Photo Credit: Consolidated Credit Canada
If you’re feeling buried by debt, I would start with a “one-stop” assessment where you can hear your options clearly in plain English. That’s why I’m comfortable pointing people to Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada (CCC). They’re a non-profit credit counselling organization that can help you stop interest, decrease your payments, and build a plan to get out of debt (if you qualify).
Can you realistically expect 50% debt relief? Check if you qualify.
CCC’s free consult is designed to map out your options. If a Debt Management Plan makes sense, they can help you organize repayment. If reducing the amount you repay is the priority, they can connect you with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to explore a consumer proposal or bankruptcy (whichever actually fits your situation).
- Free first consultation (debt + budget review)
- Clear recommendation: DMP vs consumer proposal vs bankruptcy
- One place to start, even if your final solution changes
Results vary by debt type, creditors, and budget. This page isn’t legal advice.
My Quick Take on This Non-Profit
- Best for: Canadians with unsecured debt (e.g. credit card) who want a real plan and a clear next step.
- One-stop angle: start with credit counselling, and if needed, they will help you pivot to an LIT for consumer proposal or bankruptcy.
- How it feels: more “options + education” than “sales pitch.”
Ratings & trust signals
BBB: A+ (BBB Accredited Business)
Trustpilot: 4.7/5 (around 7,000 reviews)
Google: 4.7/5 (about 1,600+ reviews shown on their site)
Always confirm current totals directly on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google listings.
Why CCC works as a “one-stop shop”
What I like about Consolidated Credit of Canada (CCC) is that they will truly offer you the best path forward based on your situation. If the best move for you is a consumer proposal (often used to reduce what you repay) or bankruptcy, they can refer you to a trusted Licensed Insolvency Trustee to handle the legal process
Path #1: Debt Management Plan (DMP)
- Budget + debt review
- They work with creditors to eliminate interest, improve repayment terms where possible
- You make one payment to CCC, they distribute to creditors
Path #2: Consumer proposal or bankruptcy
- CCC helps you understand if a legal option is the best fit
- They can refer you to a trusted Licensed Insolvency Trustee
- The trustee handles the filing and administration
If you’re deciding between these paths, this guide helps:
Debt consolidation vs. consumer proposal in Canada.
DMP vs Consumer Proposal vs Bankruptcy (quick visual)
Credit impact (typical)
Lower → Higher impact
Debt Management Plan (DMP)
Usually lowest of the 3
Consumer Proposal
Middle (often)
Bankruptcy
Typically highest
Note: “Impact” varies by credit file, lender, and how the plan is reported. This is a visual guide, not a guarantee.
Tip: If you’re deciding mainly based on credit impact, start by comparing the monthly payment you can truly afford. The “best” option is the one you can finish.
If you want the best option (not a guess)
- Get the numbers: payment, timeline, and realistic outcomes
- Leave with a plan even if your best path is a consumer proposal
- Good “first stop” whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, or smaller towns
Tip: have your balances, minimum payments, and monthly expenses handy.
| Option | Who it usually helps most | How you start with CCC |
|---|---|---|
| DMP | Steady income, unsecured debt, wants structured repayment | CCC can assess and, if appropriate, enroll you |
| Consumer proposal | When reducing what you repay makes the most sense | CCC can explain the route and refer you to an LIT |
| Bankruptcy | When a reset is the safest and most practical option | CCC can help you understand it and refer you to an LIT |
👍 Pros (why people like starting here)
- Non-profit: the consult usually feels practical and calm.
- Multiple paths: one assessment can lead to a DMP or a trustee referral.
- Clarity: you get a real recommendation instead of guessing.
👎 Cons (things to ask on the call)
- Fees: confirm the exact monthly admin fee for your province and plan.
- Timeline: ask what payoff realistically looks like for your budget.
- Credit impact: ask how the recommended path may be reported.
Helpful reads while you’re comparing options:
Consumer proposal explained, what a Licensed Insolvency Trustee does, how to improve your Canadian credit score, payday loans in Canada (better alternatives).
Bottom line: check your options now.
If you want one place to start, CCC is a strong option. You can get a clear recommendation based on your situation, and whether the best fit is a DMP or a principal-reduction route like a consumer proposal, they can help you move forward without bouncing between random companies.
FAQ: Consolidated Credit Canada (CCC)
Is Consolidated Credit Canada legit?
Yes. CCC is a well-known Canadian credit counselling organization and operates as a non-profit. The easiest way to sanity-check legitimacy is simple: start with their free consultation, ask for a written breakdown of your options, and don’t agree to anything until the numbers make sense for your budget.
What does “one-stop shop” mean with CCC?
It means you can start in one place and still end up in the best solution. CCC can help you understand and compare multiple debt-relief paths (like a Debt Management Plan), and if a consumer proposal or bankruptcy is the best fit, they can refer you to a trusted Licensed Insolvency Trustee to handle the legal process. You don’t have to bounce around between random companies to figure out what’s real.
Do they offer consumer proposals and bankruptcy?
Consumer proposals and bankruptcies are filed and administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (that’s how the law works in Canada). CCC can still be your starting point for those options: they can help you understand whether a consumer proposal or bankruptcy fits your situation, and refer you to a trusted trustee to take it from there.
Can CCC help reduce what I repay (not just interest)?
Yes, depending on what the best option is for you. If a consumer proposal is the right path, that is often the route people use to reduce the total amount they repay, and CCC can help you get there by connecting you with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. The key is getting a recommendation based on your exact debts, income, and budget.
What happens during the free consultation?
They’ll typically review your debt list, monthly payments, income, and essential expenses. The point is to turn “I’m overwhelmed” into a clear set of options you can compare.
