Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Personal Finance Debt Relief Cambridge Credit Counseling 2025 Review: Credit Counseling, Debt Management Plans, and More Updated Jun 20, 2025 7-min read Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Expertise: Mortgages, personal loans, student loans, auto loans, banking, budgeting, debt, insurance, credit cards, credit Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people learn how to manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies. Learn more about Lindsay VanSomeren Visit Site Cambridge Credit Counseling Affordable fees Openly transparent with details Full-service counseling agency Limited service hours Slightly dated online presence Services limited in some states Debt management plan feesInitial fee: Up to $75 ($40 on average)Monthly fee: Up to $50 ($30 on average)Avg. monthly savings$142Avg. program length3.5 yearsBankruptcy counseling feePre-filing session: $25Pre-discharge session: $25 Cambridge Credit Counseling is a nonprofit agency that provides support for people struggling with debt. Whether you found it on your own or were referred by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), you can take comfort that it’s a legitimate source of help. We’ll cover everything you need to know in this Cambridge Credit Counseling review. Table of Contents What is Cambridge Credit Counseling? Credit counseling Student loan counseling Debt management plans (DMPs) Foreclosure prevention counseling Renter and homebuyer counseling Bankruptcy counseling and certification Reverse mortgage counseling and certification How does Cambridge Credit Counseling work? How long does the process take? Is it right for me? Costs Reviews and reputation Pros and cons How to get started Alternatives What is Cambridge Credit Counseling? Cambridge Credit Counseling is based in Agawam, MA, and has been around since 1996. It’s a nonprofit agency and a member of the NFCC, a very reputable organization. It offers a range of different programs designed to help people with specific problems, including: Credit counseling Cambridge offers free, one-on-one credit counseling to help individuals assess their financial situation. A certified counselor will review your income, expenses, and debts, then provide personalized recommendations. This might include budgeting tips, referrals to helpful services, or enrollment in a debt management plan if appropriate. Student loan counseling If you’re struggling with federal or private student loans, Cambridge’s counselors can help you understand your options. They’ll walk you through repayment plans, deferment or forbearance opportunities, consolidation, and forgiveness programs, ensuring you’re aware of the pros and cons of each path. Debt management plans (DMPs) For those overwhelmed by unsecured debt, a DMP may offer relief. After enrolling, you’ll make a single monthly payment to Cambridge, which it will distribute to your creditors. The agency also works to negotiate lower interest rates and waive fees. DMPs typically require closing your credit cards to avoid taking on new debt during the program. Foreclosure prevention counseling Cambridge provides HUD-approved housing counseling for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Counselors can help you understand your options—such as loan modification, forbearance, or other relief programs—and assist with documentation and communication with your mortgage servicer. Renter and homebuyer counseling Whether you’re renting or preparing to buy a home, Cambridge offers education and guidance. Renters can learn how to budget, build credit, and avoid eviction. Homebuyers can complete HUD-certified education programs and get help understanding the mortgage process, down payment options, and long-term affordability. Bankruptcy counseling and certification If bankruptcy is on the table, Cambridge provides both the pre-filing counseling and pre-discharge debtor education required by law. These services include an overview of alternatives to bankruptcy, as well as insights into budgeting and financial management for a fresh start. Reverse mortgage counseling and certification Cambridge is U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved to provide the mandatory counseling required before applying for a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), also known as a reverse mortgage. Counselors explain the benefits, risks, costs, and eligibility rules, helping older homeowners make informed decisions. How does Cambridge Credit Counseling work? Cambridge Credit Counseling operates similarly to other credit counseling agencies. You’ll start by completing a free one-on-one credit counseling session with a counselor who will review your financial situation with you, including your income, expenses, and specific financial challenges. From there, the counselor will offer options and advice for how to resolve your problems. They may refer you to other organizations for specific help, or Cambridge Credit Counseling may be able to directly help you with some support options, like preventing foreclosure on your home