Get Help Managing Credit Card Debt in California
DebtWave provides California credit counseling to help residents understand their credit card debt, monthly payments and repayment options. Whether high interest rates are slowing your progress or several payments are straining your budget, a free financial review can help you decide what to do next.
Additionally, eligible California residents may be able to use a Debt Management Program to create a structured repayment plan. A traditional DMP does not require you to take out another loan.
California Credit Counseling for Residents Across the State
Financial challenges affect households throughout California. Therefore, DebtWave helps eligible residents review their finances whether they live in a major metropolitan area, suburb or smaller community.
California credit counseling can help you review balances, interest rates, minimum payments and household expenses. Moreover, you can compare several repayment strategies before deciding what approach makes sense.
Because counseling can be completed remotely, you do not need to live near DebtWave's Escondido office to begin.
Learn More About Free Credit Counseling →Serving California Communities From San Diego to Sacramento
DebtWave can provide credit counseling to eligible consumers throughout California. Consequently, location does not have to prevent you from reviewing your credit card debt and repayment options.
How California Credit Counseling Works
Credit counseling looks beyond one monthly payment. Instead, a counselor helps you understand how your debts, income, household expenses and financial goals work together.
Review Your Credit Card Debt
Start with your balances, APRs and monthly minimum payments. Additionally, include other unsecured debts that affect your monthly budget.
Look at Your Monthly Budget
Next, compare household income with housing, transportation, food, insurance, debt payments and other recurring expenses.
Compare Your Options
Finally, review strategies that may include paying debt yourself, creditor hardship programs or a Debt Management Program.
When California Credit Counseling May Be Worth Considering
You do not have to wait until you miss payments to ask for help. In fact, reviewing your finances earlier may give you more time to compare your options.
See How Long Your Credit Card Debt Could Take to Pay Off
A monthly payment can appear manageable even when the underlying balance could take years to repay. Therefore, understanding your payoff timeline can be an important first step.
Use DebtWave's free Credit Card Payoff Calculator to enter your balance, APR and monthly payment. Then, see how long your current repayment strategy may take.
Calculate My Credit Card Payoff TimeHow a California Debt Management Program May Help
If high-interest credit card debt has become difficult to repay, a Debt Management Program may provide another option.
Depending on participating creditor guidelines, eligible accounts may receive reduced interest rates or other concessions. Consequently, more of your scheduled payment may be able to work toward reducing your balances.
Qualifying clients generally make one scheduled program payment for participating accounts. DebtWave then distributes the appropriate amounts to those creditors.
However, creditor participation, payments, APRs and concessions vary by account. Therefore, DebtWave should review your specific creditors before you rely on any estimate.
Potential Benefits of a California Debt Management Plan
A Debt Management Program does not eliminate what you owe. Instead, it creates a structured method for repaying eligible participating accounts.
Potentially Lower APRs
Participating creditors may provide reduced interest rates or other concessions under their current program guidelines.
One Program Payment
Qualifying clients generally make one scheduled payment for accounts participating in the Debt Management Program.
No New Loan
A traditional DMP does not require you to borrow additional money to repay your existing credit card balances.
Estimate a California Debt Management Plan Payment
Want to compare your existing credit card payments and APRs with estimated Debt Management Program terms?
Enter your information below to see an estimate. Although the calculator cannot guarantee final creditor terms, it can provide a useful starting point.
Debt Management vs. a Debt Consolidation Loan
California consumers searching for debt help may encounter several different options. Therefore, understanding how those strategies work can help you make a more informed decision.
| Feature | Debt Management Program | Debt Consolidation Loan |
|---|---|---|
| New loan required? | No | Yes |
| Original creditors remain? | Yes | Existing balances are generally paid with the new loan |
| Potential reduced creditor APRs? | Possible for eligible participating accounts | Depends on your new loan rate |
| New financing approval? | Not required | Generally required |
| Credit counseling included? | Yes | No |
Debt Management and Debt Settlement Are Different
A traditional Debt Management Program generally focuses on repaying enrolled principal through a structured repayment plan. By contrast, debt settlement typically attempts to negotiate repayment for less than the full balance owed.
Settlement strategies may involve delinquent accounts, collection activity and negative credit reporting. Therefore, consumers should understand how each strategy works before selecting a program based only on an advertised payment.
If you are unsure which approach fits your situation, California credit counseling can help you review the complete financial picture before making a decision.
How Could a Debt Management Program Affect Your Credit?
There is no single credit-score result for everyone who enters a Debt Management Program. Credit card accounts enrolled in a DMP are generally closed or restricted from new purchases.
Closing accounts can affect factors such as available credit and utilization. Meanwhile, reducing outstanding balances and consistently making scheduled payments can affect other parts of your credit profile over time.
