What Apprisen does

Apprisen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit financial counseling organization founded in 1955 in Columbus, Ohio as the Economy Budget Service Company—the first free credit counseling service in the United States. Operating under the legal name Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Midwest, Inc. and headquartered in Gahanna, Ohio, Apprisen now serves individuals, small businesses, and employers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia via 10 physical office locations spanning Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana; telephone and video counseling; and its proprietary IRIS digital platform (iris.apprisen.com). The organization employs 101–250 people and is led by President/CEO Johnny Cantrell, CFO Christopher Kallay, CIO Brian Yoder, and COO Re'Donna Thompson, alongside a roster of Financial Services Specialists. Over its 70-year history, the organization reports it has served more than one million people and is recognized by Investopedia as the "Best Overall Credit Counseling Agency."

The core service portfolio centers on the Debt Management Program (DMP)—a structured repayment plan where Apprisen negotiates lower interest rates with creditors on behalf of clients and consolidates payments to a single monthly fee (capped at $45 setup plus $45/month, subject to fee waivers for qualifying hardship cases)—and IRIS, a secure online financial assessment tool that generates a personalized roadmap reviewed by NFCC-certified Financial Specialists within 24 hours. Adjacent products include Credit Health Education sessions ($65 individual, $85 joint), a Financial Health Plan ($95), HUD-approved Housing Counseling (mortgage delinquency, foreclosure prevention, renter and first-time homebuyer education), EOUST-approved Bankruptcy Counseling ($25 individual online), a Student Loan Education Session, Financial Workshops for community groups, and an Employer Financial Wellness program sold to organizations with volume discounts for employers above 100 employees. The IRIS ConnectED platform and IRIS Homebuyer Workshop extend delivery into 24/7 self-paced online courses that issue HUD certificates of completion.

Apprisen generates revenue through five streams: client fees (subject to waivers for qualifying hardship cases), voluntary creditor contributions from DMP participants, grants and donations from financial institutions, United Way partnership funding (active across United Way of the Bluegrass, Central Ohio, Miami-Dade, and Summit County), and enterprise contracts for Employer Financial Wellness programs. The organization holds a BBB A+ rating, has been HUD-approved as a housing counseling agency since 1979, employs NFCC-certified Financial Specialists, and is licensed to provide Debt Management Counseling in all 50 states and DC following Rhode Island's 2012 approval. In 2025, DMP graduates paid off $21.4 million in combined debt; community outreach engaged 1,228 participants; and social-media content reached approximately 897,000 individuals.

Name

Apprisen

Legal name

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Midwest, Inc.

Website

https://apprisen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Apprisen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit financial counseling organization serving individuals, small businesses, and employers nationwide. It delivers debt management, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education through 10 offices, its IRIS digital platform, and NFCC-certified Financial Specialists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Credit Counseling Services

NAICS

Activities Related to Credit Intermediation (5223)

SIC

Services-Consumer Credit Reporting, Collection Agencies (7320)

akta.pro primary industry

Credit Counseling & Debt Management Plans (DMP) (FSAKAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Consumer Credit Counseling & Budgeting (FSAEAFAA), Credit & Debt Management (Credit Scores, Loans, Repayment) (EDAAAJAC), Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Restructuring Servicing (Consumer) (FSAKAJAK), Financial Literacy, Debt Counseling & Default Prevention (EDALAJAK), Financial Hardship & Forbearance Assistance (FSAEAFAJ)

Keywords

• Credit counseling services
• Debt management program
• Financial wellness education
• Housing counseling services
• Bankruptcy counseling sessions

Headquarters

HQ city

Ohio City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Client Fees: Fees for various programs including Debt Management Program (capped at $45 setup + $45/month), Credit Health Education ($65-85), Financial Health Plan ($95), First-Time Homebuyer Workshop ($75), and Bankruptcy Counseling ($25). Fees may be reduced or waived for qualifying individuals.
2. Creditor Contributions: Voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in debt management plans, as a nonprofit organization relying on multiple funding sources.
3. Grants and Donations: Grants and donations from financial institutions, plus foundation support. Also receives funding through United Way partnerships in multiple communities.
4. Employer Financial Wellness Programs: Customized pricing for employer financial wellness programs based on company size, with exclusive discounts for employers over 100 employees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Apprisen delivers nonprofit credit counseling, debt management programs, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education services to individual consumers and employer partners in all 50 states. Core offerings include the Debt Management Program (consolidated monthly payment with negotiated lower interest rates), Credit Health Education, Financial Health Plan, Housing Counseling (HUD-approved), Bankruptcy Counseling (EOUST-approved), and the IRIS online financial assessment and IRIS ConnectED digital learning platforms. Services are delivered by NFCC-certified Financial Specialists via phone, video, in-person at 10+ offices, and online.

