Take Charge America- El Centro logo

Take Charge America- El Centro in Phoenix, AZ

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Take Charge America is a nonprofit financial counseling organization offering free debt management, credit counseling, and housing assistance to consumers struggling with debt.

Data compiled from public sources

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Take Charge America- El Centro Review

Take Charge America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial counseling and debt management services to consumers at no upfront cost. The organization operates a national helpline and online counseling platform, with accessibility features and multilingual support (English and Spanish). Their mission centers on empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom through expert guidance and personalized debt solutions.

Take Charge America offers a comprehensive range of services including credit counseling, debt management plans, debt consolidation guidance, debt settlement information, bankruptcy counseling, housing assistance (including foreclosure/eviction prevention), budgeting tools, and financial education. They provide free debt estimation tools that show potential savings through their programs, customizable payment plans, and claim to negotiate reduced interest rates and waived fees with creditors. Consumers can access services through phone counseling (866-750-9618 for new clients, 866-528-0588 for existing clients, Mon-Fri 6am-6pm MST) or online sessions.

The organization distinguishes itself through NFCC certification implied by their nonprofit status and free service model, professional staff with debt management experience context, a 3-5 year average debt repayment timeline, and documented testimonials from satisfied clients across multiple states. They emphasize non-judgmental support, flexibility for life circumstances, and listed communication. The company also provides educational resources including webinars, money lesson plans, calculators, and a blog covering financial topics relevant to different demographics (millennials, families with children).

However, consumers should understand that Take Charge America is NOT a loan company and does not provide direct lending. Their estimates are based on historical data and actual results vary. The organization operates primarily through debt management plans rather than debt settlement, meaning they work with creditors to restructure existing obligations rather than reduce principal balances. While free, their services require commitment to a structured repayment plan and enrollment of debts with participating creditors.

Services & Features

Bankruptcy pre-filing counseling and certificate programs
Budgeting tools and financial planning resources
Collection account management guidance
Debt consolidation guidance and planning
Debt management plans with creditor negotiation
Debt settlement information and consultation
Financial education webinars and courses
Free credit counseling and financial assessments
Free debt estimation calculator with savings projections
Housing counseling and foreclosure/eviction prevention
Money lesson plans for financial literacy
Online and phone-based counseling sessions

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • listed with no monthly subscription financial counseling with no upfront fees, as a certified nonprofit organization
  • Available 24/5 support via phone (866-750-9618) and online counseling sessions with extended hours (6am-6pm MST)
  • Free debt estimation tool showing specific savings potential with itemized monthly payments and timeline comparisons
  • Multilingual support in English and Spanish with accessibility features including font sizing, contrast adjustment, and greyscale options
  • Claims to negotiate reduced interest rates, waived late fees, and lower monthly payments through debt management plans
  • Average 3-5 year debt repayment timeline with customizable payment dates
  • Comprehensive educational resources including webinars, budgeting tools, calculators, and money lesson plans

Cons

  • Not a loan provider—cannot offer emergency cash or direct lending to consumers needing immediate funds
  • Debt management plans require creditor cooperation; not all creditors may participate or agree to reduced rates
  • Estimates are explicitly based on historical data; actual savings and timelines vary significantly by individual situation and creditors enrolled
  • Requires commitment to a structured multi-year repayment plan, limiting flexibility if financial circumstances change
  • Primary service is debt management restructuring rather than debt settlement or principal reduction

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Phoenix, AZ. It does not confirm that Take Charge America- El Centro or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions

Consumer protection

Arizona Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Key state rules to check

  • Payday lending has been banned since July 2010 when the enabling statute expired.
  • Consumer lenders must be licensed under the Consumer Lenders Act with a 36% APR cap.
  • Title loans are legal but regulated with licensing requirements.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Take Charge America- El Centro offer?

Take Charge America- El Centro offers 12 services including Free credit counseling and financial assessments, Debt management plans with creditor negotiation, Debt consolidation guidance and planning, Debt settlement information and consultation, Bankruptcy pre-filing counseling and certificate programs, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for Take Charge America- El Centro?

Take Charge America- El Centro has profile signals associated with Consumers with $5,000+ in unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans) seeking structured repayment without taking new loans, Individuals facing collection calls or late payment issues who want to negotiate with creditors through professional intermediaries, Homeowners at risk of foreclosure or renters facing eviction who need housing counseling and financial guidance, First-time homebuyers or savers needing budgeting education and credit improvement strategies.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Take Charge America- El Centro?

Key strengths: listed with no monthly subscription financial counseling with no upfront fees, as a certified nonprofit organization; Available 24/5 support via phone (866-750-9618) and online counseling sessions with extended hours (6am-6pm MST); Free debt estimation tool showing specific savings potential with itemized monthly payments and timeline comparisons. Areas to consider: Not a loan provider—cannot offer emergency cash or direct lending to consumers needing immediate funds; Debt management plans require creditor cooperation; not all creditors may participate or agree to reduced rates.

How does Take Charge America- El Centro compare to similar companies?

In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Family Debt Counseling, Phoenix Debt Relief Help Center, Take Charge America. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
Phoenix, AZ
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
HUD-Approved
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CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on Take Charge America- El Centro

Take Charge America is profile signals for consumers with moderate to high unsecured debt ($5,000+) who want professional, free guidance to restructure payments and negotiate with creditors, but are not seeking emergency loans or debt settlement. The primary caveat is that actual results depend entirely on creditor participation and cooperation—not all creditors will accept reduced rates or waived fees, and consumers must commit to a multi-year structured repayment plan.

Profile Signals

  • Consumers with $5,000+ in unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans) seeking structured repayment without taking new loans
  • Individuals facing collection calls or late payment issues who want to negotiate with creditors through professional intermediaries
  • Homeowners at risk of foreclosure or renters facing eviction who need housing counseling and financial guidance
  • First-time homebuyers or savers needing budgeting education and credit improvement strategies
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

Family Debt Counseling logo

Family Debt Counseling

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit credit counselor offering free and low-cost debt management, bankruptcy, and housing counseling across the U.S., with HUD and NFCC certification.

5.0/5

Google rating from 1 review

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers seeking nonprofit credit counseling with verified institutional credibility and HUD/NFCC certification, Homebuyers, renters facing eviction, or those needing housing-related financial counseling with government backing

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Phoenix Debt Relief Help Center logo

Phoenix Debt Relief Help Center

IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit credit counseling agency in Phoenix offering free debt management plans, credit counseling, and debt consolidation services.

4.9/5

Google rating from 7 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Phoenix-area residents with $5,000+ in unsecured consumer debt seeking to consolidate multiple creditors into one payment, Consumers who are current or behind on payments and want to work with a nonprofit certified counselor

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Take Charge America logo

Take Charge America

Nonprofit NFCC-certified credit counseling agency offering free initial consultations and paid Debt Management Plans to reduce interest rates on unsecured debt since 1987.

4.8/5

Google rating from 132 reviews

BBB: A+

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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Quick Summary

  • Take Charge America- El Centro is listed as a Free Help provider in Phoenix, AZ on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

Next Steps

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