We researched the debt relief industry and identified Apprisen as the best overall credit counseling agency due to its low fees, outstanding customer service, and reputation for success. We evaluated 17 nonprofit credit counseling agencies on over 50 criteria, including accreditation, cost, and available services, to find the most reputable and helpful companies for people struggling with debt. Best Credit Counseling Services of March 2024 Best Credit Counseling Services of March 2024 Our Expert Recommendations Compare Providers Why You Should Trust Us How to Choose Alternatives to Credit Counseling FAQs Methodology Guide to Credit Counseling Investopedia's Rating 4.8 Pros & Cons Pros Lower-than-usual debt management plan fees Stellar customer reviews Good customer support accessibility Cons Limited weekend hours No in-person assistance for certain counseling types On-demand coaching requires added fee Why We Chose It Founded in 1955, Apprisen is a leading nonprofit credit counseling agency, and it's a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). It's headquartered in Gahanna, Ohio. Apprisen offers a range of services, including debt management plans (DMPs), bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling. Its fees for DMPs tend to be lower than average, based on Investopedia research. In cases of financial hardship, the fees may be reduced or waived. Apprisen stands out due to its stellar reputation and customer reviews. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and customers rate the agency highly, with a score of 4.87 out of 5. Customers highlight the agency's compassionate and knowledgeable counselors. You can get in touch with a counselor at Apprisen through phone, email, or live chat. On Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates the work of nonprofit groups, Apprisen has a97% rating—the highest of the agencies on this list—showing that it met the organization's standards for accountability, transparency, and efficacy. Fees & Costs Apprisen’s costs vary depending on the service. You’ll start with a free consultation to go over your debt and finances, which is typical for credit counseling. With IRIS, Apprisen’s digital financial plan platform, you can receive a comprehensive financial plan at no cost. But other services, such as DMPs, may involve fees. With a debt management plan, you work with a counselor to pay off your debt, usually over a period of several years. You make a monthly payment to the agency, and the agency pays your creditors on your behalf. Through a DMP, you may qualify for interest rate or fee reductions so you can pay off your debt faster. Apprisen's DMPs have an enrollment fee of $0 to $45 and a monthly fee of $0 to $45. If you're facing financial hardship and cannot afford Apprisen's fees, you may be eligible for a fee reduction or waiver. Investopedia's Rating 3.9 Pros & Cons Pros HUD-approved counselors Excellent customer reviews Relatively low DMP fees Cons Not accepting new foreclosure clients Dated website Some services are not available in all states Why We Chose It Cambridge Credit Counseling was founded in 1996. Today, it's based in Agawam, Massachusetts. It offers a variety of services, but it has particularly robust housing programs. It provides courses for first-time homebuyers and reverse mortgage counseling. It even has classes for new landlords so they can understand state and federal laws and rent properties responsibly, although these are only available in Massachusetts. Cambridge is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved credit counseling agency, meaning it's approved to provide advice on renting, buying a home, mortgage default/foreclosure, and credit issues. The company also provides comprehensive bankruptcy counseling, including the required pre-filing credit counseling course and post-filing debtor education. Although we didn’t find it to be the absolute best choice for these services (Apprisen is the best because it has the highest overall score), Cambridge is a highly rated company and you may find it suits you better. Cambridge Credit Counseling has a stellar reputation. It has a 96% rating on Charity Navigator and excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot. Its score is 4.8 out of 5 based on over 400 reviews, with clients praising the agency's communication and effectiveness in helping them pay down debt. Fees & Costs Cambridge’s initial counseling sessions are free, and DMP fees will vary based on state of residence. The maximum enrollment fee is $75, and the maximum monthly fee is $50. On average, according to Cambridge, its initial fee is $40 and its average monthly fee is $30. Other services have different costs. For example, pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and post-filing debtor education each cost $25 per household. Post-purchase homeowner education courses cost $50, and student loan counseling costs $40. Investopedia's Rating 4.2 Pros & Cons Pros Multiple accreditations and credentials Transparent about fees Good customer reviews Cons $1,000 minimum debt required $100,000 maximum debt allowed Relatively high DMP fees Why We Chose It InCharge Debt Solutions provided debt relief services to over 68,000 people in 2022, and it helped its clients pay off over $95.5 million of debt (according to the company). It is highly accredited and credentialed; it's a member of the NFCC and the Council on Accreditation, and it was recognized with the National Business Research Institute (NBRI) Circle of Excellence, a distinction given to organizations displaying outstanding customer service. InCharge Debt Solutions