FAQ
Answers, in plain language.
If your question isn't here, ask us during your free consultation.
What exactly does credit repair do?+
Credit repair identifies inaccurate, unverifiable, or unfair items on your credit report and disputes them under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We do not remove accurate, verifiable information.
Can you guarantee a specific score increase?+
No. Any credit-repair company that guarantees a specific score is violating federal law. We guarantee compliant effort, documented work, and honest communication.
How long does the process take?+
Most engagements run 3–9 months, depending on the complexity of your file.
Do you work with people in every state?+
We're based in Arizona and specialize in Arizona families. We can serve clients in most states — ask during your consultation.
Is my information safe?+
Yes. All submissions are encrypted, and access is limited to staff who need it to work on your file.
What's the difference between credit repair and credit education?+
Credit repair works on your current file. Credit education teaches you how the scoring algorithms work so you build lasting habits.
Do you offer bilingual service?+
Yes. Every part of our process — consultation, dispute letters, coaching — is available in English and Spanish.
Can you help me get mortgage-ready?+
Yes. Mortgage readiness is one of our specialties. We often coordinate directly with your loan officer.
How much does it cost?+
Pricing depends on the engagement. We explain fees in full during your free consultation — no hidden costs.
Do you charge upfront?+
No. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), we do not charge for services before they are performed.
Will disputes hurt my score?+
No. Filing a dispute has no impact on your score. The score changes only if a bureau updates or removes an item.
How many items can be disputed at once?+
There's no hard limit, but strategic sequencing usually outperforms bulk disputes.
What documents do I need to start?+
A recent tri-bureau report (we can help pull it), a government ID, and proof of address.
Do you help with business credit?+
Yes. We help establish a corporate credit profile separate from your personal credit.
What is business credit good for?+
It lets your company borrow without you personally guaranteeing the debt.
Can you help with identity theft?+
Yes. We assist with fraud alerts, credit freezes, disputes of fraudulent accounts, and coordination with FTC IdentityTheft.gov.
What if I've filed bankruptcy?+
We can still help. Bankruptcy stays on your report for up to 10 years but many downstream items can be addressed sooner.
What is credit utilization?+
The percentage of your available revolving credit you're using. Below 30% is good; below 10% is optimal.
Should I close old credit cards?+
Rarely. Closing old accounts can shorten your credit age and raise utilization.
How often should I check my credit?+
At least monthly. You can pull free weekly reports from annualcreditreport.com.
What's a good credit score for a mortgage?+
Conventional lenders generally prefer 620+; below 700 you'll typically pay a higher rate.
What is a FICO score?+
The credit-scoring model most lenders use. It ranges from 300 to 850.
Are FICO and VantageScore the same?+
No. They are two different models with different weightings. Lenders typically use FICO.
What's the fastest way to raise my score?+
Bring revolving utilization below 10% and dispute any inaccurate derogatory items.
Can medical debt be removed?+
Under recent rules, paid medical collections and small unpaid medical collections are removed from bureau reports.
What is a hard vs. soft inquiry?+
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit. A soft inquiry doesn't affect your score.
How long do late payments stay on my report?+
Up to 7 years, but their impact fades over time.
How long do collections stay?+
Up to 7 years from the original delinquency date.
How long does bankruptcy stay?+
Chapter 7 up to 10 years; Chapter 13 up to 7 years.
What's a debt-to-income ratio?+
Your monthly debt payments divided by monthly gross income.
Do you offer financial coaching?+
Yes. Coaching turns credit gains into lasting wealth habits.
What is an authorized user?+
A person added to someone else's credit card who benefits from that account's history.
Should I become an authorized user?+
Sometimes yes — when done strategically with a healthy long-standing account.
What is a secured credit card?+
A card backed by a cash deposit. Great for rebuilding credit.
What is a credit builder loan?+
A small loan whose proceeds are held in savings until you finish paying it.
Do you work with credit unions?+
Yes. We often refer clients to community-focused credit unions for building tradelines.
How does bankruptcy affect a mortgage?+
It delays but doesn't prevent one. Waiting periods vary by loan type.
Do you work with real estate agents?+
Yes. We collaborate with Realtors and loan officers who serve Arizona buyers.
What if a bureau doesn't respond?+
Under the FCRA, items that aren't verified within the required window must be removed.
What is CROA?+
The Credit Repair Organizations Act — federal consumer protection law governing credit-repair companies.
Do I have to sign a contract?+
Yes. CROA requires a written contract that explains services, fees, and your rights.
Can I cancel?+
Yes. CROA gives you a 3-day right to cancel.