Debt Management Plans and Programs: Pros and Cons - Resolve (2024)

Table of Contents
Got high interest rates? Consider credit counseling. 4 - 5 Years Down to 6% $10 / Month PROS CONS What to consider before enrolling in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) Debt management FAQs How to choose a credit counseling agency Helpful tools FAQs How does saving in interest help me? Why is there a monthly fee for a DMP? Why do I see a range in payment amounts for a DMP? Is debt management the same as debt consolidation? When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car and/or mortgage after a DMP? What will show on my credit report during a DMP? How will my credit score change during and after a DMP? How does a DMP impact my credit score in the beginning? What are the risks of a DMP? What are the benefits of a DMP? Can I do a DMP on my own? How much does a DMP cost? How long does a DMP take? How does a DMP work? What is a debt management plan (or DMP)? Related Articles Student loan deferment vs. forbearance: What’s the difference? What are personal loans and how do they work? Should I use a personal loan to pay off my credit card debt? What is a personal loan forbearance and is it a good idea? Can debt collectors take my house? How can I get a personal loan if my credit is bad? How to deal with credit cards and other debts during the coronavirus crisis Federal student loan relief: what you need to know Is it possible to lower your credit card interest rates? I’m underwater on my house: What does that mean and what are my options? Visa vs. Mastercard: What’s the difference and how do I choose? Here’s the average credit card debt in every state Here’s how one family paid off $109,000 in credit card debt What are credit card hardship programs and how do I know if I’m eligible? Feeling trapped by a debt relief provider? Here’s what to do 6 ways to dig yourself out of holiday debt 6 ways to prevent holiday debt What is the snowball method of paying off debt? Is your debt time-barred? A state-by-state guide to debt statutes of limitations Can being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card help build your credit? Debt avalanche vs. debt snowball: Here’s what you need to know What the national debt means for your children (and your children’s children) Credit card data in 2019: Understanding the trends Do you know the difference between good and bad debt? 5 keys to successful debt consolidation How to get rid of your debt for good 9 ways to avoid student loan debt How to find free money for college 5 steps to rebuild credit after debt management What’s my borrowing limit for student loans? Have a student loan with Navient? Here’s what you need to know Have a student loan with American Education Services (AES)? Here’s what you need to know Here’s what you need to know about repayment options for private student loans How to avoid credit repair scams Federal student loan repayment options explained How to find the right debt management plan (DMP) What happens when you default on a loan from Avant What happens when you default on your SoFi debt? What happens when you default on your Prosper debt? What happens when you default on your Lending Club debt? Online lenders often collect debt differently than traditional banks. Here’s what to consider What’s my best option for consolidating debt? Considering a debt consolidation loan? Here’s what to look for Is ‘pay for delete’ finally going mainstream? Afni: What you need to know United Collection Bureau: What you need to know Client Services, Inc.: What you need to know Alltran: What you need to know Can I get a debt consolidation loan if my credit is bad? This man paid off $46,500 in student loans in two years with this one simple trick How this couple crushed their debt (and how you can, too) Getting married? How to talk about debt before you say I do Can your debt cause you to lose your tax refund? Best debt management program reviews Debt relief vs. credit counseling: Which is right for you? Debt consolidation vs. bankruptcy: What’s the difference? Debt consolidation or Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Which is right for you? How debt management differs from debt consolidation How does a debt management company work? What is debt management? How does saving in interest help me? Why is there a monthly fee for a DMP? Why do I see a range in payment amounts for a DMP? Is debt management the same as debt consolidation? When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car and/or mortgage after a DMP? What will show on my credit report during a DMP? How will my credit score change during and after a DMP? How does a DMP impact my credit score in the beginning? What are the risks of a DMP? What are the benefits of a DMP? Can I do a DMP on my own? How much does a DMP cost? How long does a DMP take? How does a DMP work? What is a debt management plan (or DMP)? FAQs

Debt Management Plans and Programs: Pros and Cons - Resolve (1)

Got high interest rates? Consider credit counseling.

If you are finding it challenging to make a dent in your debt because you have high interest rates on your credit cards and/or loans, you could consider two options. You could take a DIY approach, reaching out to your credit card issuer directly and asking if you’re eligible for a hardship program. These programs can temporarily lower your interest rate and waive fees.

Or you could meet with a credit counselor, who can help you create a budget, find ways to reduce your debt or enroll you in a debt management plan (DMP). Under these plans, a credit counselor works with your creditors to lower your monthly payments by administering a structured repayment plan that often reduces interest rates and waives or reduces any fees or penalties. The actual amount of the debt itself doesn’t change.

Debt Management Plans

4 - 5 Years

Average Plan Length

Down to 6%

Average Interest Rate Reduction

$10 / Month

Average Fee Per Enrolled Debt*

* While fees are state-specific, the most common fee structure is $10 per account enrolled, not to exceed $50.

