Don't Use a Credit Repair Clinic

If you want to clean up your credit file, steer clear of credit repair clinics. These companies claim they can fix your credit, qualify you for a loan, or get you a credit card. But there's no need to pay a credit repair clinic hundreds or thousands of dollars -- you can do all of these things yourself. And some credit repair clinics use questionable tactics that can land you in hot water.

Best Credit Problem and Credit Repair Websites

If you want to understand credit reporting and credit scoring or learn how to repair your credit, clean up your credit report, rebuild credit, or protect your good credit in the future, start with

Federal Laws Governing Credit Repair Organizations

If you are looking to boost your credit score and clean up your credit report, there are numerous “credit repair” organizations that will offer help.

Choosing a Credit Counseling Agency

You must take a debtor education course after you file bankruptcy but before you get a discharge in your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Why does my repossessed car appear on my credit report while I still have a right to redeem?

The creditor reported a repossession on my credit report but did not sell the vehicle until two months later. I had the right to get the car back if I paid the late fees and charges, although I didn't do it. Can a creditor place a repossession report on a credit report before the vehicle is redeemed or auctioned?

Can I take my soon-to-be ex-spouse's name off our joint checking account?

My husband and I are not divorced yet, but we're well on our way. We have a number of joint accounts, including a joint checking account. The money in the account is mine, but I'm afraid he's going to use it. Yesterday I went to the bank to take him off the account. They said they needed my husband's permission. Maybe I'm volatile these days, but I got upset and stormed out. Now I'm thinking maybe they were right. Any advice?

Can I refinance after a bankruptcy?

I was forced to declare bankruptcy last year because of a layoff. I managed to hold on to my house because I did not have equity in it. I have a new job at 60% of my previous salary and am having trouble making ends meet. I would like to negotiate a lower interest rate with the mortgage holder, but am not eligible for refinancing because of the bankruptcy. How can I approach the lender about this? I am assuming that the bank would rather continue to receive my mortgage payments than foreclose.

How do I improve my credit position after bankruptcy?

I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy seven years ago. I've been told that it takes ten years for a Chapter 7 to "fall off" your record. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to get a lower rate on my car loan and credit cards?

Can I add my good payment history on a private loan to my credit report?

I bought my home a few years ago. The previous owners carry the first and only mortgage in the amount of $225,000. I gave $45,000 for the down payment and my payments are $2,000 monthly. I have never been late with a payment. Because I would like to establish good credit, I would like to have this information included in my credit report. Is this possible -- and how would I go about it?

Should a deadbeat dad's nonpayments go on his credit report?

How do I get child support arrears onto the deadbeat dad's credit report?