There’s no quick fix for credit; however you can improve your score. It takes time, effort and sticking to budget. There are lots of credit repair companies that claim a quick fix, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) warns to beware of credit repair scams. It is illegal to remove negative information from your credit report.

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are required to provide you with a free copy of your report every 12 months.

A free copy of your report is provided by calling 1-877-322-8228. The mailing address is Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

After analyzing all of your information, is the report correct? Does it contain false or misreported information? You can dispute this information yourself.

In the letter, describe what information is incorrect. Include copies of documentation that support your position. State the facts. Ask that the information be removed or corrected. It is recommended that you enclose a copy of your report and highlight or circle the incorrect information. Send this letter certified or registered mail to verify receipt and date.

Disputed items must be investigated within 30 days. They must also forward the disputed information to the source that reported it. If the source organization finds the disputed information is incorrect, corrections must be made to your file. You will receive the results in writing as well as a new version of your credit report. You can also request that anyone who received a copy of your report in the past 6 months is reissued a new one.

If the issue is not resolved, ask the credit bureaus to keep your dispute letter in your file for future reporting. Anyone who requests a copy of your report will also get the dispute letter.

Another step in credit repair is to dispute the creditor. Send a copy of documents to support your position. The address of creditors should be listed on your report. If the item is inaccurate, the provider may not report it again.

When the negative information is correct, only the passage of time will remove it. A consumer bureau can report negative information for seven years or until the statue of limitations runs out.

Credit Repair Organizations are required to give you a copy to sign of the “Consumer Credit File Rights under State and Federal Law.” Be sure to read these before making an obligation to a credit repair company. Before signing any paperwork check out the contract and make sure it contains the following information.

If your credit is poor, there are some creditors that will consider credit if there is an improvement in your bill paying. If you are overwhelmed with repayment plans and your bills are mounting, a consumer credit counseling organization could help. Many of these are non-profit and will work with you to solve financial problems.

With time, persistence, and diligent attempts, you can repair your credit by disputing inaccurate information. However, the best way to raise your credit score is to simply pay on your bills on time and keep balances low.