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Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Sep 12, 2024, 2:32pm
Natalie CampisiSenior Staff Writer
Natalie toggles between news stories and enterprise reporting to bring timely personal finance topics to readers. Her mission is to help inform people of all financial backgrounds about events that may affect their financial futures. Her work has app...
Natalie CampisiSenior Staff Writer
Natalie toggles between news stories and enterprise reporting to bring timely personal finance topics to readers. Her mission is to help inform people of all financial backgrounds about events that may affect their financial futures. Her work has app...
Written By
Natalie CampisiSenior Staff Writer
Natalie toggles between news stories and enterprise reporting to bring timely personal finance topics to readers. Her mission is to help inform people of all financial backgrounds about events that may affect their financial futures. Her work has app...
Natalie CampisiSenior Staff Writer
Natalie toggles between news stories and enterprise reporting to bring timely personal finance topics to readers. Her mission is to help inform people of all financial backgrounds about events that may affect their financial futures. Her work has app...
Senior Staff Writer
Caren WeinerPersonal Finance Editor
Since her first tax article appearing more than three decades ago in Money magazine, Caren Weiner has written and edited stories about money management topics ranging from investment fees and health costs to household budgets. Her finance- and invest...
Caren WeinerPersonal Finance Editor
Since her first tax article appearing more than three decades ago in Money magazine, Caren Weiner has written and edited stories about money management topics ranging from investment fees and health costs to household budgets. Her finance- and invest...
Caren WeinerPersonal Finance Editor
Since her first tax article appearing more than three decades ago in Money magazine, Caren Weiner has written and edited stories about money management topics ranging from investment fees and health costs to household budgets. Her finance- and invest...
Caren WeinerPersonal Finance Editor
Since her first tax article appearing more than three decades ago in Money magazine, Caren Weiner has written and edited stories about money management topics ranging from investment fees and health costs to household budgets. Her finance- and invest...
Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Sep 12, 2024, 2:32pm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Credit counseling organizations often provide useful information and help for various financial matters, including debt consolidation services, bankruptcy counseling and housing assistance for buyers, renters and homeowners. Depending on your needs, some of the services may be free, while others may require a fee.
The best credit counseling organizations are transparent about their charges, have a stellar customer service record and employ knowledgeable staff.
Read more
Show Summary
- Best Credit Counseling Services of 2024
- Money Management
- American Consumer Credit Counseling
- Apprisen
- GreenPath Financial Wellness
- Consolidated Credit
- InCharge Debt Solutions
- Summary: Best Credit Counseling Services
- What Are Credit Counseling Services and What Do They Do?
- Things To Try Before Using Credit Counseling
- How To Stay Safe if You Use a Credit Counseling Service
- Bottom Line
- Methodology
Best Credit Counseling Services of 2024
Best for Disaster Recovery Counseling
Money Management International
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Read Our Full Review
Editor's Take
Money Management International received the top score from Forbes Advisor across categories. Its free budget and debt counseling services get glowing customer reviews, plus they offer unique services—such as disaster recovery—that other agencies don’t. In addition, its phone counseling services are available 24/7.
Pros & Cons
- Offers disaster recovery counseling services
- Can provide reverse mortgage counseling
- Has a mobile app for added accessibility
- Though credit counseling is free, debt management services are fee-based
Details
- Post-disaster financial recovery counseling
- Personalized assistance for disaster survivors through Project Porchlight
- Student loan counseling
Best For National Coverage
American Consumer Credit Counseling
4.6
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Editor's Take
American Consumer Credit Counseling offers debt management plans as well as housing-related guidance to consumers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You can start with a free counseling session in which a certified credit counselor reviews your budget, debt and financial goals. ACCC also offers student loan counseling, which is not available through all nonprofit counseling organizations.
Pros & Cons
- Offers student loan counseling
- Free session with a certified counselor
- Debt management program fees are relatively low (a one-time $39 enrollment fee plus a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $7 to $70 per account)
- Customer service hours are limited
- Pricing is not fully disclosed on the website
Details
- Free consultation with a certified debt specialist
- Consolidate credit card bills into one monthly payment
- Housing counseling services for a variety of situations
Best For A Mix Of Services
Apprisen
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Editor's Take
Apprisen has several programs tailored to specific financial needs and goals, including Propel, its subscription-based financial health program, and IRIS, a free online financial assessment service.
