What you need
- Reports from all three bureaus
- Account statements
- Identity and address documents
- Payment calendar
- Monthly debt budget
Every step
- 1
Download all three reports
Use the federally authorized source and save dated copies. Scores alone do not show the underlying data that needs review.
- 2
Build an account inventory
Record creditor, account type, status, balance, limit, payment history, dates, ownership, and which bureaus report it.
- 3
Mark factual errors
Identify information that is not yours, duplicate, internally inconsistent, obsolete, or different from your records. Do not dispute accurate negatives as fake.
- 4
Collect evidence
Gather statements, payment confirmations, identity records, court documents, creditor letters, and prior dispute results for each specific issue.
- 5
Submit precise disputes
State the account, exact field, why it is wrong, requested correction, and supporting document. Keep copies and delivery records.
- 6
Protect payment history
Bring active accounts current when possible, set reminders or automatic minimums, and contact creditors before missing a payment.
- 7
Lower revolving utilization
Reduce reported card balances, especially heavily used individual cards. Confirm statement closing dates because they often determine the reported balance.
- 8
Build carefully
Keep older positive accounts open when sensible, limit unnecessary applications, review results monthly, and add new credit only when affordable and useful.
Important warnings
- Credit repair cannot legally remove accurate current information on demand.
- Do not send identity documents to unverified companies.
- Closing a card can increase utilization.
Finished when
Reports are accurate, active payments are on time, revolving balances are controlled, applications are intentional, and progress is reviewed monthly.