- What you owe (by creditor, balance, and interest rate)
- What you can realistically afford monthly
- Which path fits best: DMP vs consumer proposal vs bankruptcy
What programs does CCC offer?
CCC is best known for credit counselling, budgeting support, and Debt Management Plans (DMPs). They also help people understand other debt-relief options, and when appropriate, they can refer you to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee for consumer proposal or bankruptcy.
What is a Debt Management Plan (DMP) in plain English?
A DMP is a structured payoff plan where you make one monthly payment and it gets distributed to your creditors. The goal is to make repayment simpler and more predictable, and in many cases, improve the terms so the plan is actually doable. CCC will tell you if a DMP is a fit, and if not, they’ll guide you to the right alternative.
“Reduce your total credit card payments by up to 30% to 50%” — is that real?
That’s language CCC uses publicly, and it’s typically tied to the math of your monthly payments once your plan is structured and your terms are improved. The important part is the “up to” and the fact that every situation is different.
- Some people see meaningful payment relief
- Results depend on your creditors, balances, interest rates, and budget
- The consult is where you find out what applies to you specifically
What types of debt can CCC help with?
CCC is most commonly used for unsecured debts like credit cards, lines of credit, and certain personal loans. If you have a mix (like credit cards plus payday loans, or credit cards plus tax debt), that’s exactly why the “one-stop” assessment matters: they can explain what fits inside a plan and what’s better handled through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee route.
Can CCC help with secured debts like a mortgage or car loan?
Secured debts are a different category because they’re tied to an asset. CCC can still help you build a realistic budget and debt strategy around those payments, and if your overall situation needs stronger relief, they can point you toward the right legal path through a trustee referral.
Can they help if I’m already behind, in collections, or getting nonstop calls?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest reasons I recommend starting with a proper consult. They’ll look at how urgent the situation is and recommend the path that actually matches the pressure you’re under. If you need stronger protections, they can connect you with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to explore a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.
Will CCC stop legal action or wage garnishment?
The right way to think about this is: CCC helps you get to the best solution fast. If legal protection is needed, CCC can help you move toward the appropriate legal route through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee referral. On the call, tell them clearly if you’ve received legal notices, threats of garnishment, or any court paperwork.
How much does CCC cost?
The initial consultation is typically free. If you enroll in a program, fees can apply and can vary by province and plan. I always ask for two things before agreeing to anything:
- A plain-language fee breakdown (setup + monthly, and any caps)
- A “total cost of program” estimate so you can compare options fairly
How long does it take to get out of debt with CCC?
It depends on which path fits you. A DMP is often structured over a few years, and a consumer proposal can run up to five years. On the call, ask for a realistic finish line based on your budget, not a generic estimate.
Will I have to close my credit cards?
Many structured repayment solutions involve changing how you use credit while you’re paying things down. The good news is it’s usually temporary, and the purpose is to help you actually finish the plan. If having access to emergency credit matters for your situation, tell them upfront and ask how they handle that.
How does a plan affect my credit score?
Any debt-relief path can affect your credit profile, but the point is to trade short-term score pressure for long-term stability. I like asking CCC for a simple, practical explanation:
- How the option is typically reported
- What changes immediately (cards, limits, payment history)
- What rebuilding usually looks like after completion
Can CCC help if I’m unemployed or my income is unstable?
Yes, and you should still do the consult. If income is unstable, the “right” plan might be different than someone with steady pay. CCC can help you map options based on what’s realistic right now, and if a legal solution is the most practical, they can connect you with a trustee.
Can I include joint debt, or get help as a couple?
Often yes, but it depends on who is legally responsible for each debt and how your household budget works. The cleanest approach is to bring a list of debts showing whose name is on what, and ask CCC to walk you through the best strategy for a household plan.
Is CCC a loan company? Will they offer a consolidation loan?
No. CCC is not a loan company and does not exist to sell you a high-interest consolidation loan. Their focus is counselling, structured plans, and helping you choose the best debt-relief route, including connecting you to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee when that’s the right solution.
How quickly can I get started?
Usually the first step is fast: schedule the consult, share your numbers, and get a clear recommendation. If you’re in a time-sensitive situation (collections pressure, court deadlines, or urgent stress), say that immediately so they can guide you to the fastest appropriate path.
What documents should I have ready for the call?
The better your inputs, the better your plan. I’d have:
- Balances, interest rates, and minimum payments (credit cards/LOC/loans)
- Your monthly take-home income
- Essential expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transport)
- Any collection letters or legal notices (if applicable)
What questions should I ask to get a clear recommendation?
These questions keep the conversation concrete (and avoid vague advice):
- “Which option do you recommend for me, and why?”
- “What will my monthly payment likely be, and for how long?”
- “What are the total fees and total cost over the full plan?”
- “If a consumer proposal is better, what’s the next step through the trustee referral?”
Does CCC work across Canada (Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, etc.)?
Yes. Most of the process can be done by phone or online, which is helpful whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax, or a smaller community. If you prefer appointment-style help, ask what’s available for your area.
What if I decide CCC isn’t the right fit after the consult?
That’s totally fine. The value of the consult is getting clarity and a plan you can compare. Even if you don’t proceed with a program, you’ll usually walk away with a much sharper understanding of what will (and won’t) work for your numbers.
Disclosure: This page may contain a referral link. Always confirm terms, fees, and eligibility directly with the provider.
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Lauren has over 13 years of experience in wealth management and financial planning. She is a CFA charterholder and holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance. Lauren has worked with several asset management firms, offering wealth advisory and portfolio management services to high-net-worth clients.
