In Charge Solutions is a nonprofit credit counseling agency, not a lender

In Charge Solutions does not make consolidation loans. Instead, it is a nonprofit organization that helps people understand debt repayment options, including debt management plans (DMPs) where the agency negotiates with your creditors on your behalf. If you arrived here looking for a loan to consolidate debt, you need to know the difference: In Charge Solutions counsels you through the process and may help you set up a plan, but the money to pay off your debts comes from your own budget, not from a new loan.

The organization operates in all 50 states and has been in business since 1989. It is accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), which means it meets standards for counselor training and client protection. However, accreditation does not mean the government runs it or that using it changes your legal obligations to your creditors.

Key Takeaways

  • In Charge Solutions offers credit counseling and debt management plans, not loans — you pay creditors from your own cash flow, not borrowed money.
  • A debt management plan typically lowers your interest rate and combines multiple payments into one monthly payment to In Charge Solutions, which distributes it to creditors.
  • The agency charges a setup fee (usually $0 to $50) and a monthly service fee (typically $25 to $50), which varies by state and your situation.
  • Enrolling in a debt management plan will appear on your credit report and may lower your credit score temporarily, though on-time payments can rebuild it over time.
  • In Charge Solutions also offers budget counseling and housing counseling separate from debt management plans.

How a debt management plan through In Charge Solutions works

When you contact In Charge Solutions, a counselor reviews your income, expenses, and debts in a free initial consultation. If a debt management plan makes sense for your situation, the counselor negotiates with your creditors — credit card companies, medical debt collectors, and similar unsecured creditors — to lower your interest rate and sometimes reduce the total amount owed. This negotiation can take weeks.

Once creditors agree, you make one monthly payment to In Charge Solutions, which distributes the money to each creditor according to the plan. The goal is to pay off all enrolled debts within three to five years. You stop using the credit cards enrolled in the plan, and your credit report will show the accounts as "in a debt management plan" rather than open and active.

Not all debts can be included. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans typically stay separate — you continue paying the lender directly. Student loans, child support, and tax debt also usually cannot be included in a DMP.

Fees and what they cover

In Charge Solutions charges two types of fees. The setup fee ranges from $0 to $50 depending on your state and financial situation; some people pay nothing. The monthly service fee typically ranges from $25 to $50 per month, though this varies by state regulation and the complexity of your plan.

These fees come out of your monthly payment to In Charge Solutions before money goes to creditors. For example, if you pay $500 per month and the service fee is $40, creditors receive $460. Over a five-year plan, the total fees can add up, so ask the counselor to show you the exact breakdown before you enroll.

The initial credit counseling session is free. Budget counseling and housing counseling sessions may also be free or low-cost depending on your income and location.

How In Charge Solutions affects your credit

Enrolling in a debt management plan will show on your credit report. Credit bureaus will mark enrolled accounts as "in a debt management plan," which is different from a default or late payment but still signals to lenders that you are restructuring debt. This typically causes your credit score to drop in the short term — often by 50 to 100 points, though the exact impact depends on your current score and credit history.

However, making on-time payments through the plan can rebuild your score over time. After you complete the plan and pay off the enrolled debts, those accounts will show as paid and closed, which can help your score recover. The key is staying on the plan and not missing payments.

Some lenders will not approve new credit while you are in a DMP, so you should expect limited access to new loans or credit cards during the plan period.

Alternatives to In Charge Solutions

If you want to consolidate debt with a new loan instead of a payment plan, you would need to look elsewhere. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer personal consolidation loans that you use to pay off existing debts in one lump sum. These are actual loans, not counseling services, and they do not require negotiating with creditors.

Other nonprofit credit counseling agencies also exist — the NFCC website lists accredited members in your area. Some people work with a bankruptcy attorney if their debt is severe enough that a payment plan will not work. Debt settlement companies exist but often charge high fees and make promises they cannot keep, so research carefully before using one.

If you have federal student loans, you may have income-driven repayment plans or forgiveness programs that are separate from consolidation loans or DMPs. If you have medical debt, some hospitals have financial information programs that do not require a third party.

How to contact In Charge Solutions

You can reach In Charge Solutions by phone at 1-833-422-4255 or through their website at inchargesolutions.org. The initial credit counseling session is free and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. You will need to provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, so have recent pay stubs, bank statements, and a list of creditors ready.

If you are referred through a housing counseling program or a legal aid organization, you may be able to access their services at no cost. Some employers and employee information programs (EAP) also cover credit counseling through In Charge Solutions as a benefit.

What happens if you stop paying or leave the plan

If you stop making payments to In Charge Solutions, the plan ends and your debts revert to their original terms. Creditors may resume charging interest at the original rate, and you may face late fees or collection action. The negotiated terms do not survive if you leave the plan.

If your financial situation changes and you can no longer afford the monthly payment, contact In Charge Solutions when ready. Counselors can sometimes adjust the plan, pause it temporarily, or help you explore other options. Disappearing without communication will damage your credit and leave you back where you started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is In Charge Solutions a government program?

No. In Charge Solutions is a nonprofit organization, not a government agency. It is accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, which is a private nonprofit that sets standards for credit counseling agencies. Using In Charge Solutions does not change your legal obligations to your creditors or give you any special government protection.

Will a debt management plan stop collection calls?

Once you enroll in a plan and In Charge Solutions begins negotiating with creditors, collection calls typically stop. However, this is not automatic — creditors must receive notice of the plan. If calls continue after enrollment, contact In Charge Solutions to confirm the creditor received the paperwork. You can also send creditors a written cease-and-desist letter, though this is separate from the DMP process.

Can I include all my debts in a debt management plan?

No. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans cannot be included because the lender holds collateral. Student loans, child support, and tax debt also typically cannot be included. Credit card debt, medical debt, and personal loans are the main types that can be enrolled. The counselor will tell you which of your debts are may be able to access during the initial consultation.

How long does it take to pay off debt through In Charge Solutions?

Most debt management plans run three to five years. The exact timeline depends on how much you owe, the interest rates negotiated, and your monthly payment amount. The counselor will show you a projected payoff date before you enroll. Paying more than the required monthly amount can shorten the timeline.

What if I get a raise or bonus while in the plan?

You are not required to increase your payment if your income goes up. However, you can choose to pay more toward the plan to finish faster and pay less interest overall. Contact In Charge Solutions if you want to adjust your payment. Some people use bonuses or tax refunds to make extra payments without changing the regular monthly amount.