offers DMPs, several types of counseling, and other services. It also has solid customer reviews, with a 4.7 out of 5 score on Trustpilot based on over 2,000 reviews. Customers praised InCharge’s communication, the ease of setting up payments, and the empathetic counselors. Customer ratings at BBB are not as good, at 3.15 out of 5. InCharge was founded in 1997 and is based in Orlando, Florida. Read our full InCharge Debt Solutions review. Fees & Costs On average, the monthly fee for InCharge Debt Solutions’ DMP is $33, and the enrollment fee is $75. These fees may vary based on your state of residence. Some services, like its military financial education program, are free. Investopedia's Rating 4.7 Pros & Cons Pros Credit counseling is available 24/7 Offers a variety of counseling services Multiple digital tools Cons Some services are not available in all states In-person assistance only available in some states Why We Chose It Money Management International's origins go all the way back to 1958, making this one of the oldest credit counseling services we researched (only Apprisen is older, and only by a few years). MMI is based in Stafford, Texas, and is accredited by both the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) and the NFCC, among other organizations. While some other credit counseling agencies have paused in-person counseling and workshops, that's not the case for Money Management International. It still hosts in-person financial education workshops, eviction and foreclosure prevention courses, and other programs. Money Management International has embraced technology as a way to further connect with its clients. It has an intuitive, modern website, and it hosts podcasts and live educational webinars. It also has a variety of downloadable and digital tools, including debt repayment calculators, to help its clients manage their money responsibly. Money Management International has a 96% rating with Charity Navigator, and it's accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and 4.9 out of 5 stars. MMI has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on over 1,800 reviews. Customers complimented the organization's low fees, the helpful staff, and the effectiveness of its DMP. Fees & Costs With Money Management International, basic credit counseling is free. If you decide to sign up for a DMP, the maximum enrollment fee is $75, and the maximum monthly fee is $59. However, you may qualify for a lower payment depending on where you live and how much debt you have. According to the organization, its clients pay an average of $33 in enrollment fees and $25 in monthly fees. Other services have a range of costs. Foreclosure and eviction counseling is free, for example, while homebuyer counseling costs up to $159 and reverse mortgage counseling costs $199. Bankruptcy counseling costs up to $50 per session, though fees may be reduced or waived. Investopedia's Rating 4.1 Pros & Cons Pros Robust online tools and resources Highly rated mobile app Positive customer reviews Cons Potentially high monthly DMP fees Mobile app is only available for iOS Why We Chose It American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a leader in the credit counseling industry thanks in part to the launch of its new mobile app, CreditU. Launched shortly after Intuit's announcement that the popular budgeting app Mint was shutting down, CreditU is a new comprehensive financial management app. Through CreditU, which is available through the Apple App Store, users can sync their bank and credit accounts, track their spending, create a budget, and see their debt-to-income ratio and net worth. Although the app is relatively new, it has 4.3 stars on the App Store based on 28 reviews. The app is free to use and is available to all. You don't have to be enrolled in a DMP or other service to use it. CreditU is currently unavailable in the Google Play Store. Besides its app, ACCC also has a variety of other digital and downloadable resources, including home affordability and car affordability calculators, downloadable worksheets, online webinars, and articles and videos designed to teach children financial literacy. ACCC isn’t our number-one pick for online resources (Apprisen has good resources as well, and has a higher overall score), but it is a highly-rated company with a unique set of tools, especially CreditU. ACCC has a 96% rating on Charity Navigator, and it's accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating. It also has 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 340 BBB consumer reviews, an unusually high score. Fees & Costs ACCC's DMPs have a maximum enrollment fee of $39, and the monthly fee ranges from $7 to $70. These fees can be reduced or waived entirely, depending on your financial situation and your state’s regulations. The organization says that its clients pay an average of $25 per month. As is typical for credit counseling agencies, fees for other services vary. Pre-filing online counseling for bankruptcy, for example, costs $49 per household, and post-bankruptcy counseling costs $39. There are hundreds of nonprofit credit counseling agencies nationwide. While there are several excellent companies to choose from, Apprisen is our pick for the best credit counseling agency due to its low fees, robust services, and wide availability. For those looking for a more digital experience, ACCC offers a powerful mobile app to manage your money and track your progress as you work toward your financial goals. And Money Management International has webinars, podcasts, and downloadable worksheets you can use to improve your financial