NFCC-certified non-profit credit counselor serving South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and North Dakota for 50 years with debt management, housing, and financial education.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills (CCCS/BH) was established in 1974 as a non-profit agency in Rapid City, South Dakota. The organization has spent five decades helping individuals and families overcome financial obstacles through certified counseling and education programs. They are a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, NFCC member, and COA-accredited, maintaining rigorous ethical standards and employing only certified counselors and educators.
CCCS/BH offers comprehensive financial wellness services including one-on-one credit counseling, debt management programs, housing/financial counseling, bankruptcy guidance, and group financial education classes. Counseling is available through multiple formats: face-to-face in their Rapid City office, by telephone, or online. Their certified Consumer Credit Counselors develop personalized Financial Action Plans tailored to each client's situation. They serve a four-state region (South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and North Dakota) and maintain partnerships with the United Way, Better Business Bureau, and local chambers of commerce.
What distinguishes CCCS/BH is their demonstrated track record and community integration. They have counseled over 46,669 families, educated more than 89,938 individuals through classes, and returned $62,396,382 to the community on behalf of debt management clients. Their counselors are both NFCC and HUD certified, emphasizing non-judgmental support. The organization explicitly markets itself as a trustworthy alternative to predatory online services, leveraging their 50-year local presence.
The primary limitation is that this is a traditional credit counseling service, not a debt settlement or credit repair firm. They educate and guide rather than dispute credit reports or negotiate directly with creditors. While their debt management program exists, detailed information about debt settlement outcomes, creditor negotiation rates, or settlement percentages is not provided on the website. They are best suited for consumers seeking educational support, preventive financial counseling, or structured debt repayment rather than those seeking aggressive debt reduction or credit report corrections.
Yes. Consumer Credit Counseling Service Of The Black Hills is a registered company headquartered in Rapid City, SD. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Counseling available within 1-2 weeks of contact.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
CCCS/BH is best for consumers in its service region seeking financial education, credit counseling, and structured debt management from a trusted non-profit institution. The key caveat is that they provide guidance and planning rather than aggressive debt settlement or credit report disputation—this is appropriate for proactive financial management but not for those in crisis seeking rapid debt reduction or credit score repair.
Non-profit credit counseling agency offering free debt management, bankruptcy, and housing counseling services. NFCC member with 50+ years serving 400,000+ clients.
Best for: Individuals with multiple credit card and unsecured debts seeking structured repayment guidance, First-time homebuyers or homeowners seeking foreclosure prevention counseling
Allworth Financial is a fiduciary wealth management and financial planning firm with $35B AUM, 32,000+ clients, and 30 years in business, offering comprehensive advisory services.
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American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) offers free consultations, debt management plans, and multi-service counseling to help consumers reduce interest rates and pay off debt. BBB A+ rated.
Best for: Consumers with $1,000–$100,000+ in credit card debt seeking a structured repayment plan without new loans, People who have fallen behind on payments and are exploring alternatives to bankruptcy
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