California Credit Repair
Looking for credit repair in California? Find out which companies deliver real results in cleaning up your credit reports.
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The top credit repair companies in California are:
- Lexington Law: Best Overall
- Credit Saint: Best for Money-back Guarantee
- Sky Blue Credit: Best for Couples Pricing
- The Credit Pros: Best for Credit Building
- The Credit People: Best for Flat-Rate Plan
A single late or missed credit card payment can cause your credit score to drop by up to 100 points. Additionally, it can result in multiple negative marks on your credit reports.
Does this sound familiar?
On average, Californians have a credit score of 722, but carry a credit card debt of $6,736.[1][2] Whether yours is higher or lower, there are ways to improve and repair this number.
In this guide, learn about the best credit repair services in The Golden State to help you fix your credit.
Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Get Free Consultation From Experts
- Challenges to three credit bureaus
- Score Analysis and Tracker
- 90-Day Money-back Guarantee
- No first work fee for additional family member
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
5 Best California Credit Repair Companies
The top credit repair companies in California have their edge over each other. You can start with a free consultation or assessment to further explore their services, but here's the overview.
Lexington Law: Best Overall
Lexington Law is one of the top companies offering credit repair in California. It's a law firm founded in 2004. And last 2023, it helped remove over 2 million inaccurate, negative items for its clients.[3]
Why We Like It:
Lexington Law offers Focus Tracks which are tailored credit repair solutions for unexpected life events. These could be national emergencies, medical bills, or student loans.
For instance, in 2020, the global population suffered from the onset of the Coronavirus, resulting in a series of serious financial setbacks for millions of Americans. In cases like this, Lexington Law's National Emergency Focus Track can help.
Lexington Law will review your credit and identify relief and assistance options to safeguard it. Legal professionals will negotiate with your creditors for goodwill requests or forbearance requests to manage financial setbacks.
Pricing & Fees:
Lexington Law offers only one premium credit repair package at $139.95/month.[4] You get the following:
- Skilled lawyers and paralegals working on your case
- Challenges to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Monthly TransUnion FICO score
- $1 million identity theft insurance
- Personalized strategies to improve your credit score
The first payment is charged 5-15 days after you enroll, but Lexington Law doesn’t specify the exact amount. Then after a month, you'll be charged the monthly fee.
Pros & Cons:
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Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Credit Saint: Best Money-back Guarantee
Another good option for Californians is Credit Saint. It's a credit repair company that has helped over 200,000 clients since 2004.[5]
The company offers one of the most aggressive approach to credit repair. To express how competent the company believes itself to be, either you see improvements in your credit reports or you get your money back.
Why We Like It:
Credit Saint offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, and it's one of the only credit repair companies that provides this. If you don't see any inaccurate items removed from your credit reports, you're entitled to a full refund.
What's more, Credit Saint doesn't charge first work fees (setup fees) for a family member who signs up with you. This means more savings, especially since first work fees are expensive.
Pricing & Fees:
Credit Saint offers three packages with the following features:[6]
| CLEAN SLATE | CREDIT REMODEL | CREDIT POLISH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggressiveness | Very High | High | Medium |
| Price (monthly) | $139.99 | $109.99 | $79.99 |
| Initial working fee/first work fee | $195.00 | $99.00 | $99.00 |
| Challenges to the 3 credit bureaus | Unlimited disputes | ✔ | ✔ |
| Creditor intervention letters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Score tracker and analysis | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inquiry targeting | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Personalized guide to credit building | ✔ | ✔ | — |
Pros & Cons:
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Sky Blue Credit: Best for Couples Pricing
Sky Blue Credit is one of the pioneers in the credit repair industry. It's been in business since 1989, and it's the only company on the list that offers couples pricing.[7]
Why We Like It:
You could spend hundreds of dollars on credit repair, especially if your credit is in severe shape. But Sky Blue Credit's Couples plan is one of the most wallet-friendly options in California.
You end up getting discounted monthly fees for couples plans — making fees significantly cheaper over time compared to an Individual plan.
You're also protected with a satisfaction guarantee. If within 90 days, you're not satisfied with the service, you can request a refund.
Lastly, Sky Blue Credit's specialty is Mortgage Preparation, a service not offered by other companies. If you're buying your first home or refinancing your mortgage, Sky Blue Credit helps optimize your credit reports for this big financial move.
Pricing & Fees:
Sky Blue Credit offers the following features for each package:[8]
| PREMIUM | FULL SERVICE | BASIC SERVICE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (monthly) | Individual: $119.00 Couples: $179.00 | Individual: $99.00 Couples: $149.00 | Individual: $79.00 Couples: $119.00 |
| Initial working fee/first work fee | Same as monthly price | ||
| 3-bureau credit reports and scores | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit bureau disputes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Score tracker | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Credit updates | Every 45 days | Every 45 days | Every 60 days |
| Creditor interventions | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Credit builder tool | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Monthly inquiry disputes | ✔ | — | — |
| Debt validation letters | ✔ | — | — |
| Cease and desist letters | ✔ | — | — |
| Personal Information Correction letters | ✔ | — | — |
Pros & Cons:
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Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
The Credit Pros: Best for Credit Building
Want to repair and build your credit simultaneously? The Credit Pros makes it possible in its credit repair packages.
