Credit Repair Services vs. Do-It-Yourself Credit Repair


Millions of Americans suffer because of bad credit these days, and almost all of these people turn to the Internet for help. In the past 5 years hundreds of 'internet-based' credit repair services have sprung up, preying on consumers in need of real help. Most of these companies have built less than desirable reputations by over-promising and under-delivering; all the while taking millions of dollars from those in need.

For this week's article I am going to compare 'internet based' credit repair services to repairing your credit yourself using a system like Loan Saver PRO: The One Hour Credit Repair System. Hopefully I will open your eyes to the fact that you can do everything they can do, for far less money, and achieve even better results in far less time.

Cost Comparison

Credit Repair Service - Almost every credit repair company found on the internet charges a set-up fee of at least $60 and an ongoing monthly fee of at least $49. They initially tell you that your credit repair work will probably take around 3 months to complete. In reality, your credit repair work ends up taking close to a year or more and now you've paid them at least $600. The goal of most credit repair services is to take their time repairing your credit so they can keep debiting your bank account.

Do-It Yourself Credit Repair - There are several 'do-it-yourself' credit repair systems found on the internet. Most of these systems cost no more than $40, which is less than the set-up fees for most credit repair services, plus there is no monthly fee. Some of these products are good and some are bad-whichever one you choose, don't use a 'do-it-yourself' system that uses 'pre-made' letters to launch disputes; I'll explain this in more detail below.

Dispute Letters

Credit Repair Service - Almost every 'internet based' credit repair service, and some 'do-it-yourself' credit repair systems, use 'pre-made' attorney letters to dispute information on your credit report. Using these types of letters often raises major red flags at the credit bureau level and may result in your dispute request being denied. How do you know if your dispute has been denied? You'll know when you receive a 'Will Not Take Action' letter from the credit bureaus.

Do-It Yourself Credit Repair - There are two primary ways you can dispute negative items on your credit report. One way is to write several original letters to the credit bureaus, which can take several hours to complete and adds weeks onto the credit repair process.

The second and easiest way to dispute negative items on your credit report, is to launch your disputes online. The credit repair system that I helped develop, Loan Saver PRO, shows you step-by-step how to order the right credit reports (yes, there are some wrong ones), launch effective online disputes, and manage the whole credit repair process.

Results

Credit Repair Service - To get your scores into the 800's would take over 10 years of perfect credit, so don't believe it. 'Internet based' credit repair services will also try to tell you where your score will be in 30-60 days and that's impossible to predict. Also, any credit repair service that promotes pipe dreams of a new car and a new house is not to be trusted; unless of course they plan on loaning you the down payment.

Do-It Yourself Credit Repair - A reputable 'do-it-yourself' credit repair system should never promise a certain score. However, I will promise that if you decide to use a reputable 'do-it-yourself' credit repair system, and are patient, your scores will increase significantly. On average, I have seen the Loan Saver PRO credit repair system raise scores into the high 600's and low 700's. With those scores, you can likely get any loan or credit card you desire, and at the best rates possible.

Again, I hope the above information will help you make a better decision when deciding what to do regarding your credit situation. If you still decide to work with an 'internet based' credit repair service, make sure you do your research, and don't say I didn't warn you.

To help get you started with the 'do-it-yourself' credit repair process, my company Loan Savers LLC, offers a free guide that will help you order the right credit reports needed to repair your credit. Visit http://www.loansaverpro.com and click on the 'Free Insider's Guide' link to request our 'Insider's Guide to Ordering Your Credit Reports.'

Todd Disraeli - Loan Savers LLC © 2004-2005

Todd Disraeli has been in the mortgage and credit repair business for over 10 years. Todd's primary expertise is consulting with mortgage companies and helping them turn declined loans into approved loans. Todd uses his extensive knowledge and experience to help mortgage companies, and their loan officer's, work smarter and not harder.

