Your credit score is the key to accessing a word of financial products, including mortgages, auto loans and even insurance. But the credit reports used to calculate your score can have mistakes that can damage your creditworthiness. According to a 2024 Consumer Report survey, 44% of consumers who reviewed their credit reports found errors, including accounts they didn't recognize, on-time payments misreported as late and unfamiliar debts being reported to collections agencies.
A credit repair company can challenge incorrect negative information on your behalf. It's not cheap, but they know the right language to get a response and when to escalate a request. They have other helpful tools, too, including credit score trackers and identity theft monitoring services.
CNBC Select has picked the best credit repair companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and other factors. To see how we made our choices, read our methodology.
Best credit repair companies of May 2026
Best money-back guarantee: Credit Saint
Who's this for: If you're on the fence about credit repair, Credit Saint backs its work with a money-back guarantee. If nothing is removed from your credit history in the first 90 days, you'll get a full refund. (New customers also get a free consultation to make sure the program is a good fit.)
Standout features: Credit Saint's Clean Slate plan includes creditor intervention letters and unlimited challenges to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, as well as a score tracker and online chat feature.
Credit Saint Credit Restoration
Cost
First work fee: $195 for clean slate package; $99 for credit remodel and credit polish packages
Monthly fee: $139.99 for clean slate package; $109.99 for credit remodel package; $79.99 for credit polish package
Our take
Credit Saint offers three different credit repair packages with upfront pricing, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. There's also a 90-day money-back guarantee and the option to schedule a free consultation before committing to a package.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee available if no negative items have been removed after 90 days
- Offers free consultation to evaluate your credit report
- Online chat feature for new and existing customers
Cons
- Must pay for the highest-tier package for unlimited disputes with credit bureaus
- Higher first work and monthly fees than other companies
- Not available in South Carolina
Best for affordability: The Credit People
Who's this for: The Credit People offers three tiers of affordable services and a setup fee of just $19. Plus, all of its plans allow users to file unlimited challenges across all three credit bureaus.
Standout features: If you're not seeing progress, the Credit People's money-back guarantee can refund you for your current and past months' fees.
The Credit People Credit Report Repair
Cost
First work fee: $19
Monthly fees: $99 for Standard; $119 for Premium. The company also offers a six-month flat-fee option for $599.
Our take
The Credit People's credit report repair service is relatively affordable compared to other programs in the space. Even the most basic package includes unlimited challenges to all three credit bureaus.
Pros
- Relatively low first work fees
- Standard package includes unlimited challenges
- Satisfaction guarantee can refund current and previous months' payments
Cons
- Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Must get premium package for creditor interventions, which can help you communicate with creditors for additional assistance
- Must get premium package to get monthly refreshed scores
Best for customer satisfaction: The Credit Pros
Who's this for: The Credit Pros earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, making it a good option if you care about top-tier service. There are also multiple ways to get support, including an online chat, customer support phone line and free consultation.
Standout features: All Credit Pros plans include free credit monitoring, and if you're not satisfied with the service after 60 days, The Credit Pros will extend your service at no additional cost (up to the number of months you paid for).
The Credit Pros
Cost
First work fee: $119 for the build credit package; $129 for the repair credit package; $149 for the repair + build credit package
Monthly fee: $69 for the build credit package, $129 for the repair credit package, $149 for for the repair + build credit package
Our take
The Credit Pros is an AI-driven credit repair company that's been in business for over a decade. It offers unlimited disputes and access to a variety of letters to creditors for some packages.
Pros
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Also offers debt settlement services
Cons
- Relatively high first work fees
- Lowest tier doesn't offer interventions or unlimited credit disputes
- Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau
Best for couples: Sky Blue Credit Repair
Who's this for? Sky Blue Credit Repair offers a discount on a second membership for couples and will repair up to 15 items every 35 days.
