8 Best Credit Counseling Agencies of 2026

This list is for people with credit card debt who want a nonprofit credit counselor and, if it fits, a debt management plan (DMP): one monthly payment to the agency, which pays your creditors at lower negotiated interest rates. We compared documented features and published fees on each agency's own site in November 2026; we did not enroll in any plan. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Value reflects published DMP fees, features cover plan length, support and tools, and ease of use reflects how simple it is to start. DMP fees are set or capped by state law, so the figure you are quoted can differ from the averages shown here. Cambridge Credit Counseling and Apprisen were considered but their sites could not be checked from our location, so they are not ranked.

1. 01Top value

   

   GreenPath Financial Wellness

   9.0/10

   National nonprofit credit counseling agency, in operation since 1961, that runs a Debt Management Program for credit card debt.

   Price

   $31average monthly fee

   Free counseling session; DMP averages a $35 one-time enrollment fee and $31 a month

   “On average, GreenPath clients are charged a one-time enrollment fee of $35 and a $31 monthly fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   9.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.8

   Best forpeople with several credit cards who want a counselor and a support team for the whole plan

   GreenPath Financial Wellness ranks first because it combines the lowest published average fees on this list with the most support during the plan. GreenPath says its clients pay a one-time enrollment fee of $35 and a monthly fee of $31 on average, and that fees depend on your state and how much you owe. The first step is a free, no-obligation session with a HUD- and NFCC-certified counselor who reviews debts, income and expenses. If a Debt Management Program fits, you deposit money each payday into a GreenPath account and GreenPath pays your creditors. GreenPath reports average savings of $217 a month in minimum payments and $33,000 in interest charges. Enrolled clients get a Client Success Team, 24/7 access to an online portal and a private online community. The limits apply to every DMP: you need to keep paying for 3 to 5 years, and secured debts such as car loans are not included.

   • ✓Lowest published averages here: $35 to enroll and $31 a month
   • ✓GreenPath says the DMP saves $217 a month in minimum payments on average
   • ✓Works with banks, credit unions, medical providers and collection agencies

   • ✕Fees vary by state of residence and debt amount, so your fee may differ from the average
   • ✕A DMP takes 3 to 5 years of steady monthly payments
   • ✕Covers unsecured debt only, not car loans or mortgages

   Average enrollment fee:

   $35

   Average monthly fee:

   $31

   Typical plan length:

   3 to 5 years

   Nonprofit since:

   1961

   Counselor certification:

   HUD and NFCC

   Bottom line: GreenPath Financial Wellness is the best choice for most people with credit card debt because its DMP averages a $35 enrollment fee and $31 a month and comes with a dedicated Client Success Team. Pick another agency only if one quotes you a lower fee in your state.

   Visit greenpath.com ↗

2. 02

   

   Money Management International

   8.9/10

   Nonprofit credit counseling agency (MMI) that offers debt management plans with an online financial review.

   Price

   $35average monthly fee

   Free online review; DMP averages a $38 set-up fee and $35 a month

   “On average, clients pay a $38 set-up fee and a $35 monthly fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.6

   Features (35%)

   9.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.1

   Best forpeople who want to start a plan online and keep one credit card open

   Money Management International is the strongest choice for people who would rather start online than on the phone. MMI says the first review of your debts, expenses and income can take less than 15 minutes, and if the proposed plan looks right you can sign and make the first deposit almost immediately. MMI then works with creditors to lower interest rates and set one monthly payment, with most plans finishing in five years or less. Its published averages are a $38 set-up fee and a $35 monthly fee, which vary by where you live and how much you owe. Two details stand out for card holders: you can keep one credit card account open during the plan, and MMI reports an 82 point average score improvement after successful completion. The trade-offs are fees slightly above GreenPath's average and a possible early dip in your score as accounts close.

   • ✓Fast online start: you can sign and make the first deposit almost immediately
   • ✓MMI reports an 82 point average credit score improvement after completing a plan
   • ✓Delinquent accounts may be treated as current after a number of DMP payments

   • ✕Average fees of $38 to set up and $35 a month are a little above GreenPath's
   • ✕MMI states plainly that there are no free debt management plans
   • ✕Your credit score may dip at the start as card accounts are closed

   Average set-up fee:

   $38

   Average monthly fee:

   $35

   Typical plan length:

   Five years or less

   Cards kept open:

   One

   Average score change after completion:

   82 points (MMI figure)

   Bottom line: Money Management International is the best choice for people who want to set up a DMP online because its review takes under 15 minutes and you may keep one card open. Fees average $38 to start and $35 a month.

   Visit moneymanagement.org ↗

3. 03

   

   American Consumer Credit Counseling

   8.7/10

   Nonprofit NFCC member agency (ACCC) that publishes a per-account monthly fee for its debt management program.

