Is this one-pager a legal document or legal advice?

No. It’s a FREE educational summary to help you understand your rights. It’s not legal advice, and it doesn’t replace guidance from a qualified legal professional or the provider’s written agreement.

Can a credit-repair company remove accurate negative items if they are telling the truth?

No. Credit-repair companies generally cannot promise to remove accurate negative information. Be cautious of any “remove all negatives” or “guaranteed erase” claims.

Do I have to pay someone to dispute errors?

No. You can do it yourself for free. Under the FCRA, you have the right to access your credit reports and dispute inaccurate information at no cost.

Will using this one-pager guarantee my credit score improves?

No. There are no guaranteed results. Credit changes depend on your specific credit file, what’s inaccurate, what you can document, and how long it takes for updates to process.

What information does Credit Footing ask for to match me?

To match you, Credit Footing collects contact and goal intent only (first name, phone, optional email, goal, ZIP, and preferred language). We do not ask for your Social Security number, full credit reports, or financial account numbers.

Can I cancel if I work with a credit-repair company?

Many credit-repair contracts include required cancellation rights under CROA. The one-pager is meant to remind you to look for the written contract details. Always check the contract you are given.

Know-Your-Credit-Rights One-Pager

What this FREE one-pager includes

This one-page tool is a quick, simple checklist you can keep for later. It’s designed to help you feel less confused about credit reports and what companies are (and are not) allowed to do.

It covers the most important rights newcomers usually ask about:
- Getting your credit report(s) for free
- Disputing errors yourself at no cost
- What credit-repair companies can’t do (like charging upfront for promised work)
- What to watch for in scams
- How to cancel a credit-repair contract within the required short window

This is general education only. It’s not legal advice and it doesn’t replace the written contract of any nonprofit counselor or licensed professional.

Who this one-pager is for

This tool can help if you’re new to the U.S. credit system and you want clear, trustworthy steps.

It’s especially useful if you’ve experienced:
- Mistakes on your credit report (wrong name, wrong late payment, accounts that aren’t yours)
- Confusing letters from credit agencies or companies
- Pressure to pay for “fast fixes”
- Fear that you “can’t do anything” without a paid company

Even if you plan to get matched with a reputable credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider, this one-pager helps you know what questions to ask and what red flags to avoid.

How to use the one-pager (before and after you get your credit report)

You can use this one-pager in two common moments: right now (to protect yourself) and later (to respond to your credit report).

1) Use it now to stay safe
- Review the “no guarantees” and “no upfront promises” parts
- Look for scam language (like “remove all negatives,” “guaranteed score boosts,” or instructions to create a “new credit identity”)
- If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is

2) Use it with your credit report when you find possible errors
- Confirm what the report says (dates, account status, and balances)
- If you see something inaccurate, you can dispute it yourself for free under the FCRA
- Keep copies of what you send and any receipts you receive

Your FREE DIY right: you can dispute errors yourself

Under the FCRA, you have the right to get your credit report(s) for free and dispute information you believe is inaccurate—at no cost to you.

This one-pager is meant to help you understand that right, so you’re not pressured into paying for help just to start.

If you want a step-by-step guide, visit Your rights (CROA & FCRA) and Get matched if you’d like free help finding a provider.

What credit-repair companies can and can’t promise (honesty checklist)

Credit-repair businesses have limits under CROA. They can’t promise specific results like “removing accurate negative items,” “erasing bad credit,” or guaranteed score increases.

They also must be upfront about contracts and costs. For example, legitimate businesses generally cannot charge you for work before the promised services are actually done, and they must provide a written contract you can cancel within the required short window.

If you’re offered anything like these, be careful:
- “Guaranteed” or “results in days” claims
- Promises to remove accurate negative information
- Upfront fees with vague work
- Advice to dispute information that is true
- Requests for identity changes (like “new credit files” / “CPN”)—this can be a serious red flag and may create more problems

How Credit Footing can help (optional, FREE matching)

Credit Footing is a FREE matching service. We do not repair credit ourselves, and we are not a law firm or financial advisor.

If you want extra support, you can get matched with a participating credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider. Your match can help you understand next steps, prepare questions to ask, and avoid common mistakes.

Important: Your credit situation is unique. No one can guarantee results, and fixes usually take time. If you decide to work with a provider, always review their written contract and ask about fees and timelines before you agree to anything.