Best Credit Counseling Agencies [2024]

Credit counseling agencies provide helpful information and resources to help you manage your money and credit profile more efficiently. They provide services like housing assistance, bankruptcy counseling, credit management services, and debt management plans.

The best credit counseling agencies are transparent about their services and costs and have a good track record of helping clients. Read on to learn more about how credit counseling services work, our top five picks for the best agencies in 2024, costs, and pros and cons.

Top 5 Credit Counseling Agencies 

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a debt management plan or signing up for other credit services, consider our top five recommendations. We reviewed 15 credit management companies and selected our top recommendations based on factors like:

• Industry reputation
• History
• Fees
• Geographic availability
• Services
• Customer reviews

1. Money Management International

• DMP Enrollment Fee: Up to $75
• DMP Monthly Fee: Up to $59
• Minimum Debt: $0

Money Management International is a credit service company that offers free counseling and budgeting services. Additionally, it offers some unique credit solutions that aren’t typically offered by other agencies, such as disaster recovery services.

2. InCharge Debt Solutions

• DMP Enrollment Fee: Average $75
• DMP Monthly Fee: Average $33
• Minimum Debt: $1000

InCharge Debt Solutions is a highly accredited credit counseling agency that offers DMPs and counseling services. The agency also has high customer reviews on Trustpilot and is transparent about fees on its website.

3. American Consumer Credit Counseling

• DMP Enrollment Fee: $39
• DMP Monthly Fee: Up to $70
• Minimum Debt: Not Specified

American Consumer Credit Counseling offers several different types of counseling services as well as debt management programs. The agency also offers student loan counseling and housing guidance.

ACCC has several online resources and tools and a mobile app for iOS, which can be handy for those looking for online credit counseling services.

4. Apprisen

• DMP Enrollment Fee: Up to $45
• DMP Monthly Fee: Up to $45
• Minimum Debt: $0

Apprisen offers housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and debt management plans. The agency has competitive fees for its DMPs, and those facing financial hardship may qualify for waived or reduced fees.

Apprisen also has good customer support and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

5. Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.

• DMP Enrollment Fee: Up to $75
• DMP Monthly Fee: Up to $50
• Minimum Debt: $0

Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is on the list of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved credit counseling agencies. It offers advice on mortgage default, foreclosure, reverse mortgages, renting, and buying a home.

Additionally, the agency offers bankruptcy counseling and a debt management program.

Pros and Cons of Working With a Credit Counseling Agency

While a credit counseling agency can provide valuable money management advice and help you get out of debt, it may not be the right solution for everyone. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right option for you.

Pros 

• Credit counseling agencies provide unbiased advice that’s in your best interest.
• You’ll typically get personalized attention from a credit advisor.
• You may be able to pay off your debts in three to five years with a DMP.
• Your counselor may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate and waive late fees.
• Your monthly payments on your debt(s) will typically be lower on a DMP than they would be if you decided to go it alone.

Cons

• Credit counseling agencies are not typically equipped to help you with tax debt, medical debt, or secured debt, such as mortgage or automobile loans.
• You’ll very likely need to close your credit card accounts to any new purchase or cash advance transactions when you enroll in a DMP, to avoid accumulating additional debt while you’re going through the program.
• Your credit score may drop when you enroll in a DMP.
• Unlike debt settlement, which can reduce the principal owed, you’ll still need to repay the entire amount you borrowed with a DMP.

How To Choose a Reputable Credit Counseling Agency

You’ll need to keep a few things in mind when choosing a credit counseling agency. Start by exploring these resources to find reputable and approved credit counselors:

• The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
• Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA)
• The U.S. Department of Justice’s list of approved credit counseling agencies

We also recommend keeping these factors in mind when choosing an agency:

• You should be able to get free information about the agency’s services without having to provide any personal information.
• The credit counseling agency must be transparent about its fees and services.
• Confirm that the agency has certified credit counselors.
• Make sure the agency offers the services that you’re looking for.
• Check the agency’s customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google, and other review sites.

How Much Do Credit Counseling Services Cost?

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies usually offer free or low-cost services. The initial debt counseling session is free, and you’ll also have access to educational materials, tools, and workshops at no additional cost.

If you enroll in a DMP, you’ll typically pay a one-time setup fee of up to $79 and an ongoing monthly fee of up to $50. However, fees can vary based on the state where the agency offers its services.

A Credit Counseling Agency Can Help You Get Your Debt Under Control

A credit counseling agency can be a good low-cost resource if you need financial guidance or help with debt. Be sure to compare the costs carefully if you plan to enroll in a debt management plan. Read online reviews and make sure the agency is accredited.

Keep in mind that a credit counseling agency may not be helpful for everyone. Depending on what type of debt you have, how much you owe, and other factors, debt consolidation, debt resolution, or debt settlement may be a better option for you.