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Beyond the debt mountain: 8 best debt relief companies helping rebuild futures

Katherine HaanPersonal Finance Expert

Katherine Haan is a former financial advisor turned small business coach. Katherine holds an MBA, and is a former staff writer for Fit Small Business. She is a regular contributor to Forbes and maintains a popular lifestyle and travel blog.

If you’re one of the Americans carrying a portion of the $1.08 trillion in U.S. credit card balances, or the 8% who are delinquent, a way out could mean the difference between a lifetime of financial struggle and a fresh start. 

That’s where debt relief companies come in. They negotiate your debt with creditors on your behalf, working to reduce the total amount you owe and create a plan for repayment, allowing you a chance to regain control over your finances and rebuild your life.

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The 8 best debt relief companies of December 2024

Reputable debt relief companies have fair pricing, a solid track record, satisfied customers, and agents who hold certifications from reputable organizations like International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA, formerly known as the American Fair Credit Council), American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), or Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA). We’ve done the work for you to find the best debt relief companies that meet this criteria. Their fees are subject to change, but all figures on our list are current as of July 10, 2024.

Best for credit card debt: National Debt Relief

Headquartered in New York City, National Debt Relief has settled more than $1 billion in debt. It has helped more than 500,000 people located all over the United States settle their debt. 

More than $1 billion in unsecured debts resolved — one of the larger amounts of debt settled that we’ve come across. 

Like others on our list, National Debt Relief has an A+ BBB rating, the highest possible score. 

National Debt Relief debt specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight EST and weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you’re a current client, customer service is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. 

FEATURED PARTNER

National Debt Relief

Cost 15-25% of enrolled debt based on debt amount and state of registration
Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
Accreditations AADR
View offer

at National Debt Relief

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.72 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.7 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.6 out of 5
  • National Debt Relief is available over the phone seven days a week. The debt relief companies’ hours of operations are Monday through Friday between 8:00am and Midnight, Saturdays between 8:00am and 11:00pm, and Sundays 8:00am and 10:00pm (all in Eastern Time). You can also reach them via email and fax.
    View offer

    at National Debt Relief

    Why we like National Debt Relief for credit card debt 

    Good for those seeking private student loan debt relief, National Debt Relief’s enormous amount of debts resolved and clients served makes it an attractive option. Its availability during late and weekend hours is beneficial for onboarding new clients, although these extended hours are not offered to existing clients. As with the rest of the options on our list, it charges no fees upfront, and its performance-based pricing model ensures your financial well-being is a priority.

    With over 75,000 five-star reviews, it’s one of the highest-rated debt relief companies. Its debt arbitrators are all certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). These arbitrators then deal directly with the creditors, aiming to reduce the client’s overall debt. They’ve resolved over $1 billion in unsecured debts.

    See our full review on National Debt Relief.

    National Debt Relief’s services

    National Debt Relief provides many ways to ease a client’s burden of debt. While specializing in debt settlement, this is complemented by other supports, including: 

    • Debt settlement
    • Debt consolidation
    • Credit counseling
    • Financial education
    • Bankruptcy prefiling counseling
    • Bankruptcy post-filing education

    National Debt Relief’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • Over $1 billion in unsecured debt settled
    • You only pay if it’s able to settle
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Not available in every state
    • Extended hours only available for onboarding and not for existing clients 
    • Its fees are high

    National Debt Relief’s fees

    You won’t pay anything to National Debt Relief unless they settle your debt, and you approve the settlement. After one settlement payment is made, then National Debt Relief collects its fee. On average, a client will pay anywhere from 15% to 25% of the total debt enrolled. 

    This means if you have $25,000 in credit card debt to enroll, you’re looking at paying $3,750 to $6,250 in fees. This payment will come out of your Dedicated Account.

    Best for customized options: Accredited Debt Relief

    Headquarters San Diego, California, Accredited Debt Relief has been providing debt relief services to clients since 2011. Since then, the company has helped serve over $1 billion in debt to its 300,000 clients. Like other debt relief companies, Accredited Debt Relief offers a free initial consultation to review the client’s debt circumstances and craft a relief program.

    Accredited Debt Relief can assist with debts from credit card, personal loans, department store credit, and medical. They cannot support with auto loan or mortgage related debts.

    Accredited Debt Relief

    Cost 25% of enrolled debt
    Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
    Accreditations AFCC, CDRI
    View offer

    at Accredited Debt Relief

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.87 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.9 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.8 out of 5
  • Accredited Debt Relief shares a toll-free phone number on its wbesite that you can dial to speak direction with a debt consolidation specialist.
    View offer

    at Accredited Debt Relief

    Why we like Accredited Debt Relief for best customized options

    Accredited Debt Relief is one of our top debt relief picks because of its almost-perfect Trustpilot score and great scores across BBB and Google. The company says its clients typically become debt-free between two and four years. Aside from negotiating with your creditors, Accredited Debt Relief also supports loan consolidation offered by its affiliates as another debt solution option. 

    Accredited Debt Relief also expands its reach by providing a client education program. This gives clients tools and resources to understand their finances better and make debt management decisions that are well-informed. Clients can see all of their progress at a glance from their personalized dashboard.

    See our full review on Accredited Debt Relief.

    Accredited Debt Relief’s services

    For clients grappling with mounting debt, Accredited Debt Relief provides several solutions. These include: 

    • Debt consolidation
    • Debt settlement
    • Credit counseling
    • Personal finance management education
    • Bankruptcy counseling

    Accredited Debt Relief’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • You pay nothing upfront
    • Over $1 billion in debt settled
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Not available in all states
    • You could still be subject to lawsuits and collections by creditors
    • Its fees are high

    Accredited Debt Relief fees

    When you consolidate your debt with Accredited Debt Relief, they’re connecting you with its affiliates whose loans’ annual percentage rates (APR) range from 4.9% to 35.99%. In addition to the APR, you’re paying an origination fee of 1% to 6%. Your fee is then 25% and is based on the success of the loan. 

