How Credit Footing works

Step 1: Tell us what you need

Start with a short form on Get Matched. We ask only basic contact and goal details so we can understand what kind of help you want.

We may ask for your first name, phone number, optional email, ZIP code, preferred language, and whether your goal is to build credit from zero, fix possible errors, or rebuild after hardship. We do not ask for your Social Security number, bank account numbers, full credit report, income, or date of birth in the match form.

If you choose to submit the form, you will also see a separate consent to be contacted by phone or text, including automated calls or texts. That consent is not required to read our guides or learn about your options.

Step 2: Learn your free rights and options first

Before you pay anyone, it helps to know what you can do yourself at no cost. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to get your credit reports for free and dispute information you believe is wrong. Many people start there.

We also explain basic rules for credit-repair companies so you can spot honest help and avoid scams. A legitimate company cannot charge you before work is done, cannot promise to remove accurate negative information, and must give you a written contract you can cancel within three business days. You can read more in your rights under CROA and FCRA.

This site gives general education only, not legal or financial advice. Rules and timelines can vary by state and by your own credit file.

Step 3: If you want, we match you with a provider for free

If you decide you want outside help, Credit Footing can connect you with a participating credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider at no cost to you. We are a free matching service, not a credit-repair company, law firm, or financial advisor.

We try to match people based on language, location, and credit goal. Some people want help reviewing possible report errors. Others want a plan to build new positive credit history, deal with collections, or understand next steps after missed payments.

You can learn more about the kinds of help available on our Services page. Matching is free for consumers; if you choose to work with a provider, read that provider's written contract carefully before agreeing to anything.

Step 4: You choose what to do next

After you are matched, you can talk with the provider, ask questions, compare your options, and decide whether you want to move forward. You are not promised any particular result, price, or credit score change. Real credit work depends on what is actually in your file and often takes time.

A good provider should explain what they can and cannot do, what it may cost, and what the timeline may look like in your situation. They should also explain your free DIY options honestly.

Walk away if anyone promises to erase accurate bad credit, asks for money before work is done, tells you to dispute information you know is true, or suggests a "new credit identity" or CPN. Those are major warning signs.

What you can do today, even without a match

If you are just starting, there are safe first steps you can take on your own. These steps are free or low cost, and they help you understand where you stand before hiring anyone.

1. Get your credit reports and review them carefully.
2. Look for personal information mistakes, accounts that are not yours, or balances that seem wrong.
3. Dispute errors directly with the credit bureau or data furnisher if needed.
4. Pay every current bill on time if you can, since payment history matters.
5. If you are new to credit, look into simple ways to start building history.
6. If debt feels overwhelming, consider nonprofit credit counseling.

If you want help finding a provider after that, you can use Get Matched anytime.