Credit Repair
The process of improving a damaged credit profile by disputing inaccurate information, paying down debts, and building positive credit habits. Legitimate credit repair involves disputing errors under the FCRA. Credit repair companies cannot legally remove accurate, timely negative information.
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Credit Dispute
A formal challenge to information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. Under the FCRA, credit bureaus must investigate disputes within 30 days and correct or remove items they cannot verify.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The US federal law that regulates how credit bureaus (Consumer Reporting Agencies) collect, use, and share your credit information. The FCRA gives you the right to see your credit report, dispute inaccuracies, and limits how long negative information can remain on your report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Repair
What does Credit Repair mean?
The process of improving a damaged credit profile by disputing inaccurate information, paying down debts, and building positive credit habits. Legitimate credit repair involves disputing errors under the FCRA. Credit repair companies cannot legally remove accurate, timely negative information.
Is Credit Repair important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Credit Repair helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.