Debt Management Program | Clearpoint (2024)

Got debt? Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel? A DMP may help!

Debt Management Program | Clearpoint (1)

If you’re facing unmanageable credit card debt, a debt management program might be the answer.

A debt management program (also called a debt management plan or DMP) helps you pay off your debt to multiple creditors with a single, comfortable monthly payment. A DMP through a nonprofit agency like Clearpoint is convenient, safe, and brings you great benefits like:

  • Lower interest rates
  • No more collection calls
  • Peace of mind

Struggling to make your minimum payments? Wondering how you’ll possibly pay down all of your debt? A Clearpoint debt management program may be right for you.

How It Works

If it sounds like a DMP might benefit you, watch the video below or read on to find out more about how it works.

Watch this brief introduction to our debt management programs.

1. Work with a Clearpoint Counselor

If you’re interested in a debt management program, you’ll first consult a Clearpoint certified credit counselor in a free, basic credit counseling session, which is offered online, via phone, or in person. Your counselor will review your total financial situation and discuss your credit report, income, and expenses. You and your counselor will take inventory of your outstanding debts and creditors, and your counselor will explain how a DMP may work for your specific situation, including how your interest rates and monthly payments may change on the program.

2. Clearpoint Works with Your Creditors

Once you’ve decided to sign up for a DMP, Clearpoint requests better terms for you from each of your creditors. Throughout our 50+ years of advising consumers, we’ve established relationships with thousands of creditors. This helps us anticipate their unique requirements and seek better terms on your behalf.

3. Make a Single Monthly Payment to Clearpoint

After your program is up and running, you’ll make a single monthly payment to Clearpoint and we’ll distribute those funds to your creditors on your behalf. Along the way, our counselors will be available should you have any questions or difficulties or find yourself in need of additional counseling.

Ready to Pay off Debt?

Get started with a free online credit counseling session.

Start Now

Benefits of a Debt Management Program

Our relationship with your creditors enables us to offer many benefits to you, such as lower interest rates and waived fees. Here are the main benefits a debt management program offers, but keep in mind that each client’s situation is unique and the details of each program may vary.

  • One monthly payment
  • Lower interest rates
  • Shortened payoff time
  • Waived late and over-limit fees
  • No more collection calls
  • Improved credit score over time
  • Alternative to bankruptcy
  • Help from a certified counselor
  • Reduced stress
  • Become debt free

You can read more about the benefits of a DMP here.

Why Choose Clearpoint?

If you’re considering credit counseling or think you may benefit from a debt management program, there are many reasons to consider working with Clearpoint. We are:

  • Nonprofit. You can trust us to provide objective advice and services that benefit you, the consumer.
  • Education focused. Since your financial well-being is our top priority, our counseling model rests on teaching you how to manage your money and providing you with solutions to your individual financial situation.
  • Fully certified. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the largest, longest serving and most well-respected credit counseling network in the country. All Clearpoint counselors must be NFCC-certified, which means they have studied counseling principles, understand consumer rights and responsibilities, and have passed examinations showing their proficiency in these and other areas.
  • BBB accredited. We’re a system-wide accredited business of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Ready to Pay off Debt?

Get started with a free online credit counseling session.

Start Now

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What’s expected of me while on a debt management program?

Our counselors work tirelessly on your behalf, but a debt management program is collaborative and there are a few guidelines you’ll need to follow to ensure that your program is successful.

Is a DMP the same thing as debt settlement or bill consolidation?

No. Debt settlement and bill consolidation have risks and costs associated with them that DMPs do not. Read more about the differences here.

Will a DMP hurt my credit score?

Gradual repayment of your unsecured debt through a debt management program will usually help your credit score in the long-term. Read about how it works here.

Read our debt management FAQ for answers to many other questions, including those about program fees, estimated payoff timelines, and eligibility for new credit.

Get Started

To see if a debt management program is right for you, get started with a free credit counseling session. During the session, your credit counselor will offer guidance to help you determine your best debt repayment option—be it a DMP or other method of debt repayment. Here are ways to get started:

  • Online Counseling

    Go at your own pace. Our online counseling is available whenever you’re ready to start.

    Start Now
  • Phone Counseling

    Our counselors are ready to help you over the phone. Immediate sessions are available, or you can schedule a session for a time that’s convenient to you.

    Find Out How to Start
  • Face-to-face Counseling

    To set up an in-person session with one of our counselors, view our list of locations and call us to schedule an appointment at the one nearest you.

    Locations

Additional Resources

Here are a few additional resources and links to more information about our debt management programs.

  • Benefits of a Debt Management Program

    Learn more about the benefits of a DMP, including why interest rates are lower, why payoff times are shorter and when you can expect the collection calls to stop.

  • Read all of our most frequently asked questions and learn about program fees, estimated payoff timelines, and how a DMP affects credit.

  • DMP: A Safe Alternative to Debt Consolidation

    We cover the differences between debt management programs and “debt consolidation” programs and explain why DMPs are safer and more beneficial.

