue Credit provides the best credit repair for families thanks to the discounts it offers. Couples who join together can save $40 off their (combined) setup fees and another $40 per month.
Established in 1989, Sky Blue is one of the older credit repair companies in the United States. You can start with a free consultation to see if the service will work for you. The program also comes with a 90-day guarantee and personalized credit coaching calls on demand (during normal business hours).
Sky Blue’s credit repair services cost $79 per month after a one-time $79 setup fee. Couples can join for a $119 setup fee and $119 per month thereafter.
| Cost | Disputes Per Month | Advanced Tactics (Debt Validation, Goodwill, and Cease and Desist Letters) | 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee | |
| Sky Blue Credit Repair Services (Individual) | $79/mo. + $79 setup fee | 5 disputes per credit bureau every 35 days | Included | Included |
| Sky Blue Credit Repair Services (Couple) | $119/mo. + $119 setup fee | 5 disputes per credit bureau (per person) every 35 days | Included | Included |
Best Value: The Credit Pros
- Unlimited disputes option available
- Money-back guarantee
- Certified FICO experts
- Free credit consultation
- Mobile app available
- Not available in all states
- Unlimited disputes not included with all membership plans
Why we chose it: The Credit Pros is our pick for the best value in credit repair. Not only does the award-winning company offer a free initial credit consultation, but it also has three service packages with pricing options to fit a variety of budgets. Plus, the services included in the membership packages come with a lot of value — especially the Success Plus plan, which includes a credit builder loan.
Customers of The Credit Pros receive a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee. Perhaps best of all, the company values honesty and makes a commitment to never over-promise when it comes to the results you might see as a credit repair customer.
After an initial free credit consultation, membership with The Credit Pros costs between $69 and $149 per month if you decide to hire the company to work on your behalf. The first-work fee to join a credit repair program with the company ranges from $119 to $149.
| Cost | Unlimited Credit Disputes | Advanced Disputes (Debt Validation and Goodwill Letters) | TransUnion Credit Report, Score, and Monitoring | Credit Builder Loan | |
| Money Management | $69/mo. + $119 Setup Fee | Not Included | Not Included | Included | Not Included |
| Prosperity | $119/mo. + $119 Setup Fee | Included | Included | Included | Not Included |
| Success Plus | $149/mo. + $149 Setup Fee | Included | Included | Included | Included |
Best DIY: Credit Versio
- Affordable fees
- Unlimited credit disputes
- Monthly credit monitoring included (3 credit reports and scores)
- AI analysis identifies which items are hurting your credit score
- Includes identity theft protection
- Cancel anytime
- Video coaching
- No live customer guidance
- No case advisor
- No guarantee or warranty
- Mail your own dispute letters
Why we chose it: Credit Versio gets the nod for the best do-it-yourself credit repair solution. The DIY credit repair platform provides online tools to manage the dispute process with all three major credit bureaus, along with expert-written guidance and credit education.
Membership options with Credit Versio range from $19.95 to $29.99 per month. There are no initial setup fees to worry about. But you won’t get a discount if multiple members of the same household join the program.
| Cost | Disputes Per Month | Monthly 3-Bureau Credit Reports and Scores | 7-Day Trial for $1 | Identity Theft Insurance | |
| Smartcredit® Basic | $19.95/mo. | Unlimited | Included | Not Included | $1 Million |
| Smartcredit® Premium | $24.95/mo. | Unlimited | Included | Not Included | $1 Million |
| IdentityIQ Plan | $29.99/mo. | Unlimited | Included | Not Included | $25,000 |
Best Guarantee: The Credit People
- Unlimited disputes
- Free credit consultation
- Affordable pricing (with $19 first-work fee)
- Multiple customer service channels (phone, email, or chat)
- No credit monitoring
- Limited office hours (9-5, M-F, CST)
- No dedicated case manager
- No financial management tools
Why we chose it: The Credit People, 15-year veterans in the credit repair space, stand out among for having the best guarantee in the industry. If you join the company’s flat-rate program, it comes with a six-month satisfaction guarantee. With monthly service, you can cancel anytime. If you’re unhappy, you won’t be billed for the current month when that bill comes due. Plus, the company will give you a refund of your previous month’s payment too.
