Collection & Related Companies

Join the largest association for the consumer collection industry and receive member benefits tailored to perfectly fit your organization’s unique needs. ACA saves you time and money while helping your collection company stay competitive for the long haul.

Agency Membership Qualifications:

"Agency" membership in ACA International is appropriate for these types of companies:

• Third-party consumer debt collection agencies.
• Collection law firms.
• Asset (debt) buying companies that also handle collections.
• Other companies substantially engaged in or related to the collection industry, such as billing companies.

Agency members are the largest group under the ACA umbrella. In fact, ACA International is the largest trade association for third-party consumer debt collection agencies. Since 1939, ACA has served the needs of the collection industry and helped build it into a vital part of today's world economy. Currently, there are more than 3,300 members in the agency member group, including more than 300 international members in more than 60 countries.

Agency Membership Benefits:

ACA provides tools and knowledge to help collection and related companies work smarter, stronger and more efficiently. We add value with a comprehensive, responsive and cost-effective line of services. ACA offers many exclusive member benefits, such as:

• Industry-specific insurance and bonds, and a thorough state licensing service.
• On target, no-fee information available 24/7 in our extensive, easily searchable E-Compliance online library.
• Discounts on Campus ACA education and training (in-person, by phone, on CD–ROM or via the Web).
• Top-notch telecommunications program with negotiated rates and quality management services.

For a list and descriptions of the many agency member benefits, please visit one of these sites:

• U.S. Agency Membership Benefits
• International and U.S. Possession Agency Membership Benefits

For more information about membership benefits, e-mail membership@acainternational.org or contact ACA's Membership Specialist at +1(952) 928–8000, ext. 206. We're happy to answer your questions.

Agency Membership Dues Structure:

ACA agency membership is available by location. Each office wanting ACA member benefits must complete an application and pay dues.

For companies in the United States, membership is a combined package of national plus unit benefits provided by 42 state and regional collectors associations (units) affiliated with ACA. U.S. unit dues vary from state to state and are paid in addition to the current U.S. national dues of $300 (includes one person), plus $25 for each additional full–time equivalent employee up to a maximum of $2,500. Multi-office discounts are available.

For companies located outside the 50 United States, agency dues are $210 USD. At this time, there are no unit dues for international members.

Before You Apply:

• Units are your local source for information, education, networking, legislative advocacy and more. ACA agency membership in the United States consists of this combined (ACA+Unit) benefits package. It is not possible to join at only one level.
• If your company has multiple location in the United States under the same ownership, contact ACA's Membership Department and let us tell you about our multi-office discount program.
• You may pay by check or credit card. ACA accepts MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
• Questions? Contact ACA's Membership Department at +1(952) 928-8000, ext. 206, or mailto:membership@acainternational.org?subject=Join_ACA.
• The membership applications are in an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. To open a PDF file, you need Adobe Acrobat software on your computer. To download a free version, visit the Adobe site.

Agency Membership Applications:

Choose the link below that corresponds to your geographic location.

• U.S. Possessions - Application for companies in a U.S. possession or territory outside the 50 United States.
• International - Application for companies located outside the 50 United States.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you have a question about agency (collection and related companies) membership? You may find the answer at ACA's Frequently Asked Questions. 

If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact ACA's Membership Department.  We are happy to answer your inquiries. E–mail: membership@acainternational.org or call ACA's Membership Specialist at +1(952) 928-8000, ext. 206.

Starting and Managing a Collection Agency:

Considering starting your own collection agency or purchasing an existing one? Read ACA's Starting and Managing a Collection Agency brochure. Please note that ACA recommends that you have industry knowledge and experience before you consider opening your own collection agency.