If you own or operate a credit repair business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for a credit repair agency is 522390, classified under Other Activities Related to Credit Intermediation in the Finance and Insurance sector. Because the government does not have a specific code named “credit repair,” your business is grouped with other financial support services that help consumers manage their credit. This page covers how this code applies to your business so you can ensure it is the right fit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 522390 |
| Industry Title | Other Activities Related to Credit Intermediation |
| Sector | 52 (Finance and Insurance) |
| Industry Group | 5223 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 522390 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 522390 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing credit-related services that do not involve loan origination or lending money.
In simple terms, this code applies to businesses that help consumers manage, improve, or understand their credit profiles, or act as a middleman between borrowers and lenders. For credit repair businesses, this includes:
- Reviewing credit reports and identifying inaccuracies or outdated information
- Disputing errors, charge-offs, or late payments with credit bureaus on behalf of clients
- Providing credit counseling and financial education services
- Offering debt management or debt settlement plans
- Acting as a credit broker or loan modification service
The important distinction here is intermediation and consulting. This code covers the act of advising, repairing, and managing credit, but it does not cover the actual lending of money or the collecting of defaulted debt.
Does My Credit Repair Business Qualify for Code 522390?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 522390 if:
- You operate a credit repair agency that disputes items on credit reports for a fee
- Your main source of revenue comes from credit counseling, credit monitoring, or acting as a credit intermediary
- You help clients negotiate with creditors or set up debt management plans
Your business may not qualify if:
- You actually lend money or fund loans directly to consumers, which falls under 5221 (Depository Credit Intermediation) or 5222 (Nondepository Credit Intermediation) instead
- You pursue and collect unpaid debts on behalf of other companies, which falls under 561440 (Collection Agencies) instead
- You provide accounting, tax preparation, or bookkeeping services, which falls under 5412 (Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services) instead
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 522390 will be required:
- Payment Processing Accounts. This is highly critical for credit repair businesses. Merchant account providers place credit repair in a “high-risk” category. They will use this NAICS code during underwriting to evaluate your business, which means you should expect stricter underwriting requirements and potentially higher processing fees.
- Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new LLC, corporation, or DBA. Many states also require a specific credit services organization (CSO) license, and your NAICS code helps align your registration.
- Business Insurance. Insurance providers use your NAICS code to calculate your Errors and Omissions (Professional Liability) premium rates. Because you are handling sensitive consumer financial data and giving advice, your liability risks are unique.
- SBA Loan Applications. While it can be difficult for credit repair businesses to secure traditional SBA loans, if you apply for business financing, the Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code to assess your industry risk profile.
- Tax Filings and Compliance. Federal and state tax agencies use NAICS codes to categorize businesses for statistical reporting and compliance monitoring purposes.
- Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business checking account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
522390 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 522390 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 52 | Finance and Insurance |
| Subsector | 522 | Credit Intermediation and Related Activities |
| Industry Group | 5223 | Activities Related to Credit Intermediation |
| NAICS Industry | 52239 | Activities Related to Credit Intermediation |
| National Industry | 522390 | Other Activities Related to Credit Intermediation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a credit repair business considered a financial institution?
No. A financial institution typically refers to banks, credit unions, and lenders that hold deposits or fund loans. A credit repair business falls under “Credit Intermediation,” which means you are acting as a consultant or middleman to help clients manage and improve their existing credit profiles, rather than lending money yourself.
What if I also offer tax preparation alongside credit repair?
You must classify your business based on the activity that generates the majority of your total revenue. If 60% of your income comes from filing taxes and 40% comes from credit repair, your primary NAICS code should be 541213 (Tax Preparation Services). You only use 522390 if credit repair and financial counseling make up more than half of your business.
What is the difference between credit repair and debt collection?
They are entirely different industries with different NAICS codes. Credit repair (522390) involves working on behalf of the consumer to remove inaccuracies and improve their credit score. Debt collection (561440) involves working on behalf of a creditor to pursue and recover unpaid, defaulted debts.
Will I have trouble opening a merchant account with this NAICS code?
It is possible, but you should be prepared for extra scrutiny. The payment processing industry categorizes credit repair as “high-risk” due to high chargeback ratios and strict regulatory oversight (like the Credit Repair Organizations Act). Having your correct NAICS code (522390) ready helps speed up the underwriting process, but you should expect to provide additional documentation about your business practices and refund policies.