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- Not-for-profit status: Look for a credit counseling agency that is not-for-profit and therefore has to meet strict state standards to ensure you, the consumer, is not paying too much. DCC is a not-for-profit company.
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- Debt Management Program: Make sure that if you enter into a repayment plan that it is a Debt Management Program and not Debt Settlement. Much like banckruptcy, Debt Settlement can ruin your credit and can cause you to pay taxes on any forgiven debt as well. DCC offers a Debt Management Program.
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- Lowered Rates: Interest rates should decrease while on a Debt Management Plan. DCC will lower your interest rates in conjunction with creditor guidelines.
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- Spending Plan: Make sure that you receive a written plan after you and your counselor formulate a budget that is hand tailored to fit your lifestyle. DCC's counselors are experts at helping you with a spending plan that you can live with.
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- Free Education: Check to see if the agency has one or more programs to provide free on-going support and information to help you get out of debt and stay that way! DCC is well respected in the field of financial education and has appeared on CBS, NBC and in Newsday. We always provide free ongoing education to help you on the road to becoming debt free and even after so you can stay debt free.
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- Trade Associations: Look to see if the agency you are considering is a member in good standing with at least one trade association. DCC is a member of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies(AICCCA) and the Association of Credit Counseling Professionals(ACCPRO).
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- Certified Counselors: Be sure that the agency has Certified Credit Counselors on staff. At DCC, you can always speak to one of our certified credit counselors. All of our counselors are certified by The Center of Financial Certification.
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- One on One Counseling: Does the agency have a program or process so you can be assured of receiving the help you need? DCC feels one on one counseling is the best way to help you as an individual. Our certified counselors will spend as much time with you as you need.
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- Hours of Operation: Does the agency have business hours when you need them? At DCC, we offer day, evening and Saturday business hours.
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- Length of time in business: You should look for an agency with at least 5 years of helping consumers such as yourself. DCC has been helping consumers for over 14 years!
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- Accredited: Check to be sure that the agency is accredited with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or by the Council on Accreditation. DCC is accredited by ISO. Earning accreditation from the BSI ISO 9001:2000 series of quality management standards signifies extraordinary commitment to customer care and consumer satisfaction as well as an ongoing adherence to world class quality standards.
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- Licensed and Bonded: Any agency that you are considering should be licensed and bonded for your protection. Debt Counseling Corporation is both licensed and bonded.
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