Financial Literacy Month “Tip of the Week” – Understanding Debt Settlement & Credit Repair Companies
Wednesday April 16, 2025Managing debt and credit can be overwhelming, particularly when left untouched. Debt settlement and credit repair companies have long been part of the financial landscape, but understanding what they do, how to interact with them, and how they are regulated in Idaho is crucial for making informed financial decisions and maintaining healthy financial standings.
What Do These Companies Do?
Debt Settlement Companies work with creditors on behalf of consumers to reduce the amount owed on unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills, tax debt, or personal loans. However, debt settlement doesn’t apply to secured debt like a mortgage or auto loan.
Credit Repair Companies offer services to help consumers address negative items on their credit reports by disputing inaccurate information with consumer reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.