Product overview

Apprisen is a nonprofit financial counseling organization offering a portfolio of interconnected services centered around its core digital platform, IRIS. The main offerings include the Debt Management Program (DMP) for structured debt repayment, the Financial Health Plan for comprehensive wellness, and Credit Health Education Sessions. These are complemented by specialized services including IRIS ConnectED (digital education platform), IRIS Homebuyer Workshop, Bankruptcy Counseling, Housing Counseling, Financial Workshops, Student Loan Education, and Employer Financial Wellness programs. The Comprehensive Financial Review serves as the entry point, with all services delivered by NFCC-certified Financial Specialists. The organization serves clients in all 50 states through a combination of online tools, phone, video, and in-person sessions across over 10 physical locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IRIS: Apprisen's secure, online financial assessment tool designed to provide personalized financial roadmaps with expert guidance. IRIS gives users a comprehensive financial plan reviewed by certified specialists.

Products and services

• Debt Management Program (DMP) A structured repayment plan for unsecured debt in which Apprisen works directly with creditors to lower interest rates, waive fees, and create a manageable payoff plan. Customers make one simplified monthly payment to Apprisen, which then distributes funds to creditors, typically completing the program in 3 to 5 years. Capped at $45 one-time setup fee + $45/month with fee reductions or waivers for qualifying hardship cases.
• Financial Health Plan A comprehensive financial wellness program delivered one-on-one with a certified financial specialist, covering cash-flow budgeting, savings planning, debt ratio analysis, net worth calculation, and personalized action plans tailored to individual financial goals. Available for individuals or joint sessions at $95 per session.
• Credit Health Education Session One-on-one sessions with NFCC-certified financial specialists that include pulling and reviewing Experian credit reports and scores, learning to dispute errors, understanding credit scoring models, and setting realistic credit goals. Priced at $65 per individual session and $85 for joint sessions.
• Comprehensive Financial Review A free confidential session with a certified financial specialist that reviews income, expenses, and debts and produces a personalized action plan. Available to individuals and small business owners via email/text, phone, video, or in person.
• IRIS Online Financial Assessment Apprisen's secure online financial assessment tool (iris.apprisen.com) that allows users to submit financial information and goals digitally and receive a personalized roadmap including a debt snapshot within 24 hours, a budget, an action plan, and follow-up specialist review. Free for users.
• Employer Financial Wellness Program A workplace financial wellness program sold to employers and organizations to help employees reduce financial stress and improve retention. Pricing is customized based on company size with exclusive discounts for employers of 100+ employees. Combines financial coaching, workshops, and access to Apprisen's debt management and education services.
• Bankruptcy Counseling EOUST-approved pre-filing and post-filing bankruptcy counseling that delivers the certificates required under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, along with financial education, alternatives analysis, and guidance on rebuilding financial health. Individual session priced at $25 with fee waiver for limited hardship.
• Housing Counseling HUD-approved housing counseling services (since 1979) covering mortgage delinquency and foreclosure prevention, first-time homebuyer counseling, first-time renter counseling, and pre-purchase mortgage counseling. Most services are free; the Pre-Purchase Mortgage Counseling session carries a $90 fee when working with a mortgage lender.
• Financial Workshops High-quality financial education workshops delivered to organizations and community groups, covering budgeting, credit management, student loans, homeownership, retirement planning, and identity theft protection. Topics are customized based on audience needs.
• IRIS ConnectED An interactive digital financial education platform led by experienced instructors, offering online courses for both organizations and individuals on topics from budgeting to homeownership. Features 24/7 accessibility, quizzes, activities, and certificates of completion.
• First-Time Homebuyer Workshop (HUD Certificate Eligible) An online, on-demand workshop for first-time homebuyers covering the home purchasing process from budgeting and mortgage basics to closing costs and long-term planning. Provides HUD certificates of completion; course fee is $75 and non-refundable.
• Student Loan Education Session Educational sessions delivered by certified financial specialists that help student loan borrowers understand federal and private loan repayment options, factors to consider before applying, and steps to avoid default.
• IRIS Homebuyer Workshop An online, expert-taught homebuyer education course accessible 24/7 that covers the home-buying process and provides participants with a HUD certificate of completion upon finishing.
• Financial Calculators A free suite of online financial calculators covering home financing, personal financing, investment, and retirement planning topics to help users make informed financial decisions.

