Can I keep my credit cards?

All credit cards from accounts placed in a debt management program must be destroyed and returned to the creditor. This should be regarded as a practical course to take realizing that it was probably the ease of using these credit cards that caused the current financial situation. In some circumstances, however, where reason dictates, clients may be allowed to retain a credit card and not place it in the program.

As of August 2000 some creditors are now requiring that credit counseling organizations send them a complete "full disclosure" budget along with the proposal. These creditors want you to prove a "need" for the relief offered when accepted into the program. Another new requirement is that some creditors are now demanding that ALL unsecured credit accounts (with balances over $100) are placed into the program. If you choose to keep some accounts out of the program you need to be aware that certain creditors may deny your acceptance.

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