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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: June 17th, 2022

Credit.org started in 1974 and is based in Riverside, California. The nonprofit offers financial counseling and education services both online and face-to-face in their local offices. Their comprehensive online hub offers resources and guides on personal finance. Customers can also come to Credit.org for a debt management plan and credit counseling.

Its debt management plan can help with debt consolidation and is explained online. Credit.org has helped over 2 million customers and offers counseling by phone in all 50 states. In 2016, Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management rebranded as Credit.org.

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The Good

  • Debt Management Plan
  • Free Consultation
  • Low Cost
  • Debt Management Plan Process
  • Educational Resources
  • Accreditations and Memberships

Debt Management Plan

Customers can sign up for Credit.org's debt management plan to help with debt consolidation. In fact, the debt management plan can consolidate all monthly credit debt payments into one convenient payment. Credit.org tries to reduce fees and interest rates from creditors, and the debt management plan helps clients create a reasonable budget. Additionally, Credit.org acts as a liaison between clients and their creditors and can speak on behalf of both parties.

The program gives customers access to their online account 24/7. According to the website, Credit.org has a certificate of authority in 50 states. The company is licensed to conduct debt management services in 32 states and has locations in the following states: CA, AZ, FL, MA, NV, NM, and SC.

Free Consultation

Credit.org's process starts with a credit counseling session. All credit-counseling sessions are free and include a budget and debt repayment plan. In this free session, customers can request credit card debt consolidation built into the plan. Clients are also offered educational resources and personalized money management advice.

Low Cost

Credit.org has made a name for itself as being a website that offers low-cost debt counseling and debt management plans. But, exactly how much does Credit.org cost? Credit.org has a one-time fee of $35 and a recurring, monthly fee of $20 on top of that. On average, the company can lower a customer's interest rate on debts down to 9.90 percent.

Debt Management Plan Process

During the free consultation, Credit.org professionals record the client's debt and financial information, and if the situation is right, will propose a debt management plan. Credit.org will send creditors a proposal, and clients will sign up for automatic monthly payments. Electronic transfers distribute funds, and clients receive a monthly progress report.

It is important to note that once one debt is completely paid off, the debt management plan payment remains the same. Leftover funds are split between the remaining accounts, thus speeding up the debt payoff process.

Educational Resources

Customers can learn more about debt relief from the variety of online education resources offered. Credit.org is a member of NFCC, and provides free online courses, free live assistance, financial calculators, and a personal finance blog.

Accreditations and Memberships

Credit.org is accredited with the Council on Accreditation (COA), the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), the HOPE NOW Alliance, and more. Potential customers should look for a company with accreditations and memberships. Maintaining accreditations requires companies to upkeep certain standards and best practices. This ensures that customers receive quality service and is something that should be considered when choosing a company to work with.

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The Bad

  • No Consolidation Program
  • Poor Online Transparency
  • No Money-Back Guarantee
  • Lack of Consolidation Resources

No Consolidation Program

The company offers a debt management plan that helps consolidate multiple credit card loans into one convenient monthly payment. Credit.org's program can also reduce interest rates and fees with creditors. However, Credit.org does not offer a specific consolidation program. People looking for direct help with consolidating debt may want to explore other companies. Additionally, Credit.org does not offer debt settlement services or consolidation loans. The company states it is not a loan company, and does not loan money. This company is made for people looking into credit counseling and a debt management plan.

Poor Online Transparency

The debt management plan includes a monthly administration fee, as well as an enrollment fee, but the website does not explain specifically what those are. In fact, the website does not describe any fees in detail, and it is unclear whether or not Credit.org has cancellation, late, or upfront fees.

No Money-Back Guarantee

While a lot of top companies in the industry offer a money-back guarantee, it is unclear if Credit.org's debt management plan includes one. It is also not clear if they charge a cancellation fee.

Lack of Consolidation Resources

Credit.org offers a vast amount of educational and financial resources. While there is a lot of information in regards to financial and debt services, the company does not have a lot of consolidation-specific resources. There are no consolidation calculators, either. 

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The Bottom Line

Credit.org is a nonprofit company that specializes in credit counseling and a debt management plan. While the company does not offer a debt consolidation program, customers can consolidate multiple credit loans into one convenient monthly payment with the debt management plan. Credit.org is well accredited and is a member of NFCC and FCAA. Credit.org has a certificate of authority in 50 states, and the company is licensed to conduct debt management services in 32 states. Credit.org has locations in the following states: CA, AZ, FL, MA, NV, NM, and SC.

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7 Reviews

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Robert Rootes Bestselling Author Fredericksburg, VA

I had a department store credit card that sucked me down a rabbit hole of towering APR. I needed to get cancel the card and stop the high interest tacked onto the outstanding balance. An agent at Credit took my appointment online, looked at my monthly expenses and the credit card. They were able to help me consolidate and get rid of a few things. It doesn't work for everyone. But for us, it did!

2 years ago

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Rishard Krehe Orlando, FL

They are a excellent company to help you get out of debt. They are friendly and helpful. They do not sell your name like other lenders. I'm so glad we decided to go with them. They did an awesome job. And if I needed them again I would definitely use them.

2 years ago

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BEN AMORELLI Redondo Beach, CA

We referred a client to your offices for counseling. Mr. Claudio E contacted the clients. After the counseling he NEVER provided the certificate of completion. Calls were made to the office but the secretary "Vanessa" was very unprofessional and argumentative. I asked for her supervisor and she refused. I asked to connected with Mr. E and she refused. I asked for an e-mail address but this too was refused. The clients paid $150 and have not received their certificate and Mr. E has not returned any phone calls. Your service is a FRAUD and we will not refer any future cleints to you. Unless the certificate is delivered to the client, we will file a complaint with the State of California.

4 years ago

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Ashlyn Elwood Roswell, GA

I love that Credit.org provided me with a ton of assistance while still being free! They helped consolidate my debt so it was much more manageable. However, after using some other companies I noticed that they are able to work a little faster. I still can't complain though since Credit.org helped me a ton free of charge!

2 years ago

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Ryan Vett Mesa, AZ

After scheduling an appointment online, I met with a representative and they helped me outline a plan that would help me work towards becoming debt free. They didn’t do any follow up meetings but their plan was very detailed and well thought out.

2 years ago

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Crystal-lee Nunez Queens, NY

I like credit.org because I got to speak to a real person. All my questions were answered. They were to expensive.

2 years ago

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DM DM Warrington, PA

Used their free service to see credit issues then paid for help.

2 years ago