Bad credit can have several negative consequences, but there’s hope. Credit repair software can help you correct errors on your credit report, assist with creditors, and provide education that will allow you to improve your credit as quickly as possible.
One study showed that a third of people have an error on their credit report. So there is a high chance that your credit is being dragged down by something that can legally be removed from your report.
If you want to clean up your credit fast, these services can help you out.
Table of Contents
- How Credit Repair Software Works
- What is the Best Credit Repair Software?
- DisputeBee
- Experian Boost
- Personal Credit Builder
- Credit Repair Cloud
- TurnScor
- Credit Repair Magic
- CreditDetailer
- Credit Karma
- Credit Repair for Business
- Experian Business Credit Advantage
- Dun & Bradstreet Credit Builder Premium
- Equifax Business Credit Monitor
- Other Ways to Improve Your Credit
- Credit Repair Companies
- Credit Builder Loans
- Secured Credit Cards
- Second Chance Bank Accounts
- Credit Monitoring Services
- Summary
How Credit Repair Software Works
Most people think you only have two options to fix your credit:
- Do everything yourself with minimal help from the credit bureaus
- Hire a pricey credit repair service
Credit repair software is a middle of the road budget-friendly option. You can correct errors on your credit report yourself with some help from the software.
These programs can help you dispute these reporting errors:
- Bankruptcy
- Collections
- Foreclosures
- Late payments
- Tax liens
Some of the credit repair software features you can use include:
- Analyze your credit reports from each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Create pre-written dispute letters
- Track dispute progress
- Hands-on training material (i.e., video, ebook, PDF, etc.)
There are some nuanced differences between each software. However, it’s worth comparing the features and interface in addition to the price to find the best platform.
You will need to exert some effort to fix your credit but these tools make the task easier.
What is the Best Credit Repair Software?
These software platforms can help you settle credit disputes and rebuild your credit score. Some services charge a flat fee and others offer a monthly subscription.
DisputeBee
Cost: $39 monthly
The DisputeBee platform is cloud-based and gets to work after you import your credit reports. If you find errors on your report, you can dispute those errors with DisputeBee’s dispute letter templates. You’ll mail these letters to the credit bureaus and bill collectors in an effort to correct these errors.
After mailing the letters, you can use the platform’s tracker tool to monitor the progress of each dispute and make sure it doesn’t fall through the cracks. As it can take several mailings to resolve a dispute, this feature can be more valuable than you initially realize.
In addition to helping file disputes, the software has educational material that teaches you how more about how credit works.
The platform states it can help you dispute tax liens in the near future. Some software only lets you dispute payment and collections errors.
Why We Like Dispute Bee
- Interactive letter generators (like 609 letters)
- Online dispute letter tracking tool
- Educational material
Experian Boost
Cost: Free!
If you only have minor credit report repairs to make, Experian Boost is an excellent option. The service is free but only monitors your Experian credit report.
If you detect credit report mistakes, the service walks you through the process of filing a dispute. You may need to spend more time writing a letter than with a paid service, but it’s worth a try.
In addition to helping you fix inaccuracies, Experian Boost is an effortless way to improve your credit score. The service links to your bank accounts and looks for monthly payments that don’t report to the credit bureaus.
Some of the bills that can raise your score include:
- Electric
- Water
- Natural gas
- Phone
- Cable
- Internet
- Streaming services
Your Experian credit score can be higher than from the other two bureaus because your positive payment history includes more bills.
Why We Like Experian Boost
- It’s free
- Can help you file disputes
- Monthly bills can improve your credit score
Read our full Experian Boost review to learn more.
Learn more about Experian Boost
Personal Credit Builder
Cost: $200 per 18 months
Personal Credit Builder claims you can import your three-bureau credit reports with a single mouse click. Then, if you find errors on your report, the software builds dispute letters you can mail to the respective parties.
This cloud-based program can require less effort than other repair programs on this list.
The service can help resolve advanced disputes including:
- Bankruptcies
- Foreclosures
- Judgments
- Tax liens
Its $200 price for 18 months ($11/month) is competitive but non-refundable. The 18-month subscription can also give you enough time to fix complicated errors that take months to resolve.
Up to three users can use a single license making it possible for several people in the same household to fix their credit at a low cost.
In addition to the credit report tools, you will get several different credit repair guides. These educational resources give you additional ways to help you manage your money as you clean up your report.
Why We Like Personal Credit Builder
- No download necessary
- Can dispute tax liens
- Supports up to three users
Credit Repair Cloud
Cost: $179 per month
Credit Repair Cloud caters to credit repair businesses that help individuals fix their scores. However, individuals can use the software too as the entry-level Start plan supports up to three team members and 100 active clients.
