Credit Repair Scam vs DIY
Credit Repair Scam vs DIY Calculator
What this calculator does
Credit repair companies often charge monthly fees for things you can do free. This calculator compares their cost to DIY certified mail.
The math, with a worked example
Scam cost = monthly fee × months. DIY cost = certified mail fee × number of disputes. Savings = scam cost − DIY cost. A $100/month service for 6 months costs $600. Three certified disputes at $4 each costs $12, saving $588.
Why this matters
Credit repair companies sell you a stamp and an envelope at a 5,000% markup: disputing errors is free by law, and the $600 six-month service does nothing you can't do with 3 certified letters and $12. The savings is the whole argument.
Methodology and transparency
Service cost = monthly fee × months; DIY cost = certified-mail fee × disputes; savings = the difference. The comparison is honest because the underlying right is identical: the FCRA lets you dispute inaccurate items directly with the bureaus at no charge, and no company can legally remove accurate negative information — anyone promising that is describing the scam, not a service. Everything runs in your browser; no data is sent or stored.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08
Common questions
Can credit repair remove accurate negative items?
No. Accurate negative information generally stays until it ages off.
How do I dispute for free?
Use AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute directly with each bureau online or by mail.