Frequently Asked Questions

Is credit repair legal?

Yes, absolutely. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal right to dispute any information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. Credit repair is simply exercising this right.

How long does credit repair take?

It depends on your situation. Each dispute takes 30-45 days for the bureau to investigate. Most people see meaningful results within 3-6 months, but complex cases may take longer. Consistency is key.

Can I repair my credit myself?

Yes! You have every right to dispute items on your own behalf. DisputeWell makes this process easier by automating report analysis, letter generation, and tracking—but the disputes are sent in your name using your rights.

What can I dispute?

You can dispute any information that is inaccurate (wrong), incomplete (missing context), unverifiable (the creditor can't prove it), outdated (should have aged off), or the result of identity theft.

Should I dispute online or by mail?

We recommend certified mail for most disputes. It creates a paper trail, provides proof of delivery, and avoids some limitations of online dispute systems (which often require waiving rights).

What happens if my dispute is verified?

If the bureau verifies the information, you have options: re-dispute with different reasoning ("Method of Verification"), dispute directly with the original creditor, or file a complaint if you believe the investigation was inadequate.

Why do I have different scores from each bureau?

Each bureau maintains its own file on you, and not all creditors report to all three. Additionally, different scoring models (FICO vs VantageScore) produce different numbers.

How much will my score improve?

It varies wildly. Removing a collection could improve your score by 50-100+ points. Removing old late payments might only be 20 points.

How does DisputeWell work?

DisputeWell imports your credit report, analyzes it for potential issues, helps you generate dispute letters, and tracks your progress. Our AI identifies the best dispute strategies based on your specific situation.

Is my data secure?

Yes. We use encryption in transit and at rest, never store your SmartCredit credentials, and follow industry best practices. Your data is never sold.