How to Choose a Credit Consultant

You'll be sharing sensitive information with anyone you hire. Choose carefully.

Ask for - Written contract with the CROA-required disclosures - Clear fee schedule and refund policy - Explanation of the dispute process - References or reviews you can verify

Walk away from - Any guarantee of specific score increases - Upfront lump-sum fees for future work - Pressure to sign immediately - Suggestions to create a new credit file

Green flags - Willing to say "consultation first" - Explains what they cannot do - Educates as much as they act - Transparent timeline and communication cadence