Find out how you can legally fix your own credit report

You can find out how to fix credit yourself without paying an expensive professional. Professionals charge a lot of money to do what you can do yourself. Fixing your credit can take a while, but with these steps you can do it yourself. A low score can negatively affect not only credit applications, but also car insurance and a possible job. Having a low score means higher insurance premiums and high interest rates on credit. By fixing your own credit, you can save a lot of money in interest.

You must first obtain a copy of your credit report. There are three credit reporting agencies and each has a separate report. Ideally, you should get reports from all three before you start fixing credit scores. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus. Additional copies will cost you a nominal fee.

If you find inaccurate data in your report, you must request a review in writing. Provide copies, not originals, of supporting documents and a letter. The letter should state exactly what you think is wrong and a request to correct or remove it. It is helpful to circle the information on your copy of your statement or in any letters you send. The credit bureau will then verify the information and, if it is determined to be inaccurate, will contact the other credit bureaus.

Most department store lines of credit report to credit bureaus, but not all do. If you think adding these reports would help your credit score, you can request that they be added. Credit bureaus are not required to add additional accounts, but may add them for a fee. Adding good scores can help you fix your credit.

Repairing credit report scores will take time and effort, but can be done much cheaper than a professional. An inaccurate credit report can negatively affect your job applications and insurance quotes. Auto and life insurance can be more difficult to obtain with poor credit. Inaccurate scores can mean a higher interest rate or a denial of credit. When you fix credit scores yourself, you can save a lot of money on interest rates and insurance.