Credit Repair

There is really no such thing as credit repair without addressing the underlying debt. (Credit.com). Yes, sometimes an errant reporting can be removed, resulting in a slight credit boost or you can request the addition of accounts that are usually not reported such as rent payments, utility payments and streaming service payments, which will increase your credit score, assuming that you are regularly making these payments on time.  However, if you are not making these payments timely, they could negatively impact your credit score.  Additionally, these are temporary measures and they will not address the impact that other unpaid debts or late payments have on your credit.  Accordingly, you need to either pay off the overdue debts or arrange a settlement. (Federal Trade Commission).

If payments that have been made late are the problem, your score will remain negatively effected by the history of late payments until you have established a history of timely payments on the account.  A late payment will remain on your credit report for up to seven years but its impact on your credit score will diminish over time, especially if you continue to make timely payments.  You will want to refrain from multiple attempts to obtain new credit as the new potential creditors will be checking your credit report and each inquiry could bring down your credit.  Also, refrain from using too much of the credit you already have.  A good rule is to keep your credit card balances below 30% but a better rule is to pay off your credit card balances each month.  The bottom line is that legitimate credit repair usually takes time, patience and sound credit use choices.