In the world of credit repair the biggest surprise to most people is that whether your credit score is bad, damaged, or so-so, it can be fixed. Many companies have now entered the business of credit repair. They sell repair tools as well as other information that is helpful in improving credit scores. The obvious reason for this service is that everyone wants good credit but many people don’t have it. Further more, they don’t understand their options in obtaining this information.

• The most important document concerning credit score is the credit report. Everyone is entitled to a free copy of his or her credit report once a year. The three major credit bureaus put together information in order to decide your “creditworthiness.” The first step in repairing credit issues is getting a copy of your credit report. Regardless of your credit standing it is generally a good idea to view your credit report as often as possible. www.annualcreditreport.com has made it possible, by law, to view and print copies of your credit report.

• Many factors play into your credit score. Late payments, multiple inquiries, charged off accounts, judgments, liens, bankruptcy, and identity theft are a few of the things that affect credit negatively. This negative information must be removed from your credit report in order for an improvement in credit score. In all likelihood credit repair kits will include sample letters as well as the address of the credit agencies that need to be contacted.

Help With Debt Management

• Another source for free credit repair information is available from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides a lot of consumer information on their website. The FTC also hosts links to accredited free report websites. This is in the interest of the consumer to avoid mistypes that could end in sending personal information to an unsafe location. A very helpful addition to the FTC website is their detailed explanation of how to deal with identity theft. For anyone who has experienced this they understand how frustrating it becomes.

• Credit repair “secrets” packages are wide spread on the Internet. This information is purchased and can be helpful in repairing credit. However, most of these “secrets” can be found by doing some personal research. The FTC’s official stance is that consumers should be wary of companies claiming to fix credit issues in short amounts of time. Many claims made by these companies are in fact illegal. The law states that credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate any disputed information. Attempts to repair credit which involve incorrect information on your credit report will take at least 30 days. If a credit repair service is your choice however, the best place to start is one associated with a law firm. Their claims and practices will be legal.