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 Maryland, Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agencies are regulated under both federal and state laws. These agencies provide assistance with debt management, credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and education on credit reports and scores, among other financial services. As nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, they often offer services at little or no cost. Maryland's Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation oversees the licensing and regulation of credit services businesses, including CCCS agencies, under the Maryland Credit Services Businesses Act (Md. Code Ann., Com. Law II §§ 14-1901 through 14-1910). This act requires agencies to be licensed, maintain certain standards, and prohibits specific practices that are not in the best interest of the consumer. Additionally, CCCS agencies must comply with the federal Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), which ensures the protection of consumers from deceptive practices and provides them with the right to receive accurate information about their credit standing.