So, you and several family members can use this platform at the same time. You might also start a side hustle to help your friends and neighbors fix errors on their credit reports as well.
Platform benefits include:
- Import online credit reports
- Automated credit dispute process
- 100+ premade dispute letters
The $179 monthly fee is higher than many services but can be worth it when you divide the cost with friends. There is a 30-day satisfaction guarantee as well.
Why We Like Credit Repair Cloud
- Imports digital credit reports
- Over 100 dispute letter templates
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Supports multiple accounts
TurnScor
Cost: $495 per year
TurnScor tracks your credit score from the three bureaus and can help you generate dispute letters. You can update your credit reports every 30 days to track your progress.
There are short videos and a step-by-step ebook to help you navigate the credit repair process and you can ask questions to an on-staff attorney for no extra cost. The attorney can help you deal with creditors or other collections issues you may be having.
The service can also help you create a basic monthly budget.
Unfortunately, this software can require a little more effort than other software to set up your account and update your progress.
You can ask questions to an on-staff attorney for guidance at no extra cost.
The price tag of $495 a year which is somewhat pricey but cheaper than hiring a professional agency to get attorney access. There is a 60-day satisfaction guarantee to test drive the platform and decide if it’s worth the cost.
Why We Like TurnScor
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Interactive tutorials
- Attorney access for basic credit report questions
Credit Repair Magic
Cost: $97 one-time
Credit Repair Magic is one of the cheapest platforms and has been helping people repair credit since 1994. You pay a flat fee of $97 to download the software and get a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
After analyzing your three-bureau credit reports, you can print pre-filled dispute letters. You also get unlimited email support during the first 60 days. So be ready to start disputing errors as soon as you purchase the software to maximize this perk.
Keep in mind, the software downloads to your computer instead of being cloud-based.
Why We Like Credit Repair Magic
- Low one-time cost
- 60-day moneyback guarantee
- Unlimited email support during the first 60 days
CreditDetailer
Cost: $399 one-time
The personal edition of CreditDetailer can help two people in the same household fix reporting errors.
You can upload your credit reports and spot items that need repair. The service will help you create dispute letters and track your progress for follow-up actions.
There are also educational tools to help you learn more about how credit works and at an additional cost, you can hire a credit coach. Pricing for this add-on perk varies but can help you figure out complicated situations.
You can download a complete edition as a free 30-day trial to decide if the program meets your expectations before purchasing.
This program is compatible with PC devices. Mac devices may support the program by installing “CrossOver” to support Windows software.
Why We Like CreditDetailer
- Can fix credit for two people
- Tracks dispute process
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Credit Karma
Cost: Free
Credit Karma is a free service and looks at your complete credit profile to recommend changes.
The online platform checks your Equifax and TransUnion credit reports. You won’t be able to correct your Experian credit report with this service.
This service may not be the best option if you have several disputes to file or desire customized letters. You will need to open a dispute directly from the credit bureau website in most instances. There might be a step-by-step walkthrough to help you send letters.
However, it can be an excellent service to use in conjunction with another program. In time, you might be able to cancel that subscription and just use Credit Karma to check your credit score for free. If, right now, all you need is free access to your score here is a list of resources.
The platform also offers several other tools, including online banking services and financial calculators.
Why We Like Credit Karma
- It’s free
- Frequently updates Equifax and TransUnion credit reports
- Several other financial tools
Read our Credit Karma review for an in-depth look.
Credit Repair for Business
Most credit repair software focuses on individuals seeking to improve their personal credit score. However, if you’re a small business owner, your business credit score may need some polishing too.
Your best option is enrolling in business credit bureau monitoring services from the same outfits that generate your business credit score. These resources can assist in business credit score repair.
Experian Business Credit Advantage
Cost: $189 per year
The Experian Business Credit Advantage service monitors your Intelliscore Plus business credit score for one business. The service costs $189 per year.
Key features include:
- Track your Experian business credit report and credit score
- Business identity monitoring
- Dark web surveillance
- Fraud resolution support
- Credit inquiry alerts
These alerts can help you immediately detect new reporting errors. You can also review your business credit history with Experian to find and correct errors.
As Business Credit Advantage isn’t a dedicated credit repair service, you won’t have access to pre-made letters.
Why We Like Experian Business Credit Advantage
- Real-time Experian business credit report alerts
- Low annual fee
- Fraud resolution support
Dun & Bradstreet Credit Builder Premium
Cost: $199 per month
For your Dun & Bradstreet credit report monitoring, the bureau’s Credit Builder Premium can be your best option as it presents the most data.
