Credit.org Reviews

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Updated: 07/19/2023

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About Credit.org

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Founded in 1974, Credit.org is a nonprofit organization that provides financial education and counseling services nationwide. Its team of more than 50 financial coaches is available for both free and paid debt management programs in English and Spanish. As a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), its services are available to anyone regardless of income or financial situation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free consultation and programs
Spanish available

Cons

Not all debt is eligible

What is Credit.org?

Credit.org offers a variety of both free and low-cost services for financial counseling, including help with credit and debt, budgeting, housing and bankruptcy. It also provides educational resources on credit scores, identity theft and money management.

The debt management plan (DMP) through Credit.org will help you get control of unsecured debts, such as credit cards, small medical bills and debts in collection. It cannot help with student loan debt, mortgages or tax debt.

How does Credit.org work?

All services start with a free consultation. If you sign up for a DMP, you can expect a free session with one of Credit.org’s financial coaches to determine if you are a good fit for the program. You will also receive free educational resources at this time.

If your debt situation suits a DMP, Credit.org will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf to create a payment schedule that works with your budget and keeps you in good standing. Each month, you will get a progress report through your online account until all your debt is repaid.

Credit.org products and services

Credit.org offers help for credit building and debt management. For those who are on the brink of bankruptcy, it also offers pre-filing and post-bankruptcy counseling approved by the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST).

Here is what you can expect from Credit.org:

Credit building

With free credit counseling services, a financial coach can offer a complete overview of your finances and suggest the best steps for managing debt and improving your budget. Most of the credit counseling services are available for free, but if you would like to review your credit report and get advice on how to improve your credit, that cost is $49.

Debt relief

Both debt counseling and DMP services are offered through Credit.org. For those that do not qualify for a DMP, it will point you to debt settlement DIY resources that will empower you to negotiate with creditors on your own. It is also available for credit rebuilding help afterward.

Housing assistance

Whether you are getting a reverse mortgage or need rental assistance, Credit.org offers many free services and educational resources. It offers a free homebuyer orientation, as well as a $15 homebuyer class for first-time buyers.

Bankruptcy counseling

In order to file for bankruptcy, you will need to complete EOUST-approved counseling. Credit.org offers counseling before filing and after bankruptcy to ensure you know what is happening every step of the process. Sessions are usually around 90 minutes, and fees can be reduced or waived for those who need financial assistance.

How much does Credit.org cost?

Many of Credit.org’s services are free, but some programs do have a minimal cost. Unlike competitors, Credit.org offers a free DMP option for some clients. If you are struggling financially, the company might be able to waive or reduce other fees as well.

Review your credit report with a financial coach: $49
Bankruptcy counseling: Between $35 to $49 depending on the program
DMPs: Setup fee and monthly fee vary by state
Homebuyer class: $15

Credit.org FAQ

Will a DMP affect my credit?

You do not need good credit to use a DMP, nor will using one affect your credit directly, according to Credit.org. However, because of the nature of a DMP, things will change on your credit report (such as canceling accounts), which can initially negatively impact your score. The goal is to decrease your debt burden and increase your credit score over time.

Can I keep any of my credit cards if I enroll in a DMP?

No. The DMP option requires you to close all of your credit cards. On rare occasions, some individuals are allowed to keep one credit line open for emergencies or business purposes.

Can I pick and choose which debts I enroll in a DMP?

No. Once you agree to the program, all of your eligible debts will be treated the same. If you feel like you have some debts that are easily manageable, it is best to tackle those yourself before enrolling in a DMP.

What’s the difference between a debt management plan and debt settlement?

A DMP helps you repay your debts and will eventually boost your credit score and help you remain in good standing with creditors. Debt settlement is available for those who are not eligible for a DMP, but it does come with negative credit consequences. With debt settlement, you stop paying your creditors until a payoff negotiation can be reached. This is recommended as the last resort before bankruptcy.

Is Credit.org legit?

Credit.org is a legitimate nonprofit organization with accreditations from the Council on Accreditation and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. It says that it has a 98% satisfied client rating and has completed more than 5.2 million sessions of financial counseling.

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Credit.org Company Information

Company Name:: Credit.org
Website:: credit.org