Customers of The Credit People also receive access to a free credit report and score from all three major credit bureaus—a valuable perk. And the company offers unlimited credit disputes, escalated credit repair tactics (i.e., debt and inquiry validation letters), and creditor interventions all for the same low membership price.
Membership options with The Credit People come in two varieties—monthly and flat-rate. (See below.) The initial credit consultation is also free and you can cancel the service at any time.
| Cost | Disputes Per Month | Access to 3 Credit Reports and Scores | Advanced Dispute Tactics | Satisfaction Guarantee | Couple’s Discount | |
| Month-to-Month Membership | $79/mo. + $19 Setup Fee | Unlimited | Included | Included | Included | $20 Off Initial Monthly Fees (Per Person) |
| Flat-Rate Membership | $419 for 6 Months of Service | Unlimited | Included | Included | Included | Not Available |
Best for Discounts: Ovation
- Risk-free refund policy
- Five available discount options
- Free initial credit consultation
- Affordable setup fees
- Same-day service
- No online signup option
- Not available in all states
Why we chose it: Ovation Credit, a LendingTree company, takes the title of best credit repair company for discounts because it gives customers five different ways to save. Seniors (65+ years of age) and members of the military can each enjoy 10% off the cost of services, while couples receive a 20% discount. You can also save $50 by switching from another credit repair company and $30 for referring a new customer who joins Ovation Credit.
Founded by a group of attorneys, the company offers one-on-one customer service, access to personal finance tools, and a risk-free refund policy. The company also offers personalized dispute options, though its website doesn’t disclose the maximum number of credit bureau disputes it will send for its customers each month.
Like many other credit repair agencies, the initial credit consultation with Ovation Credit is free. First-work fees cost $89 and membership ranges from $79 to $109 per month. Ovation offers “add-on” services too, but the website is unclear as to what those services may be and the cost of add-ons.
| Cost | Number of Disputes Per Month | Unlimited Creditor Validation Letters | TransUnion Credit Monitoring | Financial Management Tools | |
| Essentials | $79/mo. + $89 Setup Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Included | Not Included | Included |
| Essentials Plus | $109/mo. + $89 Setup Fee | Not Disclosed | Included | Included | Included |
Other companies we considered
Lexington Law Firm
Lexington Law Firm is a credit repair firm founded in 2004 by attorney John C. Heath. The company has multiple offices throughout the U.S., and its team includes attorneys, paralegals, and credit advisors. Lexington Law offers three credit repair packages, which aim to address varying needs of customers with inaccurate or unverifiable negative items or derogatory marks that are hurting their credit scores. The company looks for inaccuracies and unverifiable information on a customer’s credit report and employs creditor intervention strategies, like sending dispute letters to the top three credit bureaus and the customer’s creditors, to get negative items removed.
While Lexington Law is a long-standing company operated by attorneys and paralegals and offers three credit repair packages of varying price and service levels to choose from, it also has some drawbacks. These include a pending complaint filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and an initial charge called a first work fee on top of the monthly package rates. Lexington Law also offers no guarantee that a customer’s credit score will improve and has no money-back guarantee or a maximum time frame for results.
Creditrepair.com
CreditRepair.com is a credit repair service that offers an online initial evaluation for free, which includes your credit score, negative item summary, and personalized credit repair plan. The service also provides educational resources on credit through its blog. The company offers three service packages that range from $69.95 to $119.95, which are competitive prices in the industry. However, CreditRepair.com does not offer a money-back guarantee, which may be a disadvantage for some customers.
One potential drawback of CreditRepair.com is the lack of information about its staff’s qualifications. Additionally, the company has pending legal action from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which may raise concerns for some customers. Another area that could be improved is the clarity of the information provided on the three service plans. Despite these concerns, CreditRepair.com offers a helpful initial evaluation and educational resources that may be beneficial to customers looking to repair their credit.
