Free and Low-Cost Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies — National and Local Directory.
Nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer free or low-cost help for people dealing with credit card debt, medical bills, housing issues, student loans, and bankruptcy questions. A certified counselor will review your full financial picture, help you understand your options, and — if appropriate — set up a debt management plan (DMP) that consolidates your payments and often reduces interest rates. Most agencies offer services by phone, online, and in person. This page serves as a centralized directory to help people find a non-profit credit counseling agency for in person or phone consultations as well as help borrowers understand what may be available.
- KEY NOTES: Before working with any agency, verify its nonprofit status and look for accreditation from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) (website: https://www.nfcc.org/accreditation-standards/) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) (website: https://fcaa.org). Legitimate agencies never guarantee specific outcomes, never promise to eliminate all debt, and keep fees modest and clearly disclosed upfront.
For a scam warning and tips on what to watch for, see [how to avoid financial assistance scams]. For more detail on how debt management plans work, see a our guide to debt management plan with more information on our plain-English needhelppayingbills NFCC agency profile page.
Finding an Agency Quickly
The fastest way to find a verified nonprofit counselor in your area.
National Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies
The following agencies are verified active as of early 2026, with confirmed phone numbers and websites. Most serve clients nationally by phone and online. Scroll down for state and local agencies.
- Advantage Credit Counseling Service (AdvantageCCS)
A nonprofit founded in 1968 offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling. Available by phone and online nationally. Phone: (866) 699-2227 — Website: https://www.advantageccs.org/.
- American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC)
A national nonprofit offering free credit counseling sessions, debt management plans, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, and financial education. Multiple office locations and phone/online service available. Phone: (800) 769-3571 — Website: https://www.consumercredit.com/.
- Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI)
A North Carolina-based nonprofit serving clients nationally. Offers credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling, student loan counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education. Free initial consultation. Phone: (866) 635-6414 — Website: https://www.cesisolutions.org/.
- Credit.org (formerly Springboard Nonprofit)
A California-based nonprofit offering credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling (HUD-approved), and bankruptcy counseling. Rebranded from Springboard in 2016; some older references still use the Springboard name. Phone: (800) 431-8157 — Website: https://credit.org/.
- GreenPath Financial Wellness
A national nonprofit founded in 1961, NFCC-member and HUD-certified. Offers free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling (including foreclosure prevention), student loan counseling, and bankruptcy counseling. One of the larger national agencies. Phone: (800) 550-1961 — Website: https://www.greenpath.com/.
- InCharge Debt Solutions
A Florida-based national nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education. Serves clients in all 50 states by phone and online. Phone: (800) 565-8953 — Website: https://www.incharge.org/.
- Money Management International (MMI)
One of the largest national nonprofit credit counseling organizations, NFCC-member and HUD-certified. Offers credit counseling, debt management plans, a nonprofit debt resolution plan (for charged-off accounts), housing counseling, student loan counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and disaster recovery counseling. Available 24/7 online and by phone. Phone: (866) 889-9347 — Website: https://www.moneymanagement.org/.
- Pioneer Credit Counseling
A South Dakota-based national nonprofit offering debt management plans, bankruptcy counseling, and financial counseling. Note: Pioneer is not currently licensed to provide debt management services in all states — check their website for current licensing before enrolling. Phone: (800) 888-1596 — Website: https://www.pioneercredit.com/.
- Take Charge America
A Phoenix-based national nonprofit founded in 1987, offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, and financial education. Has helped more than 2 million clients nationwide. New clients: (866) 750-9618 | Existing clients: (866) 528-0588 — Website: https://takechargeamerica.org/.
- Faith-Based Credit Counseling
Several nonprofits offer credit counseling services grounded in faith-based principles, open to people of any religion. See faith and Christian-based credit counseling for more details.
Umbrella Organizations and Locators
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
The largest and oldest nonprofit financial counseling network in the country, founded in 1951. NFCC does not provide counseling directly but connects consumers to its network of accredited member agencies. Use their locator or call to be matched with a local certified counselor. Phone: (800) 388-2227 — Website: https://www.nfcc.org/.
- Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA)
A national association of nonprofit credit counseling agencies. Use their locator to find an FCAA-member agency in your area. Website: https://fcaa.org/find-a-credit-counselor/.
- Better Business Bureau
Check ratings and complaint history on any agency before enrolling: https://www.bbb.org/us/category/credit-and-debt-counseling.
Additional Resources from Credit Counselors
Most nonprofit agencies may also help with some or all of the following.
- Military and veteran counseling: The NFCC's Military OneSource partnership provides free financial counseling to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, including debt management, mortgage issues, and credit repair. See Military OneSource program.
- Emergency savings: Counselors can help clients on tight budgets start or build emergency savings, including guidance for the unbanked. See how to start emergency savings on a low income.
- Financial literacy: Most agencies offer free workshops, budgeting tools, and educational resources. See also free financial literacy help.
Local Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies by State
The national agencies above serve clients in most or all states. In addition, many communities have locally based nonprofit counselors who offer in-person services. Find one in your state:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Want to read what other people are facing or doing around credit and debt help? If you are struggling to get out of debt or rebuild/improve your finances the non-profits above may of course help. But regular people, from across the country, also share resources, tips, and suggestions on living within means. Try our Discussion Forum about credit counseling to hear real examples from people across the country and share resources and more.
Agency information verified early 2026. Phone numbers, services, and state licensing can change — confirm current details directly with each agency before enrolling. This directory does not constitute an endorsement of any specific organization.
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