Advertiser Disclosure
by Aidan Kang, CFA
Senior Writer
Credit Repair
UPDATED: October 02, 2022

You might have made financial mistakes in the past that affected your credit, but now, you might want to improve your credit score so you can access better financial products.

If you’re considering DIY credit repair, it may seem daunting and complicated. We hear you.

So, we've scoured the web for the best credit repair books and read reviews about them. We also gathered some of the best tips to repair your credit.

Read until the end to find out our top recommended credit repair book and why. Don’t waste time on books or resources that won't really help you.

Let’s dive in!

609 Letter Templates & Credit Repair Secrets by Stephen Brown

First on the list is a book written by Stephen Brown, a full-time trader with more than ten years of financial experience. You’d want to learn from him because he worked as a financial analyst and personal financial advisor. 

Here’s a list of the included topics in his book:

  • Credit repair secrets
  • Building your credit score
  • Finding errors in your credit report
  • Building your credit history
  • Best techniques to remove all negative elements from your report
  • Increasing your FICO® Score to 800

Although it’s an advanced guide with 103 pages, you can still access the basics, such as finding errors in your credit file. Knowing how to recognize erroneous information can prevent the devastating effects of identity theft on your score.

If you’re asking, “How do I wipe my credit clean?” You’ll find it in this book, specifically in the chapter regarding techniques to erase negative elements from your credit file. Also, the book contains sample pay-for-delete letters, which serve as negotiation tools.

It has a 3.8 out of 5 rating on Amazon, with a review saying that it’s useful for her business.

You can check out the links below on where to get 609 Letter Templates & Credit Repair Secrets:

Amazing Credit Repair by Abel Gray

Abel Gray offers a comprehensive guide not only on the common concepts but also on the lesser-known ones. 

It has 204 pages, which include these topics:

  • Parts of your credit score
  • Credit card use and its impact on your credit
  • Debts and loans
  • Range of credit scores
  • Handling a dispute about your credit file
  • Joint account considerations

We found that it’s best for beginners because it discusses the differences among the three credit reporting agencies. You can also know the range of various credit scores so that you can choose between VantageScore 3.0 and FICO® Score models.

In the book's first chapters, Gray discusses the parts of your credit scores that most authors ignore. What’s more, you can learn about the effect of marriage on your credit score.

In the latter sections of the book, you’ll know how to manage credit repair if someone steals your identity. In relation to this topic, Gray also teaches his readers how to handle a dispute about their credit files. 

It has a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Amazon, with reviews claiming that the book helped them improve their credit scores. Readers also said that it was informative and helped them deal with credit issues.

You can check out the links below on where to get Amazing Credit Repair:

Angel Credit Secrets: Everything You Need to Know About Credit Repair by April Nelson

This book only contains 34 pages, but it includes the basics regarding your credit. So if you’re a newbie, you might want to start reading this book. Before the day ends, you’ll already know how to repair your credit.

Here are the topics included in the Angel Credit Secrets book:

  • Process of credit repair
  • Credit disputes
  • Dispute letter samples

You can also learn how to reach a 700 to 800 credit score, which is considered excellent. One way to achieve the said score is by being familiar with credit disputes. Once you identify an incorrect detail on your credit file, you need to contact the bureau involved immediately.

If not, it can negatively affect your score and limit your chances of getting credit cards, insurance, loans, and even a job.

Angel Credit Secrets has a 4.3 rating on Amazon, and according to reviews, it gives valuable tips on fixing credit. One reader also liked the sample letters she received after purchasing the book.

You can check out the links below on where to get Angel Credit Secrets:

Build and Protect Your Credit Like the Pros by Carolyn Warren

Carolyn Warren is an expert in credit repair and mortgages. She has written other books, such as Mortgage Rip-Offs, Money Savers, and Homebuyers Beware. We also discovered that she runs a blog to help homebuyers be updated on credit and mortgage news.

In this book, you'll find answers to the following questions:

  • How does credit work?
  • How to become an expert at creating top-tier credit?
  • How to build credit?

According to the author, the book is perfect for young adults opening their first credit accounts. It’s also intended for US immigrants who are unaware of how the credit system works.

