Consumer credit counseling services (CCCS) agencies provide financial and debt-relief information in one-on-one counseling sessions, and in online services. Credit counseling agencies help persons of all income levels (1) eliminate late fees and over-limit charges; (2) stop collection calls; (3) lower interest rates (regardless of credit score); (4) consolidate bills into one smaller monthly payment; (5) pay off debt faster; and (6) improve spending, budgeting, and money management skills.

CCCS often include issues such as (1) debt collection management; (2) credit and debt counseling; (3) bankruptcy; (4) credit reports and credit scores; and (5) reverse mortgages.

CCCS agencies are Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that will help you find a workable solution to financial problems—usually free of charge.

In Iowa, Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agencies are available to assist individuals with various financial and debt-related issues. These nonprofit organizations, typically designated as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service, offer services such as debt management plans, credit and debt counseling, guidance on bankruptcy, and education on credit reports and scores. They aim to help consumers reduce or eliminate late fees, lower interest rates regardless of credit score, consolidate bills, and improve money management skills. CCCS agencies in Iowa are regulated by state statutes that ensure they operate legally and ethically. For instance, Iowa Code Chapter 533D regulates debt management businesses and requires them to be licensed. Additionally, these agencies must comply with federal laws such as the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), which protects consumers from deceptive practices by credit repair organizations. It's important for consumers to verify that a CCCS agency is properly licensed and accredited before engaging their services to ensure they are receiving legitimate assistance.