Another newbie question

If you consolidate your credit cards, chances are you cannot use it through out the program. But once the process is over, there is no restriction in using the cards.

I think, they won't take away your debit cards as debit cards do not contain any credit balance, right?

If you think that you need a credit card for emergency, you can keep one aside. Ask these questions to your counselors, they can help you out.

When I began my consolidation program I was told that I only had to put the debts on the program that I wanted to. Years ago when I went through a consolidation company they said that the credit card companies could potentially not accept your consolidation payments if all of your ccs weren't in consolidation. So I guess it depends on who you are dealing with.

Welcome to the forums, Hazel.
Don't be scared, you're doing the right thing. Call around..different companies have different policies, I'm sure. Good luck!

You don't have to include all the accounts in the consolidation program. You can pick the accounts you want to include in the program and the consolidation company will negotiate with your credit companies for lower interest rates. With that said, you can keep one card outside the program for emergency use. Make sure that you are making timely payments towards it so that there is no need to include it in the program.