With so many new and inexperienced credit repair organizations coming onto the scene, many of which are turnkey businesses using a third party software solution to power their service, it becomes a challenge to know who you can trust with your credit. Here are some tips for identifying a quality credit repair company.

The credit repair world can be a scary place. Given the number of news articles, TV segments, and "expert" pieces warning of fraudulent credit repair services that get pushed out by well regarded media outlets, it can look like the only logical option is to steer clear of credit repair companies entirely - something the news outlets seem to support.

Considering how your credit score plays a part in successfully accomplishing so many New Year's resolutions, it makes sense to focus on this one factor before moving to other goals. Then, if you are able improve your credit rating, you will already have a head foundation for accomplishing New Year's resolutions this year and years to come.

Charge offs can take a serious toll on your credit score, so much so that a single charge off could result in denial of credit. If you are looking to increase your credit score, it is worth looking into the steps you can take in an attempt to remove a charge off from your credit file.

Collections accounts can take a serious toll on your credit score, with higher collection amounts taking a large toll than smaller amounts. If you're looking to increase your credit score, it is worth it to look into the steps you can take in an attempt to remove collections from your credit reports.

Late payments can take a serious toll on your credit rating, especially if payments are reported to be of 90 days late or more. If you are looking to raise your credit score, it is worth it to look into the things you can do in an attempt to remove late payments from your credit file.

The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) has established guidelines credit repair organizations must abide by that you can use to help select a legitimate credit repair service and avoid becoming a victim of a credit repair scam.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) was passed to protect your right to fair and accurate credit reporting, but it is still up to you to work toward that end. When working to fix your credit by questioning the items in your credit reports, you are enforcing this right.

Consumers have the ability to add a one-hundred word statement to your credit reports to explain your side of the story behind negative listings. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that this 100 word statement will have any effect on lenders and there is zero chance that it will improve your credit score.

There are a few simple things you may be able to do to add points to your credit score which, if you are looking to apply for a new loan, could pay big dividends for a minimal amount of effort. But if your credit score needs a larger fix, it's going to take more than a quick credit fix.