   Price

   $7per account per month, $70 maximum

   Free counseling; $39 one-time enrollment fee and $7 per account a month, capped at $70 (average $25)

   “There is also a monthly maintenance fee of $7 per account with a minimum of $7* and a maximum of $70.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.3

   Features (35%)

   8.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.3

   Best forpeople with only a few cards who want the fee spelled out before they call

   American Consumer Credit Counseling ranks third because it publishes the most transparent fee formula of any agency here. ACCC charges a one-time enrollment fee of $39 and a monthly maintenance fee of $7 per account, with a minimum of $7 and a maximum of $70, and says its clients pay $25 a month on average. Someone with three cards would pay about $21 a month under that formula. ACCC says fees may be waived or reduced depending on state rules, financial hardship or active duty in the US military. The agency is an NFCC member, says it has offered credit counseling for over 25 years, and says plans typically finish in under five years. The weak points are the per-account formula, which costs more if you owe on many cards, and fewer online plan tools than the top two. When we checked, ACCC's site also carried a notice that phone lines may be hard to reach, with its online form offered instead.

   • ✓Clearest published pricing on this list
   • ✓Average monthly maintenance fee for clients is $25
   • ✓Plans typically finish in under five years

   • ✕With 10 or more accounts the fee reaches the $70 cap
   • ✕Fewer published plan tools than GreenPath or MMI
   • ✕ACCC's site showed a notice about a nationwide phone issue when we checked

   Enrollment fee:

   $39

   Monthly fee:

   $7 per account, $70 maximum

   Average monthly fee:

   $25

   Typical plan length:

   Under five years

   Accreditation:

   NFCC member

   Bottom line: American Consumer Credit Counseling is the best choice for people with a few cards because it charges $7 per account a month with a $70 cap and a $39 enrollment fee. With many accounts, compare its total against GreenPath's $31 average.

   Visit consumercredit.com ↗

4. 04

   

   InCharge Debt Solutions

   8.6/10

   NFCC accredited nonprofit, in operation since 1997, that runs debt management programs for credit card debt.

   Price

   $34average monthly fee

   Free counseling; DMP averages $34 a month plus a set-up fee averaging $52

   “On average, the monthly fee is $34, depending on which state you live in and the size of your debt.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.5

   Features (35%)

   8.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forpeople who want a shorter plan and an online account to track it

   InCharge Debt Solutions is a close fourth with a solid plan and good tracking tools. The process starts with a free 20 to 30 minute call with a certified credit counselor, who checks whether a debt management program or another option fits. InCharge says its plans typically last 24 to 48 months, which is shorter than the 3 to 5 years most agencies quote, and its online account lets you review payments, update balances and track progress at any hour. On cost, InCharge reports an average monthly fee of $34 and a one-time set-up fee averaging $52, both varying by state. It has been a nonprofit since 1997, is NFCC accredited, and says it has helped more than a million people repay $3.4 billion in debt. The main drawbacks are the higher set-up fee and the rule that enrolled credit card accounts must be closed.

   • ✓Shorter typical plan length than most agencies here: 24 to 48 months
   • ✓Says it has helped more than a million people repay $3.4 billion in debt
   • ✓A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, per InCharge

   • ✕Average set-up fee of $52 is the highest published here
   • ✕Creditors require you to close enrolled credit card accounts
   • ✕Fees vary by state and debt size

   Average monthly fee:

   $34

   Average set-up fee:

   $52

   Typical plan length:

   24 to 48 months

   Nonprofit since:

   1997

   Accreditation:

   NFCC

   Bottom line: InCharge Debt Solutions is the best choice for people who want to finish fast because its plans typically last 24 to 48 months. Expect about $34 a month and a $52 average set-up fee.

   Visit incharge.org ↗

5. 05

   

   Advantage Credit Counseling Service

   8.4/10

   Nonprofit credit counseling agency (Advantage CCS) helping consumers with debt since 1968, with free online counseling.

   Price

   $10per month, $10 to $50 by state and creditors

   Free counseling; $50 set-up fee and $10 to $50 a month depending on state and number of creditors

   “The monthly fees can range from $10 to $50 depending on the state you live in and how many creditors are on the program.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.6

   Features (35%)

   8.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forpeople who prefer to do the first counseling session online at any hour

   Advantage Credit Counseling Service suits people who want to start without a phone call. Its online credit counseling system is free and available 24/7, and phone counseling with a certified credit counselor is also free. If a debt management program fits, Advantage charges a one-time set-up fee of $50 and a monthly fee of $10 to $50, depending on your state and how many creditors are in the plan, and says most agencies waive fees for clients who meet income criteria. The plan aims to reduce interest rates, end late and over-limit fees and clear unsecured debt in three to five years. Advantage has helped consumers since 1968 and reports $1.2 billion in debt eliminated and more than 400,000 clients counseled. The downsides: the set-up fee is higher than at the top three, and its FAQ lists only ACH, money order or certified check as payment methods.

   • ✓Monthly fee starts at $10 in some states
   • ✓More than 50 years of service, since 1968
   • ✓Says it has helped eliminate $1.2 billion in debt for 400k+ clients counseled

   • ✕$50 set-up fee is above GreenPath, MMI and ACCC averages
   • ✕Monthly fee rises to $50 with more creditors in some states
   • ✕Listed payment methods are ACH, money order or certified check

   Set-up fee:

   $50

   Monthly fee:

   $10 to $50

   Typical plan length:

   3 to 5 years

   In service since:

   1968

   Online counseling:

   Free, 24/7

   Bottom line: Advantage Credit Counseling Service is the best choice for people who want to do counseling online at any hour because its online system is free and open 24/7. DMP fees run $50 to start and $10 to $50 a month.

