On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- Cambridge Credit Counseling vs. competitors
- Step by step
- Cambridge Credit Counseling legitimacy and licensing
- Cambridge Credit Counseling fees
- How a Cambridge debt management plan works
- Key Takeaway: Cambridge Credit Counseling Review
- How Cambridge Credit Counseling Works
- Will it hurt your credit?
- Cambridge Credit Counseling complaints
- The rules that protect you
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Cambridge Credit Counseling fits people with credit card and other unsecured debt who can afford to repay in full if creditors cut interest rates, which Cambridge says averages a drop from 28.99% to 7%. It is a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Agawam, Massachusetts, BBB accredited since 1998 with an A+ rating, a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and only a handful of complaints anywhere. The tradeoffs: plan fees are not published (they are set within your state's cap based on what you can afford), enrolled cards are closed, and plans run about three to five years. It is not debt settlement, so you repay what you owe.
Your options
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Cambridge Credit Counseling This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People with steady income and credit card debt at high rates who could repay in three to five years if interest were lower.
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Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling.
- Type
- Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit credit counseling agency; it does not lend money3
- Founded and location
- 1996; 67 Hunt Street, Suite 305, Agawam, MA 010013
- Counseling cost
- Free credit counseling session with no obligation to enroll2
- Debt management plan fees
- A setup fee and a monthly fee, set within your state’s legal maximum based on what you can afford; amounts not published; about 1 in 4 clients gets a reduced fee2
- Typical results it reports
- Average interest rate cut from 28.99% to 7%; payments 31.1% lower after fees; paid off in 38 months on average against a 52-month plan1
- Bankruptcy courses
- $50 per household for the pre-filing course and $50 for the post-filing course; waived or reduced for low income; approved by the U.S. Trustee Program5
- Other services
- HUD-approved housing counseling, reverse mortgage counseling and federal student loan counseling3
- Accreditation
- Accredited to the Financial Counseling Association of America’s Code of Practice; counselors certified through NFCC or the Partnership for Financial Education5
Pros
- Nonprofit founded in 1996, BBB accredited since 1998 with an A+ rating
- Free counseling with no obligation to enroll
- Reports large average rate cuts, from 28.99% to 7%
- Very few complaints: 2 at the BBB and 3 at the CFPB
- Also offers HUD housing counseling and $50 bankruptcy courses with fee waivers
Cons
- Plan fees are not published; you learn them in the counseling session
- Enrolled credit card accounts are closed
- You repay the full balance; it does not reduce what you owe
- Creditor concessions vary, and some accounts may not qualify
- Few recent Trustpilot reviews, only 5 in the past year
Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt at high rates who could repay in three to five years if interest were lower.
Skip it if: You cannot afford to repay your balances even at lower rates, need to keep your cards open, or mainly owe secured or student debt.
Cambridge Credit Counseling vs. competitors
| Company | Type | Fees | Program length | BBB | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Credit Counseling | Nonprofit debt management plan | Set within state caps by ability to pay; not published | 38 months average, per Cambridge | A+, accredited since 1998 | Visit site |
| InCharge Debt Solutions | Nonprofit debt management plan | Average $52 setup and $34 a month, varies by state | 24 to 48 months | A+, accredited | Read review |
| Money Management International | Nonprofit debt management plan | Average $38 setup and $35 a month, varies by state | 5 years or less | A+, accredited since 1994 | Visit site |
| National Debt Relief | For-profit debt settlement | Up to 25% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months | A+, accredited since 2013 | Visit site |
Debt relief companies we reviewed
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Cambridge Credit Counseling This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt at high rates who could repay in three to five years if interest were lower. -
Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling. -
Debt Relief Advocates This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured debts they can no longer pay who have already ruled out credit counseling and want a quote from a smaller settlement firm. -
Freedom Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances they can't pay in full, who can make steady monthly deposits for 2 to 4 years and accept the credit damage. -
National Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances who are already behind, cannot qualify for a lower rate, and can afford a steady monthly deposit for two to four years. -
Credit Associates BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $10,000 or more in credit card or medical debt they cannot repay, who are already behind and can stick with monthly deposits for two to four years. -
InCharge Debt Solutions BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt they can repay in full in 2 to 4 years if the interest rates come down. -
Money Management International BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt they could repay in about five years if their interest rates were lower.
Cambridge Credit Counseling, step by step
Free counseling session
A certified counselor reviews your income, expenses and debts with you, by phone or online, and discusses options including budgeting, a plan, or bankruptcy.
Plan proposal
If a debt management plan fits and you can afford it, the counselor shows the estimated monthly payment, timeline, the concessions each creditor offers and your fees, before you sign.
