TheMoneyCraze

3 picks · editor's ranking

Best Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies of 2026

Nonprofit credit counselors review your budget and debts for free and can set up a debt management plan: one monthly payment, often at lower interest rates negotiated with your card issuers.

Look for agencies that are members of the NFCC, and be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign up on the first call.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026

Advertiser disclosure. Some listings may include affiliate links. If you apply through one, TheMoneyCraze may be compensated at no extra cost to you. This never changes our editorial coverage. Terms change — always confirm current details with the provider. How we make money

Our picks at a glance

PickBest forFeesAction
1NFCC Counselor FinderBest place to startCounseling often free; plan fees vary by stateVisit site — NFCC Counselor Finder (opens in a new tab)
2GreenPath Financial WellnessBest debt management plansFree counseling; modest DMP feesVisit site — GreenPath Financial Wellness (opens in a new tab)
3Money Management InternationalBest all-in-one servicesFree counseling; modest DMP feesVisit site — Money Management International (opens in a new tab)
#1Best place to start

NFCC Counselor Finder

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Best for: Finding a vetted nonprofit counselor near you

Find a vetted member agency in your area or online.

Minimum debt
—
Program length
DMPs typically 3–5 years
Availability
Nationwide
  • Nonprofit
  • Free consultation
  • NFCC member
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Nonprofit member agencies held to set standards
  • Free or low-cost counseling
  • Phone and online options
  • Debt management plans repay what you owe — they don't reduce the balance

Fees

Counseling often free; plan fees vary by state

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#2Best debt management plans

GreenPath Financial Wellness

Nonprofit credit counseling agency

Best for: Nonprofit debt management plans

Free counseling and plans that can lower your card rates.

Minimum debt
—
Program length
DMPs typically 3–5 years
Availability
Nationwide
  • Nonprofit
  • Free consultation
  • NFCC member
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Free counseling session
  • Can negotiate lower card interest rates
  • One monthly payment
  • Enrolled cards are usually closed
  • Doesn't reduce what you owe

Fees

Free counseling; modest DMP fees

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#3Best all-in-one services

Money Management International

Nonprofit credit counseling agency

Best for: Counseling plus housing and bankruptcy education

Debt, housing and bankruptcy counseling under one roof.

Minimum debt
—
Program length
DMPs typically 3–5 years
Availability
Nationwide
  • Nonprofit
  • Free consultation
  • NFCC member
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Free counseling
  • Housing and bankruptcy services under one roof
  • Long track record
  • Doesn't reduce what you owe

Fees

Free counseling; modest DMP fees

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

Debt settlement can seriously damage your credit, may lead to collection activity or lawsuits while accounts are unpaid, and forgiven debt may be taxable. Results aren't guaranteed. By law, settlement companies can't charge fees until they settle a debt. Consider nonprofit credit counseling first.

How we compare providers

Our methodology

We review each provider's published terms and compare them on what matters most. Rankings are editorial: partners can't pay for a better position, and any sponsored link is labelled. Terms change, so every entry shows the date it was last reviewed.

01

Cost

Fees as a share of enrolled debt, or counseling and plan fees.

02

Credit impact

How each approach affects your credit while you're enrolled.

03

Eligibility

Minimum debt, types of debt accepted and state availability.

04

Accountability

Nonprofit status, industry accreditation and fee transparency.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

How much does a debt management plan cost?

Counseling is often free. Plans usually carry a small setup fee and monthly fee, which are capped by state law in many states and can be waived for hardship.

Keep comparing

Best Debt Relief Companies of 2026Compare all providers

Before you decide

Guides worth reading

Debt

Secured vs. Unsecured Debt: Which to Pay First When Money Is Tight

When you can't pay every bill, the type of debt matters. Here's how secured and unsecured debts differ when things go wrong — and how to prioritize without making it worse.

5 min read
Money

How to Build a Monthly Budget That Actually Works

A budget isn't a diet for your wallet — it's a plan for where your money goes. Here's how to build one from your real spending, pick a method that fits, and stick with it.

5 min read