Standout features: To help you improve and maintain your credit score, Sky Blue offers one-on-one coaching over the phone. If you're not satisfied, there's a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Sky Blue Credit
Cost
First work fee: $79 basic package; $99 full service package; $119 premium package
Monthly fee: $79 per month basic package ($119 per month for couples); $99 per month full service ($149 per month for couples); $119 per month premium package ($179 per month for couples)
Our take
Started in 1989, Sky Blue Credit Repair offers custom disputes and has coaches available for calls. It has a 90-day refund policy if you're not seeing progress.
Pros
- $0 due to sign up; set up fee charged 6 days later
- A 90-day guarantee is available
- Basic plan offers one-on-one consultations, three bureau reports and credit scores
Cons
- You'll need to upgrade to the full service plan for creditor interventions, inquiry disputes and cease-and-desist letters
- No live chat customer support option
- Not Better Business Bureau accredited
Best for unlimited dispute letters: Credit Firm
Who's this for? Credit Firm doesn't cap the number of dispute letters and challenges you can file with the credit bureaus — a feature usually only offered as an upgrade.
Standout features: Credit Firm works in all 50 U.S. states and doesn't charge a set-up fee, making it more affordable than other companies. Some competitors charge up to $200 after setting up your account.
Credit Firm Credit Repair
Cost
First work fee: None
Monthly fee: $49.99 per month for individuals; $89.99 per month for couples
Highlights
Founded in 1997, Credit Firm's one credit repair package allows you to file unlimited disputes and inquiry challenges.
Pros
- No first work fee and unlimited disputes
- $10 discount for couples
- Available in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico
Cons
- No money-back guarantee
- No credit monitoring service
Best for legal help: Safeport Law
Who's this for? Not all credit repair companies have attorneys on staff, but Safeport Law has more than two dozen lawyers to help customers dispute inaccurate information.
Standout features: Safeport Law guarantees to raise your score within 90 days or give you your money back.
Safeport Law Credit Repair
Cost
Initial working fee: $89 or $129
Monthly fee: $89.99 for Credit Cleanse; $129.99 for Credit Cleanse+
Our take
Safeport Law's basic Credit Cleanse plan includes challenges to all three credit bureaus, as well as credit score analysis and tracking. Credit Cleanse+ adds creditor interventions and inquiry targeting.
Pros
- Available in nearly every state
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Limited information available online about legal services and staff attorneys
- Lacks credit monitoring or identity theft protection
How do credit repair companies work?
Negative information that is incorrect or outdated can be removed, including debts that don't belong to you, accounts you never opened or erroneous reports of late or missed payments. (Accurate information cannot be removed from your credit reports.)
A credit repair service will send a challenge to the relevant credit bureau, disputing the item and requesting its removal. If necessary, it can also send letters directly to the relevant creditor or collection agency to request an investigation.
Many agencies offer an online dashboard that tracks your credit score and provides educational materials to help you maintain or improve it. Depending on the company and the plan you buy, there are also anti-fraud and identity theft tools.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Credit Saint offers three packages for credit repair services and a 90-day money-back guarantee for services. It has received an A rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
The Credit People's Credit Report Repair service is relatively affordable compared to other programs in the space. Even the most basic package (the standard package) includes unlimited challenges to all three credit bureaus. Upgrading to the premium package includes escalated disputes and monthly credit score reports and score refreshes.
Common credit report errors
According to the CFPB, common credit report mistakes include:
- Accounts or loans listed as unpaid that have been successfully settled
- Individual loans listed multiple times
- Debts that are incorrectly reported in collections
- Fraudulent accounts listed as a result of identity theft
- Incorrect current balance or credit limit
- Misspelled names, wrong or old addresses or incorrect birth dates
- Information from someone with a similar name or Social Security number
- Closed accounts reported as open
- Accounts that list you as the owner when you're just an authorized user
How much does credit repair cost?
