Quick answers
Quick answers to the questions new builders ask most. Dive into the linked sections for deeper guidance and tools.
Start by fixing report errors, paying on time, and lowering card balances. Add a starter trade line (e.g., secured card/credit builder). From there, follow a 60–90 day action plan for utilization, inquiries, and mix. Get the full checklist inside our program.
You identify inaccurate/obsolete items, dispute with bureaus, and follow up in cycles until corrected. In parallel, you add positive credit habits to lift scores. The timing and sequence matter—our plans give the step order and templates.
Pull reports, document issues, send targeted disputes, track responses, and repeat in 30–45 day rounds while building positive history. We provide the exact cadence, letters, and tracking sheets in the members area.
Simple corrections can post within one cycle; broader clean-up typically needs a few dispute rounds. Expect meaningful movement over 2–6 months if you follow a plan. We outline realistic timelines by scenario inside.
Start with a secured card or credit-builder loan, keep utilization low, and pay on time. Add one additional positive line once your first reports. We map a beginner-friendly sequence so you don't over-apply or stall.
Audit your reports, pay before statement dates to lower utilization, avoid new hard pulls, and dispute clear errors first. Small moves compound fast—get our prioritized 10-point checklist inside.
Confirm the inaccuracy, prepare evidence, and send a targeted dispute to each bureau. Track deadlines and escalate if needed. We include compliant templates and a response tracker in our toolkit.
Red flags: "instant deletions," guarantees, upfront fees without disclosures, or advice to misrepresent information. Legit providers set expectations and follow the rules. Our buyer's guide shows exactly what to avoid.
Credit repair targets errors/obsolete items; counseling focuses on budgeting and debt payoff plans. Many people need elements of both. We help you choose based on your score profile and goals.
Cash flow, budgeting, credit usage, and interest costs. Get those right and your score follows. We teach the foundations in short, self-paced modules.
It's a structured process to correct report inaccuracies and improve risk signals lenders see. Done right, it pairs disputes with new positive data. Our plans walk you through both sides.
Transparent pricing, realistic timelines, compliant practices, and education—not just disputes. Compare deliverables and support, not hype. We publish our scope before you enroll.
Yes—focus on essentials, DIY where possible, and use plans that include tools/templates so you're not paying for fluff. Our tiered options keep costs down while you execute a proven sequence.
No. It is a soft inquiry and will not lower your score.
Yes. Paying before the statement date lowers the balance reported to the bureaus.
Big changes usually take a few months of on-time payments and low balances.
Closing a card can raise utilization and shorten your history, so weigh the pros and cons first.
"All Zero Except One" means every card reports $0 except one card showing a tiny balance (1–9%).
It helps only if the account has low balances and on-time payments. Bad habits carry over.
There is no perfect number. Start with cards you can manage well and add more slowly.
No. Only credit accounts that report to the bureaus build credit history.
They stay on your report for two years but usually affect scores for about one year.
It may slightly change your credit mix, but the effect is usually small and temporary.
No. A secured card is a credit account backed by a deposit and reports to the bureaus. A prepaid card does not.
Only when your landlord or a rent-reporting service sends the data in.
A debt the lender writes off as unpaid. It still shows on your report and may go to collections.
Some collectors may agree, but they do not have to. Always get any promise in writing.
Freezes are free and required by law. Locks are paid tools from the bureaus.
Up to seven years.
A polite request asking a creditor to remove a legit late mark after you are back on time.
Not always. Credit-builder loans, rent reporting, and authorized user status can help too.
Yes. You can ask for a payment plan or settlement and should always get the deal in writing.
Someone who agrees to repay the debt if the main borrower does not. The account affects both people.
At least once a year, and more often if you are building credit or spot problems.