PROS

  • On average, your interest rate for credit cards and bank loans is reduced to 6%, resulting in lower monthly payments.
  • You'll have access to ongoing support throughout the program to help you succeed.
  • It may be more affordable and have a fixed pay-off time of 60 months or less.
  • You won’t deal with collectors.
  • If you make the agreed-upon payments, you won’t be sued.

CONS

  • They require somewhat consistent monthly payments. A few missed payments could result in the plan ending.
  • You’ll need steady income; these plans last 4–5 years with fixed monthly payments.
  • Accounts enrolled in the plan will be closed, which impacts your age of credit.

What to consider before enrolling in a Debt Management Plan (DMP)

DMPs are for unsecured debt, mainly debt that comes from credit cards and personal loans that aren’t tied to an asset like a house or a car. Each month you deposit money into an account held by the credit counseling agency, which then pays your creditors.

Before enrolling in a DMP, here is a simple calculation you can do to see if you can afford the monthly payments: Add up all your credit card debts that will be in the plan. If you can afford just 2% of the total as a monthly payment, it may be a good option for you. Keep in mind: The DMP will have fixed monthly payments for up to five years. Missing payments could nullify the plan and result in your interest rates returning to their higher levels.

Debt management FAQs

Can I arrange my own DMP?

You cannot arrange a DMP on your own. You must use a credit counseling agency licensed in your state. However, you can contact your creditors individually to see if they offer hardship plans.

What does a DMP cost?

Cost for this service generally ranges from 1.7% to 2.5% of the total balances of your enrolled accounts. These plans are highly regulated, so fees vary by state. A certain percentage of people enrolled in a DMP will not pay a fee. The most common fee structure is $10 per account enrolled, but not to exceed $50. So, if you had 10 different accounts rolled into the plan, you would not pay $100 a month; you would only pay $50. If you had three accounts, your fee would max out at $30 a month. In addition, credit counseling agencies typically have criteria for when they’ll reduce your fees or eliminate fees entirely if you qualify.

Will I save money with a DMP?

On average, your interest rate for credit cards and bank loans is reduced to 6%, which results in lower monthly payments.

How long is a DMP?

The DMP generally lasts four to five years and cannot exceed 60 months.

How does a DMP impact my credit score?

  • Your credit score should not be impacted by participation in a DMP. If you have late payments prior to your DMP, those have already had a negative impact on your credit score.
  • While your credit utilization should come down, which can help your credit score, because your accounts in the plan typically get closed, you will lose some “account type” diversity. This can be replaced later.
  • Because your accounts enrolled in the plan are closed, this impacts your age of credit. However, you can later be added to someone else’s accounts as an authorized user and their age of credit will be transferred to you.

What will appear on my credit reports?

Positive, closed accounts will show on your credit reports after you complete your DMP.

When can I get a loan or a new credit card?

You can apply for student loans, mortgages and car loans while in a DMP, but we recommend waiting until after completing your DMP to apply for new credit cards or other unsecured debt.

How to choose a credit counseling agency

If you decide that a DMP is the right option for you, you’ll need to contact a licensed credit counseling agency in your state. Both the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) are good starting places for finding accredited agencies, which should have counselors certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting.

The FTC cautions consumers to avoid agencies that won’t provide free information about their services without requiring that you provide information about your situation. Once you identify some potential agencies, you can check to see if there are any complaints against them with your state Attorney General and local consumer protection agency. The FTC recommends that you then narrow your list to a few companies you will interview to make your final selection. Some of their recommended interview questions include:

  • What services do you provide?
  • What free educational materials are available?
  • Will you help me resolve my current problem and help me develop a plan to avoid future problems?
  • What are your fees, including set-up or monthly fees?
  • Can I get a quote in writing?
  • What if I can’t afford to pay your fees or make contributions?
  • Will you provide a formal written agreement or contract?
  • Are you licensed to offer your services in my state?
  • What are the qualifications of your counselors? How are they certified and trained?
  • How will you secure my personal information?
  • How are your employees paid?

Helpful tools

Questions to ask a credit counseling agency— The FTC offers a list of questions that can help you select the right credit counseling agency.

Assess your debt calculator — Helps you answer the question, “Do I have too much debt?”

Debt settlement agreement — Build the contract for your settlement documenting the criteria you negotiate with your creditor.

Debt consolidation calculator — Assess if debt consolidation is a viable option for you.

Credit card payment calculator — Discover how long it will take to pay off your current credit card balance.

FAQs

How does saving in interest help me?

March 5, 2019

Why is there a monthly fee for a DMP?

March 5, 2019

Why do I see a range in payment amounts for a DMP?

