A credit services company can help consumers with various financial services surrounding their credit.

If you’re buying a home or a car, need to pay for college tuition, or plan to make a large purchase for something else, you may need to secure a loan or a line of credit to afford the payment(s).

Banks, credit unions, or other lenders may offer various loans and credit types. For those seeking to buy or improve their home, you can choose from a home mortgage loan, a line of credit, or a home improvement loan. If you’re looking for a car, an auto loan or personal loan would be a logical choice. Student loans are also available for those looking to pay for tuition. Credit cards are also available and may offer a variety of different perks.

While these products offer access to additional funds for your purchase, they may offer different interest rates, timelines for borrowing, fees, and sometimes other benefits. To ensure you’re getting the best product for your situation, shop around with multiple lenders before making a final decision. Always read the terms and conditions for any loans you plan to take on.

If you need to boost your credit score before securing a loan or applying for a credit card, look to businesses specializing in credit repair. These businesses can help consumers improve their credit history. Find a credit repair business near you and find out if they offer a free consultation and cost estimate for their services.

Be extra cautious and do your research before hiring a credit repair or debt consolidation company. Credit repair and debt relief scams are prevalent. Scammers may entice consumers with guarantees such as boosting a credit score or debt forgiveness for the cost of an upfront fee, but they will instead take your payment and your personal information and not deliver on their promises. Always check with BBB to find BBB Accredited credit repair services – look for the BBB Seal. Read customer reviews online, and if you’re unsure about a company, you can also check with BBB Scam Tracker.

Consider credit counseling if you’re looking for additional advice on your credit from a professional. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, credit counseling organizations are typically non-profits with certified credit counselors trained in credit, money, debt management and budgeting. Credit counselors can advise you on your debts and help you develop a budget and a debt management plan. Credit counselors can also help you obtain copies of your credit reports and credit scores.

Need to monitor your credit? Credit monitoring services are available for consumers wanting to stay updated on account changes. You may opt to do this if your information was recently stolen and you’re worried about identity theft. You may also want to monitor your credit if you’re working on increasing your credit score. The prices and types of these services vary widely. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, check for hidden fees and cancellation requirements if a company offers a “free” credit monitoring service.

You can monitor your credit on your own by requesting a free credit report from the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every 12 months. For identity theft protection, you can request a free security freeze on your credit report from the three nationwide credit reporting companies and sign up for fraud alerts on your credit reports.

Always look for the BBB Seal when searching for credit services. BBB Accredited Businesses adhere to the BBB’s Standards for Trust and have committed to operating with your best interest in mind.

For more tips on financial wellness, visit BBB’s Financial Wellness HQ and BBB’s Money HQ.