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moneywatch

Edited By Matt Richardson

/ CBS News

Ill piggy bank with bandages
Don't ignore the signs indicating that you need a little help with credit repair. Getty Images

A wide range of factors can impact your financial well-being, but one in particular — your credit score — is a crucial aspect. That's because your credit score directly affects your ability to secure loans and impacts your housing and job prospects. It also impacts the terms and rates you'll typically get on credit cards, personal loans or other types of loans, which has a big impact on how much you'll pay for the money you borrow.

In turn, building and maintaining a good credit score is a vital component of ensuring that your finances are in check. But while a solid credit score may be the goal, achieving it can be a little more difficult. Missed payments or over-the-limit balances can happen to even the most responsible credit user, and when they do, they can cause your credit score to tank quickly. 

If you've been facing challenges due to a low credit score, credit repair might be the solution you need to regain control of your financial future. But if you aren't sure if credit repair makes sense for you, there are a few signs that indicate it may be the right move. 

Explore your top credit repair options online now.

5 big signs that credit repair is right for you

Keep an eye out for the following signs if you're trying to determine whether credit repair is right for you:

Rejected loan applications

Perhaps one of the most obvious signs that it's time to consider credit repair is if you've been consistently rejected for loans or credit cards. Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness as part of your application and a low score can result in higher interest rates or flat-out denials. 

If you find yourself facing rejection when applying for credit, it's essential to address the root cause – your credit history. And that's where a credit repair service can come in. The credit repair process can help identify and rectify errors on your credit report, boosting your score and increasing your chances of loan approval.

Find out how credit repair could benefit you here.

Offers with high interest rates

If you're approved for loans or credit cards with a less-than-stellar credit score, you may be subjected to exorbitant interest rates. High rates can significantly impact your finances, leading to increased debt and making it harder to break free from the cycle. 

So, if you notice that you're consistently offered loans or credit cards with high rates, it's a clear sign that your credit score needs improvement. Credit repair may lead to better terms with creditors and lenders over time, saving you money in the long run.

Difficulty renting or leasing

Your credit score isn't only crucial for obtaining credit; it also plays a role in various aspects of your life, including finding a place to live. Many landlords and property management companies use credit scores to evaluate potential tenants. 

If you're facing challenges securing a rental property or leasing a car due to a low credit score, it's a strong indicator that credit repair is necessary. Improving your credit can open up more housing and leasing opportunities, allowing you to live in the home or drive the vehicle of your choice.

Persistent collection calls

Constant calls from debt collectors can be overwhelming and stressful. If you find yourself constantly dealing with collection agencies, it's a sign that your financial situation needs attention. 

Credit repair can help you negotiate with creditors, settle outstanding debts and even remove inaccuracies from your credit report. By taking proactive steps to address these issues, you can alleviate the burden of persistent collection calls and work toward rebuilding your financial stability.

Inaccuracies on your credit report

Errors on your credit report can have a significant impact on your credit score — and they're becoming increasingly common. These inaccuracies may include outdated information, incorrect account details or even accounts that don't belong to you. Regularly reviewing your credit report is crucial to identifying and correcting such errors. 

If you spot inaccuracies, it's a clear sign that credit repair is necessary — even if you take the do-it-yourself route. Disputing and correcting these mistakes can lead to a boost in your credit score, helping you present an accurate and positive financial profile to potential lenders.

The bottom line

Your credit score is a powerful financial tool that can either open doors or create barriers to opportunities. If you're experiencing any of the signs above, it may be time to seriously consider credit repair. Taking proactive steps to address and improve your credit score can have a lasting impact on your financial well-being, allowing you to secure better loan terms, lower interest rates and improved overall financial stability. Remember, it's never too late to start the credit repair journey and take control of your financial future.

Angelica Leicht

Angelica Leicht is senior editor for CBS' Moneywatch: Managing Your Money, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications.

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