Article
Best Credit Counseling Services in 2026
Get expert financial guidance from certified credit counselors. Our team reviewed the top nonprofit credit counseling agencies for debt management, budgeting help, and financial education.
Financial stress doesn’t have to be permanent. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies provide expert guidance from certified counselors who help you create budgets, manage debt, and build lasting financial health—often for free or low cost.
Our team researched the leading credit counseling services, evaluating certifications, fees, success rates, and client satisfaction. Here are the best credit counseling services for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Agency | Best For | Monthly Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Money Management International (MMI) | Best Overall Credit Counseling | $27 average (max $59) | ★4.8/5 |
| 2. GreenPath Financial Wellness | Best for Client Success Rate | $28 average | ★4.7/5 |
| 3. Cambridge Credit Counseling | Best for Interest Rate Reduction | $30 average (max $50) | ★4.6/5 |
| 4. InCharge Debt Solutions | Best for Military Members | $34 average | ★4.5/5 |
| 5. American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) | Best for Low Fees | $7 per account (max $70) | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) | Best for Nationwide Network | $25 average (max $79) | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Apprisen | Best for Housing Counseling | $30-$50 | ★4.4/5 |
| 8. ClearPoint Credit Counseling | Best for Online Tools | $25-$40 | ★4.3/5 |
| 9. Family Credit Management | Best for Family Finances | $30 average | ★4.2/5 |
| 10. Take Charge America | Best for Student Debt | $25-$35 | ★4.1/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Money Management International (MMI)
Money Management International is the nation's largest nonprofit credit counseling organization, founded in 1997. As an NFCC member, their certified counselors have helped over 2.5 million people repay $10 billion in debt, with clients averaging $48,000 in interest savings and an 84-point credit score boost.
Pros
- ✓Largest nonprofit counseling organization
- ✓Helped 2.5M+ individuals and families
- ✓$10B+ in debt repaid by clients
- ✓Average client saves $48K in interest
- ✓84-point credit score improvement average
Cons
- ✗Monthly fees up to $59 in some states
- ✗Fees vary by state regulations
- ✗DMP requires 3-5 year commitment
GreenPath Financial Wellness
GreenPath Financial Wellness has served clients since 1961 with comprehensive financial counseling and debt management programs. With a 75% success rate for clients completing debt payoff in 3-5 years and free counseling sessions, they partner with hundreds of financial institutions nationwide.
Pros
- ✓75% of clients pay off debt in 3-5 years
- ✓Average savings of $2,500 in interest
- ✓Available in all 50 states
- ✓Partners with 100+ credit unions and banks
- ✓No fees for counseling sessions
Cons
- ✗$35 one-time enrollment fee for DMP
- ✗$28 monthly maintenance fee
- ✗Longer sessions may be needed
Cambridge Credit Counseling
Cambridge Credit Counseling, established in 1996, excels at negotiating interest rate reductions from an average of 22% down to 8%. As a HUD-approved agency and NFCC member, their extensively trained counselors help clients save an average of $140 monthly through debt management plans.
Pros
- ✓Reduces CC rates from 22% to 8% average
- ✓Clients save $140/month on average
- ✓HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency
- ✓NFCC and FCAA member
- ✓Extensive counselor training program
Cons
- ✗Fees vary by state (up to $75/$50)
- ✗May require multiple sessions
- ✗Limited evening availability
InCharge Debt Solutions
InCharge Debt Solutions provides comprehensive credit counseling with specialized programs for military members since 1997. As an NFCC-accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they help 65% of clients eliminate debt in 3-5 years with typical interest savings of $1,500-$4,000.
Pros
- ✓Military-specific debt programs
- ✓65% eliminate debt in 3-5 years
- ✓$1,500-$4,000 average interest savings
- ✓6-12% APR reduction typical
- ✓Free initial counseling included
Cons
- ✗$20-$40 monthly fees (state dependent)
- ✗$25-$50 setup fee required
- ✗Focus on education may lengthen process
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC)
American Consumer Credit Counseling offers the most affordable debt management plans with just $7 per enrolled account monthly (average $25). Founded in 1991, this NFCC nonprofit helped over 4,000 people pay off $96 million in debt during 2024 with transparent, budget-friendly pricing.
Pros
- ✓Lowest monthly fees ($7 per account)
- ✓Average monthly fee just $25
- ✓Helped 4,000+ people in 2024 alone
- ✓$96M+ in debt paid off in 2024
- ✓Simple, transparent pricing
Cons
- ✗Smaller organization than competitors
- ✗Limited additional services
- ✗Basic online tools
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit financial counseling network, founded in 1951. With nearly 1,600 certified counselors in 600 offices across all 50 states, they connect consumers to local member agencies with scholarships for those in need.
Pros
- ✓Oldest nonprofit counseling org (1951)
- ✓1,600+ certified counselors nationwide
- ✓Nearly 600 offices in all 50 states
- ✓Fee waivers available for hardship
- ✓Connects you to local agencies
Cons
- ✗NFCC itself doesn't provide services
- ✗Fees vary by member agency
- ✗Quality varies between agencies
Apprisen
Apprisen provides comprehensive financial counseling since 1999 with particular strength in HUD-approved housing counseling. Their services extend beyond debt management to include student loans, homeownership education, and bankruptcy counseling with certified counselors.
