What the law requires
Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, a company must give you a written contract and a written statement of your rights, must let you cancel within three days, and cannot charge you before services are performed.
What they can and cannot do
They can identify errors, dispute them, and coach you on the habits that move a score. They cannot remove accurate information, create a new identity for your credit, or promise a specific score increase.
Choosing one
Look for plain pricing, no upfront fees, no guarantees, honest talk about what is accurate on your file, and a willingness to tell you when you do not need them.