If you want to repair your credit like the pros, you should try reading this book. Nothing’s more helpful than knowing the basics, and this is what the guide offers. You’ll have a background of how the system works. In effect, you can understand why some financial techniques build credit and why others might hurt your score.

It has a 4.67 rating on Goodreads and a 4.7 rating on Amazon. Reviewers say they’ve seen positive results because they followed Warren’s advice. They also liked that she responds to her reader’s questions through email. So if you purchased her book but still have queries, you can ask her about anything credit-related.

You can check out the links below on where to get Build and Protect Your Credit Like the Pros:

Credit Card And Credit Repair Secrets by Michael Ezeanaka

Do you want to read books on credit cards?

Michael Ezeanaka, a graduate of Imperial College London, wrote Credit Card And Credit Repair Secrets, which according to its description: even a ten-year-old can understand it. So if you’re someone who knows nothing about credit, this book might be the one for you.

It has ten pages and includes the following topics:

  • Three types of consumer credit
  • Tips to achieve a 700+ credit score
  • Difference between payment history and credit utilization
  • Factors you must consider when choosing a credit card

The book will teach you how to monitor your credit score, including the difference between hard and soft inquiries. Ezeanaka will also provide the factors that impact your credit rating. Once you know these details, you can devise techniques to control your score.

Like the books we mentioned, Credit Card And Credit Repair Secrets also has a dedicated chapter to help you understand your credit report. It also includes a sample dispute letter to correct inaccuracies.

In the latter section of this book, you’ll discover how to unlock credit card reward points. Ezeanaka also gives tips on avoiding a finance charge on your card.

We also liked that its last chapter discusses prevention tips against identity theft. 

It has a 4.6 rating on Audible, with most readers saying that the book was very easy to understand. Some reviews also state that it has interesting chapters, especially for beginners.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Card And Credit Repair Secrets:

Credit Fix Power by Craig Perry

Although a lawyer wrote this book, it’s not filled with technical terms. Instead, Craig Perry straightforwardly explained credit terminologies.

Can you restart your credit score using this book? There’s no restart option, but Credit Fix Power can teach you how to request the removal of negative elements in your file.

Here are some topics included in the book:

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) laws
  • Revelations about your credit reports
  • Credit report corrections

Under the law, the government must ensure the privacy and accuracy of the information in your credit report. But how can you demand this, right? You need to know the law, and that’s what this book provides.

It explains the FCRA without using technical language. So even if you lack knowledge of the legal field, you can still understand the FCRA. It also contains web links, so you can read further if you want to.

The book even empowers you to take immediate action regarding incorrect details in your credit report. It can also help you collect reimbursement for the damages you’ve suffered. In relation to this, Perry also tackled identity theft and provided recommendations on how to deal with such issues.

It has a 3.9 rating on Amazon, with reviews claiming that the book contains valuable information about credit files.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Fix Power:

Credit Repair Book by John Harris

All books in this list are written by experts, but you’d be surprised that this one was from a credit bureau manager. John Harris worked as a loan officer for six years and as a credit bureau manager for more than four years. According to his bio, he has been in the industry for over two decades.

This book is a result of his credit knowledge and experience. It contains 198 pages, which talks about:

  • Removal of collection accounts
  • Improvement of credit score
  • Sample dispute letters

This book includes attorney-written dispute letters that can help you remove collection accounts, even though they’re yours. Once you know how to write effective dispute letters, you can correct information on your report and remove negative elements that affect your score.

Once you purchase this book, you can send inquiries to his email address, and get answers to your pressing concerns. It’s similar to what Carolyn Warren (Build and Protect Your Credit Like the Pros) offers to her readers.

So you’ll essentially have a credit coach who’s willing to help in achieving your desired score.

It has a 4.1 rating on Amazon. Readers liked the unique tricks they got from the book. One thing they noted is that the author seems to be extremely knowledgeable regarding credit reporting agencies.

So if you’re asking, “How do I fix my credit after paying off debt?” You might find the answer in this book because Harris knows the ins and outs of how the credit system works.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Repair Book:

Credit Repair Kit for Dummies by Steve Bucci

Steve Bucci has been in the industry for 20 years and was the former president of Money Management International Financial Education Foundation. He also founded the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rhode Island.

