Credit Counseling Checklist Home Go to NFCC.ORG About NFCC Member Agencies Personal Plans & Solutions Take the First Step Credit 101 Consumer Tips Returning Clients Contact Us En Español Site Search Take the First Step Credit Counseling Checklist Your Credit Report FAQs Budget & Debt Test It's important to feel comfortable and confident about your credit counseling agency. Here are some questions you should ask before deciding. Is the agency affiliated with a national body such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) that requires strict quality, financial and ethical standards for membership? Is the agency accredited by an independent third party? Is the agency a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization? What is the composition of their Board of Directors? What services does the agency offer? What are the fees associated with the services provided? What delivery options are available to you for counseling? Is the counselor assigned to you a Certified Consumer Credit Counselor? Does the agency provide educational classes or workshops? Will the agency work with all of your creditors? Is there a minimum amount of debt required to be counseled? What debt relief options are offered? Are the counselors compensated for writing DMPs? How long will your counseling session last? If you go on a Debt Management Plan, how soon after receipt of your monthly payment will it be disbursed to creditors? What happens to your first payment? Will the full amount of your payment be disbursed to your creditors? How will your deposits be protected?