Credit-building startup Kikoff is taking aim at one of the biggest—and often most expensive—hurdles for consumers trying to improve their scores: fixing errors on their credit reports.

The San Francisco–based company, now serving over a million users, today launched AI Credit Disputes, a free in-app tool that identifies and helps correct mistakes on users’ credit files. Instead of paying hundreds per month to traditional credit repair firms, Kikoff users can now generate tailored, FCRA-compliant dispute letters in minutes.

Why It Matters

Credit report errors aren’t rare. A Consumer Reports study found 44% of people who checked their reports spotted at least one mistake. For Kikoff’s user base—many with an average of 18 derogatory marks—such inaccuracies can derail their ability to secure loans, rent apartments, or even get certain jobs.

“Mistakes on a credit report can have a real impact on someone’s life,” said CEO Cynthia Chen. “We built AI Credit Disputes to make it easier for people to take that first step… and make real progress.”

How It Works

Unlike generic form letters, Kikoff’s AI tool analyzes each user’s report and reason for dispute to craft personalized language—a detail that could boost the odds of a favorable outcome. In a two-month pilot, the feature helped a small segment of users dispute more than 70,000 errors, with that number expected to grow sharply as it rolls out to all users.

For context, credit repair services often charge $300 or more per month for similar work, making Kikoff’s free alternative a potential disruptor in the space.

Florida user Ashley Weeks said the tool “honestly makes things so much easier” compared with the do-it-yourself process. “Being able to see the letter Kikoff prepared gave me more confidence, and I believe it helped lead to a better outcome.”

AI Credit Disputes is part of Kikoff’s broader strategy to replace predatory financial products with affordable, tech-driven solutions. While AI is already powering underwriting, fraud detection, and wealth management in fintech, tools aimed squarely at consumer credit repair remain relatively rare.

If Kikoff’s model catches on, it could force both traditional credit repair companies and credit bureaus to rethink how accessible—and transparent—the dispute process should be.