 TITLE: Credit Repair: How to “Fix” Your Credit Yourself CONTENT: How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Credit?\n----------------------------------------\nIt's hard to say with certainty how long it takes to rebuild credit because each person's credit history is different. If you've had credit difficulties in the past, how long it will take to rebound depends in part on the severity of the negative information in your credit report and how long ago it occurred. While some actions can have an almost immediate effect—such as paying down credit card balances—others may take months to make a significant positive impact.\nIf you're disputing information in your credit report you believe is fraudulent or inaccurate, the investigation can take up to 30 days. If the credit reporting agency finds your dispute valid, the information will be removed from your credit report, and your score will reflect that change as soon as it's calculated again.\nIf you're making payments or reducing your credit card balances, don't worry if your credit report isn't updated right away. Creditors only report to Experian and other credit reporting agencies on a periodic basis, usually monthly. It can take up to 30 days or more for your account statuses to be updated, depending on when in the month your creditor or lender reports their updates.\nIt's critical that you check your credit score regularly to keep track of your progress and make sure the right information is being reported over time. As you build a positive credit history, over time, your credit scores will likely improve, and you'll have a better chance of qualifying for favorable credit terms when you need to borrow again. END