Credit Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is credit repair legal in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes, credit repair is completely legal in California and all 50 states. The federal Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) and California Credit Services Act regulate how credit repair companies must operate  requiring written contracts, no advance fees, and a 3-business-day cancellation right.

Question 2

How long does credit repair take?

Accepted Answer

Most clients begin to see results within 3045 days from the first round of disputes. Simple cases can often be resolved in 36 months. Complex profiles with multiple collections, charge-offs, or late payments typically take 612 months of consistent work. Results vary by individual credit profile.

Question 3

What does the FCRA allow me to dispute?

Accepted Answer

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute any information on your credit report that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. This includes accounts that are not yours, incorrect balances, wrong payment status, re-aged accounts, accounts past the 7-year reporting window, and duplicate entries. The FCRA does not allow removal of accurate, verifiable information.

Question 4

What is the difference between a FICO Score and a VantageScore?

Accepted Answer

FICO and VantageScore are two separate credit scoring models that use the same data but produce different scores  often 2050 points apart. FICO is used in over 90% of U.S. lending decisions including mortgage approvals. VantageScore is what most free apps like Credit Karma display. For mortgage applications, lenders use FICO models 2, 4, and 5.

Question 5

Can you guarantee my credit score will increase?

Accepted Answer

No. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), no credit repair company can legally guarantee a specific score increase or specific item removals. Maximum FICO Score backs its work with a 90-day money-back guarantee  if no items are removed within 90 days, you receive a full refund. Results vary by individual credit profile.

Question 6

Do you charge fees before starting credit repair?

Accepted Answer

No. Federal law under CROA prohibits credit repair organizations from collecting fees before services are performed. Maximum FICO Score charges no advance fees. Your initial assessment and first consultation are always free.

Question 7

What is a Section 623 dispute?

Accepted Answer

A Section 623 dispute is sent directly to the original creditor or debt collector  not the credit bureau. Under FCRA Section 623, data furnishers must investigate disputes they receive from consumers and correct any inaccurate information. This is often more effective than a standard bureau dispute for stubborn accounts.

Question 8

How long does a collection stay on my credit report?

Accepted Answer

Most collection accounts can remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of original delinquency under the FCRA. This clock runs regardless of whether the debt is paid or unpaid. Paying a collection does not restart the clock and does not automatically remove the account from your report.

Question 9

What is a rapid rescore?

Accepted Answer

A rapid rescore is a service available through mortgage lenders that updates your credit score at the bureau level within 35 business days after a verified change  rather than waiting for the standard monthly reporting cycle. It must be initiated by your lender and is useful when you are close to a qualifying score threshold.

Question 10

Does Maximum FICO Score serve clients outside of Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While our office is at 4646 Wilson Road in Bakersfield, CA, we serve clients in all 50 states remotely through our secure client portal. Local Kern County clients are welcome to visit in person. We offer bilingual service in English and Spanish.

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