Frequently Asked Questions

Is Take Charge America a non-profit agency?
What is credit counseling?
What is a debt management plan?
How can TCA help me?
Can I still use my credit cards?
Are there fees?
Where are you located?
How can I get started?
What if I need to buy a house or a car while I am enrolled?
How will being enrolled in a debt management program affect my credit?

Is Take Charge America a non-profit credit counseling and debt management agency?
Yes. Take Charge America was founded in 1987 and is a non-profit agency and member of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA).

What is credit counseling?
Credit Counseling is a process of educating consumers about how to avoid accumulating debts that cannot be repaid. The goal of credit counseling is to help consumers find ways to repay their debt through careful budgeting, reducing interest rates through creditors, and better management of finances.

What is a debt management plan?
A debt management plan, or DMP, is a solution available to consumers who cannot repay their unsecured debt (usually credit card debt), under normal conditions. Take Charge America (TCA) works with consumers to develop a repayment plan with affordable monthly payments that allows them to repay their creditors within a reasonable period of time.

How can TCA help me?
Take Charge America has been helping consumers to get out of debt since 1987. We work with your creditors to obtain benefits for you that will allow you to take control of your debt. To find out if TCA can help you get out of debt, please fill out a free debt assessment, and a credit counselor will walk you through the process. We would love to help you get on the road to financial freedom today!

Can I still use my credit cards?
When you enroll in a debt management plan, you are making a commitment to get out of debt. You will need to stop using your credit cards and stop incurring new credit card debt if you want to be successful on the plan.

Are there fees?
Your initial consultation and debt review are always free at Take Charge America. Your certified counselor will advise you of any fees to enroll in a debt management plan. Fees typically include a one-time set-up fee and a modest monthly fee, which is included in your monthly debt management payment.

Where are you located?
Take Charge America is located in Phoenix, Arizona but we have over 50,000 clients all over the country. Since we do all of our counseling and education services over the telephone, we can help you no matter where you are located.

How can I get started?
Complete the online application or call us at 1-866-528-0588. We will provide you with a free debt review and counsel you on your options. You should be prepared to provide us with your household budget information and your credit card debt. It is helpful to have your creditor statements handy, if possible.

What if I need to buy a house or a car while I am enrolled?
We understand vehicle and housing loans are unique and may be necessary while you are enrolled in our program. We will attempt to work with your lenders to assist you with such loans.

How will being enrolled in a debt management program affect my credit?
TCA does not report to credit reporting agencies. Participating creditors may report to credit reporting agencies that you are enrolled in a debt management program. This notation on your credit report does not affect your FICO credit score; however, lenders may consider your participation when you apply for future credit. If you currently have slow or bad credit, only time and good performance will rebuild your credit. TCA does not offer or engage in credit repair.