Who are The Credit People? And what can they do for you? This well-known name in credit repair service gets the job done for customers who need a straightforward credit fix.
It’s definitely possible, not to mention cheaper, to repair many credit issues on your own. But the process can be time-consuming and stressful. If you’d rather spend some cash to outsource the job, The Credit People provide one of many repair services out there.
What’s Ahead:
What is The Credit People?
Around since 2001, The Credit People is a credit repair company known for a strong customer service team. Employees review customers’ credit reports and, in their words, “see what’s bad and what could be better.”
Here’s how they help:
- They’ll dispute unfairly reported and questionable charges on your credit reports from the major credit bureaus. They also recommend ways to improve your score.
- They offer a prompt review and removal (as much as possible) of negative items from your report, improving customer credit ratings by 30 percent.
- Seven initial days of free service
- 24-hour access to your online account, and the option to cancel at any time.
How The Credit People works
Fees
For a $39 initial fee you get your credit reports and scores uploaded to a personal online account. The first week is considered a trial period. You get a welcome call, a look at your current credit, and a strategy for going forward. If you choose to continue with the service you’ll pay $89 a month.
The company claims total fee transparency: no “surprise” or extra fees required.
Time frame
According to The Credit People, results usually take between 45-60 days (at least a two-month investment on your part).
Their goal is to improve your report and score each month. Some credit reports may be cleaned up more quickly; others may take more time.
Results
Though the company claims an average 30 percent jump to customers’ credit scores, they don’t give an average point breakdown. Credit reports are as different as individuals.
The Credit People do mention they’ve seen scores rise 200+ points (though that’s probably not the norm). And they point out they can’t predict or control credit bureaus’ or creditors’ responses.
Who is The Credit People good for?
People with simple credit problems
The Credit People is best for customers who need straightforward credit repair and who appreciate responsive customer service.
The company provides the basics of credit reinstatement—fixing mistakes, finding legal loopholes, and getting as many negative items removed as possible. But they lack some of the amenities pricier services offer, like identity theft protection and credit repair monitoring.
Those looking for great customer service
They’re on the smaller side, which means each customer gets more individual attention. You have an online manager dedicated to your account. Customers can reach the company by phone and e-mail. If you want to discuss your credit with a person instead of an automated message, a service like this is a good option.
Who is eligible for The Credit People?
The only requirement seems to be a credit history and an ability to pay the fee. There’s no minimum score required. The company does warn prospective customers certain items are harder to remove from a report than others.
Who isn’t The Credit People good for?
People who need future protection
People who want or need protection against future identity theft should be aware The Credit People don’t offer this feature. They have one basic “tier” of service regardless of your credit rating or report. If you have more extensive needs, or if identity theft protection is important to you in a credit service, you may want to look elsewhere.
Those with complicated credit problems
The single-tier service means you pay a flat monthly fee regardless of how much or how little work your score needs, as opposed to a “pay-per-deletion” fee structure. Customers who only need minor issues resolved will pay as much per month as customers whose report needs an overhaul. People who just want a credit bump or two ironed out (and who aren’t intimidated by the process) should consider a do-it-yourself approach.
People who have gone through bankruptcy
The company also doesn’t guarantee bankruptcy removal. They have a 30 percent success rate of removing bankruptcies from credit reports, but they advise customers not to get their hopes up.
The Credit People details and features
The company does offer a wide array of services, including the unusual perks of a $39 seven-day trial period and a 100 percent money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
The team works with creditors for deletions and offers an “unlimited disputes” feature. And they’ll get your initial credit scores for you, while most credit repair services require you to provide them.
The Credit People claim a high rate of success getting these items off reports:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Late student loan payments
- Judgments
- Closed accounts
- Charge offs
- Negative settlements
- Liens
- Changes or corrections to personal identification
These items are more difficult, but possible, to remove:
- Repossessions
- Foreclosures
- Bankruptcies
How else can you fix your credit?
Not ready to commit to a credit repair service? There are other ways to give your credit rating a boost.
Starter credit cards
Starter credit cards are a great way to build positive scores. For people with no credit history, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of the best picks!
Starter cards typically offer lower lines of credit to begin with, but you can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months.
Dispute errors on your own
You can dispute errors on your own. Check out our advice for disputing charge offs and unpaid accounts on your report.
Pay your bills on time
Finally but most importantly, pay bills on time. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to credit. On-time bill payment is the biggest factor in a good credit score.
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