How can credit counseling help with my credit card debt?

CBS News

20-05-2025

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Credit counseling can help improve your financial health — and there are a few specific ways it helps with your credit card debt, in particular.
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There's a specific kind of stress that comes with credit card debt: the kind that creeps in at the checkout counter and then shows up in your mail or inbox when the credit card bills roll in. You tell yourself you'll catch up next month, but somehow, your credit card balance keeps growing. And, in most cases, it's not that you're careless. It's that life is expensive, especially in the midst of today's high-rate environment and sticky (but cooling) inflation issues. And, in turn, credit cards have become a safety net for many people.
But if you've hit that point where your credit card bill juggling act is no longer working, your debt relief options, and credit counseling, in particular, might be worth a closer look. With credit counseling, the goal is to work with someone who can help you map out a plan, cut through the noise and get your finances back on solid ground. And when it comes to high-rate credit card debt, that kind of guidance can make a bigger difference than you might expect.
So what does credit counseling actually do, and how can it help with your credit card debt? That's what we'll break down below.
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How will credit counseling help with my credit card debt?
The credit counseling process typically starts with a free or low-cost one-on-one session with a certified credit counselor. During this meeting, the counselor will go over your financial situation, looking at everything from your income to your expenses to the total amount you owe on your credit cards. The goal is to get a full picture of your finances so they can offer realistic, actionable advice.
If you qualify, one of the main tools a credit counselor might recommend is a debt management plan. This is a structured repayment plan where you make one consolidated monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, and they distribute the money to your creditors. In many cases, the agency will negotiate with your credit card companies to reduce your interest rates or waive late fees, making it easier to pay off the debt faster and more affordably. Here's what that could mean for you in practice:
You'll have one predictable payment each month instead of juggling multiple bills.
Your credit card interest rates may be significantly reduced.
Late fees and penalty charges may be waived once you're enrolled in the plan.
You'll typically pay off the debt in three to five years
That said, credit counseling isn't a shortcut to avoiding repayment. You'll still need to pay back what you owe, but the plan can make it far more manageable.
Find out more about your debt relief options now.
When is credit counseling the right option?
Credit counseling makes the most sense if your credit card debt feels out of control, but you still have enough income to make monthly payments, just not at the inflated rates your cards are charging. You might benefit from credit counseling if:
It can also be a helpful alternative to debt consolidation, especially if your credit score has taken a hit and you're not eligible for favorable loan terms. Because debt management plans aren't based on your credit score, you may still qualify even if your credit isn't in great shape.
Just keep in mind that debt management plans aren't particularly flexible. Once you sign up, you typically can't use your credit cards anymore, and you'll need to stick to the payment plan every month to stay in good standing. If you miss payments or drop out of the plan early, your creditors could reinstate your original interest rates, and any progress you made could unravel quickly.
The bottom line
Credit counseling isn't a cure-all, but for the right person, it can be a great way to get back on track. This strategy offers structure, access to lower interest rates and the chance to pay off your credit card debt without taking on new loans or damaging your credit further. And because it's offered through nonprofit organizations, the initial advice is usually free and focused on helping you, not selling you something.
If you're feeling buried under your credit card bills and unsure what step to take next, talking to a certified credit counselor could be the first move toward a debt-free future. Even if a debt management plan doesn't end up being the right fit and you need to take more drastic measures, you'll walk away with a clearer picture of your options, and sometimes, that clarity is the biggest relief of all.