The steps required to restoring your good credit

1. Obtain Copies of Your Credit Reports, click here


2. Review Your Credit Reports For Inaccuracies


3. List the items to be corrected


4. Request Correction of inaccurate items (individually)


5. Wait for their Response


6. Remind them of their responsibility if necessary


7. Repeat this process until you are satisfied your credit report is accurate


8. Negotiate settlements on accurate collections & write offs - update bureaus


9. Obtain new credit and build your positive credit rating


10. Monitor your credit file to ensure no inaccurate information reappears

That's all, it is easy enough, but it requires patience because the credit bureaus are not always cooperative. They make their money by providing credit reports to lenders, not by fixing bad information in their databases.

Under the law, both the CRA and the organization that provided the information to the CRA, such as a bank or credit card company, have responsibilities for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To protect all your rights under the law, contact both the CRA and the information provider if you have a dispute.

First, tell the CRA in writing what information you believe is inaccurate. Include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position. In addition to providing your complete name and address, your letter should clearly identify each item in your report you dispute, state the facts and explain why you dispute the information, and request deletion or correction. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the items in question circled. Your letter may look something like the one below. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the CRA received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures