Common Questions
What are the pros and cons of using a CCCS?
Pros of Using a CCCS
- Monthly bills are conveniently paid for you.
- You only make one low monthly payment.
- Credit Counselors will negotiate with creditors to reduce interest rates and monthly payments.
- Credit Counselors will generally get creditors to waive late and over-the-limit fees.
- As mediators between you and your creditors, harassing collection calls and notices will stop.
- Provides immediate relief.
- Better than bankruptcy.
Cons of Using a CCCS
- You are still obligated to pay back the full balance on all of your debt.
- It will take substantially longer to pay off your balances, generally 4-7 years.
- Although lower, you are still being charged interest on all of your accounts.
- You are restricted from using credit while enrolled in a CCCS plan.
- An 8% to 25% commission fee will be charged on the money they "save you" in the end (you could have applied their commission to your actual debts instead).
- They typically charge exorbitant set-up fees (or "donation" fees if the CCCS claims to be a non-profit).
- The debt relief is only temporary and will end up costing you more in the long run.
- YOU WILL DAMAGE YOUR CREDIT
Remember, the only time you should consider using a CCCS is when your financial situation continues to spiral downward, despite other attempts at resolution. You should be nearly bankrupt before considering hiring a third party to handle your debts for you.