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Credit Repair vs Credit Monkey

Sunday, November 10th

2024 Credit Repair Company Reviews

Credit Repair Review 2 Star Rating

Credit Repair

2 Star Rating
  • Plans ranging from $49.95 to $119.95 per month
  • No "first work” fees
  • Save 50% on the first month's fees when you sign up with a friend or family member
  • In business since 2012

Credit Repair used to be one of our most recommended services: they've been around for nearly 15 years and have worked with close to a million members. You've got a range of pricing options too, so there's sure to be a credit repair plan that works for your budget. Unfortunately, Credit Repair has stopped providing some services (like customer support over the phone for prospective clients), and recent feedback is almost all negative. Credit Repair is outranked by quite a few services now.

Credit Monkey Review 1 Star Rating

Credit Monkey

1 Star Rating
  • 6 credit repair plans
  • Pricing ranges from $99.99 to $499.99 per month
  • Available everywhere but PA
  • In business since 2019

Credit Monkey got its start back in 2019 and can serve clients who live anywhere but PA. They offer six tiers of credit repair services, priced from $99.99 to $499.99 per month. While we wish we could be enthusiastic about being able to choose from so many plans, there's nothing about the way Credit Repair operates that we find trustworthy (including a website full of typos). Our recommendation? Don't waste your time "monkeying around” with this credit repair service.

Which Credit Repair Service is the Best?

Credit scores are like the gatekeepers to many financial opportunities in life, from buying a car to getting approved for a mortgage. However, many people don't fully understand what goes into a good credit score - or how easy it can be to damage one. That's where credit repair comes in - a process designed to help you improve your credit profile and unlock those financial doors.

First, let's break down what can hurt your credit score. It's more than just missing a bill payment. Applying for too many credit cards in a short period, carrying high balances on your accounts, or even becoming a victim of identity theft can drag your score down. These issues can make it harder for you to secure loans, rent an apartment, or even get decent insurance rates.

The Best Credit Repair Companies Compare Credit Repair Companies Compare Credit Repair Company Reviews What are the best Credit Repair Companies Best Credit Repair Company Reviews

Credit Repair Company FAQ

Credit repair is just like it sounds: a process by which your credit history and score are improved. This happens through negotiations with creditors, removing negative information reported to credit bureaus, and other strategies.
That will depend on several factors: your state of residence, the type(s) of issues you're looking to resolve, and so on. Most credit repair services offer a free consultation, to determine if you're eligible for their help and which approach to take in your specific case.
Credit repair services typically charge a one-time setup fee and monthly service fees. One-time fees range from $19 to $195, and monthly fees from $29 to $159.95. You might get a discount if you sign up as a couple, or if you're a current or former member of the military.
Most of the actions taken on your behalf by a credit repair service can be done on your own. But, how much time do you have? Are you typically available to make calls during business hours? Hiring a credit repair provider can save you a significant amount of time and hassle. And, there's something to be said for letting the experts do the work, using their knowledge and connections to ensure that your credit repair process is done effectively.
The first step with any credit repair service will likely involve a thorough review of your credit report. Your representative will discuss your credit history in detail, help you identify actionable items, and give you a recommendation for which services are best suited to your needs. From there, credit repair providers work diligently to address the issues and resolve them, for as long as you maintain your subscription to their services.
Most services state that you'll see negative items removed from your credit history within the first 90 days. The amount of time it will take to see an improvement in your credit score will depend on your particular circumstances.
Sometimes. A few credit repair services guarantee that you'll see those deletions within the first three months, and you'll get a refund of any fees paid if that doesn't happen. Other providers actually specify a minimum credit score improvement. It's a good idea to know exactly what you'll get from the service you select, before you sign up as a member.
Credit repair is legitimate: working with a reputable service, you can absolutely see big changes in your credit report. On the other hand, there are companies that don't deliver what they promise. Be sure to check out the reputation of any credit repair service you're considering: customer feedback, number of years in business, and the service's BBB rating are all helpful indicators of a provider's trustworthiness.
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Continued from above...

Unfortunately, many people don't realize they have credit problems until it's too late. Maybe you're trying to buy a home, and your application gets denied because of something on your credit report. Or perhaps you're only being offered high-interest rates on loans due to a low credit score. In these situations, credit repair services can be a lifeline.

Credit repair involves identifying and challenging inaccurate or outdated information on your credit report. This can include errors like late payments you didn't actually miss, accounts that aren't yours, or debts that should have been removed after bankruptcy. While you can do this on your own, it can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're not familiar with how credit reporting works.

That's why many people turn to credit repair services. These companies specialize in reviewing your credit report, spotting errors, and disputing them with the credit bureaus on your behalf. Some even offer additional services like credit monitoring, personalized financial coaching, and sending cease-and-desist letters to debt collectors.

When considering credit repair, it's important to keep realistic expectations. It's not a magic solution that will instantly boost your credit score by hundreds of points. In fact, most people see modest improvements, often in the range of 40 to 100 points. Fortunately, even a small increase can make a significant difference in your financial options.

If you're thinking about using a credit repair service, here are a few things to keep in mind as you compare your options:

  • Services offered. Not all credit repair companies offer the same services. Some may limit the number of disputes they'll handle each month, while others might include perks like credit monitoring or financial advice. Make sure you know what you're getting for your money.
  • Costs. Credit repair services aren't free, and the costs can vary. Some charge a monthly fee, while others might have a one-time setup charge (usually called a "first work fee”) or require payment per item disputed. Be wary of any company that demands full payment upfront (because that's prohibited by federal law) or promises results that seem too good to be true.
  • Expected timeframe for results. Repairing your credit takes time. Even with the best services, it could be a month or two before you start seeing changes on your credit report. Patience is key.
  • Reputation and reviews. Before signing up with any credit repair service, do your homework. Look at customer reviews, check their standing with the Better Business Bureau, and see if they've been involved in any lawsuits or regulatory actions. A good credit repair provider should have a solid reputation and transparent practices.

Credit repair isn't just about fixing your score - it's about giving you the tools and knowledge to maintain good credit in the long run. To help you find the right provider, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked today's most popular credit repair services. Use this information to choose a partner in your journey towards financial stability - you've got this!

Compare Credit Repair Companies

Select any 2 Credit Repair Companies to compare them head to head

best-credit-repair-companies
  • Sky Blue Credit
  • Credit Saint
  • Credit Firm
  • The Credit People
  • Pyramid Credit Repair
  • Lexington Law
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Repair Consultants
  • The Credit Pros
  • Credit Monkey
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