Debt consolidation

How does consolidating through Ameridebt or a similar non profit affect credit rating?

Do banks cut off existing credit lines as part of the payment arrangement?

Thanks, in advance. Anything relevant is appreciated.

Hi, Speedy; welcome to the board!

http://www.ameridebt.org/faq.html may get you started; it does mention effects on your credit history.

http://www.nfcc.org (click “Credit Facts” and then “FAQs”), toward the bottom is mentions effects on credit history and the fact that credit lines will be closed until you prove you can make consistent payments on the consolidated loan.

Be very sure you know yourself before you get a consolidation loan.
I have known a few folks who did, and without fail they run the credit accounts back up to max again at the first opportunity, usually before the loan is even paid off.
A bill consolidation loan is NOT the answer for people who can’t handle money.