Do it yourself. For free.
DIY credit repair that actually maps to federal law
You do not need to pay a company to pull reports, dispute real errors, or validate a collection. Those rights already exist under the FCRA and FDCPA. This hub is the sequence — with the exact iRunCredit tool or letter for each step.
The sequence
Four steps. No gatekeeper.
FTC guidance is blunt: you can do this work yourself, and companies that promise guaranteed deletions or demand pay-before-work are a red flag.
1. Pull and audit all three reports
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official source. Walk every account, inquiry, and collection before you write a word.
2. Dispute facts, not feelings
Wrong balance, mixed file, account that is not yours, outdated item. Use the bureau letter and keep copies.
3. Validate collections before you pay
Ask who owns the debt, the amount, and the original creditor. Paying the wrong collector is how people pay twice.
4. Rebuild positives while old items age
On-time payments and low utilization still move the file. Tools first, new credit later.
Letters & tools
Everything on this path, in one list.
Identity theft dispute
FTC report plus bureau dispute when the account is not yours.
Goodwill letter
Accurate but isolated late payment, account now current.
Pay-for-delete
Only with written terms before money moves.
Utilization calculator
Fastest score lever you actually control this month.
Credit freeze vs lock
Stop new accounts the legal way.
Custom PDF generator
Your name, their address, branded output.
What can actually be removed
Inaccurate and obsolete vs accurate negatives.
Credit fraud playbook
IdentityTheft.gov, freeze, block the fake accounts.
Grow credit legally
The fast levers that are actually legal.