Last reviewed: January 2026
Credit Repair: Credit Reports, Disputes & Improve Your Score
Credit repair is mostly two things: (1) making sure your credit reports are accurate, and (2) using credit in a way that improves your score over time. This hub covers the biggest score factors (like utilization), how to check reports for free, how to dispute errors properly, and how to protect your file from fraud.
Start here (pick your goal)
1) “I want to raise my credit score fast (legit ways)”
Start with the levers that move scores the most:
2) “My credit report has errors — I need to dispute”
If information is wrong, fix that first:
3) “I’m rebuilding from bad credit / collections”
Focus on accuracy + a simple build strategy:
Credit score factors (what moves your score)
| Factor | What it means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Payment history | Late payments hurt hard | Prevent new lates; bring accounts current |
| Credit utilization | High balances vs limits = risk | Lower utilization; pay before statement closes |
| Length of history | Time builds trust | Avoid closing your oldest good accounts without a reason |
| New credit | Many applications = risk | Limit hard inquiries; use prequalification when possible |
| Credit mix | Different account types | Don’t chase it; add only what you can manage |
Go deep: What a credit score is
Credit report basics: what’s inside (and why mistakes happen)
Your credit report is your file with the bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). It includes accounts, payment status, balances/limits, inquiries, and identity info. Errors happen from mixed files, duplicates, outdated reporting, or incorrect data.
Start here:
How to check your credit reports (free)
You want to review all three bureaus, not just one, because errors often appear in one report only.
Guide:
Disputing credit report errors (the right way)
Disputes work best when you:
- dispute inaccurate items (not “I don’t like it”)
- are specific and organized
- track timelines and outcomes
- escalate if a dispute is incorrectly verified
Guides:
Removing late payments: what’s realistic
People search “remove late payments” constantly. The reality: it’s hard, but sometimes possible through:
- goodwill requests
- correcting errors (if the reporting is wrong)
- building positive history to outweigh older negatives
Guide:
Collections: what to do (and whether paying helps)
Collections affect credit differently depending on type and model. Your plan depends on:
- whether it’s accurate
- whether you can negotiate
- whether “pay for delete” is possible (varies)
Guide:
Utilization: the fastest lever for many people
Utilization is the balance-to-limit ratio. It can change your score quickly because it updates as creditors report balances.
Guides:
Hard inquiries: what they mean (and how long they last)
Hard inquiries can cause a short-term dip, especially if you stack many in a short window. You’ll also want to understand rate-shopping windows for certain credit types.
Guide:
Building credit safely (without gimmicks)
Two common “build credit” tools:
- Secured credit cards (simple, controllable)
- Credit builder loans (structured payments)
Guide:
Authorized user: help or risk?
Being added as an authorized user can help some profiles, but it can backfire if the primary account has high utilization or missed payments. Avoid “tradeline” scams.
Guide:
Protect your credit file (freeze, fraud alert, identity theft)
If you suspect fraud or want to prevent it:
- understand credit freeze vs fraud alert
- know first steps for identity theft and removing fraudulent accounts
Guides:
Best guides (browse by intent)
Understand your score
Check & monitor
Fix errors & negatives
- Dispute errors (step-by-step)
- How long disputes take
- Late payments: removal options
- Collections: what to do
Improve score (fast wins)
Build & protect
- Build credit: secured card vs builder loan
- Authorized user: pros & risks
- Freeze vs fraud alert
- Identity theft: first steps
Latest Credit Repair Articles
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How often does your credit score update? (reporting cycle explained)
Where to go next People assume credit scores update “daily” like a bank app. In reality, your score updates when new information hits your credit reports—usually tied to…
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Identity theft credit report: first steps (what to do right now)
Where to go next If you see accounts, addresses, or hard inquiries you don’t recognize, treat it as a time-sensitive cleanup, not a normal “credit dispute.” Your goals…
-
Credit freeze vs fraud alert: what’s the difference (and which should you use)?
Where to go next If you’re worried about identity theft or someone opening accounts in your name, you have two common tools: a credit freeze and a fraud…
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Secured credit card vs credit builder loan: which should you use to build credit?
Where to go next If your credit is weak or thin, two “starter tools” come up nonstop: secured credit cards and credit builder loans. Both can build credit,…
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Authorized user credit score: does it help (and what can go wrong)
Where to go next Becoming an authorized user (AU) on someone else’s credit card can help your credit profile in some situations—because the account’s history may appear on…
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Hard inquiries: what they are (how long they stay + how much they matter)
Where to go next A hard inquiry shows up when you apply for new credit and a lender pulls your report to make a decision. One inquiry usually…
FAQ (real search-intent questions)
What is a good credit score in the US?
Many lenders consider 670+ “good,” but pricing can improve significantly in higher tiers. Different models and bureaus can show different numbers.
Does checking my credit score hurt my credit?
Checking your own score/report is typically a soft inquiry and does not affect your score.
How do I dispute credit report errors?
You identify the incorrect item, submit a dispute with details, and track the investigation outcome. Dispute only inaccurate info and keep records.
How long do credit disputes take?
Timing varies, but disputes typically take weeks rather than days. If an error is incorrectly verified, you can re-dispute with stronger documentation.
What is the best utilization ratio for credit cards?
Lower is generally better. Many people see improvements by lowering utilization and paying before the statement closes.
How long do hard inquiries stay on a credit report?
Hard inquiries remain for a period of time; their score impact is usually strongest early and fades.
Should I close old credit cards I don’t use?
Often no, unless there’s a strong reason (fees/risk). Older accounts can support credit history and utilization.
Can collections be removed from a credit report?
Sometimes — especially if the data is inaccurate or if you negotiate terms. Strategy depends on the collection type and what you can afford.