What are the disadvantages of debt counselling?

Asked by: Prof. Trey Feest  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (33 votes)

Debt counselling cons
  • You are not allowed to have more credit while undergoing debt counselling.
  • It does cost a little bit of money, but the fees are set by law.
  • Your debts might take longer to pay off as a result of paying smaller amounts each month.

What are the disadvantages of a debt relief program?

Debt settlement cons
  • Creditors are not legally required to settle for less than you owe.
  • Missed payments on your bills to be able to negotiate will damage your credit score.
  • Debt settlement companies often charge fees.

Does debt counselling affect your credit score?

Yes, entering debt review will affect your credit score as your credit profile will be flagged. However, once you have completed the process and settled all your debts, your credit profile will be updated to reflect this and you can start rebuilding your credit score. 11.

What are the negatives of a debt management plan?

Cons of a Debt Management Plan
  • You'll be required to close your credit card accounts to avoid taking on even more debt.
  • You won't be allowed access to new lines of credit such as an auto loan or a loan to remodel your home.
  • You must commit to making the single monthly payment consistently.

What are the negatives of debt review?

Debt review extends the period of repayment, often significantly. This means that you will be committing to a long-term plan that may last several years. While this can make your monthly payments more manageable, it also means you will be in debt for a more extended period.

Pros and Cons of Debt Relief and Settlement

16 related questions found

What is the difference between debt review and debt counselling?

The difference between debt counselling and debt review. Debt counselling is the service that a debt counsellor provides to an over-indebted South African consumer struggling with their debt, and debt review is a regulated programme that a debt counsellor will place successful debt counselling applicants under.

Is debt consolidation a good idea?

Debt consolidation can be a useful financial tool for anyone with multiple debts. It can help you simplify your finances and reduce your interest costs and monthly payments.

Will debt management ruin my credit?

How Does a Debt Management Plan Affect Your Credit? The idea of having a notation on your credit history may initially send up red flags. But while a debt management plan does affect your credit history, it does not have a lasting negative effect on your credit score.

What are red flags that you should watch out for when choosing a credit counselor?

As you go through this process, here are some potential red flags that you should avoid:
  • An organization pushes a debt management plan without spending time analyzing your situation.
  • A credit counselor charges for general financial advice.
  • The agency isn't a nonprofit organization or certified by the NFCC or FCAA.

What are 3 risks associated with a debt settlement program?

Below, we'll explore some of the most common risks associated with credit debt settlement, so you can make a fully informed choice.
  • Creditors May Refuse to Settle. ...
  • Creditor Lawsuits. ...
  • Negative Impact on Credit Score. ...
  • Higher Tax Obligations on Forgiven Debt. ...
  • Fees Charged by Credit Card Settlement Companies.

How do I get out of debt counselling?

Once the debt counsellor issues Form 17.2, you are committed to debt review until you can prove to the court that you are no longer over-indebted. However, once the debt rearrangement order is granted, the only way to exit debt review is by paying all your debt. You may then apply for a clearance certificate.

How long after debt consolidation can I buy a house?

The bottom line. The journey from debt settlement to homeownership is typically a matter of years rather than months. While the exact timeline can vary based on numerous factors, most individuals should expect to wait at least 2-3 years, with 4-7 years being more common for conventional loans.

What are the cons of credit counseling?

Hidden risks of consumer credit counseling

Impact on credit: Enrollment in a debt management plan may be noted on your credit report, negatively impacting your score and borrowing ability. Upfront and monthly fees: Even nonprofit agencies may charge fees that add to your financial burden.

What two debts cannot be erased?

Perhaps the most common debts that cannot be discharged under any circumstances are child support, back taxes, and alimony. Here are some of the most common categories of non-dischargeable debt: Debts that you left off your bankruptcy petition, unless the creditor had knowledge of your filing. Many types of taxes.

Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement?

So, while you can use your credit card accounts after consolidating your debt in most cases, it could be a bit more difficult to open and use new credit cards — and the route you take to consolidate your debt could play a role as well. Learn how the right debt relief strategy could help you now.

What are the dangers of debt forgiveness?

It could cause long-term damage to your credit

Debt forgiveness programs almost always come with a significant impact on your credit score. When you stop making payments to your creditors while the settlement process is ongoing, your accounts will become delinquent, which will be reported to credit bureaus.

Is it better to consolidate debt or pay off individually?

Consolidating your debt can help you save money in the long run. Getting out of debt is usually a much harder thing to do than getting into debt, especially if you end up with a large balance and a high interest rate which makes it feel like it'll take over a decade to pay off.

How can you tell if a credit counseling agency is trustworthy?

A great signal that a counseling agency is on the level is COA (Council on Accreditation) approval. The COA conducts regular audits and ensures that the service an agency offers is truly a nonprofit benefit to the community.

How do credit counselors get paid?

They may earn bonuses for making sales, but their salary is constant. If they work off of commission, they make the majority of their money by selling financial services. Their job is to not only provide counseling but also sell their clients on these additional services.

Can I buy a house while on a debt management plan?

Getting a loan or mortgage while on a DMP is possible, though not always advisable. The longer you are successfully paying down your debt, the better the chance your credit score improves and with it, terms for a new loan or mortgage. However, if you're trying to buy a house, you'll need a down payment.

Can you buy a car while in a debt relief program?

It is possible to get a home loan and very possible to get a car loan, student loan or new credit card while you're on a debt management program. Nonetheless, a good nonprofit credit counseling agency would advise you to slow down and weigh the risks before acting.

How long does debt relief stay on your credit report?

Duration on your report: Debt settlement can stay on your report for up to seven years. Debt settlement occurs when a company contacts creditors and negotiates a settlement on your behalf. The debt settlement company may ask you to stop paying your creditors and instead pay an amount into a separate account.

Why is debt consolidation risky?

The first danger of debt consolidation is that these companies are in business to make money. Many individuals in debt will rush into debt consolidation without understanding the full terms of their repayment. Some companies will offer “teaser rates” or tack on additional fees for transferring funds.

Can I buy a car after debt consolidation?

Answer and Explanation: No, debt consolidation doesn't affect buying a car. When a company utilizes its earnings in making purchases for a car, there is no relationship with the outstanding debts in the company.

Is national debt relief legitimate?

National Debt Relief is a legitimate company providing debt relief services. The company was founded in 2009 and is a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR). It's certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and is accredited by the BBB.