Some of the monitoring benefits include:
- Unlimited access to every D&B score and rating
- Explanation of scores and ratings
- Provide details to improve your D&B scores
- Unlimited payment history for trade references
- Real-time alerts
- Dark web email monitoring
Being able to access your various business credit scores that Dun & Bradstreet compiles can be helpful. The platform also lets you submit your D-U-N-S number to fill in the gaps with missing events to improve some of your business credit scores.
Some of the other benefits you might like to keep tabs on your competitors include:
- Industry benchmarking: Compare your credit scores to businesses in your industry
- Peer benchmarking: Value your business against competitors for vital metrics
- Business information reports: Research another company’s operations, financial performance, and public filing records
The monthly fee of $199 per month can be expensive but you can get more benefits than other business credit bureaus.
Equifax Business Credit Monitor
Cost: Varies
Equifax has several small business credit tools at your disposal. Business Credit Monitor can be the best fit for watching and improving your Equifax business credit score and report.
You will need to contact Equifax to discuss a personalized pricing plan for your business.
Benefits you can expect to receive include:
- New activity alerts (i.e., bankruptcy, judgments, liens derogatory marks, and new inquiries)
- Equifax score drops of at least 20 points
- Option to restrict terms or close an account for “high-risk situations”
In addition to seeing your Equifax business credit score, the service can calculate your Business Credit Risk Score? This indicator estimates the likelihood your business will incur a minimum 90-day delinquency or a charge-off.
If you must file a dispute with Equifax, the agency will walk you through the correction process. A successful request can update the Public Records and Credit Data section of your Equifax report.
Why We Like Equifax Business Credit Monitor
- Real-time alerts
- Can view two different scoring models
- Can dispute inaccurate items
Other Ways to Improve Your Credit
There are several additional ways to strengthen your credit whether or not you purchase credit repair software.
Credit Repair Companies
If you don’t have the time, desire, or courage to correct the errors alone, credit repair companies can be your best option.
You pay more for the convenience, but seeing your credit history improve can be worth the cost. Professionals can also be more efficient and can be less likely to overlook common mistakes.
There are several services you can choose from. This guide can help you pick the best credit repair company.
Credit Builder Loans
A credit builder loan doesn’t require a credit card and can help you establish a positive credit history. You can see the most benefits if you have a low credit score of 620 or below.
Here’s a quick look at how credit builder loans work:
- Select a loan term (usually between 12 and 24 months)
- Make on-time monthly payments to an interest-bearing account
- The bank reports each payment to the three credit bureaus
- Receive the loan proceeds after the final payment
Several platforms offer this loan type including Self.
You lend money to yourself and get the balance back (minus fees) at the end of the loan term. Thus, each on-time payment can help increase your score.
Here’s our full review on Self.
Secured Credit Cards
Credit cards without an annual fee can be an effortless way to establish or rebuild credit. But if you have damaged credit or don’t trust yourself with a high spending limit, consider a secured credit card.
Your credit limit is equal to your refundable security deposit. For example, a $500 security deposit means you have a $500 spending limit.
Each payment reports to the credit bureaus. The bank may review your credit profile after 6-12 months for a potential credit limit increase or convert your card to an unsecured credit card.
Keeping the account open and in good standing lets you have an extended average account age and a multi-year track record of on-time payments.
Striving to keep a credit utilization ratio below 30% can also help you see a credit score pop.
If you want to see how different actions can affect your credit, check out these credit score simulators.
Second Chance Bank Accounts
If you struggle to get a traditional bank account from a local institution because of previous money mistakes or forced bank account closures, consider a second chance bank account.
These accounts offer ways to waive monthly service fees and also make it possible to avoid overdraft charges and ATM withdrawal surcharges.
In approximately one year, you may qualify for a traditional checking account again that can offer more perks.
Second chance accounts won’t improve your personal credit score or credit report. However, they can help improve other parts of your credit history that restrict you from getting the best financial tools.
Credit Monitoring Services
Enrolling in credit monitoring from a credit bureau or a third party like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame lets you see your credit score.
The monitoring service can also send credit report alerts, credit score updates, and fraud alerts.
These services let you check your credit and can help you save money if you currently purchase individual credit reports.
Summary
Repairing damaged credit can be stressful and expensive. Investing in credit repair software can provide the help you need to clean up your report.
But perhaps you need more help than these services can provide. After all, if you have legitimate negative reporting you’ll need to do more than just dispute errors. Here’s how to increase your credit score.