In his book, you’ll find details on the following topics:

  • Tips on cleaning credit reports
  • Updated credit scoring examples
  • Techniques for dealing with creditors
  • Identity theft and mortgage foreclosure
  • Sustainable approach to credit

It has 416 pages, so it’s for people with existing credit rather than beginners without a credit history.

The book provides explanations regarding the FICO® Score, which most lenders use. If you discover how it computes for your score, you’ll know how to improve your credit standing. Aside from the FICO scoring model, it also tackles VantageScore 3.0 and when it becomes useful.

What we liked about the book is it offers a sustainable approach to credit. So it doesn’t provide a one-time solution but a list of realistic habits to improve your finances. It also has a dedicated section about student loans, which most people have.

Bucci explains consumer protection laws in simple terms, so you know your rights. After reading the book, you can discover how to reduce insurance costs, get lower interest rates, and qualify for better financial products.

It has a high 4.4 rating on Amazon, with reviews stating that this book has become their best friend when it comes to credit. One reader even claimed that his credit score increased by 100 points in 60 days because he applied the information in the book.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Repair Kit for Dummies:

Credit Repair Special Edition by Dana Lee

Do you want credit books written by someone with personal experience in credit repair?

According to his bio, Dana Lee was broke during his 20’s. In fact, his credit score was only 400, which was under the “poor” category. He couldn’t even get an apartment or a car due to his score. So in his book, you can get tips from someone who has done a DIY credit repair.

This book has 229 pages and is intended for people with bad credit. It includes two books. The first one talks about credit score repair, while the second one provides samples of credit repair letters.

Here are the topics discussed in the Special Edition:

  • Three credit bureaus
  • Consumer protection laws
  • Tips to boost your credit score
  • Removal of black marks from your file
  • Identity theft, cyber threats, and fraud
  • Sample dispute letters

Lee provides various ways to remove negative information from your credit report. He also explained the consumer protection laws you can turn to. Most creditors will claim that credit card debt, late payments, and liens affect your score for a long time, but once you know the said laws, you can request to remove such details.

We liked that it has sections on identity theft, cyber threats, and fraud. There have been more than one million identity theft reports, and most people have poor credit scores because of ID theft.

People should also know about cyber threats because criminals carry out these crimes to collect financial information that can hurt consumers’ credit.

Like the previous book in this article, the Credit Repair Special Edition also has a high rating on Amazon. Readers say that it has easy-to-follow steps regarding credit repair. One review even noticed an immediate improvement in his credit standing due to Lee’s recommendations.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Repair Special Edition:

Credit Scoring Secrets by James Paris and Robert Yetman, Jr.

We often ask: “How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight?”

You can’t do it overnight, but you can definitely achieve it within 100 days. James Paris, together with former mortgage brokers, shared their recommendations on how to deal with foreclosures and bankruptcies.

He has written over 30 books on finance, so he can be considered an expert in this field.

In just 44 pages, Paris debunked most authors’ suggestions to dispute negative accounts. The authors shared why it can actually hurt your credit. It’s great to start with this book if you’re a credit beginner so you can uncover the misconceptions surrounding the credit system.

You can expect that this book will discuss the following:

  • Steps to rebuild credit
  • Sample letters for credit bureaus
  • Tips for raising credit score

Due to its controversial nature, Credit Scoring Secrets is our top recommended credit repair book. You can also find the basics, such as steps in rebuilding your credit and raising your score. In effect, creditors can approve your credit card, auto loan, and mortgage applications.

Note that the letters included in this book aren’t focused on disputes, but they only provide formats for communicating with the major credit bureaus. You can finish this book in less than an hour and get valuable information to improve your finances.

It has a 4.3 rating on Amazon, with readers surprised at how they misunderstood how the credit system works. They also liked that it only contains a few pages without sacrificing quality.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit Scoring Secrets:

Credit: 2 books in 1 by Tony Game

Tony Game has written several books on credit repair, and this is his most famous one yet. The author aims to help individuals who don’t have the means to employ professional credit repair agencies.

In his book, you’ll find the following topics:

  • Basics of credit repair and debt snowball
  • Section 609 of the FCRA
  • FICO Scoring model
  • Steps to improve credit score

We mentioned that the book discusses Section 609 of the FCRA. Why do you need to know this law? It tackles your right to access copies of your credit reports and other related information. Hence, it allows you to send dispute letters once you notice incorrect details on your credit file.