Quantifiable outcome

• DMP graduates paid off $21,412,502.29 in combined debt in 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United Way of the BluegrasscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded agency partnership enabling families and individuals to get and stay on track with their finances in Lexington, Kentucky community. 2480 Fortune Drive #250, Lexington, KY 40509.
• United Way of Central OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded agency partnership serving Central Ohio community. 360 S. 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
• United Way of Miami-DadecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded agency partnership in Miami-Dade community. The Ansin Building, 3250 Southwest Third Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129.
• United Way Summit CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way funded agency partnership in Akron, Ohio area. 390 North Prospect Street, Akron, OH 44304.
• Old National BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of First-Time Homebuyer Workshop course. Note: Old National is a sponsor only (not affiliated, agent of, etc. of Apprisen) and is not offering financial advisory or loan services.
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFCC provides certification for Apprisen's Financial Specialists, requiring passing series of exams and ongoing education. Apprisen promotes NFCC as a resource for learning about effective nonprofit financial counseling.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GreenPath Financial Wellness: A large, HUD-approved nonprofit credit counseling agency offering DMP, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and student loan counseling across all 50 states. It is the most direct comparable to Apprisen, with a similar NFCC-certified specialist model, multi-channel delivery, and employer financial wellness programs.
• Money Management International (MMI): One of the largest nonprofit credit counseling agencies in the U.S., providing DMP, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education. It is a near-clone of Apprisen in service mix, target customers, and nonprofit funding model (grants, creditor contributions, fees).
• InCharge Debt Solutions: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit credit counseling agency offering DMP, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education, including programs for military families. Comparable to Apprisen in service portfolio, HUD/NFCC accreditations, and national online delivery.
• Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions (credit.org): A nonprofit HUD-approved credit counseling agency delivering DMP, housing, bankruptcy, and student loan counseling, plus employer financial wellness programs. It is a direct comparable to Apprisen in scope, accreditation, and customer segments.
• Take Charge America: A nonprofit credit counseling and financial education agency with DMP, student loan counseling, housing counseling, and bankruptcy services. Comparable to Apprisen on service lines, NFCC certification, and multi-channel (phone, online, in-person) delivery.
• Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management: A nonprofit credit counseling organization offering DMP, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education, with a focus on West Coast and Mountain states. Comparable to Apprisen as a regional-to-national nonprofit counterpart in the same product category.

Broad incumbents

• National Debt Relief: A for-profit debt settlement company that competes with Apprisen for the same financially stressed consumer segment but uses a settlement rather than DMP model. It is a relevant adjacent competitor because distressed consumers frequently choose between settlement and counseling, even though Apprisen's DMP is structurally different.

Emerging players

• Dave: A consumer fintech offering cash advances, budgeting tools, and a 'side hustle' job platform targeting lower- and middle-income Americans. It is a relevant adjacent competitor because it provides app-based, low-friction financial help that overlaps with the budgeting/emergency-cash portion of Apprisen's value proposition.
• Albert: A subscription-based personal finance app combining automated budgeting, savings, early wage access, and human financial advice. Comparable to Apprisen in the personal financial wellness category, but with a digital-first, mass-market delivery model aimed at younger consumers.
• Financial Finesse: A provider of employer financial wellness programs (coaching, education, digital tools) sold to HR and benefits leaders. Comparable to Apprisen on the employer wellness GTM motion specifically, even though its funding model and delivery are for-profit and digital-led rather than nonprofit and counseling-led.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Apprisen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Apprisen