The Credit Pros features a $5,000 tradeline with its partner National Credit Direct. To build credit, you can shop on the website and pay your balance on time every month.
What's more, The Credit Pros reports your monthly payments to the credit bureaus with selected plans. This can add more positive items to your credit reports, building a better payment history.
Why we like it:
Doing credit repair and credit building simultaneously can accelerate improvements to your credit.
Additionally, The Credit Pros provides credit monitoring features to track your personal information and sensitive details. This helps you prevent identity theft without needing to spend extra on a separate service.
Pricing & Fees:
Here's what else you can get from them:[9]
| REPAIR + BUILD CREDIT | REPAIR CREDIT | BUILD CREDIT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (monthly) | $149.00 | $129.00 | $69.00 |
| First work fee | $149.00 | $129.00 | $119.00 |
| Unlimited disputes to the credit bureaus | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Creditor interventions | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Cease and Desist letters | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Positive payment reporting | ✔ | — | ✔ |
| Credit Building Tradeline | ✔ | — | — |
| ID Cover Darkweb Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| TransUnion fraud alerts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Debt Payoff & Budgeting System | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Pros & Cons:
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Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
The Credit People: Best for Flat-Rate Plan
The Credit People has been offering credit repair services since 2001, and it's available in California. Clients also see an average of 50–100+ points boost in their credit scores.[10]
Why We Like It:
The Credit People offers a flat-rate pricing that covers 6 months for $599. You end up paying ~$100/month for the same features as the Premium plan, saving about $20/month.
Additionally, you get a satisfaction guarantee. The flat-rate plan is covered for the entire 6 months, ensuring you don't have to worry about paying a large fee without payment protection.
Lastly, out of all the companies in the list, The Credit People charges the lowest first work fees to get you started. After seven days, you'll be charged the fee for your chosen plan.
Pricing & Fees:
You can choose between a flat-rate package and two regular monthly packages:[11]
| PREMIUM FLAT RATE | PREMIUM | STANDARD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 for 6 months | $119/month | $99/month |
| Setup fee | $19 | ||
| Challenges to the 3 credit bureaus | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unlimited challenges | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Before & After credit scores | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Monthly credit scores | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Creditor interventions | ✔ | ✔ | — |
| Escalated disputes & validations | ✔ | ✔ | — |
Pros & Cons:
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Credit Repair Process in California
Credit repair companies review your credit reports for errors. Then, they send dispute letters to the credit bureaus for removal.
Here's how it works:
- Sign up for a free consultation
To get started, sign up for an initial online consultation or credit assessment. Credit repair companies usually offer this for free! - Professionals review your credit reports
Professionals will go through your credit reports to look for items that are inaccurate, outdated, or aren't yours. - Professionals send dispute letters for you
After reviewing for errors, the credit repair company sends the credit bureaus dispute letters. - Wait for results
For 30–45 days, credit bureaus will investigate your dispute letter. Then, when they're done with the investigation, they have five business days to inform you of the results.
Credit repair companies work on a re-dispute basis. If the first dispute letter doesn't result in a removal, you can request them to send another dispute letter on your behalf.
To increase the chances of removal, you can attach additional evidence or documentation to support your second dispute letter.
Keep in mind that sending another letter means you need to allot another 30–50 days for the investigation results.
There is no exact timeline for fixing your credit score. It can last from a few weeks to a few months to improve your score and see significant changes to your credit reports. Sometimes, it will take years if your credit is in really bad shape.
California Credit Repair State Law
According to the California Civil Code section 1789, credit repair companies should:[13]
- Register with the Department of Justice and pay the registration fee of $100
- Obtain a surety bond of $100,000 before doing business
- Provide a contract in writing, dated and signed
- Provide a clear notice of cancellation in the contract
- Return any payment you made if you cancel the contract within 5 days of signing
California credit repair companies should also comply with the Credit Repair Organizations Act and Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Credit repair companies shouldn't employ abusive and deceptive telemarketing practices to advertise their services. No company should misrepresent their services, demand upfront fees, or contact you without your clear consent to market their services.
Your contract should also state that you have the right to cancel your service at any time within 5 days of signing with no penalty or obligation. You're also entitled to take legal action against your credit repair company if they mislead you.
Yes, credit repair is legal in California. All credit services organizations and credit repair services should follow all the state laws of California and abide by all the provisions of the Credit Repair Organizations Act and rules of the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Does Credit Repair Really Work?
