Credit counseling is defined as a service developed to help those who are struggling financially to create a pathway out of debt. It is often viewed as an essential first step in restoring the financial health of a household. Those who receive credit counseling can expect to be shown ways they can correct the cause of their troubles, improve their budget, and proceed with any debt relief options they may qualify for. Besides helping households avoid a devastating bankruptcy, it can also provide whatever financial education may be needed.

Credit counseling can offer a safe place to talk about debt as well as helpful information to anyone who chooses to participate in a consultation.

Because this type of counseling addresses sensitive topics, it can only be provided by companies that have received licensing through the states in which they operate. Professionals who claim to perform credit counseling must be certified to do so. Never share personal information with a company that cannot verify that they meet these regulations.

History of Credit Counseling Services

Credit counseling came about in the 1950s when personal bankruptcies were on the rise. Creditors were worried by the number of households who could not repay their debt.

As a solution to this problem, they formed an organization called the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (now known as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling) and created a service that would make debt repayment possible.

Over time, the credit counseling definition evolved adding more benefits for consumers. Additionally, more organizations emerged making these services more accessible. Together, with the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), these organizations sought to further develop counseling and other free resources to educate the public about credit and general money management.

Is credit counseling bad for my credit?

Credit counseling, which might include multiple consultations, or a credit pull on your behalf, does not have a direct impact on your credit.

If, however, a participant in credit counseling chooses to enroll in a debt management plan (DMP), they can expect their credit to be affected in a few different ways.

First, DMPs often require that all credit accounts be closed. Because a credit score is based on factors such as credit availability and length of history, closing accounts can cause a dip in the score awarded. This is often temporary. Credit scores bounce back as a debtor becomes current on credit payments and eventually pays their balances in full.

The second way that debt management programs affect credit is only considered to be harmful by some. Participation in a plan to repay debt can be noted in one’s credit report.

Future lenders may look at this note and consider it a warning sign that they shouldn’t lend the participant money. Others may view it positively as an indication the participant is taking steps to complete an honest repayment and restore their financial health.

In either case, those seeking help with debt should be aware of what short and long-term effects on credit might result from the services offered.

How does credit counseling work?

Credit counseling is an easy process to start. If you can, begin by gathering your debt and credit information and take a moment to review it before reaching out to a company for help. Once you’ve prepared, set up a consultation with a credit counselor to address the next steps together.

These fees vary from company to company but cannot exceed restrictions set by each individual state. A legitimate debt management program will not charge more than 15% of your monthly debt payment. In cases of extreme need, credit counseling agencies can waive the costs of managing a borrower’s debt.

When should I seek credit counseling?

Anyone who feels overwhelmed by their debt should not hesitate to reach out for help. To see if this service is the help you’re looking for, check out our list of signs that credit counseling will benefit you.

Who can provide credit counseling & where can I find them?

Perhaps you haven’t run into a credit counselor previously, but they are easier to find than you might expect.

You can visit the website of either the FCAA or the NFCC to do a quick search for credit counseling organizations in your area. If you want an unfiltered list of agencies, the Department of Justice provides an alphabetical list by the state for this purpose.

Even if there are no physical branches in your area, a well-equipped nonprofit can provide credit counseling over the phone.

Once you’ve found a few options, be sure to compare their ratings and reviews with the Better Business Bureau.

If you have additional questions, start a conversation with one of our credit counseling experts today. They are here to offer you the support you need to resolve your credit and debt challenges.