Many people ask "Can credit counseling hurt my credit?" if they are in financial trouble and see an advertisement for services that claim to help people in debt. Unfortunately, the truth about credit counseling and its impact on your finances isn't easy to pin down. Much of it depends on the type of credit counseling you choose.
Can credit counseling hurt my credit?
The counseling aspect of credit counseling cannot hurt your credit. If you go to a reputable credit counseling agency, you can meet with a counselor who can evaluate your financial situation and help you figure out your options. You may receive budget counseling, savings counseling, or information about useful programs. However, that is where the counseling aspect of credit counseling ends. Anything beyond a simple discussion can affect your credit.
Can other aspects of credit counseling hurt my credit?
Unfortunately, yes. Anything beyond discussing your financial scenario can have a negative impact on your credit report. Some so-called credit counseling companies don't offer counseling at all, but instead offer to negotiate debts on your behalf or put you on a debt management plan. When you run into these programs, you need to be extremely wary about how you proceed. Each of these types of programs can negatively impact your credit report.
How does the debt negotiation aspect of credit counseling hurt my credit?
When you sign up for debt negotiation, you agree to turn your credit accounts over to a third party, who attempts to lower your debt by making deals with a creditor. However, creditors are typically unwilling to cut deals until your finances are behind; in most cases, you must be in substantial default before you can negotiate with creditors. You should only consider debt negotiation plans if you're seriously behind on your payments.
If you sign up for a debt negotiation plan, but you're not behind on your debt, some of these companies hold your monthly payments so that you fall behind. This gives them the leverage they need to negotiate with creditors and lower your debt. Your credit report reflects the lack of payment as late pays or default, and your credit score may drop drastically. These companies may call themselves credit counseling agencies, but do not offer any actual counseling; they simply charge you fees to mess up your credit report.
How can debt management programs associated with credit counseling hurt my credit?
Some genuine credit counseling agencies offer debt management programs as a way to address your financial problems. With debt management programs, you pay a lump sum every month, and the program distributes payments to your creditors. In some cases, these payments may be less than your minimum monthly payment. This can cause negative entries on your credit report, as well as increasing your debt due to late fees or underpayment fees. Plus, the creditor may report late payments to the credit bureaus, and a note will appear saying that you are working with a credit counselor. However, your credit score won't drop just because you are getting credit counseling, and it may help you in the long run if a record of regular payments appears on your credit report.
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