Yes, credit repair works, but you need to sign up with legitimate companies. This way, you're sure that you're getting certified professionals who have extensive experience and knowledge in credit repair and the laws in your state.
Credit repair is a long process and results don't happen overnight. Look for companies that have a track record of disputes, removals, and genuine testimonies and feedback from previous clients.
Curious about credit repair costs? Try the calculator below to get an idea of how much credit repair may set you back.
Credit repair is worth it when you have plenty of inaccurate items impacting your credit scores. To assess any prospective company, look for reviews of previous clients and review the other features listed in the plans. You can maximize your initial consultation with any company to know more.
Credit Repair Cost Calculator
To know how much your potential credit repair fees will be, follow the steps below.
- Input the first work fee (setup fee) of your chosen company.
- Input the monthly fee of your chosen package.
- Input the number of months you think you may need credit repair services.
- Click Calculate.
How to Do Credit Repair by Yourself
Say credit repair becomes too expensive for your budget. You can always opt to do a DIY to save money. You can start by learning the process of California credit repair companies.
However, instead of attending the initial consultations or getting a free credit assessment, get your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review for any wrong details or inaccurate information in your entries.
To maximize your time, try to settle your balance on time every month, use credit builders, and create stronger financial habits.
How to Choose a California Credit Repair Company
Narrowing down your choices? Here are some things you should consider when selecting a credit repair company.
- History and experience
Look for companies that have a proven track record. That way, it'll be easier to get the latest news and updates regarding the company's performance, legal compliance, and accreditations. - Testimonials and reviews
Online platforms like BBB, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot are your best friends. Search for comments, reviews, and ratings to gauge and assess the company you're eyeing. - Guarantee and refund policies
Not all companies offer a guarantee and refund policy. If you want the extra safety net for your payments, go for companies with money-back guarantee or satisfaction guarantee. - Website and online presence
Most things are online now. Search for the company's website, social media accounts, and verified profiles online. This way, you'll see the basic information and send inquiries before you decide to sign up for their service.
No, there aren't any cities in California where you can't get credit repair. Credit repair is legal in California and there are several companies or credit repair organizations that offer various options to residents.
Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Get Free Consultation From Experts
- Challenges to three credit bureaus
- Score Analysis and Tracker
- 90-Day Money-back Guarantee
- No first work fee for additional family member
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
Our Methodology
We chose credit repair companies with more than 10 years of experience and continue to provide services to consumers. These companies have a track record for removing millions of items and helping thousands of clients in their years in the industry.
We also looked at the pricing structure and potential costs when you sign up, such as:
- First work fees
- Service fees
- Other charges
- Promos and discounts
All companies on the list have extensive websites with a large library of news, articles, and resources. Some even feature online tools to help you with your finances.
Lastly, we considered companies that have a significant number of reviews from clients and prospects. We browsed platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews, and looked for social media profiles of these credit repair companies.
Bottom Line
Credit repair isn't too out of reach for anybody in The Golden State. You can choose from this list of companies that have solid experience in the process.
You'll be in the hands of professionals who know the best strategies and tactics to improve your credit. The offset is, these services may have expensive price tags.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can start with a DIY method. Consider signing up for a credit repair company only when your budget allows.
Free Online Credit Assessment
- Free Credit Score
- Free Credit Report Summary
- Free Credit Recommendation
- 5 Minutes to Check Your Credit
Get Free Consultation From Experts
- Challenges to three credit bureaus
- Score Analysis and Tracker
- 90-Day Money-back Guarantee
- No first work fee for additional family member
Get a Free Consultation Today
- Plans start at $69/month and $119 first work fee
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Cancel service anytime
- Free Credit Monitoring
Get Started on Your Credit Repair
- No charges for the first 6 days
- 90-day guarantee
- 45-day dispute cycle
- Cancel service anytime
References
- ^ Experian. Experian Study: Average U.S. Consumer Debt and Statistics, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ Experian. Average Credit Card Debt Increases 10% to $6,501 in 2023, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ Lexington Law. Lexington Law - Home Page, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ Lexington Law. How much does Lexington Law cost?, Retrieved 10/08/2024
- ^ Credit Saint. Credit Saint - Home Page, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ Credit Saint. Packages, Retrieved 10/08/2024
- ^ Sky Blue Credit. About Us, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ Sky Blue Credit. Member pricing, Retrieved 10/08/2024
- ^ The Credit Pros. How Much Does Credit Repair Cost, Retrieved 10/09/2024
- ^ The Credit People. The Credit People - Home Page, Retrieved 10/16/2024
- ^ The Credit People. Plans & Pricing, Retrieved 09/16/2024
- ^ The Credit People. FAQ: Is there a discount for couples?, Retrieved 11/01/2024
- ^ Office of the Attorney General. Credit Services Organization Registration Application, Retrieved 10/17/2024
Alex Mambaje is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews website. Write to Alex Mambaje at mambaje@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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