Credit Repair FAQ
This hub answers the questions we hear most often, organized by topic.
Getting Started
What is credit repair, exactly?
Credit repair is the process of reviewing your credit reports for inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information and formally disputing it with the credit bureaus and the businesses that reported it, under the rights guaranteed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How do I know if I need credit repair?
If you’ve reviewed your credit reports and found items that look wrong — incorrect balances, accounts that aren’t yours, dates that don’t match your records — that’s a sign a dispute may be worthwhile.
Is credit repair the same as debt settlement?
No. Credit repair disputes the accuracy of reported information. Debt settlement negotiates the amount you owe. They’re different services and are sometimes used together, but they solve different problems.
Core Compliance Questions
Can you guarantee specific items will be removed?
No. Federal law prohibits credit repair companies from guaranteeing results, and we won’t promise something we can’t deliver. What we guarantee is a proper, good-faith dispute process on your behalf.
What’s the difference between a dispute and a scam credit repair promise?
A legitimate dispute challenges specific inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information under the FCRA. Be cautious of any company promising to erase accurate negative history or guaranteeing an exact score increase — that’s a legal red flag, not a service feature.
The Process
How long does credit repair take?
Most clients see their first round of bureau responses within 30-40 days of disputes being sent. Full results vary by case.
What information do I need to get started?
A recent credit report from each of the three bureaus, and basic identifying information to verify you’re the one filing the dispute.
Will disputing an item hurt my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute does not lower your score. Only the outcome of the underlying account status can affect your score.
Can I dispute items myself instead of hiring a company?
Yes — disputing your own credit report is always free and is your right under the FCRA. Many people successfully handle simple disputes on their own; others prefer professional help for more complex or multi-round cases.
Costs and Contracts
How much does credit repair cost?
Pricing varies by provider and plan. See our Pricing page for our current fee structure. By law, credit repair companies cannot charge for services before they’re performed.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes. Federal law (CROA) gives you cancellation rights — review your service agreement for the specific process and timeline.
Specific Situations
Can medical debt be removed from my credit report?
Medical collections are subject to specific reporting rules that have changed in recent years. Many are disputable on the same basis as other collections — inaccuracy, incompleteness, or unverifiability.
What if I’ve gone through bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy reporting has its own accuracy rules (correct filing type, dates, and discharge status). Errors in how a bankruptcy is reported are disputable even though the bankruptcy itself is a matter of public record.
Can identity theft accounts be removed?
Yes — accounts resulting from identity theft are not yours and are disputable on that basis. This typically requires additional documentation, such as an identity theft report.
Do you help with business credit as well as personal credit?
Business credit repair is part of our planned service expansion — see our Services page for what’s currently available.
Still have a question? Call Good Credit America at (404) 500-6994 or schedule a free consultation.