NFCC
Nonprofit credit counseling and debt management plans nationwide
How it works
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the oldest and largest nonprofit credit counseling organization in the United States, founded in 1951. It operates through a network of approximately 49 member agencies with over 1,500 certified counselors across all 50 states. The NFCC connects consumers with accredited local agencies for free initial financial reviews, budgeting help, and Debt Management Plans (DMPs) that can reduce interest rates and consolidate unsecured debt payments into one monthly amount. Its FICO Score Open Access partnership has helped participants reduce revolving debt by an average of $8,000.
Is it right for you?
Consider if you
- You want a free initial consultation with a certified nonprofit credit counselor
- You are considering a Debt Management Plan (DMP) to reduce interest rates and consolidate payments
- You value a vetted, accredited nonprofit over for-profit debt settlement companies
Skip if you
- Those seeking debt settlement — NFCC member agencies do not negotiate debt reductions
- People unwilling to have a DMP noted on their credit report during the repayment period
- Those wanting a mobile app experience — NFCC is a phone and web-based referral network
Your money and data
The NFCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with member agencies that must maintain accreditation and employ NFCC-certified counselors. Member agencies are prohibited from paying staff commissions or accepting referral fees for DMP accounts. Client funds in DMPs are held in trust accounts and disbursed to creditors according to a written agreement. The NFCC won a 2026 FICO Decision Award for Financial Inclusion. Independent research from Ohio State University confirmed statistically significant improvements in debt reduction and financial confidence among NFCC clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Oldest and largest nonprofit credit counseling network in the U.S., operating since 1951
- Free initial counseling session with NFCC-certified counselors available in all 50 states
- FICO partnership program has helped participants improve credit scores by an average of 50 points
Cons
- NFCC is a referral network, not a direct counselor — you are matched to a local member agency
- A Debt Management Plan typically costs $25-$55/month plus a one-time $0-$50 setup fee
- A DMP is noted on your credit report and may be viewed negatively by some lenders during the plan
Pricing details
Free initial counseling · DMP setup $0-$50 (often waived) · Monthly DMP fee $25-$55 · Fee waivers available for low-income and military · Some online courses $9.99
On nfcc.org · We may earn a commission
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