On this page15 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- InCharge Debt Solutions vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- InCharge Debt Solutions legitimacy and licensing
- How much InCharge costs
- How the InCharge debt management plan works
- InCharge credit card debt forgiveness program
- How InCharge Debt Solutions Works
- InCharge complaints and how to avoid problems
- Leaving the plan
- Rules that protect you
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
InCharge Debt Solutions' main product is a debt management plan: you repay what you owe in full, usually over 24 to 48 months, at lower interest rates the agency arranges with your card issuers, for a setup fee averaging $52 and a monthly fee averaging $34. It is a legitimate nonprofit credit counseling agency in Orlando, Florida, BBB accredited since 2002 with an A+ rating, NFCC member, COA accredited and HUD approved for housing counseling. The tradeoff is that you must close the cards in the plan and stick to one fixed payment for years. Complaints are few and mostly about payment timing and communication, not fraud.
Your options
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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.
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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. Alternative 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.
- Type
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) credit counseling agency; does not lend money3
- Counseling cost
- Initial credit counseling session is free, with no obligation to enroll1
- Debt management plan fees
- Setup fee averages $52 ($0 to $99 by state); monthly fee averages $34 ($10 to $75 by state); fees can be reduced for hardship but not waived, as listed October 20261
- Plan length and rates
- Typically 24 to 48 months; InCharge says creditors cut card interest to about 8% on average2
- Accreditation
- NFCC member, Council on Accreditation (COA) accredited, HUD-certified housing counseling agency3
- BBB
- A+, accredited since October 23, 2002; 15 complaints in the last 3 years5
- Founded and location
- 1997; 5750 Major Blvd, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 328193
- Debt forgiveness program
- Separate Less Than Full Balance program for charged-off card accounts of $1,000 or more with participating creditors; typical reduction 40% to 50%, paid over 36 months4
Pros
- Nonprofit with NFCC, COA and HUD credentials and a BBB A+ since 2002
- Free counseling session with no obligation
- Average fees ($52 setup, $34 a month) are published, with state ranges
- Lower card interest, about 8% on average per InCharge
- Offers a separate forgiveness program for charged-off cards
Cons
- You repay the full balance on a regular plan
- Cards in the plan are closed, which can lower your score at first
- Fees can be reduced but not waived
- Some creditors, often smaller banks and store cards, may not accept the plan
- Recurring complaints about late payments reaching creditors
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.
Skip it if: Your income cannot cover even a reduced payment, you need to keep using your cards, or most of your debt is not credit cards.
InCharge Debt Solutions vs. competitors
| Company | Type | Fees | Program length | BBB | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| InCharge Debt Solutions | Nonprofit debt management plan | Average $52 setup and $34 a month, varies by state | 24 to 48 months | A+, accredited | |
| 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 |
| Americor | For-profit debt settlement | 14% to 29% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months, average 35 | Visit site |
Debt relief companies we reviewed
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InCharge Debt Solutions This review 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. -
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. -
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. 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. -
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. -
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.
InCharge Debt Solutions pricing at a glance
InCharge Debt Solutions fees, as listed October 20261
| Service | Cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Credit counseling session | Free | No enrollment required |
| Debt management plan setup fee | $52 average ($0 to $99 by state) | One time, only if you enroll |
| Debt management plan monthly fee | $34 average ($10 to $75 by state) | Every month while enrolled |
| Credit card debt forgiveness program | Monthly program fee, disclosed before you enroll; amount not published | Only for eligible charged-off accounts |
Fees are set by state law. InCharge says they can be reduced for hardship but not waived. Over a 3 to 4 year plan, the average monthly fee alone adds up to about $1,200 to $1,600.
InCharge Debt Solutions, step by step
Free counseling session
Call or start online. A certified counselor reviews your income, expenses and debts; the session is free and does not hurt your credit.
Get a recommendation
The counselor may suggest a budget only, a debt management plan, the debt forgiveness program for charged-off cards, or another route such as bankruptcy.
Enroll and close cards
If you choose a plan, InCharge proposes lower rates to your card issuers, and the cards in the plan are closed.
