Mistakes on your credit report are common. Working with a credit repair service can help you fix those errors. ConsumerAffairs researched the best credit repair in Tampa. Those who need help restoring their credit should look for reputable companies willing to customize their plans to match individual needs.
Consumers who are trying to buy homes, rent apartments or take out loans count on the accuracy of their credit reports to get the best financing deals. If your credit report is incorrect, you’ll end up paying more to borrow money or find that you’re outright denied. Credit repair companies in Tampa can help.
You’re entitled to see your credit report annually. Check the Federal Trade Commission for how to obtain it. If you notice any errors, omissions or inaccuracies, you’ll want to take quick action to get them corrected.
Credit restoration companies in Tampa can:
Obtain your credit report from all credit reporting agencies
Analyze your credit report for mistakes and imprecisions
Dispute negative items from your credit report
Remove late payments, collections activity and other credit blemishes
Keep you informed and educated on how to rebuild credit
With the help of a credit repair company, you can see improvements in as little as 90 days. Remember that while some of the mistakes may be removed in a few months, it might take longer for your overall credit score to bounce back.
In Tampa, the average credit score is 651, which lands slightly below the national average of 675. A couple of Tampa Bay area communities have much higher averages. The Villages and Sun City Center, two neighborhoods known for their retirement communities, average 805 and 766, respectively.
Choosing credit repair in Tampa
A good credit repair company will know how to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. Work with a company that has verifiable customer reviews and doesn’t have any complaints on the Tampa Better Business Bureau.
Expect to pay a start-up fee and then a monthly fee to the credit repair company. The initial fee will cover the expense of setting up your account and pulling your credit report. The monthly fee will cover the ongoing negotiation and communication that the company must do to restore your credit. You should be provided a personal advisor or account manager as well as online access to your account so you can keep up with any activity 24 hours a day.
Your Tampa credit repair company is bound by the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Beware of any company that demands advance payment before they do work, and make sure everything they promise is in writing. If you’re unhappy with the service, you’re entitled to cancel at any time.
For personal service and tangible credit restoration within 90 days, Tampa consumers can work with Credit Saint. This credit repair service works to remove questionable items from your credit report that may have a negative impact on your score. You’ll get a free consultation, meet with a personal advisor and have online account access.
Lexington Law is a good choice for Tampa consumers who need credit repair and additional financial resources. There are different levels of service and pricing, so you can choose what works best for your situation and budget. Free consultations are available, and current clients rank Lexington Law high in customer service satisfaction.
At the Credit People, representatives are trained in various laws governing credit repair and have found results with over 310,000 unique credit reports. They offer an Unbeatable Satisfaction Guarantee which allows customers to cancel at any time, refunding the previous month. Customers praise the responsive customer service and fast results.
Sky Blue is a Florida-based company that’s been in the business of helping individuals clean up their credit since 1989. They offer flat-rate plans that provide an analysis of your credit, dispute incorrect items, improve scores and build better credit. They also provide debt validation, financial advice and tips on negotiating with lenders.
The Credit Pros walk Tampa clients through their credit reports and provide the opportunity to discuss mistakes and inaccuracies. Customers have the opportunity to repair their current credit, and through educational resources, become aware how to avoid mistakes in the future.