The book also talks about debt snowball, which is the act of paying your debt from smallest to largest. It provides an organized and, sometimes, effective method of clearing your debts.

You can also find information on the FICO Scoring model, so you’ll know the factors affecting your score. This way, you can effectively upgrade your credit score. Interestingly, the book has a dedicated chapter on the ethical consequences of credit repair.

Game also inserted a controversial chapter: “What the Credit Bureaus and the Lawyers Do Not Want You to Know.” Here, you might find secrets of the credit system and how you can use it to your advantage.

It has a 4.4 rating on Amazon, where readers noted that they now understand the credit system better. They also liked that there were hyperlinks to essential websites.

You can check out the links below on where to get Credit: 2 books in 1:

Raise Your Credit Score in 10 Easy Steps (Create Your Money Series) by Angel Love

Angel Love is an accredited financial counselor, business speaker, and money coach. In 2009, she received the FINRA Investor Education Foundation Fellowship as a testament to her contribution to the field.

Here’s what you can find in her book:

  • Difference between scoring models
  • Calculations of scoring models
  • Steps to rebuild credit

In this book, Love trains you to think like credit scoring models. It will allow you to qualify for competitive rates. Hence, this book is for people making big financial decisions, such as applying for a mortgage and auto loan.

Once you know how the scoring models calculate, you’ll focus on the factors that can improve your credit standing. It provides practical solutions that you can incorporate into your daily habits.

Love also gave advice on how to rebuild credit, especially after a bankruptcy. Although it’s intended for those who want to venture into significant financial decisions, credit beginners can also learn from this book.

Amazon reviewers gave it a 4.5 rating, stating that the book has helped his business. Based on the comments, it seems that entrepreneurs can also learn something from Angel Love. They also emphasized that the author is transparent and honest about the credit system.

You can visit Amazon to get Raise Your Credit Score in 10 Easy Steps. Unfortunately, it’s currently out of print. We recommend browsing through eBay and other thrift stores to grab a copy of this book.

We hope the books we mention can help rebuild and improve your credit.

Other tips for repairing your credit

What’s the fastest way to repair your credit?

Aside from reading books, here are other tricks you can follow to rebuild your credit.

  1. Keep old credit accounts open because long credit history is good for your credit position.
  2. Monitor your credit reports and look for signs of identity theft, such as fraudulent transactions and accounts you didn’t apply for.
  3. Despite the misconception mentioned by some authors, we still recommend disputing credit report errors, especially if it involves erroneous information. Incorrect details may be a sign of identity theft and fraud. You must take immediate steps to recover your identity.
  4. Pay your bills on time to prevent negative elements on your credit file.
  5. Refrain from applying for more credit than you can handle. It will only lower your score rather than improve it.
  6. Decrease credit card use and maintain a 30% credit utilization. It shows that you’re responsible for your accounts.
  7. Communicate with your former creditors and ask them to remove late payments. You can even negotiate if they don’t agree right away.

Different credit repair books for your needs

We mentioned 12 books in this article:

  1. 609 Letter Templates & Credit Repair Secrets by Stephen Brown
  2. Amazing Credit Repair by Abel Gray
  3. Angel Credit Secrets: Everything You Need to Know About Credit Repair by April Nelson
  4. Build and Protect Your Credit Like the Pros by Carolyn Warren
  5. Credit Card And Credit Repair Secrets by Michael Ezeanaka
  6. Credit Fix Power by Craig Perry
  7. Credit Repair Book by John Harris
  8. Credit Repair Kit for Dummies by Steve Bucci
  9. Credit Repair Special Edition by Dana Lee
  10. Credit Scoring Secrets by James Paris and Robert Yetman, Jr.
  11. Credit: 2 books in 1 by Tony Game
  12. Raise Your Credit Score in 10 Easy Steps (Create Your Money Series) by Angel Love

Of the 12, Credit Scoring Secrets is our top recommended book due to its controversial nature. Still, the rest offer valuable information on credit improvement.

But it’s not enough to read these books, you must follow their recommendations and develop healthy financial habits to have an excellent score.

Related Posts