March 5, 2019

Is debt management the same as debt consolidation?

March 5, 2019

When will I be able to get a credit card, loan, car and/or mortgage after a DMP?

March 5, 2019

What will show on my credit report during a DMP?

March 5, 2019

How will my credit score change during and after a DMP?

March 5, 2019

How does a DMP impact my credit score in the beginning?

March 5, 2019

What are the risks of a DMP?

March 5, 2019

What are the benefits of a DMP?

March 5, 2019

Can I do a DMP on my own?

March 5, 2019

How much does a DMP cost?

March 5, 2019

How long does a DMP take?

March 5, 2019

How does a DMP work?

March 5, 2019

What is a debt management plan (or DMP)?

March 5, 2019

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Debt Management Plans and Programs: Pros and Cons - Resolve (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a debt management plan? ›

If you're struggling to meet regular repayments, a debt management plan (DMP) can take some of the pressure off. But it can also make it hard to borrow money from lenders – this can affect your lifestyle and limit your options.

What is the downside of a debt relief program? ›

Creditors are not legally required to settle for less than you owe. Stopping payments on your bills (as most debt relief companies suggest) will damage your credit score. Debt settlement companies can charge fees. If over $600 is settled, the IRS will view this debt as a taxable income.

Is a debt management program a good idea? ›

A debt management plan could be an ideal option if you seek professional assistance with managing your debt load. You could get out of debt much faster than you would on your own without tanking your credit rating, but you'll likely have to stop using credit while enrolled in the plan.

Are debt resolution programs good? ›

Undergoing the debt settlement process can help you avoid future financial headaches but is not the best choice for every person. There are many drawbacks to debt settlement including high fees, potential for legal issues and a negative impact on your credit report.

Do debt management plans hurt your credit? ›

If you're in a debt management plan (DMP), it may have an impact on your credit rating. This could mean you find it more difficult to get credit in the future.

Can I keep my bank account with a debt management plan? ›

DMPs and Your Bank Account

You can often continue using your current bank account as normal. However, as specialists in DMPs, we recommend that you change your bank account if you have an overdraft that you have used and are now applying for a DMP.

When should you use a debt relief program? ›

For example, you may need credit card debt relief if you're struggling to pay off credit card bills. Or you may be interested in debt consolidation if you have several types of debt to pay off. Credit counseling, debt management plans and debt settlement also fall under the debt relief umbrella.

Can credit card debt be forgiven? ›

Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest. Or the credit card company might write off your debt.

Can I pay off my debt management plan early? ›

You are merely hiring someone to liaise with your creditors and divide your monthly payment between them. If your circ*mstances improve and you find yourself in a better financial position, you can pay off your debt management agreement early.

How long after a debt management plan can I get credit? ›

The debts associated with your DMP may still stay listed on your credit report until the six-year period is up from when they were added – if they have defaulted or there are CCJs associated with them, for example – but the marker for your DMP will be removed.

What is the average interest rate on a debt management plan? ›

Every participating creditor offers their own rates, but in aggregate, the average interest rate for accounts included on a debt management plan with MMI is below 8%.

How much does it cost to use a debt relief program? ›

Here's a quick rundown of the costs you can expect, according to Investopedia research: Debt settlement companies: Typically 14% to 30% of your debt. Credit counseling agencies: Certain services are free, but a debt management plan typically costs from $0 to $35 to set up, with a monthly fee ranging from $0 to $75.

Who is the best debt settlement company? ›

National Debt Relief is the best overall debt settlement company, according to our research. National Debt Relief's low-cost fee structure and referral service make it a top option for people struggling with debts. Our highest-rated debt settlement companies all charge similar fees, ranging from 15% to 25% of the debt.

Are debt consolidation programs worth it? ›

Debt consolidation is ideal when you are able to receive an interest rate that's lower than the rates you're paying for your current debts. Many lenders allow you to check what rate you'd be approved for without hurting your credit score so you can make sure you're okay with the terms before signing on the dotted line.

Do most creditors accept a DMP? ›

Sometimes a creditor will refuse to deal with a DMP provider. This could be because the creditor doesn't want to accept the reduced payments or sometimes it could be because they've objected to you using a fee-charging provider, which would mean there's less money to pay the debts you have with them.

How long does a DMP stay on a file? ›

Instead, each debt in your DMP is marked as either 'AP' (arrangement to pay) or 'defaulted'. A debt with an AP marker stays on your credit report for six years from the date it is settled and a defaulted debt for six years from the first recorded default.

What happens if I use a debt management company? ›

You'll need to send your debt management plan provider a payment each month, usually by Direct Debit. The DMP provider will then pay your creditors on your behalf according to the terms of the plan. You don't have to worry about contacting your creditors to reduce your payments; this'll be done for you.

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