skills. Whichever credit counseling agency you choose, be sure to look for an agency that is affiliated with the NFCC or the FCAA, and ask about the agency's fees and requirements before you sign up. Investopedia collected 2,120 key data points from 40 companies across two months to identify the most important factors for readers looking for a debt relief company, and that information was used to inform our picks for the best credit counseling services. We used these data to review each company for services offered, fees, enrollment requirements, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best auto loans since 2021. More people are signing up for credit counseling in recent years. With rising prices and debt, that's not surprising. According to Experian, the average credit card balance was $6,501 per person in 2023, up 10% from the previous year. Available services and fees vary by agency. When seeking help with your money and debt, here is what to consider when evaluating credit counseling agencies. Credit counseling agencies provide financial advice and guidance and, if you're in debt, their counselors can help you develop a plan to pay it off. Often free or low-cost, credit counseling agencies give personalized tips and advice to address your unique situation. Counselors frequently teach the following: If you are struggling with debt, your credit counselor may recommend a debt management plan. When you enroll your debts into a DMP, your counselor works with your creditors to develop a repayment plan. Credit counselors may be able to negotiate rate reductions in some cases. Going forward, you’ll make one payment to the credit counseling agency, and the agency will disburse it to your creditors on your behalf until the debts are paid off. According to Kathryn Ellywicz, a marketing and communications specialist with GreenPath Financial Wellness, making just one payment under a DMP can be more manageable than juggling multiple credit accounts. "If you have multiple accounts and due dates, [making] one payment to the agency can simplify how you manage money and [reduce stress]," she said. In general, it often takes four or more years to repay all debts enrolled in a DMP. Debt management plans are different from debt settlement. Debt settlement companies are usually for-profit entities, and they often charge hefty fees. Be sure to research your debt relief options thoroughly before enrolling with a debt settlement company. If you're struggling with unsecured debt, such as personal loans or credit card balances, a credit counselor can be beneficial. They can help you get a handle on your debt and pay it off faster than you'd be able to do on your own. Finding a good credit counselor can also help prevent financial issues from starting in the first place. For example, home-buying classes from credit counseling agencies teach you how much house you can afford and how to get the best deal on a mortgage, so you don't overextend yourself. However, credit counseling cannot help with all forms of debt. In most cases, only unsecured debt can be enrolled in DMPs. Secured loans, such as car loans, aren't eligible. Pros Cons Consider these factors when comparing credit counseling agencies: Credit counseling isn't always effective. Creditors may not agree to lower their rates or waive their fees, so a debt management plan may not help you save money. However, credit counseling tends to be a lower-risk option than other debt relief methods, such as debt settlement or bankruptcy. Credit counseling tends to be less expensive, and won't wreck your credit like debt settlement or bankruptcy would. Credit counseling isn't for everyone. Depending on your situation, one of the following options may be a better fit: If you are dedicated to repaying your debt and are committed to sticking with a DMP, credit counseling can be effective. Researchers from Ohio State University conducted a study in 2022 that found DMP participants reduced their credit card debt by an average of $11,000 after four-and-a-half years, and counseling resulted in sustained reductions in total debt after the DMP was completed. When you enroll in a debt management plan with a credit counseling agency, your credit score may decrease—but not because DMPs have a specific negative effect on their own. According to April Lewis-Parks, director of education and chief communications officer of Consolidated Credit, a nonprofit credit counseling agency, this impact is due to the downstream effects of how DMPs work. "One drawback [of DMPs] can be that you must close the accounts," she said. "Closing several accounts at once will be noted on your credit report, leading to a temporary decrease in your credit score, but ultimately credit scores generally improve during the course of a debt management program." This is because closing credit accounts may increase your overall credit utilization, which is a major factor in credit scoring. The higher your utilization, the worse it is for your credit score. Over time, your score may recover and even improve. In one Ohio State University study, a third of DMP participants saw a significant increase in their credit scores. Credit counseling success depends on several factors. While success rates vary by agency, some agencies reported that 59% to 76% of clients who started a DMP successfully repaid their debt. When you enter into a DMP with a credit counseling agency, the counselor will negotiate with your creditors to attempt to lower the interest rates on your outstanding debt. There’s no guarantee that they will successfully negotiate lower rates. The rates creditors