Although he might seem controversial at times, he speaks the truth whether the credit bureaus like it or not. Feel free to contact Todd directly at tdisraeli@loansaverpro.com.


MORE RESOURCES:
RELATED ARTICLES
Useful Tips on Using Credit Cards
Here are some useful tips on using credit cards. Whether you shop online, by telephone or by mail, a credit card can make buying many things much easier; but when you use a credit card, it's important to keep track of your spending.
Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company
Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates, and they drain hard earned money out of your wallet. As a valued consumer, it is apparent that you learn how to negotiate to get the absolute best rate that you possibly can.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
Your credit report--a type of consumer report--contains information about where you work and live and how you pay your bills. It also may show whether you've been sued or arrested or have filed for bankruptcy.
Practical Suggestions for Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by identity theft each year. Last year more than 9,000,000 people were victims of identity theft amounting to some $45 billion dollars.
Your Credit Card May Be Costing More Than You Think!
Do you know what your credit card is truly costing you? Many people assume that they do, but aren't familiar with the hidden fees that many credit card companies are charging. In fact, if you don't keep close tabs on your credit card, you may end up paying hundreds of extra dollars per year-without ever really knowing it!And if you're trying to budget your money, those hidden fees can add up!Let's take a look at some of the most common credit card fees, and then talk about how you can avoid them.
Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit Scores
Sometimes life lands you in a situation that causes your credit to suffer. A job loss or illness can send your credit rating south leaving you with nothing to do about it.
Addressing Bad Credit Card Debt
Spending HabitsSo you've just got your credit card. The first thing you need to be wary about is that a credit card is very easy to use - afterall you can shop in stores, via catalogs and online with your credit card.
Saving Money with Credit Cards
Having a credit card is a wonderful convenience for those times when you don't have immediate access to your cash. It can allow you to purchase something on time for which you can pay later, thereby giving you the ability to afford something NOW that you'd have had to save for later.
Pitfalls of the Credit Industry
The credit industry if rife with pitfalls. If you have ever owned a credit card you probably already have learned this the hard way.
10 Dirty Tricks Credit Card Companies Play
The credit card companies make billions each year in legitimate interest charges and fees, but are under constant pressure from the shareholders to increase their earnings. To make this extra money the credit card companies sometime adopt some dirty tricks to make this money.
Avoiding Credit Card Traps
The next time you open your credit card statement, take a closer look at the small insert titled "changes to your credit card agreement". You know the one I'm speaking about.
Small Business Credit Cards
So what do you look for when applying for a credit card for your small business? One thing is for sure, wasting money isn't an option because it can make or break your business. Things to look for are low interest rates and good customer service.
Triple AAA in 30 Days
Have you ever wonder about how to get good credit with spending alot of money. Well here is a little secret I used to get my credit back up to par.
Minimize your Risk for Identity Theft
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the number of identity theft incidents reached 9.
Inflexible Friends and Plastic Assets, Why Money isn't Buying Love Anymore
Consumers reject financial advice in favour of financial frivolityIt would appear that even though their "friends" aren't as flexible as they used to be, consumers are still stretching their credit cards beyond the comfort zone.The vicious circle of debt manipulation involving banks, consumers and commercial credit companies is putting consumer spending under strain, as funds begin to dry up.
Your Consumer Rights
If you have ever fallen behind on your debts you already know that dealing with your creditors can be a hassle. Sometimes it can be downright humiliating.
How To Save Money On Credit Cards
Some credit cards offer a cash advance option. But how good a deal is this?Not very.
Useful Tips On Avoiding Credit and Charge Card Fraud
Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in other ways.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To Insanity
A new sickness is plaguing the UK called Denial. Denial has resulted in a national personal debt of almost £1.
Getting Married? What Are The Finance and Credit Implications?
There is a big difference between looking after your own finances while living alone, or with parents, and living with a partner. The transition can be very difficult, especially if both partners are strongly independent, or one partner is financially weak and the other strong.