No particular credit-score outcome can be guaranteed. Therefore, discuss your credit-related goals with your counselor before enrolling.
Why Choose DebtWave for California Credit Counseling?
DebtWave has deep roots in California. Our principal office is located in Escondido, and we have provided nonprofit credit counseling and debt management services since 2001.
DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) .
Additionally, DebtWave appears on the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's list of nonprofit community service organizations under file number 247-0070.
Most importantly, completing credit counseling does not obligate you to enroll in a Debt Management Program.
NFCC Member Agency
DebtWave is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
California Rules for Credit Counseling and Debt Management
California has specific requirements for nonprofit organizations that provide credit counseling and administer Debt Management Programs.
Effective in 2025, California increased the allowable fee limits for qualifying nonprofit credit counseling organizations operating under the applicable exemption.
The monthly Debt Management Program fee may not exceed 15% of the amount paid to creditors that month or $75, whichever amount is less.
California permits an education and counseling fee of up to $99 for qualifying nonprofit credit counseling organizations operating under the applicable requirements.
DebtWave provides its initial credit counseling session at no charge. If you choose to enroll in a Debt Management Program, all applicable program fees will be explained before enrollment.
DebtWave California Filing Information
DebtWave is included on the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's list of nonprofit community service organizations that have filed under California's applicable credit-counseling provisions.
DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc.
DFPI File Number: 247-0070
DFPI Filing Address:
1835A S. Centre City Parkway, #508
Escondido, CA 92025
DebtWave's California Office
Although DebtWave serves eligible consumers throughout California, our principal office is located in Escondido in San Diego County.
Principal Address
500 La Terraza Blvd, Suite 150
Escondido, CA 92025
Mailing Address
1835A S. Centre City Parkway, #508
Escondido, CA 92025
Hours — Pacific Time
Monday–Thursday: 7 AM–4 PM
Friday: 7 AM–3 PM
Start With Free California Credit Counseling
If high-interest credit cards make it difficult to get ahead, you do not have to guess which repayment strategy is right for you.
Start with California credit counseling, review your balances, monthly payments and household budget, and then compare the options that may fit your financial situation.
California Credit Counseling Frequently Asked Questions
Is credit counseling available throughout California?
Yes. DebtWave provides California credit counseling to eligible residents throughout the state. You do not need to live near the Escondido office to begin the process.
Is credit counseling free in California?
DebtWave provides its initial credit counseling session at no charge. Additionally, speaking with a counselor does not require you to enroll in a Debt Management Program.
Do I have to be behind on my credit cards?
No. You can speak with a DebtWave counselor while your accounts are current, past due or simply becoming difficult to manage. Reviewing your options before missing payments may provide more flexibility.
Can a California Debt Management Program lower my interest rates?
Participating creditors may provide reduced interest rates or other concessions under their current guidelines. However, rates and terms vary by creditor and individual account.
What are California's Debt Management Program fee limits?
Under the applicable California rules, the monthly Debt Management Program fee may not exceed the lesser of 15% of the amount paid to creditors during the month or $75. An education and counseling fee of up to $99 may also be permitted.
Is a Debt Management Program the same as a debt consolidation loan?
No. A traditional Debt Management Program does not require you to borrow additional money. Instead, your existing eligible debts remain with their original creditors while repayment is coordinated through the program.
Is debt management the same as debt settlement?
No. A traditional DMP generally focuses on repaying enrolled balances. Debt settlement, by contrast, generally seeks to negotiate repayment for less than the full amount owed.
Does a Debt Management Program forgive my credit card debt?
Generally, no. A traditional Debt Management Program focuses on repaying the enrolled principal plus applicable interest and fees rather than settling the principal balance for less than the amount owed.
Will my credit cards be closed on a DMP?
Credit card accounts enrolled in a Debt Management Program are generally closed or restricted from new purchases. However, specific account treatment depends on creditor requirements.
Can DebtWave help if I have several credit cards?
Yes. A credit counseling review can include multiple unsecured creditors. Consequently, your counselor can evaluate your overall debt situation rather than focusing on only one account.
How long does a Debt Management Program take?
The repayment period depends on your balances, creditor terms and scheduled payment. DebtWave can review your specific accounts and provide an estimated repayment schedule before enrollment.
How can I estimate my DMP payment and APR?
Use DebtWave's Debt Management Plan Calculator to enter creditor information and see estimated payments and APRs. Actual creditor terms may differ.
Get Help With Credit Card Debt in California
Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, Riverside or another California community, DebtWave can help you better understand your credit card debt and repayment options.
Start with a free financial review or use our DMP Calculator to compare your existing creditor payments with estimated program terms.
DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. DebtWave does not lend money. Debt Management Program eligibility, creditor participation, interest rates, monthly payments, concessions and individual results vary. Calculator results are estimates. Information on this page is educational and should not be considered legal or tax advice.