  • How a DMP Affects Your Credit Score

    Read about how a credit score is calculated, how a DMP affects the score over time, and why our successful DMP clients improve their score by an average of 106 points.

  • Still Have Questions?

    Call us at 877.877.1995 and we’ll be glad to help.

Ready to Pay off Debt?

Get started with a free online credit counseling session.

Start Now

Ready to Pay off Debt?

Get started with a free online credit counseling session.

Start Now

Debt Management Program | Clearpoint (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth doing a debt relief program? ›

If you're one of the millions of Americans struggling to repay high-interest debt, a debt relief plan may be an option to help you get your finances on track. But it's not a quick fix. It's a long-term solution designed to help you get out of debt over a period of time — typically several years.

How do I get out of debt relief program? ›

How to Cancel a Debt Management Plan
  1. Contact the agency and your creditors. Depending on the agency you're working with, you may be able to cancel your DMP over the phone or in writing via email, mail or fax. ...
  2. Pay off your debts. ...
  3. Stop making payments.
Sep 6, 2023

Will I be accepted for a DMP? ›

Yes – creditors are under no obligation to accept your DMP. They might do this if they don't want to accept reduced payments or feel you could afford to pay more. If they refuse to negotiate with your DMP provider, it can be worth negotiating with them yourself. Outline what you can afford to pay each month and why.

Do debt management plans close your credit cards? ›

Any credit card that is included in your DMP is required to be closed. Here's how it works — the creditor, which is typically a bank or other financial institution, works with MMI to create a DMP, which usually includes reduced interest rates on your credit card accounts.

What is negative about debt relief? ›

Creditors are not legally required to settle for less than you owe. Stopping payments on your bills (as most debt relief companies suggest) will damage your credit score. Debt settlement companies can charge fees. If over $600 is settled, the IRS will view this debt as a taxable income.

Which is a disadvantage of enrolling in a debt settlement program? ›

Debt Settlement Program Disadvantages

A debt settlement program requires you to stop paying your creditors, which will add a significant amount to your debt because of late charges and the interest applied. Debt settlement companies can charge a fee for each credit card debt they settle.

Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement? ›

Yes, you can still use a credit card after debt settlement. However, it's important to do so responsibly. Using a credit card wisely can help rebuild your credit and improve your financial situation.

How long does debt relief stay on your record? ›

Debt relief can be a lifeline to help you get out from under unaffordable debt—but it can also damage your credit. So, if you're considering a form of debt relief, you'll want to bear in mind its effect on your credit report, where the information can stay for up to 10 years.

How true is the debt relief program? ›

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a government-sponsored program for credit card debt relief. In fact, if you receive a solicitation that touts a government program to get you out of debt, you may want to think twice about working with that company.

What are the disadvantages of a debt management plan? ›

However, you need to be sure you understand the impact a DMP will have:
  • it may take longer to pay back your debt because you'll be paying less each month.
  • your creditors won't necessarily freeze the interest and charges on your debts, so the amount you owe might go down by less than you think.

Why would a DMP be rejected? ›

Sometimes a creditor will refuse to deal with a DMP provider. This could be because the creditor doesn't want to accept the reduced payments or sometimes it could be because they've objected to you using a fee-charging provider, which would mean there's less money to pay the debts you have with them.

Does a DMP hurt your credit? ›

The notation signifying your DMP activity does not have a negative effect on your score going forward – in fact, it may suggest to lenders that you actively work to pay all of your debts to the best of your ability.

How do I get out of a debt management plan? ›

To cancel your DMP, you need to contact your provider and ask to cancel. They will inform your creditors that the agreement has been cancelled, so you can expect to start dealing with them yourself again.

Can you pay off a DMP early? ›

Debt management plans (DMP) are flexible. This means you may be able to pay off a DMP early. You can do this by increasing monthly payments or paying a lump sum.

Can I get a loan while on a debt management plan? ›

Yes, getting a loan is possible to be obtained whilst on a debt management plan. However, it is always worth considering is it necessary whilst on reduced monthly payments to your other debts. Obtaining further credit puts more strain on your financial commitments, and could leave you short with other living costs.

What are the disadvantages of debt relief order? ›

Disadvantages of Debt Relief Orders

If your circ*mstances change, you may still be required to repay your creditors. Your debt relief order will appear on your credit file for six years. This may affect your ability to get credit in the future.

What is the downside of national debt relief? ›

The risks and drawbacks associated with debt settlement include: It hurts your credit: Because you're required to stop making payments on enrolled debts, those accounts will be marked delinquent on your credit reports.

Do it yourself debt relief pros and cons? ›

Understanding the Process of Debt Settlement
Pros of DIY Debt SettlementCons of DIY Debt Settlement
Total control of the processTotal responsibility for the process
Potential faster repayment of debtRequires more time, patience, effort, and negotiating skill than you may have at hand
2 more rows

How long will debt relief affect your credit? ›

The bottom line

The negative impact of debt forgiveness on your credit score can last for up to seven years. But, that impact may be worthwhile if you're looking for an alternative to bankruptcy or are otherwise in need of substantial relief from credit card debt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6562

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.