One of the top misconceptions about debt consolidation services is that it will drive your credit score down.
While debt consolidation services cover a wide range of services.
It is rare that there is a long term negative effect to your credit.
Understanding what the different services are and their effect on your credit, will help you to determine which solution is right for you.
Debt consolidation services can consists of debt counseling, debt negotiation/settlement, and debt consolidation.
Debt management/counseling This can have the worst potential on your credit.
While it does not impact your FICO score, many creditors view it to be as bad as a bankruptcy.
This is because you are giving control of your finances to a third party.
Future credit can be very hard to obtain when this is on your credit report.
Debt Settlement This can have a negative impact during the negotiation and settlement process.
Normally people are recommended not to pay their creditors during this time.
This is reported against your credit score.
This is normally removed after the debt is paid however, so it does not last long.
The worst case is that you are victim of a fraud.
When that happens not only can you find yourself deeper in debt, but your credit ruined.
Debt Consolidation Since this option pays off your debts in full, there is absolutely no negative impact on your credit score.
Since you are actually paying the credit cards and opening another line of credit, you may find that your score grows stronger.
If you are concerned about your credit, this may be the option to take.
There are many different options to get out of debt.
There are many misconceptions about what each one offers.
Understanding how debt consultation services work, can help you make the right choice.
Knowing how it works and how it will impact your ability to pay other bills, impact your credit, or put you at risk is essential to getting yourself out of debt.