Credit repair services charge through different methods for their services. Two common models are present: the subscription model and the pay-per-delete model.
Subscription Model
In the subscription model, clients pay a recurring fee:
- Monthly Fee: $50–$150
- One-Time Startup Fee: Variable
Pay-Per-Delete Model
With the pay-per-delete model, fees are only incurred when an error is successfully removed from the client’s credit report.
Results from credit repair efforts usually take between 3-6 months to materialize. Opting to do it yourself is free, but it requires more time and effort.
Credit Monitoring and Tracking Progress
Monitoring progress is vital during the credit repair journey.
- Credit Monitoring Services: Charge monthly fees which are typically less than what credit repair companies charge.
- Free Credit Score: Offered by some credit cards as a complimentary service.
As errors are corrected, regularly checking your credit score helps measure the effectiveness of your disputes. Results may take from a few months to over a year, depending on individual circumstances.
Credit repair agents get paid through either a subscription or a pay-per-delete model depending on the company they are associated with.
- Monthly Fees: Typically range between $50 to $150.
- One-Time Startup Fee: Applicable in some cases.
Improvements in credit scores from repair services can be expected generally in a timeframe of 3-6 months. Performing credit repair by yourself remains free but is often more cumbersome.