When you enroll with a credit repair company, there's generally an upfront set-up charge and a monthly subscription fee. Set-up costs among the companies we reviewed ranged from $79 to $195, while monthly fees ranged from $69 to $149.
How to choose a credit repair service
There are many criteria to consider when shopping for a credit repair company.
Availability: Ensure the company is licensed to operate in your state. Customer service should be readily accessible via phone or email.
Consultation: A reputable provider will offer a free consultation to review your situation and explain what items it can dispute, how it will contact your creditors and approximately how long the process will take.
Value: Many credit repair services charge a set-up fee of between $70 and $200, although you can find ones with a lower (or no) fee. Most also have a monthly fee, though some charge per item removed. Be wary if they are vague about pricing or require a lengthy commitment (e.g., 6-12 months).
Reputation: Check whether the company is registered with the FTC or a similar body and whether it has been subject to any lawsuits or judgments. Look at reviews from the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot and other third-party sources.
How to avoid credit repair scams
While there are reputable credit repair companies, there are also scammers that prey on consumers in financial straits. Keep these dos and don'ts in mind:
- Do work with a service that has years of experience and positive customer and editorial reviews.
- Don't agree to pay in full before any services are provided.
- Do request a written contract and a three-day cancellation window after you sign.
- Don't sign with a company that promises to remove accurate items or increase your credit score by a specific amount.
- Don't work with anyone who suggests lying or creating a new identity. Scammers may offer to replace your Social Security number with a "Credit Privacy Number," usually a fake or stolen account.
Credit repair FAQs
How much does it cost to fix your credit?
Credit repair companies generally charge an upfront set-up charge and a monthly fee. Among the companies we reviewed, the upfront cost ranged from $79 to $195, and the monthly fee ranged from $69 to $149.
What's the difference between a challenge and a creditor intervention letter?
Both tools address incorrect information in your credit report. A challenge (or dispute) is a formal request to a credit bureau to correct inaccurate information. A creditor intervention letter, however, is more aggressive — it's sent directly to the relevant creditor or collection agency requesting an investigation into the disputed item.
How long does it take to remove mistakes from a credit report?
How long it takes to remove inaccurate information from a credit report depends on the number and nature of the items and the steps taken to rectify the situation. Credit reporting bureaus are required to respond to a challenge and notify the relevant creditor within 30 days.
If the lender can't verify the item, it must be corrected or deleted, which can take another 30 days. If the lender notifies the credit bureau that it made a mistake, however, it can be resolved in as little as two or three weeks.
Can I get incorrect information removed myself?
Yes, if you can send a dispute letter to the relevant credit bureau. You'll save money but credit repair services can be more thorough and catch errors that most people miss. In addition, they know the language that is more likely to get a response and when to escalate a complaint.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to deliver high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make informed financial decisions. Every credit repair article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit repair services. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content independently of our commercial team and any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on maintaining high journalistic standards and ethics.
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Our methodology
CNBC Select analyzed more than 20 credit repair services, focusing on the following features:
Pricing: Credit repair companies typically charge both set-up and monthly fees. We favored companies with lower fees and transparent fee structures.
Services: We noted if a provider offered services beyond basic credit repair, including credit score dashboards, identity theft protection and budgeting tools.
Customer satisfaction: We considered the grade a company received from the Better Business Bureau, as well as scores from third-party review sites such as Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs. We also prioritized companies that operated nationwide.
History: We considered the number of years a credit repair company has been in operation and whether any violations have been registered with the FTC or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Discounts and guarantees: We favored companies that offer refunds within the first 90 days and discounts for couples, military and other customers.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Based on that criteria, our picks for the best credit repair companies are:
- Best for money-back guarantee: Credit Saint Credit Restoration
- Best for affordability: The Credit People
- Best for customer satisfaction: The Credit Pros
- Best for couples: Sky Blue Credit Repair
- Best for unlimited dispute letters: Credit Firm
- Best for legal help: Safeport Law
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