Working as a Michigan bankruptcy attorney I have seen several people worry about their credit score falling and not being able to secure loans for homes or cars without large down payments. One of the things I have done is work with people on repairing their credit as part of our bankruptcy services. It amazes me how the people worry more about their credit score than the worried about how their bankruptcy attorney fees were People often want to know how to immediately improve their FICO score. The one true way to fix your score is to pay on time and to pay off loans period. However, there are tricks you can use to remove data which may not show the entire picture of your previous credit situation.
Before you can begin to repair you credit report you should pull your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Trans Union & Experian. There are several other credit agencies and if you know that the people or creditors you typically deal with use other agencies then you should concentrate on these agencies first.
Where do I start when fixing my credit report?
Assuming you have pulled your credit report you decide which one has the most impact on your credit report. You will target this one first. You will not ask to have multiple things removed at once. You want to target the reporting agency with one inquiry at a time so they can not say you are objecting to just remove bad reports. You will want to write a letter to the credit bureau. The letter should not be a form letter that is available on the internet and should not state a bunch of laws why they should remove negative reports. This letter should look like you are truly concerned and you need their help. You don’t want to try to strong arm them. You also do not want to do queries online. This makes it easier for the credit reporting agencies to automate the process. You do not want to make it easier on them. You want them to remove it and you are counting on them being lazy and not responding to your letter that you should send certified. Once you have done this they will either remove the negative query or you can challenge them for not responding in which case they will remove the negative report. Below are the top credit report agencies.
EQUIFAX INFORMATION SVCS
P.O. BOX 740241
ATLANTA, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111 www.equifax.com
EXPERIAN
P.O. BOX 2002
ALLEN, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742 www.experian.com
TRANS UNION
P.O. BOX 34012
FULLERTON, CA 92834
(800) 916-8800 www.transunion.com
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