One monthly payment
You pay InCharge one fixed amount each month and it pays your creditors; you can track payments online.
Finish or leave
Most plans run 24 to 48 months. You can stop at any time, but creditors may restore the original interest rates.
InCharge Debt Solutions legitimacy and licensing
Yes. InCharge has operated in Orlando, Florida since 1997 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that does not lend money. It is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and certified by HUD as a housing counseling agency. The BBB has accredited it since October 2002 and rates it A+, with 15 complaints in the last 3 years. We found no complaints naming InCharge in the CFPB’s public database.
IRS filings published by ProPublica show InCharge Financial Solutions, a 501(c)(3) at the same Orlando address, with about $14.3 million in revenue for tax year 2023. Nonprofit status does not mean free: the FTC warns that some nonprofit counselors charge high or hidden fees, so compare the written fee disclosure before you sign anything.
How much InCharge costs
The first counseling session is free and you owe nothing if you do not enroll. If you join 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, InCharge lists an average one-time setup fee of $52 (from $0 to $99 depending on your state) and an average monthly fee of $34 (from $10 to $75). State law caps these fees. InCharge says fees can be lowered for hardship but not waived.
The monthly fee adds up. At $34 a month, a 36 month plan costs about $1,224 in fees on top of the setup fee. That can still be far less than the interest you save if your card rates drop from 20% to 30% to around 8%, but run the numbers your counselor gives you before enrolling.
How the InCharge debt management plan works
A counselor reviews your budget and debts, then proposes a plan to your card issuers. Participating issuers usually lower your interest rate and may waive late or over-limit fees. You make one monthly payment to InCharge, which pays each creditor. Plans typically run 24 to 48 months, and credit scores are not a factor in qualifying.
You must close the cards in the plan. InCharge does not report your enrollment to the credit bureaus, but creditors may note it. Closing cards can lower your score at first; on-time payments usually help it recover. Not every creditor takes part, and smaller banks, store cards and gas cards are the most likely to refuse.
InCharge credit card debt forgiveness program
InCharge also runs a Less Than Full Balance program for accounts that are charged off, which generally means no payment in 120 to 180 days. Participating creditors generally reduce eligible balances by 40% to 50%, and you pay the agreed amount over 36 months with no extensions. Each account must have a balance of at least $1,000 and be held by a participating creditor. There is a monthly program fee set out before you enroll, and forgiven debt may be taxable income, so ask about a Form 1099-C.
Unlike for-profit Debt settlement. Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance as payment in full. Compare debt relief companies, the reduced balance is agreed at the start, so you are not stopping payments and hoping each creditor says yes. The tradeoff is that only already charged-off accounts qualify.
Finding a trustworthy path out of high-interest debt can be overwhelming. As a non-profit credit counseling agency, InCharge Debt Solutions offers a distinct alternative to for-profit settlement firms. This InCharge Debt Solutions Review explores their debt management programs, fees, and effectiveness to help you decide if they are the right partner for your financial recovery.
Unlike aggressive settlement companies, InCharge focuses on education and consolidation to help you repay your debts in full but under better terms. Before committing, it is wise to explore all your options.
to see how they stack up against the competition.
How InCharge Debt Solutions Works
InCharge Debt Solutions primarily helps consumers through Debt Management Plans (DMPs). The process begins with a free credit counseling session, certified by the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling). During this session, a counselor reviews your finances to determine if a DMP is suitable.
If you enroll, InCharge consolidates your unsecured debt payments into one monthly payment. They then distribute this to your creditors. The primary benefit is that InCharge negotiates with creditors to lower interest rates and waive late fees. Generally, InCharge Debt Solutions program requirements involve having a steady income and a significant amount of unsecured debt, such as credit cards or medical bills.
What customers say about InCharge Debt Solutions
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Patient, knowledgeable counselors
- Lower interest rates and one simple monthly payment
- Clear payment schedules
- Feeling of relief and a clear end date
Common complaints
- Payments reaching creditors late, causing late fees or calls
- Hard to reach staff when a billing problem comes up
- Fee changes that clients say were not explained
- Limited online account features
InCharge complaints and how to avoid problems
Most negative reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB are about payments reaching creditors late, trouble reaching staff during a billing problem, and fee changes clients say were not explained. Trustpilot shows InCharge replied to about 46% of negative reviews.