Enrollment
Cambridge sets up the plan with your creditors. The enrolled accounts are closed, and creditors apply preset concessions such as lower rates and waived late fees.
One monthly payment
You pay Cambridge once a month and it pays each creditor. Check your creditor statements to confirm each payment posts.
Finish or leave
Most plans finish in three to five years. You can leave at any time, but creditors may restore the old rates and fees.
Cambridge Credit Counseling legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 in Agawam, Massachusetts. The BBB has accredited it since 1998 and rates it A+, with 2 complaints in three years, and Charity Navigator gives it a Four-Star rating with a 95% score. Its 2024 tax return reports $8.8 million in revenue. It holds state licenses where required, such as debt management or debt adjuster licenses, and lists them on its disclosures page.
Cambridge is approved by the U.S. Trustee Program to give the counseling and education courses required in bankruptcy, and by HUD for housing counseling. The CFPB complaint database shows 3 complaints naming the agency, all from 2025 and 2026. The FTC advises choosing a nonprofit counselor that explains fees in writing and does not pressure you into a plan, which matches how Cambridge describes its process.
Cambridge Credit Counseling fees
The counseling session is free. If you enroll in a Debt management plan (DMP). A repayment plan set up by a credit counseling agency that consolidates payments and often lowers interest, while you repay the full balance. Compare debt relief companies, you pay a one-time setup fee and a monthly fee. Cambridge does not publish the amounts: each state sets a legal maximum, and Cambridge sets your fee within it based on what your household can afford. It says about one client in four gets a reduced fee, and that fees are disclosed before you enroll. Ask for both numbers in writing and compare them with another nonprofit; InCharge, for example, lists averages of $52 to set up and $34 a month.
Bankruptcy courses cost $50 per household for the pre-filing course and $50 for the post-filing course, free or reduced for households under 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Cambridge is also funded partly by contributions from creditors, which is common for nonprofit counselors.
How a Cambridge debt management plan works
A debt management plan is not a loan. You make one monthly payment to Cambridge, and it pays each creditor on the plan. Creditors set the concessions, such as lower interest rates, waived late and over-limit fees, and bringing past-due accounts current, using preset guidelines; Cambridge says there is no negotiation. Your enrolled accounts are closed while the plan runs.
Cambridge says its typical client saw rates fall from 28.99% to 7% on average, cut the monthly payment by 31.1% after fees, and paid off in 38 months on a plan designed for 52. It estimates that client would have paid $44,676 in interest alone, against $4,936 in interest and fees on the plan. Your results depend on your creditors and budget.
Key Takeaway: Cambridge Credit Counseling Review
Our Rating: 4.2/5
Cambridge Credit Counseling is a legitimate nonprofit credit counseling agency with an A+ BBB rating and a four-star Charity Navigator score (96%). It stands out for its DOJ-approved bankruptcy education, HUD-certified housing counseling, and Debt Management Plans that typically reduce interest rates by an average of 14 percentage points.
Best For: Individuals with multiple unsecured debts who want structured nonprofit guidance and a single consolidated monthly payment, without taking out new loans.
Phone: 866-598-9334 (Free Consultation)
Not sure if Cambridge is the right fit?
If you are juggling credit card bills, late fees, or constant collection calls, reading Cambridge Credit Counseling reviews is a smart first step. This review explains what the organization offers, how its programs work, typical costs, and what verified customer feedback reveals, covering the full Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. experience from first consultation through debt payoff.
Information was verified through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Charity Navigator, and federal agencies including the FTC and CFPB. Recent customer reviews were also analyzed to highlight what matters most to people seeking help with unsecured debt.
Want side by side?
How Cambridge Credit Counseling Works
Cambridge Credit Counseling focuses on simplifying repayment for people with multiple unsecured debts. Its approach is structured, transparent, and designed to reduce financial pressure.
Initial Consultation
The process starts with a confidential counseling session at 866-598-9334, where a certified counselor reviews your income, expenses, and debts. During this stage, the counselor explores strategies such as budgeting help, education resources, and the option to enroll in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) that may lower interest rates and consolidate monthly payments into one.
Case Evaluation
If the DMP is a good fit, Cambridge provides an estimated monthly payment, projected timeline, and potential concessions from creditors, such as interest rate reductions and waived late fees. According to Cambridge, clients typically receive an average 14 percentage point reduction in interest rates, allowing many to repay their debt within approximately four years. Results vary depending on each creditor and client profile.
Program Selection
Most clients choose a DMP, but Cambridge also offers HUD-certified housing counseling, bankruptcy education courses approved by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for U.S. Trustees (EOUST), and student loan guidance.
Execution
Once enrolled, clients make a single monthly payment to Cambridge, which then disburses the funds to creditors. Many creditors extend benefits as long as clients stay on plan. Regular statements allow clients to monitor progress and verify distributions.
