How to Find a Credit Counseling Agency

Many Americans repair their credit with the help of a debt counselor at a consumer credit counseling agency. Some agencies may offer specialized services like couples’ counseling or Christian credit counseling.

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By Elizabeth M. Wolfenden

OverviewMany people are unsure how to find a reputable credit counseling agency. However, the process is easy to do. The U.S. government gives an official stamp of approval to various credit counseling agencies, and selecting an approved credit counseling agency from this list can eliminate much of the trepidation about the process. Best of all, finding a credit counseling agency can be done with just a few simple steps.Step 1Go to the U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program website and and click the top link in the upper left-hand box that says “Approved Credit Counseling Agencies.”Step 2Find the area that allows you to choose your location in the middle of the webpage that appeared. Select your state from the list of choices using the drop-down menu and click the “Go” button.Step 3Look through the list of approved agencies that show up and find the ones that are nearby. Contact some of these agencies to determine which one would be the best fit for you depending on your situation.skill1tipIf you have trouble accessing the Internet, call (202) 514-4100 and speak with a representative who will help you find an appropriate credit counseling agency in your area.tipsIf you have trouble accessing the Internet, call (202) 514-4100 and speak with a representative who will help you find an appropriate credit counseling agency in your area.warningIt is not always best to simply pick the agency that is closest to you. Before choosing an agency, check out the agency’s website or call to ask any questions you may have to ensure it is a good fit for you.warningsIt is not always best to simply pick the agency that is closest to you. Before choosing an agency, check out the agency’s website or call to ask any questions you may have to ensure it is a good fit for you.keywordFind Credit Counseling Agencies AgencykeywordsFindkeywordsCreditkeywordsCounselingkeywordsAgencieskeywordsAgencyResourcesreferenceU.S. Dept. of Justice – U.S. TrusteeresourceList of U.S.-Approved Credit Counseling Agencies