will offer vary, but the new rates can be as low as 7% or better, and the lower rate can help you save money. Credit counseling fees vary by state and agency. Some credit counseling services are free, like initial financial assessments, but other services require fees. Investopedia research found that DMP enrollment fees tend to range from $0 to $99, while ongoing monthly fees range from $0 to $75. However, you may qualify for lower fees based on your financial situation. "[Fees] are calculated by the number of creditors, the amount of debt, and the ability to pay," said Lewis-Parks. "When the counselor evaluates the person’s budget and expenses, including their debt, they can see what the appropriate fee should be." There are many credit counseling agencies, but not all are legitimate or effective. To identify a reputable agency, look for one that is affiliated with the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). You can also find reputable agencies by searching the list of agencies that the U.S. Department of Justice has approved to provide bankruptcy-related services through the U.S. Trustee Program. To determine the best credit counseling services, we reviewed various databases, competitive analyses, consumer behavior, and more, ultimately narrowing down the list to 40 companies, including 17 companies that offer credit counseling services that include debt management plans. We developed a quantitative model where we identified 53 important criteria across five categories. We weighted each category as follows for this article: We then gathered data for the 53 criteria directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. Data were collected between Oct. 19, 2023, and Dec. 18, 2023. This resulted in over 2,000 data points in our rubric, which we used to score and determine the best debt relief companies (including debt settlement and credit counseling services) for people looking to manage and get out of debt. To learn more about our process for finding the best debt relief companies, read our full methodology. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Better Business Bureau. "Apprisen." Charity Navigator. "Apprisen.” Federal Trade Commission. "How to Get Out of Debt." U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Housing Counseling." Charity Navigator. "Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp." Trustpilot. "Cambridge Credit Counseling." InCharge Debt Solutions.“2023 InCharge Debt Solutions Company Overview and 2022 Annual Report.” National Business Research Institute. "InCharge Debt Solutions Recognized for Commitment to Outstanding Customer Service." Trustpilot. "InCharge Debt Solutions." Better Business Bureau. "InCharge Debt Solutions." Better Business Bureau. "Money Management International, Inc." Charity Navigator. "Money Management International." Trustpilot. "Money Management International." Money Management International.“Debt Management Plans”, See Are There Fees Associated with a DMP?. PR Newswire. "American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc. Introduces New Finance App CreditU as Mint Closes Its Doors." Charity Navigator. "American Consumer Credit Counseling." Better Business Bureau. "American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc." American Consumer Credit Counseling. “FAQs,” See What Is the Cost of the Debt Management Program?. Congressional Research Service. "Consumer Credit Reporting, Credit Bureaus, Credit Scoring, and Related Policy Issues." Experian. "Experian 2023 Consumer Credit Review." Federal Trade Commission. "Coping With Debt." National Foundation for Credit Counseling. "How Does Credit Counseling Affect My Credit Score?" Ohio State University. "Credit Counseling and Long-Term Credit Outcomes: Evidence from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s Sharpen Your Financial Focus Program." Experian. "How Much Can a Debt Management Plan Save You?"Best Credit Counseling Services of March 2024
Best Overall : Apprisen
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Great for Bankruptcy and Housing Counseling : Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp.
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Highly Accredited : InCharge Debt Solutions
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Well-Established : Money Management International
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Great for Online Resources : American Consumer Credit Counseling
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Our Expert Recommendation for the Best Credit Counseling Services
Compare the Best Credit Counseling Services
DMP Enrollment Fee DMP Monthly Fee Minimum Debt Required Apprisen Best Overall $0–$45 $0–$45 $0 Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. Great for Bankruptcy and Housing Counseling $40 $30 $0 InCharge Debt Solutions Highly Accredited $75 (average) $33 (average) $1,000 Money Management International Well-Established $0–$75 $0–$59 $0 American Consumer Credit Counseling Great for Online Resources $39 $7–$70 $200 Why You Should Trust Us
In the News
Guide to Choosing the Best Credit Counseling Services
What Is Credit Counseling?
Should You Sign Up for Credit Counseling?
Pros & Cons of Credit Counseling
How to Compare Credit Counseling Services
How to Stay Safe Using Credit Counseling
Alternatives to Credit Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Credit Counseling Worth It?
Will Credit Counseling Hurt My Credit?
What Is the Success Rate of Credit Counseling?
Can a Credit Counselor Lower Your Interest Rate?
How Much Does Credit Counseling Cost?
Are Credit Counseling Companies Legit?