Pros & Cons
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Consumers can choose from an array of financial services
- Free assessments available
- Financial action plans can take up to three days to receive
- Specialists’ weekend availability is quite limited
Details
- Free custom financial assessment
- On-demand financial coaching services
- Student loan counseling
Best for Credit Coaching
GreenPath Financial Wellness
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Editor's Take
GreenPath Financial Wellness has an easy-to-navigate, consumer-friendly website. It also offers online and over-the-phone counseling services in all 50 states and in-person services in select locations.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive housing help for renters, buyers and owners
- Brick-and-mortar offices
- 60 years in business
- Average costs of debt management plan are $28 per month and a setup fee of $35
- $199 fee for reverse-mortgage counseling
Details
- Counseling for homeowners and renters
- Free debt counseling
- Helped more than 18,000 households avoid foreclosure in 2022
Best Mobile Option
Consolidated Credit
4.2
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Editor's Take
Consolidated Credit has been in business since 1993 and offers a particularly wide range of financial counseling services and tools online. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.
Pros & Cons
- Offers a wide variety of free online resources
- Interactive courses and calculators
- The website is not well organized
Details
- Apps available for Android and iPhone
- Free credit counseling with a certified professional
- First-time home buyer counseling
Best For Online Resources
InCharge Debt Solutions
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Editor's Take
InCharge Debt Solutions is a one-stop shop for credit counseling services nationwide. Consumers can get a free counseling session and work on a host of financial issues, including bankruptcy and student loan debt.
Pros & Cons
- Offers bankruptcy counseling
- Can help clients fend off eviction
- Customer service hours are limited
- Fees vary based on your state and amount of debt
Details
- Online bankruptcy classes are available
- Free credit counseling services with certified professionals
- Foreclosure and eviction prevention counseling available
Summary: Best Credit Counseling Services
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating - Image | Best For | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Money Management International |  | 5.0 |  | Best for Disaster Recovery Counseling | Learn More | Read Our Full Review | |
| American Consumer Credit Counseling |  | 4.6 |  | Best Overall | View More | ||
| Apprisen |  | 4.5 | | Best National Coverage | View More | ||
| GreenPath Financial Wellness |  | 4.5 | | Best for Credit Coaching | View More | ||
| Consolidated Credit | | 4.2 |  | Best Mobile Option | View More | ||
| InCharge Debt Solutions |  | 4.0 | | Best Online Resources | View More |
What Are Credit Counseling Services and What Do They Do?
Credit counseling services are usually nonprofit agencies that assist people with meeting financial goals or handling money problems. The counselors typically have a personal finance certification from an organization such as the Council on Accreditation. A counselor will analyze your financial situation and give you options for meeting your goals—whether they include paying down debt or buying a house.
Often, the initial counseling session is free. This first session may include a deep dive into your finances to help you make an action plan. However, if you decide to consolidate your debt, the counseling organization may charge a fee for that service.
Credit counseling can include:
- A comprehensive review of your finances and credit score
- Help in developing a budget
- Educational materials and workshops
- A debt management plan to pay down your debts
- Student loan, housing and bankruptcy counseling
Things To Try Before Using Credit Counseling
Some people may steer clear of credit counseling because they assume that it automatically means debt consolidation. Consolidation is not a requirement.
Other alternatives to debt consolidation are making minimum payments on the debt until you can afford to pay more, or transferring your debt to a low-interest credit card. These options will likely save your credit score, which can be important if you’re looking for a job or getting a mortgage.
How To Stay Safe if You Use a Credit Counseling Service
When looking for a credit counseling service, you’ll want to ensure they have a good reputation and employ certified credit counselors. Reputable credit counseling agencies will be transparent about their fees. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, if a credit counseling agency insists on getting your personal information or money before giving you information about their services, consider that a red flag.
Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with debt or just need financial guidance, a credit counseling agency can be a great resource. Take time to research various agencies before choosing one; reading reviews and getting word-of-mouth recommendations are two good places to start.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Financial Counseling Association of America maintain lists of accredited credit counseling agencies. The Department of Justice also publishes a state-by-state list of approved credit counseling agencies.
Methodology
Forbes Advisor compared the top credit counseling services on the market today to find the best options for the largest number of consumers. We considered each organization’s variety of services, cost for services, customer reviews and overall consumer experience. To assess the overall experience, we looked at the availability of online chat, apps and personalized dashboards.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Senior Staff Writer
Natalie toggles between news stories and enterprise reporting to bring timely personal finance topics to readers. Her mission is to help inform people of all financial backgrounds about events that may affect their financial futures. Her work has appeared in numerous publications such as CNBC, Bankrate, Buzzfeed, ABC Action News, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press and the Tampa Bay Times. She’s appeared on various podcasts and news shows to discuss personal finance topics, including Nasdaq’s Trade Talks.
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The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
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