There is no definitive timeline for credit repair, as the process varies based on each person’s credit needs. How many negative items you have, what kind of negative items they are, how quickly your creditors and the bureaus respond to challenges—these are all factors that will influence your unique credit repair case.

Credit bureaus are required to respond and resolve credit disputes within 30 days—sometimes 45 days in special circumstances. Though that seems like a short timeline, the average consumer may have multiple errors that need to be challenged, so it could end up taking anywhere from three to six months.

Quick tip: Always keep your financial documents handy in case the credit bureaus ask for additional documentation when disputing errors.