Take Charge America: Reviews and Ratings
Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t learn how to manage money growing up. We learned how to hustle. How to get by. So when the debt piles up and interest starts eating us alive, it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed. But sometimes the problem isn’t you — it’s that nobody taught you how to win the financial game in the first place.
That’s where Take Charge America steps in. Founded back in 1987, this nonprofit based in Phoenix, Arizona, isn’t here to sell you a loan or trap you in another cycle of debt. Their entire mission is to help regular people get control of their finances through counseling, education, and structured debt management plans.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about working with them.
What Does Take Charge America Actually Do?
Take Charge America (TCA) is a nonprofit credit counseling agency, not a lender. They don’t give out personal loans or charge you insane APRs. Instead, they offer services like:
- Free credit counseling
- Debt management plans (DMPs)
- Housing and foreclosure prevention counseling
- Student loan counseling
- Bankruptcy counseling (required courses if you’re filing)
Everything starts with a free consultation, where a trained counselor helps you break down your financial situation and come up with a plan. For some people, that might just mean budgeting help. For others, it could lead to enrolling in a DMP where they negotiate lower interest rates with your creditors and bundle your payments into one monthly amount.
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Is It Actually Legit?
Short answer: Yes — and then some.
TCA has been around for nearly 40 years. They’ve helped over 1.6 million people manage more than $6 billion in debt. They’re A+ rated by the BBB, approved by HUD, and certified by the AFCPE. That means the counselors you talk to have put in 240+ hours of training and meet strict standards for ethics and quality.
They’re also a member of AICCCA and are approved by the U.S. Trustee Program to offer bankruptcy counseling.
Translation? This isn’t some random online company trying to sell you a personal loan with 36% APR. These are pros.
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How Much Does It Cost?
This part is important. While the initial counseling is free, some of their services come with fees — especially the debt management plan (DMP).
Here’s the breakdown:
- Credit counseling: Free
- Debt management: One-time setup fee and monthly fee (usually around $30–$50, but varies by state)
- Housing counseling: Mostly free, though a few services may carry a small fee
- Student loan counseling: Free consult, fee if you want a full analysis and action plan
- Bankruptcy courses: $39 per course
They’re upfront about the pricing, and they’ll only recommend a DMP if it actually helps you — not because they’re trying to make a sale. That’s a big deal.
What Are the Pros?
Here’s what stands out:
- Nonprofit with a mission — They’re not in it to profit off your pain.
- A+ BBB rating and strong reviews — People praise the staff for being supportive and judgment-free.
- Customized plans — It’s not one-size-fits-all. You get a personalized roadmap.
- Lower interest rates on your debt — If you qualify for a DMP, they work with creditors to drop your rates (sometimes down to 6–10%).
- Educational focus — They’re big on teaching you how to stay out of debt, not just escape it once.
If you’re sick of band-aid solutions and want to actually turn the corner financially, that’s where TCA shines.
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What Are the Cons?
No service is perfect. Here are a few drawbacks worth noting:
- Monthly fees for debt management — They’re reasonable, but still something to factor in.
- Not all creditors will play ball — Some lenders don’t participate in DMPs.
- Possible credit impact — Enrolling in a DMP could affect your score, especially if accounts are closed.
- Some complaints about delays — A few reviewers mention slower response times or issues with processing.
That said, compared to the nightmare stories that come out of payday lenders and debt settlement scams, these cons feel manageable.
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Who’s It Best For?
TCA is best for people who:
- Are drowning in high-interest credit card debt
- Feel stuck but don’t want to take out another loan
- Want structure, accountability, and support
- Are open to getting help from a nonprofit and taking long-term steps to fix their finances
It’s also a good fit if you’re facing foreclosure, overwhelmed by student loans, or considering bankruptcy and need to knock out those required counseling sessions.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you’ve got $20,000 in credit card debt with an average interest rate of 22%. You’re making minimum payments and getting nowhere.
Through TCA, you might enroll in a DMP where they negotiate your rates down to 8%. That could mean saving thousands in interest and paying it off in 3–5 years instead of a decade — all while making a single, predictable monthly payment.
That kind of breathing room can be life-changing.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
If you’re looking for a way out of debt that doesn’t involve borrowing more money, Take Charge America is one of the strongest, most trustworthy options out there. They’re transparent, mission-driven, and have a long track record of actually helping people.
Are they perfect? No. But in an industry full of predatory lenders and shady operators, they’re one of the few names you can feel good about.
Bottom line: If you’re ready to face your finances head-on and want a team that’s in your corner — not trying to sell you something — Take Charge America is absolutely worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Take Charge America
- What is Take Charge America and how does it help with debt?
Take Charge America is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit financial counseling agencies. Since 1987, they’ve helped over 1.6 million people nationwide transform their financial outlooks through credit counseling, debt management, and education. If you’re struggling with personal debts or paying off credit cards, they offer objective and personalized guidance to help you get back on track today — no loans involved. - How does credit counseling with Take Charge America work?
Credit counseling starts with a free session where a certified credit counselor reviews your full financial picture — debts, income, and expenses. From there, you’ll get a custom action plan that could include budgeting tips, financial education, or enrollment in a debt management plan. The goal is to help you reclaim your financial independence and overcome your financial challenges without pressure or judgment. - What is a debt management plan, and who qualifies?
A debt management plan (DMP) is a structured repayment program where Take Charge America works with your creditors to reduce interest rates and consolidate payments. It’s designed for people with high-interest credit card debt who are serious about paying off debt in full. You’ll make one monthly payment, and they’ll handle the rest. DMPs typically last 3–5 years and are available to most U.S. residents with steady income and at least some unsecured debt. - Does Take Charge America offer help with student loans?
Yes. Their student loan counseling service is ideal if you’re overwhelmed or confused about repayment options. You’ll start with a free consultation, and if needed, pay a one-time fee for a full analysis and tailored strategy. This is especially helpful for managing federal loans, income-driven repayment plans, and getting clear on long-term goals — all while avoiding default. - Can Take Charge America help if I’m facing bankruptcy?
Absolutely. They’re approved by the U.S. Trustee Program to provide bankruptcy counseling, including the required pre-filing and pre-discharge education courses. These sessions are focused on financial education and helping you know paying off debt may still be possible, even if bankruptcy seems like the only option. Each course is $39 and available online. - Does using Take Charge America hurt your credit?
Enrolling in credit counseling or student loan counseling won’t impact your score. However, starting a debt management plan may have a short-term effect, especially if accounts are closed or payments are adjusted. That said, many clients see improved credit over time because they’re consistently paying off debt and avoiding missed payments. Long-term, it can put you in a much stronger position. - Are there hidden fees with Take Charge America?
No hidden or surprise fees. Credit counseling is free, and they’re fully transparent about any charges related to services like DMPs, student loan counseling, or bankruptcy education. Typical fees for debt management plans include a setup fee and monthly maintenance, both state-regulated. Their nonprofit status means fees are kept as low as possible — and only apply if you move forward with a plan. - What types of financial challenges can they help with?
Whether you’re self-employed, facing mounting credit card debt, or navigating student loans, Take Charge America provides assistance overcoming financial challenges. They’re especially useful if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and want a real strategy for long-term stability. From housing counseling to credit card debt payoff, they’re built to support every angle of your comeback. - Who is Take Charge America best for?
They’re ideal for anyone tired of trying to dig out of debt alone. If you’re a new or experienced borrower looking for help paying off credit, improving financial education, or managing student loans — this is a trustworthy partner. Their counseling, debt management, and education tools are designed for everyday people looking to overcome financial stress without taking on more debt.