Services We Reviewed
How We Chose the Best Credit Counseling Services
Guide to Credit Counseling Services and Debt Relief
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How Much Does Credit Counseling Cost? Best Debt Relief Companies of March 2024 How Does Credit Card Debt Relief Work? How We Review and Rate Debt Relief Companies InCharge Debt Solutions Review Credit Counseling: What It Means and How It Works
FAQs
What is the highest rated debt relief program? ›
Summary: Best Debt Relief Companies of May 2024
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Money Management International | 4.0 | A+ |
| CuraDebt | 3.9 | A+ |
| New Era Debt Solutions | 3.8 | A+ |
| Freedom Debt Relief | 3.7 | A+ |
May 1, 2024
Summary: Best Credit Counseling Services
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| American Consumer Credit Counseling | 4.6 | Best Overall |
| Apprisen | 4.5 | Best National Coverage |
| GreenPath Financial Wellness | 4.5 | Best for Credit Coaching |
| Consolidated Credit | 4.2 | Best Mobile Option |
May 1, 2024
Summary: Best Debt Consolidation Loans of May 2024
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Current APR Range |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | 4.0 | 11.69% to 35.99% |
| Happy Money | 4.0 | 11.72% to 17.99% |
| Achieve | 4.0 | 8.99% to 35.99% |
| Discover | 4.0 | 7.99% to 24.99% |
May 14, 2024
A reputable credit counseling agency should send you free information about itself and the services it provides without requiring you to provide any details about your situation. If a firm doesn't do that, consider it a red flag and go elsewhere for help.
Are there any legit debt relief programs? ›Generally, experts recommend other debt help options first. But if you decide that debt settlement is right for you, consider National Debt Relief, New Era Debt Solutions, and Freedom Debt Relief first since these companies have the highest customer satisfaction scores.
What is the national debt relief program? ›Founded in 2008, National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that negotiates the reduction of unsecured debt. If you have over $7,500 in unsecured debt, NDR may be able to cut that amount in half.
What is the success rate of credit counseling? ›Completion Rates.
This completion rate exceeds that of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy completion rate of 33% and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling reported completion rate of credit counseling companies at 21%.
The price is clearly stated up-front and there are no hidden fees. No significant consumer complaints have been filed against the agency or its counselors. You can check this with the Better Business Bureau, your state Attorney General or local consumer protection agencies.
How much does Trinity debt management cost per month? ›This fee amount is based on the amount of debt that you have, the payment amount to your creditors and the state that you live in. The fee can be anywhere from $8-$50 per month. The average monthly fee is $34.
What are the top 5 debt consolidation companies? ›- SoFi. : Best debt consolidation loan.
- Oportun. : Best for borrowers with bad credit.
- Best Egg. : Best for secured loans.
- PenFed Credit Union. : Best for low rates and fees.
- Laurel Road. : Best for pre-qualification.
- OneMain Financial. : Best for fast funding.
- LendingClub. ...
- First Tech Federal Credit Union.
May 10, 2024
How to get rid of $30k in credit card debt? ›
How to Get Rid of $30k in Credit Card Debt
- Make a list of all your credit card debts.
- Make a budget.
- Create a strategy to pay down debt.
- Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
- Set goals and timeline for repayment.
- Consolidate your debt.
- Implement a debt management plan.
Aug 4, 2023
A credit counselor can help you. Credit counselors can help you make a budget. Credit counselors also can help you make a plan to repay your debts. Debt relief services companies might offer to help.
What is a risk when using a consumer credit counseling service? ›Hidden risks of consumer credit counseling
Upfront and monthly fees: Even nonprofit agencies may charge fees that add to your financial burden. Less flexibility: Debt management plans can restrict your ability to manage your own finances.
Check the Checklist Before Choosing a Debt Counsellor
- Check the number. ...
- Ask if you can visit their premises. ...
- Ask which payment distribution agency (PDA) they use. ...
- Ask for the debt counsellor's National Credit Regulator registration number. ...
- Sign up only after a full assessment is done.
Apr 5, 2024
Credit counseling offers borrowers a way to repay their debt through a credit counseling agency. It also offers advice regarding your debt and broader financial situation. You should consider credit counseling and debt management plans when your debt is overwhelming and you can't manage your debts.
Is it worth doing a debt relief program? ›Debt relief will also often give you a fixed payment plan and a set payoff date, which can also make it worth considering — as streamlining your payments can make it easier to manage while helping you save money on interest. "One of the biggest advantages of going through a debt relief program is the savings.
What is the success rate of debt relief? ›Completion rates vary between companies depending upon a number of factors, including client qualification requirements, quality of client services and the ability to meet client expectations regarding final settlement of their debts. Completion rates range from 35% to 60%, with the average around 45% to 50%.
Who is better, freedom debt relief or accredited debt relief? ›Both are on our list of the best debt relief companies due to their programs, customer service, and reputations, but overall we generally recommend Freedom Debt Relief over Accredited Debt Relief. They're more alike than they are different, but they differ in fees and program availability.
Who is better, national debt relief or accredited? ›Accredited Debt Relief has a higher debt minimum than National Debt Relief, $10,000 compared to $7,500, so it's only a contender if you have at least that much debt. It's not available in every state. And it tends to charge a higher fee than NDR, usually 25% of the settled debt.