- Keep paying your creditors directly until each one confirms it has accepted the plan.
- Check every creditor statement for the first few months to confirm payments arrive on time.
- Get the fee schedule in writing and ask how fees change if your balances or state change.
- Ask which of your creditors do not participate, and plan how you will pay them.
Leaving the plan
A debt management plan is voluntary and you can leave at any time. If you do, creditors can restore your original interest rate and you go back to paying each one directly. InCharge does not publish a cancellation fee; confirm in your agreement whether any setup fee is refundable. If you miss payments to InCharge, creditors may drop the reduced rates.
Rules that protect you
Debt management fees are regulated by your state, which is why InCharge’s fees vary. The FTC says only scammers ask you to pay before they settle a debt or enroll you in a plan, and it advises checking any counselor with your state attorney general. The CFPB advises choosing a nonprofit counselor that offers a range of options and does not push a single plan. If a company tells you to stop paying your cards and promises to cut your debt in half for a fee, that is debt settlement, not credit counseling.
Alternatives to InCharge Debt Solutions
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Another large NFCC nonprofit; worth a second free session to compare fees and creditor terms.
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Only if you truly cannot repay in full; settlement can cut balances but costs up to 25% of enrolled debt and damages your credit.
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Call your card issuers yourself
Free: many issuers offer hardship plans with lower rates or paused fees if you ask, with no agency fee.
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Bankruptcy consultation with a lawyer
Better when your debt is far beyond what a 5 year plan could repay; many lawyers offer a free first meeting.
Next steps
InCharge Debt Solutions reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is InCharge Debt Solutions a legitimate company?
Yes. It is a nonprofit credit counseling agency founded in 1997 in Orlando, Florida, accredited by the BBB (A+) since 2002, an NFCC member and COA accredited.
How much does InCharge charge per month?
Counseling is free. On a debt management plan the monthly fee averages $34 and ranges from $10 to $75 depending on your state, plus a one-time setup fee averaging $52 ($0 to $99).
Does InCharge hurt your credit score?
The counseling session and soft credit check do not. Closing the cards in a debt management plan can lower your score at first, and creditors may note the plan on your report. On-time payments usually help it recover.
How long does an InCharge debt management plan take?
InCharge says plans typically last 24 to 48 months. The credit card debt forgiveness program runs 36 months.
Is InCharge debt settlement?
Its main plan is not. You repay 100% of what you owe at lower interest rates. Its separate forgiveness program reduces charged-off card balances, usually by 40% to 50%, with participating creditors.
Can I keep a credit card on a debt management plan?
InCharge says creditors require you to close the cards included in the plan so you do not add new debt. Ask your counselor before enrolling whether any card can stay out of the plan.
What debts can InCharge help with?
Mainly unsecured debt such as credit cards. Its counselors also cover budgeting, housing (as a HUD-approved agency) and other options when a plan is not a fit.
What if I miss a payment to InCharge?
Creditors may drop the reduced interest rates or remove you from the plan. Call InCharge before a payment is due if you cannot make it.
Do I need good credit to qualify?
No. InCharge says credit scores are not a factor in joining a debt management plan; you need enough income to make the monthly payment.
Can I cancel InCharge?
Yes, at any time. Creditors may restore your original rates, and you will need to pay them directly again.
Sources (11)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- InCharge: How nonprofit credit counseling works and what it costs (accessed October 12, 2026)
- InCharge: Debt management programs (accessed October 12, 2026)
- InCharge: Standards of Excellence (accreditations) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- InCharge: Credit card debt forgiveness (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: InCharge Debt Solutions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: InCharge Debt Solutions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database search (accessed October 12, 2026)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: InCharge Financial Solutions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: How to get out of debt (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: What is credit counseling? (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Money Management International Inc (accessed October 13, 2026)
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