or paying off your credit cards with a debt management plan. How long does the process take? According to the company, customers typically pay off all their debts in their DMP within 42 months. In general, a DMP plan takes between three and five years to complete. Is Cambridge Credit Counseling right for me? Cambridge Credit Counseling might be right for you if: You live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New York and need help avoiding foreclosure. You’re able to take time off during the workday to talk with counselors during normal business hours—the agency is only available during regular business hours in the Eastern time zone. You’re not sure what kind of support you need and want guidance from a well-balanced credit counseling agency. How much does Cambridge Credit Counseling cost? The exact cost depends on the type of support you need and your ability to pay. Basic credit counseling services are free at Cambridge Credit Counseling, which is fairly standard for these nonprofit agencies. If you’re directed to its paid support options, Cambridge will generally charge you based on a sliding income scale for some services: Debt management plans: A one-time setup fee up to $75, although most customers only pay $40. After that, you’ll pay a monthly fee up to $50, but most customers only pay $30. A 2013 company report showed that it waived these fees for a third of customers. Bankruptcy counseling: You’re required to complete a pre-filing and pre-discharge counseling session by the courts if you file for bankruptcy. Cambridge charges $25 for each session. Is Cambridge Credit Counseling legit? Yes, Cambridge Credit Counseling is a legitimate nonprofit agency that offers credit counseling services in all U.S. states. PlatformRatingNumber of reviewsGoogle4.4/5136Yelp3.0/54Trustpilot4.9/5448Better Business Bureau3.57/57 One Google reviewer, Nell S., wrote the following about their experience working with Cambridge Credit in early 2025: “Such a great company. Unfortunately, this is my second go round with consolidating debt occurred during the pandemic. This program is helpful and understanding and works with your budget as best as possible. I’ve gotten all of my family enrolled. We’re getting our credits right so we will end this program as homeowners!” Cambridge Credit Counseling pros and cons It can sometimes be tough to choose the right credit counseling agency. Here are some of the differences you’ll see at Cambridge Credit Counseling, compared to other agencies offering credit counseling services. Pros Affordable fees The average customer pays $30 per month, but saves $142 thanks to the negotiations that Cambridge is generally able to work out with creditors. It’s able to help lower interest rates from an average of 22% down to 8%, and sometimes even 0%. Openly transparent with details Cambridge is very open and upfront with how much it’ll cost you to work with them, unlike many other for-profit personal finance companies offering debt relief. Full-service counseling agency Cambridge offers programs to help with most types of debts, and even offers guidance on improving your financial situation, too, such as buying a home. Cons Limited service hours Cambridge customer support is only available during regular business hours in the Eastern time zone, which is a problem if you can’t get off work then or live in the Western U.S. Slightly dated online presence Perhaps showing its nonprofit status, Cambridge’s website isn’t as flashy and up-to-date as some of its for-profit competitors in the debt help industry. Services limited in some states Cambridge doesn’t offer any services to Puerto Rico residents. It also only offers foreclosure prevention counseling in three states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York), excluding residents of most of the country from this support option. How to get started with Cambridge Credit Counseling You can call Cambridge Credit Counseling directly at 800-235-1407 or fill out a form on its website to get in touch with a counselor for your initial credit counseling session. You’ll be going over your entire financial picture with the counselor, so you’ll need to round up documents and details, such as: Savings Monthly income Monthly expenses Debt types, amounts, and interest rates Alternatives Cambridge Credit Counseling isn’t your only option for debt help. Here’s how it compares to two other nonprofit credit counseling agencies: Apprisen: You can find an even wider range of services and programs at the highly-rated Apprisen if you’re willing to pay a bit extra. It charges a similar rate for its DMPs, however. Trinity Debt Management: This agency offers fewer services than Cambridge and isn’t a member of the NFCC, but its faith-based approach may appeal to those with strong religious convictions. It’s worth noting that nonprofit agencies like Cambridge Credit Counseling operate very differently from for-profit debt settlement companies, although you’ll generally see both if you’re looking for debt relief. Credit counseling is generally far less damaging to your financial health in the long run.