NFCC-certified nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, and bankruptcy guidance since 1996.
Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 and headquartered in Agawam, Massachusetts. With an EIN of 04-3337726 and nearly three decades of operation, the organization holds several verified certifications: NFCC membership (National Foundation for Credit Counseling), HUD approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and DOJ/EOUST approval from the U.S. Department of Justice for bankruptcy counseling. All counselors are nationally certified through the NFCC. The agency serves consumers nationwide and operates as a true nonprofit, meaning its mission is debt reduction for clients rather than profit generation.
Cambridge Credit's core offering is the Debt Management Plan (DMP), which consolidates a client's unsecured debts — primarily credit card balances — into one monthly payment. The agency negotiates directly with creditors to reduce interest rates, typically from the 22–29% range down to around 8%, and in some cases as low as 0%. The average client completes the program in 42 months or less and sees monthly payment reductions of 25–35%, translating to approximately $142 in monthly savings. Initial credit counseling consultations are free. If a client enrolls in a DMP, there is an average setup fee of $40 (maximum $75) and an average monthly fee of $30 (maximum $50), both of which vary by state regulation. Beyond DMPs, the agency offers housing counseling (foreclosure prevention, rental guidance, first-time homebuyer courses, and a Mortgage Ready program), student loan counseling for federal borrowers, reverse mortgage (HECM) counseling required for seniors, and DOJ-approved bankruptcy pre-filing and post-filing courses.
What distinguishes Cambridge Credit from for-profit debt settlement companies is its nonprofit model and its creditor relationships. Because it works with creditors rather than advising clients to stop paying, it avoids the credit damage and legal risks associated with debt settlement. Its BBB A+ rating has been maintained since accreditation in November 1998 — over 27 years of consistent standing. On Trustpilot the agency is rated "Excellent" at 4.8/5, and it holds a 4.3/5 rating from 146 Google reviews. Clients also have access to a free online portal at mycambridgeaccount.org and a budgeting and financial education portal.
The honest assessment: Cambridge Credit is a strong, verified nonprofit option for consumers drowning in high-interest credit card debt who want a structured payoff plan without the risks of debt settlement. The main limitations are that it only addresses unsecured debt and cannot assist with secured loans or tax obligations. Enrolling in a DMP requires closing enrolled credit accounts, which can temporarily affect credit scores. Operating hours are limited to weekday business hours (Mon–Thu 8am–5pm, Fri 9am–5pm), and no dedicated mobile app has been confirmed. Fees, while low, do exist for DMP participants — free services are limited to the initial consultation and counseling sessions.
Within the broader landscape of financial assistance, credit counseling represents one of the most listed-cost paths to financial stability. Unlike debt relief companies that negotiate reduced balances through settlement — which damages credit scores — nonprofit counselors focus on budgeting, education, and structured repayment. Consumers may also benefit from credit monitoring services to track their progress, or credit repair services if inaccurate items are affecting their reports. For those carrying high-interest balances, debt consolidation loans through personal loan lenders offer another way to reduce monthly payments while maintaining positive credit history. Nonprofit counselors can help consumers evaluate whether an installment loan for debt consolidation makes sense given their income and existing obligations.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Agawam, MA. It does not confirm that Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Massachusetts Division of Banks
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. offers 12 services including Free one-on-one credit counseling consultations with NFCC-certified counselors, Debt Management Plans (DMP) with consolidated payments and negotiated interest rate reductions, Foreclosure prevention counseling, Rental counseling, First-time homebuyer education courses, and 7 more.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. has profile signals associated with Consumers carrying high-interest credit card debt who want a structured, creditor-negotiated payoff plan without the risks of debt settlement, Homeowners facing foreclosure or seeking first-time homebuyer education through an HUD-approved agency, Seniors pursuing a reverse mortgage (HECM) who need required HUD counseling, Consumers filing or completing bankruptcy who need DOJ-approved pre- or post-filing counseling courses.
Key strengths: NFCC-certified nonprofit with 30 years of operation since 1996 — not a for-profit debt settlement company; Reduces credit card interest rates from a typical 22–29% down to ~8%, with some creditors offering 0%; Average client eliminates debt in 42 months or less with a 25–35% reduction in monthly payments. Areas to consider: Only addresses unsecured debt (credit cards) — cannot help with mortgages, auto loans, tax debt, or student loans under a DMP; Enrolling in a DMP requires closing enrolled credit card accounts, which can temporarily lower credit scores.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Family Credit Management Services, Navicore Solutions, Take Charge America. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. operates nationwide across all 50 states.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. holds a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is BBB-accredited.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Cambridge Credit Counseling is best suited for consumers overwhelmed by high-interest credit card debt who want a legitimate, nonprofit-backed path to repayment without destroying their credit through debt settlement tactics. Their DMP's creditor relationships and fee transparency make them one of the with more trust signals to verify options in the nonprofit counseling space. The primary caveat is that the DMP only covers unsecured debt, and clients must be prepared to close enrolled credit accounts during the program.
Nonprofit credit counseling agency offering debt management plans, debt settlement, and a proprietary DualTrack hybrid program for consumers with unsecured debt.
Google rating from 381 reviews
Profile signals: Consumers with substantial unsecured credit card or personal loan debt who want a structured nonprofit-guided payoff plan, People receiving collection calls who need creditor negotiation and a single consolidated payment
Nonprofit credit and housing counseling agency founded in 1991. Offers debt management plans, foreclosure prevention, bankruptcy education, and student loan counseling across 12 offices in 11 states.
Google rating from 208 reviews
Profile signals: Consumers with significant unsecured debt (credit cards) seeking a structured, creditor-negotiated repayment plan, Homeowners facing foreclosure or first-time buyers who need HUD-certified housing guidance
Nonprofit NFCC-certified credit counseling agency offering free initial consultations and paid Debt Management Plans to reduce interest rates on unsecured debt since 1987.
Google rating from 132 reviews
Profile signals: Consumers carrying $2,000–$500,000 in high-interest unsecured credit card debt seeking negotiated rate reductions, People overwhelmed by multiple credit card payments wanting one consolidated monthly payment
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