Ongoing Support
Cambridge provides periodic check-ins to adjust the plan if your financial situation changes. Counselors also offer financial education to improve long-term money management skills, consistent with best practices promoted by the FTC and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
What customers say about Cambridge Credit Counseling
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- One monthly payment instead of many bills
- Large interest rate reductions from card issuers
- Friendly counselors who are easy to reach by phone
- Clients who paid off large balances
Common complaints
- Confusion over account balances and enrollment timing
- Services clients felt were not delivered as promised (CFPB)
- Not every creditor or account qualifies for concessions
Will it hurt your credit?
Cambridge says setting up a plan may affect your credit, though the effect may be temporary while you keep making payments. Closing card accounts can lower your available credit, and creditors may note the plan on your report. Paying on time through the plan avoids the late payments that do the most damage. If you stop paying, creditors can raise rates and fees and pursue collection, including lawsuits.
Cambridge Credit Counseling complaints
Complaints are rare. The BBB lists 2 in three years, the CFPB database lists 3 (two about services not provided as promised, one about debt collection communication), and Trustpilot shows 1% one-star reviews, mostly older. Reviews praise the single payment, rate cuts and phone support.
To avoid problems, confirm which accounts each creditor accepted onto the plan, keep paying any account until Cambridge confirms it is enrolled, and compare each monthly statement from your creditors with your plan schedule.
The rules that protect you
Most states license debt management companies and cap what they can charge, which is why Cambridge’s fees vary by state. Check its license with your state’s banking or financial regulator, or on NMLS Consumer Access where your state uses it. If you are considering bankruptcy, only agencies approved by the U.S. Trustee Program can issue the required certificates, and Cambridge notes that approval does not endorse the quality of its services.
Be careful with for-profit Debt settlement. Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance as payment in full. Compare debt relief companies companies, which the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule bars from charging fees before they settle a debt. A nonprofit plan like Cambridge’s repays your full balance instead.
Alternatives to Cambridge Credit Counseling
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InCharge Debt Solutions
Another nonprofit that publishes average plan fees, worth comparing if you want to see costs before calling.
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A large nonprofit counselor with published average fees and a national reach.
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Only if you cannot afford to repay in full; settlement can cut balances but damages credit and carries fees up to 25%.
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Call your card issuers yourself
Many issuers offer hardship programs with lower rates at no fee if you ask directly, which costs nothing to try first.
Next steps
Cambridge Credit Counseling reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge Credit Counseling a nonprofit?
Yes. Founded in 1996 and based in Agawam, Massachusetts, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by client fees, creditor contributions and grants.
How much does Cambridge Credit Counseling charge?
Counseling is free. A debt management plan has a setup fee and a monthly fee set within your state's limits based on what you can afford, disclosed before you enroll. Bankruptcy courses are $50 per household each.
Does Cambridge Credit Counseling hurt your credit?
Cambridge says a plan may affect your credit, though often temporarily while you pay as agreed. Enrolled cards are closed, which can lower your available credit.
How long does a Cambridge debt management plan take?
Cambridge says its typical client pays off in 38 months on average, on a plan designed for 52 months.
Will my interest rates go down?
Usually, but it is up to each creditor. Cambridge reports an average drop from 28.99% to 7%, and some accounts may not qualify.
What debts can go on a plan?
Unsecured debts such as credit cards are the usual fit. Secured loans like mortgages and car loans are not included, and Cambridge's student loan counseling covers federal loans only.
Is Cambridge approved for bankruptcy counseling?
Yes. It is approved by the U.S. Trustee Program for both the pre-filing counseling and post-filing debtor education courses, which cost $50 per household each, with waivers for low income.
What is Cambridge Credit Counseling's BBB rating?
A+, accredited since November 1998, with 2 complaints in the last three years as of October 2026.
Is a debt management plan the same as debt settlement?
No. A plan repays your full balances at lower rates. Debt settlement tries to pay less than you owe, usually costs up to 25% of enrolled debt and does more damage to credit.
Can I cancel a Cambridge debt management plan?
Yes, a plan is voluntary. If you leave, creditors may restore the original interest rates and fees, so talk to your counselor first.
Sources (12)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Cambridge Credit Counseling: Debt management plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Cambridge Credit Counseling: Debt management plan fees (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Cambridge Credit Counseling: About (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Cambridge Credit Counseling: Disclosures and state licenses (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Cambridge Credit Counseling: Bankruptcy counseling (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Cambridge Credit Counseling Corporation (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Cambridge Credit Counseling reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Charity Navigator: Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database search (accessed October 12, 2026)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: How to get out of debt (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Money Management International Inc (accessed October 13, 2026)
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