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How Do I Choose a Credit Counseling Agency?

Choosing a credit counseling agency starts with checking a few key facts: is it a nonprofit, are its counselors certified, is it approved by HUD or the U.S. Department of Justice, does it explain fees clearly, and is it properly licensed in your state? Cambridge Credit Counseling meets each of these standards as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency.

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Look for Nonprofit Status#

A trustworthy credit counseling agency should operate as a nonprofit organization rather than a for-profit business. Cambridge Credit Counseling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency founded in 1996 and headquartered in Agawam, Massachusetts. It is not a loan company and does not lend money.

Check for Certified Counselors#

Ask whether the counselors hold recognized certifications. Counselors at Cambridge Credit Counseling hold certifications such as NFCC Certified Credit Counselor, HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, HUD-Approved Reverse Mortgage Counselor, and PFE Certified Debt Management Professional. Many staff members are also certified through the Partnership for Financial Education, and the agency’s certified counselors have an average tenure of over 14 years.

Confirm HUD and DOJ Approval#

Look for approval from the federal agencies that oversee counseling standards. Cambridge Credit Counseling is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing counseling nationwide, including first-time homebuyer courses. Cambridge Credit Counseling provides foreclosure intervention and default counseling to residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Missouri and Kansas. It is also approved by the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office of United States Trustees to offer pre-filing and post-filing bankruptcy counseling courses online.

Approval by the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office of United States Trustees does not endorse or assure the quality of our services.

Ask About Fees Upfront#

A reputable agency should be clear about what it charges. Cambridge Credit Counseling offers credit counseling as a free service for consumers who are having trouble paying credit card and other unsecured bills.

Check State Licensing#

Because credit counseling agencies work with consumers across the country, licensing matters. As a national agency, Cambridge Credit Counseling is required to maintain the appropriate licenses in every state where it does business, though not all states have licensing requirements.

Look for Professional Membership#

Membership in recognized industry groups shows an agency follows established practices. Cambridge Credit Counseling belongs to groups that hold agencies to a code of conduct.

  • Member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
  • Member of the Financial Counseling Association of America
  • Accredited to the FCAA’s Code of Practice, which governs the actions of credit counseling agencies

What To Do Next#

If you want to compare your options, Cambridge Credit Counseling offers a free credit counseling session for consumers looking for ways out of debt. This gives you a chance to ask about certifications, fees, and approvals directly before you decide.

Common questions

What certifications should a credit counseling agency have?

Look for counselors who hold recognized certifications. Counselors at Cambridge Credit Counseling hold certifications such as NFCC Certified Credit Counselor, HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, HUD-Approved Reverse Mortgage Counselor, and PFE Certified Debt Management Professional, and many staff are also certified through the Partnership for Financial Education.

Is nonprofit status important when choosing a credit counseling agency?

Yes, nonprofit status is one sign of a legitimate agency. Cambridge Credit Counseling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency founded in 1996 that is not a loan company and does not lend money.

Does HUD or DOJ approval matter?

Approval from these agencies shows an organization meets federal standards. Cambridge Credit Counseling is approved by HUD to provide housing counseling nationwide and by the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office of United States Trustees to offer bankruptcy counseling courses.

Should I ask about fees before signing up?

Yes, always ask how a service is billed. Cambridge Credit Counseling offers credit counseling as a free service for consumers who are looking for ways out of debt.

How can I check if an agency is licensed in my state?

Ask the agency directly about its licensing. As a national agency, Cambridge Credit Counseling is required to maintain the appropriate licenses in every state where it does business, though not all states have licensing requirements.

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