Pyramid Credit Repair
Pyramid Credit Repair is a credit repair company that has been in business for over a decade. One of the company’s standout features is its 24/7 customer support, which is a rarity in the industry. The company also offers a free credit consultation to help customers understand their credit situation. Additionally, Pyramid Credit Repair provides a discounted plan for couples and discounts for military personnel and teachers. However, it’s important to note that the setup fees for the company are higher than many of its competitors, which may be a concern for budget-conscious consumers.
While Pyramid Credit Repair offers several benefits, there are a few downsides to consider. The company provides little information about its plans, making it difficult to know what services are included. Additionally, the individual plan doesn’t come with any finance tools, which could be a deal-breaker for those looking to improve their financial literacy. Overall, Pyramid Credit Repair is a solid choice for those in need of credit repair services, but it’s important to weigh the company’s pros and cons before making a decision.
Credit Repair Guide
A good credit score can open the door to new possibilities and save you money in the process. Lower interest rates, better approval odds, and more attractive financing terms may be available when you work to improve your credit. So if you have credit issues but lack the time or the desire to work on them yourself, professional credit repair services could be well worth the investment.
The FAQs below provide insight into how credit repair works and what to expect if you decide to use a credit repair service. You’ll also find details about how much credit repair services cost and how to select the best credit repair company for your situation.
What is credit repair?
Credit repair is the process of trying to fix credit problems. You may be able to hire a credit repair company to perform a variety of tasks to try to improve your credit including:
- Disputing credit report errors
- Writing debt validation letters to send to creditors and debt collectors
- Sending goodwill letters to creditors to request the removal of accurate but negative information from your credit report with Equifax, TransUnion, and/or Experian
- Giving you a recommendation letter to show lenders and service providers that you’re working to fix past credit problems
How do credit repair companies work?
You have the right to try to fix credit problems (including credit report inaccuracies) on your own. But some people may prefer professional guidance through the credit repair process.
Every credit repair company is a little different. But the average credit repair plan may follow a process that looks something like the following.
- Start with an initial credit consultation. This meeting might be free or it could involve a fee. (Note: companies that charge for a credit consultation may provide you with more information and personalized advice.) After the credit consultation, you should understand how the company’s services work, and you might also have an overview of what’s on your credit reports.
- Sign up for services. Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll typically need to sign a contract or agreement with the credit repair company you choose. A legitimate credit repair company should include disclosures that detail your rights, including the right to work on your credit by yourself and cancel your membership in the future.
- Pay for membership. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), a credit repair company cannot charge you in advance. It must first perform services and then charge you after the fact (sort of like a utility bill). A credit repair company may take your payment information on the day you sign up, but there should be a delay of at least a few days before the company charges your setup fee.
- Stay involved in the process. A credit repair company may send disputes to the credit bureaus and perform other services on your behalf. But you’ll need to stay involved in the process if you want the best chance of success. Not only should you monitor your credit reports and progress, but you may also need to establish new credit, pay down debt, and pay your bills on time.
How much does credit repair cost?
There are many different credit repair options and prices can vary from one company to another. The most popular type of credit repair pricing features a monthly fee and often a one-time setup fee too.
- Monthly membership fees for credit repair may range from around $19 to $200 per month. It’s important to pay attention to the services a credit repair company includes in its pricing (especially the number of disputes it will send for you each month) to understand the true cost.
- Initial setup fees for credit repair might cost between $50 and $200. Some companies may charge even higher amounts, but there are a few credit repair options that don’t charge any first-work fees at all.
Although prices may differ, the monthly billing structure above is common in the credit repair industry. Many companies believe it satisfies CROA requirements to provide services first and charge second (that is, not to charge initial fees). If you come across a company that requires upfront payment for services, it could be a red flag that the company isn’t following the law.
How to choose the best credit repair company?
Before you sign up for a paid credit repair service, it’s important to understand that you’re paying for a service you could do yourself. Of course, you may already pay others to perform services that you could technically do on your own such as haircuts, tax preparation, auto repairs, and more.
If you’re comfortable paying for professional credit repair, the next detail to consider is how much you can afford to pay. Examine your budget to determine whether a new monthly expense makes sense, and figure out what price range works best for you.
