Credit Repair FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit Repair

  • Should each credit card be below 30% or all credit cards combined be below 30%?

    In general, if you keep your credit usage under 30% on each account, then your overall usage will be below 30%, which usually means a higher score.

  • How can I lower my credit usage?

    • Try making more than one payment to an account each month. This will help free up some credit.
    • If you’re close to 30% credit usage on one of your cards, either make a payment on that card or use another one.
    • If you have more income coming in and a strong credit history, you could ask a lender to increase your credit limit. Just keep in mind that this may require a hard credit check, which could cause a temporary drop to your score.
  • How is credit usage calculated?

    It’s calculated by adding up the amount you owe on all your credit cards and dividing that by your total credit card limit.

  • Will bankruptcy affect my credit score?

    Yes, filing for bankruptcy will impact your credit score, as it is a significant negative mark on your credit report. However, many individuals find that their credit begins to recover gradually after the bankruptcy process is complete, especially with responsible financial management.

  • Will resolving late payments improve my credit score?

    Yes, addressing late payments promptly can lead to a gradual improvement in your credit score over time.

  • What is the typical timeframe for improving credit?

    The resolution timeframe varies based on individual circumstances but typically ranges from a few weeks to months.

  • How do you ensure compliance with debt collection regulations?

    We ensure compliance with debt collection regulations by strictly adhering to laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other relevant regulations, prioritizing ethical conduct and professionalism in our collection practices.

  • How often should I check my credit report?

    It is recommended to check your credit report regularly, ideally at least once a month, using credit monitoring services. This allows you to stay informed about any changes to your credit file and address any potential issues promptly.

  • Is credit monitoring the same as identity theft protection?

    While credit monitoring is a crucial component of identity theft protection, they are not the same. Credit monitoring specifically focuses on tracking changes to your credit report, while identity theft protection may include additional features such as identity theft insurance and fraud resolution assistance.

  • What is credit monitoring, and why do I need it?

    Credit monitoring is a service that tracks changes to your credit report, helping you detect potential fraud or identity theft.This gives you the chance to quickly confirm the accuracy of the change and, if necessary, start sorting out any problems before they really get out of hand. Any suspicious credit-report change can be a sign of fraud. Note that some plans include monitoring from one credit bureau while other plans include three-bureau credit monitoring. Credit monitoring helps provide peace of mind and early detection of any suspicious activity on your credit file.

  • How long does it typically take to resolve charged off accounts?

    The time to resolve charged off accounts can vary depending on several factors, including the number and complexity of accounts, the cooperation of creditors, and the extent of the debt. While some accounts may be resolved relatively quickly, others may require more time and negotiation to reach a satisfactory resolution. Our team is committed to working diligently on your behalf to resolve charged off accounts as efficiently as possible.

  • What are charged off accounts, and how do they impact my credit?

    Charged off accounts refer to debts that creditors have written off as uncollectible, often after a significant period of delinquency. These accounts can severely impact your credit score and overall financial health, making it challenging to secure new credit or loans in the future. However, with our expertise in charged off account resolution, we can help you navigate this challenging situation.

  • Will resolving charged off accounts improve my credit score, and if so, by how much?

    Resolving charged off accounts can have a significant positive impact on your credit score and overall financial well-being. By addressing these accounts promptly and responsibly, you demonstrate to creditors and credit bureaus that you are actively managing your debts and working towards financial stability. As a result, your credit score may improve over time, opening up opportunities for better financial terms and increased access to credit in the future.

  • What happens if I miss a payment on one of my accounts?

    We provide guidance and support to help you stay on track, minimizing the risk of additional late payments.

  • How long does it take for credit to be repaired?

    Everyone’s credit profile is unique. Therefore, the timeline and specific credit repair plan may vary. In general, the overall repair process can be time-consuming, requiring patience and understanding of the consumer credit regulations. 

  • How do credit repair services help?

    One way credit repair experts help is by thoroughly analyzing your credit report and developing a comprehensive plan to dispute any errors on your behalf with the credit bureaus and your lenders.

    Additional credit services such as ongoing credit consultations and financial tools, like credit and identity theft monitoring may be useful in credit repair and long-term sustainability.

  • Can you do credit repair on your own?

    Do it yourself (DIY). Yes. You can repair your credit history on your own. However, hiring a credit repair service may be helpful as their experience and expertise may assist by saving time and navigating consumer credit laws.

  • What is credit repair and what is involved in the process?

    Credit repair involves reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies and disputing them with the lenders, debtors, credit reporting agencies, and/or any other applicable stakeholders. 

  • How does a credit consultation work?

    Educational Focus: The consultation is designed to help clients understand how credit works, including the factors that influence credit scores and the importance of maintaining good credit.  

    Personalized Assessment: During the consultation, clients receive a personalized evaluation of their credit situation, which helps identify specific areas that need improvement.  

    Proactive Measures: Clients are guided on proactive measures they can take to enhance their credit profiles, including strategies for disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports and paying off debt.  

    Access to Resources: The consultation provides access to various services, resources, and tools offered by SimpliFi, including credit building tradelines, creditor interventions and financial education.  

    Duration and Scheduling: The consultations typically last between 15 – 30 minutes and can be booked online.