Hey there, future credit score superstar! So, your credit report has a few blemishes, and you’re thinking, “Do I need to shell out big bucks to a credit repair company?” Hold your horses! Before you start throwing money at the problem, let’s chat about some free ways you can polish that credit score all by yourself.

Know the Credit Repair Company Rules

First things first: If you’re considering a credit repair company, know the rules. They must provide a detailed contract outlining your rights, like your three-day right to cancel without a charge, and the total cost of their services. If they try to charge you upfront, promise to remove accurate negative information, or ask you to lie on applications, run for the hills! It’s not just shady; it’s illegal.

DIY Credit Repair Hacks

  1. Spot the Errors: Get your free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. If you spot any mistakes, write to both the credit bureau and the business that reported the info. It’s like playing detective, but with your financial history!

  2. Timely Payments: Pay your bills on time. Not “fashionably late” – on time! It’s the magic potion for a healthier credit score.

  3. Debt Be Gone: Pay off your existing debt and resist the temptation to take on new debt. Channel your inner superhero and vanquish those debts!

  4. Patience is a Virtue: If the negative info on your credit report is accurate, unfortunately, it won’t vanish overnight. Credit repair companies can’t legally erase it either. Time is your friend here—just give it a little.

Seek Genuine Help

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! Reach out to your local credit union, university, or military personal financial manager. They might recommend a nonprofit credit counseling program that won’t drain your wallet.

And if you’re curious (or just love a good FAQ), check out “Fixing Your Credit FAQs” for more juicy details on credit repair and improvement tips.

Remember, you don’t have to pay someone else to do what you can do for free. With a little time and effort, you can give your credit score the glow-up it deserves!

For more detailed guidance, check out the original article: Federal Trade Commission

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/spot-scams-when-fixing-your-credit