Debt Consolidation Company Information - Compare Debt Consolidation Companies Online

Not all debt consolidation companies are the same. Some are in the business of offering you a service to pay off your bills and clean up your credit history. Others take advantage of your situation and scam you out of your money. To protect yourself from such companies, compare programs based on their services and promises.

Non-profit Versus For-profit

The only difference between non-profit and for-profit debt consolidation programs is how they file their taxes. Some of the largest fraudulent companies claimed non-profit status.

However, there are many legitimate non-profits. Some of these companies are subsidized in part by creditors, reducing fees you would have to pay. This is especially true for agencies which cater to those with poor credit.

Legitimate for-profit companies charge comparable rates, but they usually focus on those who still have a good credit score but are struggling to pay bills. Like a non-profit, they can reduce your interest rates for most types of unsecured loans, making repayment easier.

Monthly Payment Quotes – The Litmus Test

The real litmus test to find a credible debt consolidation company is to request a monthly payment quote. By providing information on your account balances, interest rates, and creditors’ names, a debt consolidation company can give you an accurate quote. Compare this payment with several other agencies.

Since all companies will get you the same low interest rate with a creditor, there should be very little difference between quotes. Anything too low is a sign of a shady deal.

Services Provided

Besides requesting quotes, you should also research the services they provide. Debt consolidation involves constant communication with creditors to lower rates, remove late charges, and close accounts. Companies that fail to mention what they do for you are probably more interested in taking your money than servicing your accounts.

Also be suspicious of companies that offer debt settlement or bankruptcy help. If they are doing their job, there is no reason to use these credit damaging services.

In the end, take the time to research companies to find one you are comfortable with. By making the investment of time now, you can save yourself headaches in the future.

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See my recommended Debt Reduction Companies online. Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.

Poor Credit Debt Consolidation & Debt Reduction - Comparing Debt Consolidation Services

Too much debt is a common problem that affects millions of consumers across the country. Eliminating debt is not an easy task. Yet, there are many strategies in place to help consumers reduce unnecessary debts and save money. If you have good credit or own a home, there are practical means of reducing debt. Unfortunately, those with lower scores have fewer options.

Easy Way to Reduce and Eliminate Debt

If you do not qualify for a personal debt consolidation loan, and a home equity loan is not feasible, consider using a debt management service to assist with your outstanding debt.

In the past five years, debt management and consolidation companies have become widespread. These agencies advertise their services on commercials and online. There main objective is to help people manage their debt, and outline a realistic solution for eliminating debt.

Types of Debt Management Services

There are two main types of debt management services. Before choosing an agency, it helps to research both alternatives and select the one that's best for you.

If you have acquired too much debt, a debt consolidation service may be the solution. The primary reason why many consumers are unable to reduce their debts is because of high finance fees and late charges. Debt consolidation agencies recognize the problem, and will work with your creditors to have rates and fees reduced or waived.

Once the creditors and agency reach an agreement, the agency will combine or consolidate all debt into one payment. Payments are made directly to the consolidation service. Because the interest rate is lower, monthly payments are reduced up to 50%.

Debt settlement agencies are different from consolidation services. If consolidating debts, consumers are responsible for repaying the full debt amount. On the other hand, a settlement will cancel out a portion of the outstanding debt. For example, if a person has acquired $60,000 in credit card debt, a debt settlement may reduce the balance owed to $30,000.

Debt settlements are not intended to be an easy fix for extreme credit problems. In fact, the effects of a settlement are damaging. This maneuver will likely result in a lower credit score, and future lenders may be unwilling to extend a line of credit.

Go to www.abcloanguide.com/debtconsolidation.shtml for information on Debt Consolidation.