Why Did My Credit Score Drop After Round 1? (And Is That Normal?)

If you've just completed Round 1 of credit repair and noticed your credit score dropped a bit, you're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong.

In fact, this is a pretty common question:

“Why did my credit score go down after I started working on it?”

Let’s break it down in simple, real-life terms.

📉 First of all: yes, it can be totally normal.

Starting the dispute process can temporarily cause a dip in your score for a few different reasons.

Here’s why that might happen:

1. Accounts Go Into “Dispute” Status

When you dispute an item on your credit report, the credit bureaus mark it as “in dispute.” This status can affect how your score is calculated—especially if the account being disputed had some age or payment history (even if it was negative). Once it’s marked “in dispute,” the scoring model might treat it differently, causing a temporary dip.

2. Negative Items Are Removed… and It Still Drops?!

Sometimes, removing old accounts—even if they’re negative—can lower your score in the short term. Why? Because credit scores are based on more than just good vs. bad.

Things like:

• Credit age

• Account mix

• Number of accounts

...all play a role. If an account that contributed to your overall credit age is removed, your average credit age goes down—and that can ding your score a bit.

3. The System Just Needs Time

Disputes take time to fully process. While Round 1 is a great start, credit repair is a process, not a magic button. You might not see improvements right away, but that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening behind the scenes.

Think of it like cleaning out a closet—you might make a mess before it starts looking better.

So, What Should You Do?

✅ Don’t panic. A small drop doesn’t mean the process isn’t working.

✅ Stay consistent. Keep following through with your credit repair plan.

✅ Track responses. Hold onto any letters or updates you get from the credit bureaus.

✅ Communicate with your credit repair team. We’re here to guide you through every round.

It can feel frustrating to see your score dip after all the effort you've put in—but remember: credit repair is a journey, not a quick fix. These early rounds are about clearing the path so better things can follow.