Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How does the credit repair program work?
We review your credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — and dispute items that appear inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable on your behalf. You'll receive updates as each round of disputes moves through the process
What packages do you offer?
Signature Credit Restoration ($399) is our core 90-day program, including a full three-bureau credit analysis, a personalized action plan, and portal-based consultant support. Executive Credit Restoration ($999) is built for homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and more complex files, and adds a dedicated senior case manager, a 1-on-1 strategy session, priority processing, and 30-, 60-, and 90-day progress reviews. We also offer a ChexSystems Plan ($425) for banking-related issues, and a DIY Dispute Letter Kit ($59) for clients who want to handle disputes on their own
How much does the program cost, and do you offer payment plans?
Current pricing for all packages is listed on our Plans page. We offer Buy Now, Pay Later through Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, Cash App Pay, and Amazon Pay, so you can split your payment into installments if you'd like.
Do I need a consultation before I sign up?
No — a consultation isn't required. Many clients review our packages and enroll directly. If you'd like to talk through your situation first, you can book a free 15-minute call and we'll help you figure out which option fits best.
Can you guarantee results?
No credit repair company can lawfully guarantee a specific score increase or the removal of any particular item, since results depend on your credit profile and how the bureaus and data furnishers respond. What we can promise is a professional, structured dispute process handled by a Board Certified Credit Consultant
How long will it take to see results?
Timelines vary from client to client. Credit bureaus generally have up to 30 days to respond to a dispute, and our core program runs on a 90-day structure. Credit repair is a process rather than an overnight fix, and outcomes depend on your individual file.
Are you certified?
Yes. Our founder holds three professional credentials: Board Certified Credit Consultant (BCCC), Certified Credit Repair Specialist (CCRS), and Certified Credit Score Consultant (CCSC).
What types of negative items can you dispute?
We can dispute a wide range of items that appear inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, including collections, late payments, charge-offs, bankruptcies, medical bills, repossessions, foreclosures, judgments, hard inquiries, public records, student loans, and child support entries.
Can accurate information be removed from my report?
No — and neither can anyone else. We challenge items that are inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable under consumer protection law. Accurate, current, and verifiable information legally stays on your report.
Getting Set Up
What do I need to get started?
You'll need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN), proof of address dated within the last 30 days, and an active SmartCredit three-bureau monitoring subscription. These are required to analyze your file and submit disputes on your behalf.
Why is SmartCredit required, and is it included in my package price?
SmartCredit is our required three-bureau monitoring platform. It gives both you and our team live access to your Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion reports, which is how we analyze your file, track changes, and prepare each round of disputes. It's $39.99 per month and is separate from your Fresh Start service fee — it needs to stay active for the full length of your program.
I just signed up. What happens next?
Welcome to Fresh Start! Your next steps are to set up your SmartCredit account (if you haven't already), and complete onboarding by securely submitting your ID and proof-of-address documents through the client portal. Once that's done, we begin working your file.
During the Program
My score went down. Is the program working?
This is common and expected during the dispute process. When items are being challenged, scoring models can temporarily shift before they improve — similar to how a room can look messier before it gets organized. Your overall progress is best evaluated over the course of the full program rather than month to month
Can I apply for new credit while I'm in the program?
We recommend holding off if possible. A new application adds a hard inquiry, which can temporarily affect your score, and any new negative item that results from it will incur an additional $75 fee to dispute, since it falls outside your original agreement.
I got a new collection on my report. Is that covered?
New collections, accounts, or hard inquiries that appear after your program start date aren't covered under your original agreement. If you'd like us to dispute a new item, there's an additional $75 fee per item, which you can submit through the client portal.
I received a letter from a creditor or collector. What should I do?
Please don't respond to it directly. Send it to us through the client portal so our team can review it and handle any necessary next steps on your behalf. Keep a copy for your own records.
Can I get an update on my account?
For the most accurate, up-to-date information on your disputes and scores, please check your client portal or log in to your SmartCredit account directly.
Fees, Billing & Payments
Is the program fee refundable?
You may cancel a covered credit repair contract without penalty within three business days of signing, in line with federal consumer protection law. Beyond that window, refund terms are outlined in the client agreement you sign at enrollment. If you have a specific concern, reach out and we'll review it with you.
What if my SmartCredit payment lapses?
Active SmartCredit needs to stay in place for us to access your file and continue your dispute rounds. If your payment lapses, you'll be given a window to resolve it. After that, your file may be paused, and a $150 reactivation fee applies to restart your program.
Finishing the Program
How will I know when the program is complete?
Active SmartCredit needs to stay in place for us to access your file and continue your dispute rounds. If your payment lapses, you'll be given a window to resolve it. After that, your file may be paused, and a $150 reactivation fee applies to restart your program.
What if I still have negative items after the program ends?
Some items may need additional rounds to fully resolve, especially if they were previously verified by the bureau. If you'd like to continue working on your file, re-enrollment options are available — just reach out and we'll walk you through it.
Do I need to keep SmartCredit after the program ends?
That's up to you once your program is complete. We do recommend keeping some form of credit monitoring active going forward, as it's a great way to stay on top of your credit health.
How do I get in touch with questions that aren't answered here?
You can reach us anytime at [email protected] or through your client portal.
FRESH START
CREDIT REPAIR
Professional credit repair support designed to help you understand your file and move forward with confidence.
© 2026 Fresh Start Credit Repair. All rights reserved. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your credit report directly with the credit bureaus at no cost. You may cancel a covered credit repair contract without penalty within three business days of signing. Fresh Start Credit Repair does not guarantee any specific outcome, deletion, or score increase, and cannot lawfully remove accurate, current, and verifiable information.