Find the Best Credit Repair in Billings, MT

Choosing a credit repair company in Billings

Credit repair companies provide a number of services, including credit report disputes, credit monitoring, fraud protection and alerts and financial counseling. Before choosing a Billings credit repair company, consider which of these services is most important to you. Some companies provide financial counseling, during which a professional examines your current financial situation, makes recommendations to improve your credit and offers educational resources.

It’s important to verify the legitimacy of the company you’re considering. A legitimate credit repair company:

• Doesn’t require you to pay for services until they’re complete
• Only recommends disputing information in your credit report that’s inaccurate
• Explains your legal rights in written contract that shows what services it will perform
• Tells you about your right to cancel within three days, at no charge
• Clearly shows the total cost you will pay
• Describes any guarantees

Set up a consultation with a credit repair company to go over your credit reports. During this meeting, you can ask a representative about the company’s credentials, how the credit repair process works, a timeline for results and the cost of services.

How much is credit repair in Billings?

Most credit repair companies in Billings charge a setup fee between $15 and $100 and a monthly fee from $60 to $150. Some companies charge a flat fee instead of a monthly fee. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies can’t charge you for services before performing the work.

If you choose to do credit repair yourself, there is little to no cost — other than your time. You are able to request a free credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus once every 12 months, and there is no cost to dispute items on your report.

Billings credit repair laws

Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, it is illegal for credit repair companies to false or misleading claims about their services or capabilities. Credit repair companies must offer a written contract, allow consumers cancellation rights and cannot demand advance payment.

If a credit repair company offers credit counseling or debt management plans, it is required to have a license from the Montana Department of Justice. Some exceptions apply to this rule.

If you believe you are the victim of unfair or illegal business practices by a Billings credit repair company, you can file a complaint with Montana’s Office of Consumer Protection.

Billings credit repair FAQ

How long does it take to repair credit in Billings?

It takes anywhere from 30 days to multiple years to repair credit. The amount of time it takes depends on your personal credit score goal, the number of disputes you make and whether you’re working by yourself or with the help of a professional credit repair company. Credit reporting companies must investigate your disputes within 30 days. Legitimately negative marks on your credit report can last from seven to 10 years.

Is credit repair legal in Billings?

Yes, credit repair is legal in Billings. The companies listed on this guide help consumers fix errors in their credit reports and improve their credit.

What is the Credit Repair Organizations Act?

The Credit Repair Organizations Act is a federal law that protects consumers during the credit repair process. It makes it illegal for credit repair companies to lie about what they can do for you and to charge you before they’ve performed services. Under the law, credit repair companies must explain your legal rights in a written contract, tell you about your right to cancel within three days at no charge, describe how long it will take to get results, show you the total cost you’ll pay and detail any guarantees.

What are the different types of credit repair services offered in Billings?

Credit repair companies in Billings help you repair your credit by disputing inaccuracies on your credit report. They also provide credit report analysis, credit monitoring and financial education tools.

How common are credit repair scams in Billings?

Credit repair scams are not very common in Billings, but it’s important for residents to keep their guards up. Red flags include requiring full payment upfront, failing to communicate your legal rights and advising you to dispute accurate information in your credit report.