Skip to content
Debt management program fees provide the money needed to operate the nonprofit credit counseling agencies that provide this service to consumers.
Though the agencies are nonprofit, they must still generate enough income to pay employees, buy equipment and manage the programs that provide solutions to people struggling with debt.
Debt management plans simplify the bill-paying experience by consolidating credit card debt into one payment at a monthly rate you can afford.
The process starts with credit counseling from a team of certified financial counselors like those at InCharge Debt Solutions. The counselors review your income and expenses, help you develop a budget and offer debt-relief options. There is no charge for that service. It is free!
A debt management plan is one of the most effective debt-relief options for credit card debt. It is customized for each individual based on the amount of debt owed. It may reduce the interest rate on your debt and lower the monthly payment.
Debt Management Program Fees
The fees associated with debt management are governed by state laws based on where you reside.
The average monthly fee at InCharge is $34.
If you decide to enroll in a debt management program, most agencies will charge a one-time set-up fee averaging $52, though this can vary by state.
The money saved by having your interest rate reduced and late payment or over-the-limit fees waived for participating in the program, will more than cover the cost of the fees.
Why Do You Charge a Fee?
The agencies that offer debt management programs are nonprofit organizations, but still need money to deal with the cost of providing credit counseling, administering the debt management program, and creating materials used online and in community workshops to educate consumers on debt.
InCharge Debt Solutions is a nonprofit credit counseling organization, serving more than 100,000 people each year with free financial counseling. InCharge counselors work with creditors to arrive at a monthly payment that consumers can afford and monitor the consumer’s payments to make sure there is progress in the program. The counselors are certified by the National Foundation of Credit Counseling and must go through training every year to offer financial advice.
Your monthly fee not only pays to defray the cost of counseling and maintenance on your account, but supports our financial education outreach to military, children, college students and low-income single parents.
Choosing the Right Debt Management Agency for You
If you want a successful outcome with a debt management program, it is vital that you establish a good working relationship with a qualified credit counselor, like the ones at InCharge Debt Solutions.
A certified counselor will teach you about the importance of creating a budget that accurately reflects your income and can comfortably meet your expenses. They will give you access to workbooks and online resources that can improve your understanding of personal finance.
Beware of credit counseling scams that ask for upfront money or donations “to get you started,” but provide no services first. Make sure whatever agency you’re considering is accredited by the NFCC. Check review sites to see what customers say about the service and effectiveness of the programs.
Experienced counselors know there can be bumps in the road and will warn you in advance how to avoid them.
If you need more information on debt-relief options, InCharge credit counselors are available to offer advice or problem solve with you.
» Learn More: Learn how to enroll in the InCharge Debt Management Program
See How Much You Could Save on Credit Card Payments
Complete a quick online assessment to see your potential savings on credit card payments through an InCharge Debt Management Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Debt management program costs vary by state and agency. At InCharge, the average monthly fee is $34, and most agencies charge a one-time setup fee averaging $52, though setup fees can vary by state.
Yes. InCharge offers free credit counseling. A certified counselor reviews your income, expenses, budget, debts, and debt relief options before you decide whether a debt management plan is right for you.
Nonprofit agencies still have operating costs. Fees help cover the cost of counseling, administering the debt management program, monitoring payments, maintaining accounts, and providing financial education resources.
They can be, if the program lowers your credit card interest rates, helps waive late or over-limit fees, and creates a monthly payment you can afford. The page notes that the savings from reduced interest and waived fees can more than cover the cost of the program fees.
Look for a qualified nonprofit credit counseling agency with certified counselors, accreditation, transparent fees, and strong reviews. Be cautious of organizations that ask for upfront money or donations “to get started” but provide no services first.
