Nonprofit NFCC-certified credit counseling agency offering free initial consultations and paid Debt Management Plans to reduce interest rates on unsecured debt since 1987.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Take Charge America (TCA) is a nonprofit financial counseling organization founded in 1987 and headquartered in Arizona. Over 35 years of operation, TCA has served more than 2 million clients and helped manage over $6 billion in debt. The agency holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Arizona, is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and is a member of both the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) — widely regarded as the gold standard in the counseling field — and the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), which requires strict statutory compliance. TCA explicitly states it is not a lender, not a credit repair company, and does not make loans.
TCA's flagship service is a Debt Management Plan (DMP), a structured repayment program in which TCA negotiates directly with creditors to reduce interest rates (their website illustrates a reduction from roughly 25% to around 8%), waive late and over-limit fees, and consolidate multiple payments into one monthly payment. DMPs typically run three to five years and cover unsecured debt such as credit cards and collection accounts, with eligibility ranging from $2,000 to $500,000 in total unsecured balances. Beyond DMPs, TCA offers debt settlement for negotiated payoffs below the full balance, pre-bankruptcy counseling certificates required by federal law, and housing counseling covering first-time homebuyers and foreclosure or eviction avoidance. All initial consultations and debt estimates are free with no obligation.
What distinguishes TCA from for-profit debt companies is its nonprofit mission: savings generated through creditor negotiations go back to clients rather than shareholders. The agency offers bilingual services in English and Spanish, allows clients to customize payment dates, and operates an online counseling option in addition to phone-based sessions. Their client portal (MY TCA LOGIN) and live chat bot provide self-service access. With $540 million in debt currently under management and over $100 million in total client savings documented, TCA has a verifiable track record that few peer organizations can match.
TCA is a strong choice for consumers buried in high-interest unsecured credit card debt who want professional negotiation without resorting to bankruptcy or predatory settlement mills. The main limitations are worth noting: DMP fees are not published on their website, so consumers must call for specifics. The 3-to-5-year repayment commitment is long, and enrolling typically requires closing the credit accounts included in the plan — which can temporarily affect credit scores. TCA does not handle secured debt like mortgages or auto loans, and their services are most beneficial to those with meaningful unsecured balances who are current or only slightly behind on payments.
Within the broader landscape of financial assistance, credit counseling represents one of the most cost-effective 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.
Yes. Take Charge America is a registered company, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, founded in 1987. They hold a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are BBB-accredited.
Take Charge America plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Take Charge America is best suited for consumers with significant unsecured credit card debt who need professional creditor negotiation and a structured multi-year repayment plan, not a quick fix. Their nonprofit status, NFCC membership, and four-decade track record make them one of the most credible debt counseling agencies in the country. The key caveat: this is a commitment-heavy solution — expect a 3-to-5-year DMP timeline and likely account closures, so it's best for those ready for a disciplined payoff plan rather than short-term relief.
Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-20
NFCC-certified nonprofit offering free credit counseling, debt management plans, housing counseling, and bankruptcy guidance since 1996.
Best for: 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
Debt.com is a free debt relief referral marketplace matching consumers with accredited debt settlement, management, and consolidation partners in all 50 states.
Best for: Consumers with $10,000–$25,000+ in unsecured credit card debt who want a free, guided first step, People who need help comparing debt settlement, DMP, and consolidation options before committing to one path
National Debt Relief is a debt settlement and consolidation company helping consumers resolve credit card debt through negotiated settlements, with A+ BBB accreditation and over 1.3 million clients served.
Best for: Consumers with $20,000+ in unsecured credit card debt who can afford reduced monthly payments and have already struggled with standard repayment, People willing to tolerate temporary credit score damage (2-3 years) in exchange for reduced total debt liability and faster payoff than minimum payments
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