It’s super encouraging when you can bump up the first number in your 609 credit score a notch or two. CredEvolv client Eric S. can certainly attest to that!
Eric came to the CredEvolv platform with a 609 credit score, just shy of his mortgage lender’s minimum of 620 to qualify for a mortgage. The HUD-approved, nonprofit counselor he connected with went to work and removed a charge-off plus some late auto loan payments from Eric’s credit report. Eric quickly surpassed 620 and left his personal goal of 680 in the dust as well. That inspired him to keep going and cross over into the 700s with a 707 score after 13 months!
What can and can’t be removed from my credit report?
This is a question we’ve answered in one of our Credit Education blogs. It helps to understand which items can legally be removed from your credit report and which must stay. The truth is, improving a 609 credit score isn’t about erasing your financial past. It’s about fixing inaccuracies and making better financial choices moving forward.
Misinformation about credit repair is everywhere. Some companies claim they can remove all negative marks from your credit history. The system doesn’t work that way. In fact, removing valid negative information is against the law.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates that credit bureaus maintain only verified, accurate information. If you’ve missed a payment or defaulted on a loan, that record can legally remain on your report for up to seven years. Bankruptcies, depending on the type, may stay on your file for up to 10 years.
At CredEvolv, we want to be clear: no company or individual has the legal ability to erase truthful negative items from your credit report. However, the certified, nonprofit credit counselors available through our platform can help you challenge inaccuracies or outdated details that may be unfairly causing your 609 credit score.
Our counselor partners are trained to identify reporting errors and unfair practices. By addressing mistakes, they help ensure your credit report reflects only what truly belongs there. That’s how you can have the best chance to strengthen your credit profile.
How long does it take to raise your 609 credit score 100 points?
The average CredEvolv customer sees a 53-point increase in 3 to 5 months. But a 98-point credit score increase in a little over a year shows what’s possible when a consumer and a counselor keep their eyes on the prize over the long haul.
In this case, Eric followed the counselor’s advice on how to manage his credit wisely. Meanwhile, the counselor worked to delete the charge-offs and late payments that were causing Eric’s 609 credit score.
As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work! And by “dream,” we mean putting Eric on the verge of a 100-point increase in his 609 credit score.
Read more credit success stories here!