Pros
- ✓HUD-approved housing counseling
- ✓Student loan counseling included
- ✓Comprehensive financial education
- ✓Multi-state service coverage
- ✓Bankruptcy counseling available
Cons
- ✗Fees at higher end of range
- ✗Limited to certain states
- ✗May require in-person visits
ClearPoint Credit Counseling
ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions combines over 50 years of experience with modern technology. Their advanced online platform and mobile app make credit counseling accessible from anywhere, complemented by phone counseling and free credit report reviews.
Pros
- ✓Advanced online platform
- ✓Mobile app for account management
- ✓Free credit report analysis
- ✓Phone and online counseling options
- ✓Over 50 years in operation
Cons
- ✗Less personal than in-person agencies
- ✗Technology focus may not suit everyone
- ✗Limited office locations
Family Credit Management
Family Credit Management specializes in helping entire families achieve financial wellness since 1999. Their unique family-focused approach includes multi-generational counseling, household budget planning, and educational programs designed for all family members.
Pros
- ✓Family-oriented approach
- ✓Multi-generational counseling
- ✓Budget planning for households
- ✓Educational programs for all ages
- ✓Personalized family action plans
Cons
- ✗Limited geographic availability
- ✗Fewer offices than larger agencies
- ✗May require family participation
Take Charge America
Take Charge America has served clients since 1987 with particular expertise in student loan counseling combined with traditional credit counseling. Their specialists understand the unique challenges of education debt and offer comprehensive solutions for graduates managing multiple debt types.
Pros
- ✓Specialized student loan counseling
- ✓Understanding of education debt
- ✓Combined credit and student debt help
- ✓Over 35 years of experience
- ✓Flexible payment options
Cons
- ✗Limited to certain regions
- ✗Smaller counselor network
- ✗May lack broader expertise
How We Evaluate Credit Counseling Services
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate credit counseling agencies. Here’s what we measure:
Certifications and Credentials
We verify official recognition:
- NFCC membership: National Foundation for Credit Counseling accreditation
- HUD approval: Department of Housing and Urban Development certification
- FCAA membership: Financial Counseling Association of America
- Counselor certification: Individual counselor training and credentials
- State licensing: Compliance with state-specific requirements
Service Quality and Scope
We assess counseling capabilities:
- Initial consultation process and duration
- Credit report review and analysis
- Budget development and planning
- Debt management plan options
- Additional services (housing, student loans, bankruptcy)
Fees and Affordability
We evaluate cost structure:
- Free initial consultation availability
- Setup or enrollment fees
- Monthly maintenance charges
- Fee caps and state-by-state variations
- Hardship waivers and scholarship programs
Success Rates and Results
We analyze client outcomes:
- Debt management plan completion rates
- Average debt reduction and time to debt-free
- Interest savings for typical clients
- Credit score improvements
- Client satisfaction and testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a credit counselor do?
Credit counselors review your finances, help create budgets, explain debt relief options, and may enroll you in debt management plans. They negotiate with creditors for lower interest rates and combine payments into one monthly bill. Initial consultations are typically free and last about an hour.
Is credit counseling free?
Initial consultations are always free. If you enroll in a debt management plan, expect setup fees of $25-$75 and monthly fees of $20-$60, depending on your state. Many agencies offer fee waivers for financial hardship. Counseling sessions themselves often remain free.
How is credit counseling different from debt settlement?
Credit counseling agencies negotiate lower interest rates but you repay 100% of debt over 3-5 years with less credit damage. Debt settlement companies negotiate to pay less than you owe (50-80%) with severe credit damage. Credit counseling is typically nonprofit; debt settlement is usually for-profit.
Will credit counseling hurt my credit?
Enrolling in a debt management plan may initially lower your credit score slightly as accounts are closed. However, the impact is much less severe than debt settlement or bankruptcy. Your score typically improves as you make on-time payments and reduce balances.
How long does credit counseling take?
Initial consultations last 30-90 minutes. If you enroll in a debt management plan, expect 3-5 years to complete the program. MMI clients average 84-point credit score improvement upon completion, and GreenPath reports 75% of clients successfully finish their plans.
What credit score do I need?
Credit counseling agencies accept clients regardless of credit score. Unlike debt consolidation loans that require good credit, nonprofit counseling helps people in all financial situations. The goal is to improve your credit over time through the program.
Can I get credit counseling online?
Yes. Most agencies offer phone and online counseling in addition to in-person sessions. Services like ClearPoint offer advanced online platforms and mobile apps. Phone counseling is often more convenient and equally effective as in-person visits.
What’s the difference between NFCC and other agencies?
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is an accreditation organization ensuring member agencies meet quality standards. NFCC agencies employ certified counselors, maintain nonprofit status, and follow strict ethical guidelines. Always verify NFCC or FCAA membership before choosing an agency.