How to Find a Reputable Credit Counseling Service in Your State

Credit scams tend to abound these days, and unscrupulous credit counseling services can rip off unsuspecting consumers-especially since consumer debt management is a highly profitable business. However, there are credit counseling services in your state with untainted reputations who offer high-quality debt management services for FREE or at reasonable prices. These tips will help you find a reputable credit counseling service in your area.

Instructions

1

Check out the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Services (NFCCS) website to see which of its members have offices in your state and within 50 miles of your zip code. NFCCS is a non-profit organization that provides detailed information on credit counseling and has a list of approved member agencies that offer solid debt management advice and assistance (see resources below).

2

The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a list of certified consumer credit counseling agencies as part of its education process for those who are applying for bankruptcy. This list is updated regularly and is categorized by state (see resources below for address). You can use this list to find an approved credit counseling service in your area even if you are not filing for bankruptcy.

3

Check to see if any non-profit agency you select is a member of The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA). This national organization sets industry standards and provides compliance oversight for its members (see resources below).

4

ALWAYS check to see if the credit counseling service you select is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB provides standards and best practices for its member businesses that demonstrate how they should treat the public in a fair and honest manner.

5

Choose three to five agencies to evaluate for final selection. Prepare a list of questions to ask in order to narrow your search. You will want to get answers to questions about fees and timing of payments, online access, experience of credit counselors, the amount of information you will have to prepare, and anything else you would like to know about the credit counseling process.