How to Find a Good Credit Repair Counselor

The Federal Trade Commission says you should turn to nonprofit credit counseling agencies for help repairing your credit. The agencies, including those affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, will offer nonjudgmental advice regarding your credit. Their services are often free and may include free financial literacy classes to help you manage your credit on your own. The FTC says you should not hire for-profit credit repair agencies or debt settlement firms. The FTC says many of the firms engage in unscrupulous business practices and often do not deliver what they promise.

Instructions

1

Visit or call your bank or credit union. Tell a loan officer that you need help repairing your credit and would like the names of nonprofit credit counseling agencies in the area.

2

Get additional referrals by contacting community organizations such as the United Way, Urban League or Salvation Army.

3

Call the nonprofit credit counseling agencies to speak with a counselor. Tell the counselor about your problems and goals and ask how she can help. Ask about costs as well.

4

Evaluate the counselors based on your interviews. Judge them on patience, friendliness, knowledge and their ability to understand your concerns. Then make an appointment to see the counselor who appears to best fit your needs.