   Visit advantageccs.org ↗

6. 06

   

   Consolidated Credit

   8.3/10

   Nonprofit NFCC member credit counseling agency with a debt management program and a full fee waiver for military families.

   Price

   $40average monthly fee

   Free debt analysis; average client pays about $40 a month, capped at $79 by state rules

   “The average client pays about $40 a month.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.0

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.5

   Best formilitary service members and their families with card debt

   Consolidated Credit is the clear pick for military households. It gives service members and their families a full waiver of program setup fees, and its free counseling session reviews your debts, credit and budget before any enrollment. The debt management program needs no loan and no minimum credit score, combines unsecured debt into one payment, and typically takes three to five years. Fees are built into that single monthly payment. For civilians, cost is the weak point: Consolidated Credit says the average client pays about $40 a month, the highest average on this list, though fees vary by state and are limited to $79 a month. It is a nonprofit and an NFCC member, and its site compares a 22.36% average card APR from Federal Reserve data with the 0% to 10% rates typical on its plans. Civilians with few cards may find a lower fee at GreenPath or ACCC.

   • ✓Military families pay no program fees
   • ✓Monthly fee capped at $79 under state limits
   • ✓NFCC member nonprofit

   • ✕Highest average monthly fee here, about $40
   • ✕Setup fees may apply for non-military clients
   • ✕3 to 5 year commitment

   Average monthly fee:

   About $40

   Monthly fee cap:

   $79

   Military fee waiver:

   Full waiver

   Typical plan length:

   3 to 5 years

   Accreditation:

   NFCC member

   Bottom line: Consolidated Credit is the best choice for military families because service members and their families get a full fee waiver. Civilians pay about $40 a month on average, so compare quotes.

   Visit consolidatedcredit.org ↗

7. 07

   

   Take Charge America

   7.9/10

   Nonprofit credit counseling organization with an education-first approach to debt management plans.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.6

   Features (35%)

   8.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forpeople who want budgeting education alongside their repayment plan

   Take Charge America ranks seventh mainly because it does not publish its plan fees, which weighs on value in our scoring. The service itself is a standard nonprofit debt management plan: a free one-on-one session with a certified counselor who reviews income, expenses and debts, then outreach to participating creditors to seek lower interest rates and waived late or over-limit fees, and one monthly payment that Take Charge America distributes. Most plans last three to five years. The organization describes itself as education first, and lists free financial wellness webinars, a debt calculator and housing and bankruptcy counseling. Its online tool is available at any hour and saves your progress. It also says it helps people who are already behind. The cons are typical of DMPs, with the addition of fees you only learn about in counseling, so ask for a written fee figure before you enroll.

   • ✓Focus on financial education, not only repayment
   • ✓Helps people who are already behind on payments
   • ✓Housing and bankruptcy counseling also offered

   • ✕Does not publish its DMP fees on the plan page
   • ✕Not all creditors participate
   • ✕Requires consistent monthly payments for 3 to 5 years

   Counseling:

   Free one-on-one session

   Typical plan length:

   3 to 5 years

   Online access:

   24/7, save progress

   Published DMP fee:

   Not published

   Bottom line: Take Charge America is the best choice for people who want financial education with their DMP because it runs free webinars and calls itself education first. Ask for its fee in writing, since the plan page does not list it.

   Visit takechargeamerica.org ↗

8. 08

   

   Debt Reduction Services

   7.8/10

   Nonprofit debt relief organization, also known as Moneyfit, licensed in all 50 states.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.5

   Features (35%)

   7.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forpeople in states where smaller agencies are not licensed

   Debt Reduction Services, which also operates as Moneyfit, rounds out the list. It is a nonprofit licensed in all 50 states and offers a free, no-obligation consultation with a certified credit counselor plus an online calculator that estimates a new monthly payment. Its debt management program uses preset terms with creditors to seek reduced interest rates, waived fees and extended payment terms, and you make one monthly payment that the agency sends to creditors. The site says there may be a one-time setup fee specific to your state but does not publish a figure, which is why it scores lowest on value. It also states plainly that debt under $1,000 may be better paid on your own and that secured debts such as house or car loans cannot be included. Choose it if a higher ranked agency cannot serve your state, and ask for the fee in writing first.

   • ✓Serves every state
   • ✓No minimum credit score requirement
   • ✓Offers guidance even for small unsecured balances

   • ✕Does not publish a fee figure on its program pages
   • ✕Says debt under $1,000 may be better paid on your own
   • ✕Cannot include secured debts such as homes or cars

   Licensing:

   All 50 states

   Consultation:

   Free, no obligation

   Setup fee:

   May apply, varies by state

   Published DMP fee:

   Not published

   Bottom line: Debt Reduction Services is the best choice for people whose state is not served by smaller agencies because it is licensed in all 50 states. Its fees are not published, so ask for a written figure.

   Visit debtreductionservices.org ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.