Debt consolidation

Debt consolidation in El Paso, San Antonio, and Dallas

One monthly payment instead of five, without taking out a new loan. Credit Services of America is a licensed Texas Debt Management Service Provider (License #DM12-10132). We consolidate your eligible debts into one plan and negotiate with each creditor for lower interest and, in many cases, a lower payoff.

Credit Services of America counselors
ExperianEquifaxTransUnion

Four ways to consolidate debt, compared

"Debt consolidation" can mean several different things. Here is how the common options stack up, so you can see which one fits your situation.

OptionHow it worksGood fit ifWatch out for
Consolidation loanA bank, credit union, or online lender pays off your debts, and you repay one fixed loan.Your credit is strong enough for a rate lower than what you pay now.Origination fees, and running the cards back up after they are paid off.
Balance transfer cardYou move card balances to a new card with a 0% introductory rate.You qualify and can pay the balance off before the intro period ends.Transfer fees, often 3% to 5%, and a much higher rate once the intro period ends.
Debt management plan (what we do)Your eligible debts go into one program with one monthly payment, and a licensed provider negotiates with each creditor.Your credit is too damaged for a good loan rate, or you have collections and medical bills in the mix.Enrolled cards are usually closed, and the plan takes 12 to 84 months.
Debt settlementAccounts are settled for less than the full balance.You are already behind and cannot repay the full amount.Settled accounts are reported as settled, and forgiven debt may count as taxable income.

Want the longer version? Read debt settlement vs. debt consolidation.

How our debt management program works

  1. Free consultation (45 to 60 minutes). A certified counselor reviews your income, expenses, every debt, and your three credit reports.
  2. A written plan. You get the monthly amount, the expected timeline, and the price in writing before you enroll.
  3. Negotiation. We contact each creditor and work for lower interest, waived late fees, and, in many cases, a reduced payoff.
  4. One payment. You make one monthly payment, we distribute it to your creditors, and we track every account until it reads paid.
  5. Regular check-ins. If your income or expenses change, your plan changes with you.

Full details are on our debt management service page.

What debts qualify

  • Credit cards and store cards
  • Personal loans
  • Medical bills
  • Collections and charged-off accounts
  • Old utility and cell phone bills

Mortgages, auto loans, and other secured debts are not included. Neither are most federal student loans, which have their own repayment programs.

Debt consolidation near you

El Paso

Our main office is at 6416 Gateway Blvd E, between Walmart and Costco off I-10. Our El Paso counselors work with clients in English and Spanish, in person, by phone, or by video. Visit the El Paso office page.

San Antonio

Our San Antonio office is at 1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700, near San Antonio International Airport, and serves clients across the metro. Visit the San Antonio office page.

Irving and Dallas

Our Irving office on W Airport Fwy serves Dallas, Fort Worth, and the rest of DFW by appointment, phone, or video. Visit the Irving office page.

Should you consolidate at all?

Not always. If your balances are small and your rates are reasonable, a do-it-yourself payoff plan may get you there faster and cheaper. If your reports carry errors, credit repair may matter more than the debt itself. In your consultation, your counselor will tell you which option we would pick in your shoes, even if it is not ours.

Debt consolidation questions

Is debt consolidation a loan?

It can be, but it does not have to be. A consolidation loan replaces your debts with one new loan. Our debt management program consolidates your eligible debts into one monthly payment without a new loan, and our negotiators work with each creditor on interest and balances.

Do you offer debt consolidation loans?

No. We are not a lender. If a consolidation loan or a balance transfer card would cost you less than our program, your counselor will tell you so in the free consultation.

Will debt consolidation hurt my credit?

It can cause a short-term dip. Accounts enrolled in a debt management plan are usually closed, and an account settled for less than the full balance is reported that way. As balances fall and payments stay on time, most clients see their score recover and then improve.

What debts can I consolidate?

Unsecured debts: credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, collections, and old utility or cell phone bills. Secured debts such as a mortgage or auto loan are not included.

How long does the program take?

Plans are built to finish in 12 to 84 months, depending on your balances and what you can afford each month. You can pay extra at any time to finish sooner.

When do you get paid?

Only after the work is done. We do not charge advance fees, and you get your plan and pricing in writing before you enroll.

Ready for one payment?

Start with a free consultation. We will show you what you owe, what you can afford, and how long it will take.