Finally, you’ll want to compare reputable credit repair options that fit within your price range. Figure out which services are the most valuable to you (i.e., credit bureau disputes, advanced dispute tactics, financial tools, access to a credit score tracker, etc.). In the end, you should be able to determine which credit repair company offers the best benefits at a price that suits your budget.
Best credit repair companies FAQs
How do I know if a credit repair company is legit?
To determine if a credit repair company is legitimate, you should do your research. Check the company's website for information on their services, fees, and client reviews. Look for companies that are registered with the Better Business Bureau or have a good rating with consumer protection agencies. Avoid companies that promise to remove accurate negative information from your credit report or ask for upfront payments before services are provided. Legitimate companies should also provide you with a written contract outlining their services and fees, and you have the right to cancel the contract within three days without penalty.
What are some tips for avoiding credit repair scams?
To avoid credit repair scams, it is important to be wary of companies that promise to improve your credit score quickly or guarantee results. Avoid companies that ask for upfront payments before services are provided, as this is a common sign of a scam. Legitimate credit repair companies will provide you with a written contract outlining their services and fees, and you have the right to cancel the contract within three days without penalty. You should also check the company's website for information on their services, fees, and client reviews. Look for companies that are registered with the Better Business Bureau or have a good rating with consumer protection agencies.
How long does credit repair usually take with a credit repair company?
The time it takes to repair your credit with a credit repair company can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Credit repair companies typically work on a monthly basis, and it may take several months to see significant improvements in your credit score. However, some clients have seen improvements in their credit score within the first month of working with a credit repair company. Ultimately, the time it takes to repair your credit depends on the complexity of your situation and the strategies employed by the credit repair company.
What are the pros and cons of using a credit repair company?
The pros of using a credit repair company include the convenience of having a professional handle the process, the potential for faster results, and the expertise of the credit repair company in navigating the credit reporting system. Additionally, a credit repair company may be able to negotiate with creditors on your behalf and may be able to remove negative information from your credit report that is inaccurate or unverifiable. However, the cons of using a credit repair company include the cost of the service, which can be high, and the potential for scams. Additionally, some credit repair companies may use questionable tactics that could result in legal or financial repercussions.
Are there any alternatives to credit repair companies for improving credit scores?
Yes, there are alternatives to credit repair companies for improving credit scores. One option is to work directly with the credit bureaus and creditors to dispute inaccurate or unverifiable information on your credit report. This can be done by sending a letter to the credit bureau or creditor outlining the error and providing evidence to support your claim. Another option is to work with a non-profit credit counseling agency, which can provide you with guidance on improving your credit score and managing your finances. Finally, you can take steps on your own to improve your credit score, such as paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and disputing inaccurate information on your credit report.
How We Found the Best Credit Repair Companies
When we reviewed credit repair companies (those listed above and others), we considered several factors. The way companies performed in the categories below helped determine whether they earned a spot on our list of the best credit repair services of 2023.
- Pricing: The best credit repair companies provide value-rich services for affordable prices. Meanwhile, we watched for red flags like companies that charge advance fees or higher-than-average costs.
- Dispute Policies: Some credit repair programs limit the number of disputes they send to the major credit bureaus each month for customers. Limited disputes can increase the overall cost of a credit repair membership, even if the company charges a lower monthly fee.
- Reputation: Legitimate credit repair companies won’t advise you to lie or break the law. It’s also not okay to make unrealistic promises regarding credit score improvement or expected dispute results. They are also very clear about the fact that their services are geared toward disputing inaccurate credit history entries. If the negative information in your credit record is accurate, there isn’t very much a credit repair company can do except request that the entries be deleted as a courtesy or goodwill gesture.
Summary of the Best Credit Repair Companies of 2023
- Best Overall: Credit Saint
- Best for Families: Sky Blue
- Best Value: The Credit Pros
- Best DIY: Credit Versio
- Best Guarantee: The Credit People
- Best for Discounts: Ovation Credit Repair
Michelle Lambright Black is a nationally recognized credit expert with two decades of experience. Founder of CreditWriter.com, Michelle's work has been published thousands of times by FICO, Experian, Forbes, Bankrate, MarketWatch, Parents, U.S. News & World Report, and many more.