    According to Accredited Debt Relief, clients pay an average of 55% on their enrolled debt before fees are taken into consideration. When you add the fees on top of it, its savings aren’t as great.

    Best overall: Money Management International

    Headquartered in Stafford, Texas, Money Management International (MMI) was rebranded in 2003, but the nonprofit debt and credit counseling organization has been around under different names since 1958. MMI has a stellar track record of counseling over 2.5 million people and repaying $10 billion in debt. In 2022 alone, MMI serviced over 46,000 debt management plans for their clients, which resulted in almost $193,000,000 worth of debt repayments. Its success is evident with their consumer reviews with an A+ BBB rating and 4.6 out of five stars with TrustPilot.

    Money Management International

    Cost On average, $33 set-up fee and a $25 monthly fee
    Avg. time to settle debt 12-60 months
    Accreditations FCAA, NFCC
    View offer

    at Money Management International

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.9 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.6 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.9 out of 5
  • MMI has a number of contact forms on its website to reach them based on topics including new debt management plan, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial wellness programs. You can also reach them by phone.
    View offer

    at Money Management International

    Why we like MMI for best overall debt relief company

    MMI’s track record of success, glowing consumer reviews, and longstanding reputation combine to make it our top choice for debt relief companies. There’s a lot to consider with debt solutions, especially how it will impact your credit score negatively. MMI is a full-service organization that also supports credit repair solutions as well, making it more appealing for those thinking about the complete cycle needed to achieve financial flexibility. 

    Best of all? It’s a nonprofit. This means MMI prioritizes clients’ financial health over profits. It aims to help clients achieve long-term financial stability, rather than focusing on increasing its own bottom line. This puts it in a class of its own as many debt relief companies are for profit. 

    See our full review on Money Management International.

    MMI’s services

    With a variety of services designed to help clients get out of debt, manage their housing, and afford homes, MMI does what few debt relief companies can. It focuses on making solutions affordable to clients. These include:

    • Debt management plans
    • Credit counseling
    • Credit report review
    • Foreclosure prevention counseling
    • Eviction prevention counseling
    • Homebuyer counseling
    • Reverse mortgage counseling
    • Bankruptcy counseling and education
    • Student loan counseling

    MMI’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • Nonprofit
    • Available 24/7
    • Clients see a credit score increase of 85 points four years after starting
    • Over $10 billion in debt repaid

    Cons

    • While available via phone 24/7, its physical locations aren’t in every state
    • Temporary decrease in credit score as your credit accounts are closed
    • Not all creditors will participate

    MMI’s fees

    When you sign up for a MMI debt management plan, you’ll pay a setup fee as well as a monthly fee. Both your monthly fee and your set-up fee depend on the amount of debt you’re repaying and your location. Per MMI, clients pay an average of $25 per month and $33 in setup fees.

    Another great thing about MMI is it caps the amount you’ll pay. You will never pay more than $75 to set up your debt management plan, and you won’t ever spend more than $59 per month in fees, no matter the amount of your debt in repayment or location.

    Best for all unsecured debt types: Americor Debt Relief

    Headquartered Irvine, California, Americor Debt Relief has been serving clients in need of debt solutions since 2008. The company states it has negotiated thousands of settlements on behalf of over 200,000 clients, and helped them clear $2 billion in debt. On average, Americor reduces their clients’ total debt by 37%,

    Like many of the debt relief companies, the process starts with free consultation, and per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, they do not take any upfront fees. Clients will pay a percentage of the total debt enrolled, though it varies by state.

    Americor Debt Relief

    Cost Percentage of the total debt enrolled varies by state
    Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
    Accreditations AADR
    View offer

    at Americor Debt Relief

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.66 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.9 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.8 out of 5
  • Americor Debt Relief is available via email, or seven days a week over the phone. New clients can reach the debt relief company Monday through Friday between 6:00am and 7:00pm, or weekends between 8:00am and 4:00pm PST. Existing clients can reach Americor Debt Relief by phone on weekdays between 5:00am and 6:00pm, or weekends between 5:00am and 4:00pm PST.
    View offer

    at Americor Debt Relief

    Why we like Americor Debt Relief for unsecured debt types

    Americor Debt Relief is one of our top picks for debt relief because of its success rate of relieving over $2 billion in debt for its clients. It also has a glowing Trustpilot rating and, more importantly, supports debt relief for several debt types, including credit card debt, payday loans, medical debt, private student loans, personal loans, and personal business debts. Additionally, Americor can help with auto repossessions, mortgages, and tax debts.

    The company recently announced the launch of a personal loan option to help its clients with debt consolidation with a fixed rate of 24.99%, which can be a good solution for anyone with high-interest credit card debts.

    In addition to connecting with an entire network of creditor partners, Americor sets its clients up for success by offering financial literacy resources. This helps clients budget properly and make better decisions.

    See our full Americor Debt Relief review.

    Americor Debt Relief’s services

    To help clients overcome financial struggles, Americor offers a variety of services. These include: 

    • Debt settlement
    • Debt consolidation
    • Credit counseling
    • Financial education
    • Personalized financial assistance

    Americor’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • Charges no upfront fees 
    • Offers interactive tools for tracking debt settlement progress
    • Provides financial education to prevent future debt issues

    Cons

    • Initial impact on credit score can be significant due to the nature of debt settlement
    • Fees are high
    • Success of negotiations varies based on creditor policies and the client’s financial stability

    Americor Debt Relief’s fees

    Your fees depend on the amount of debt you’re enrolling in the Americor program. This is based on a percentage of the debt enrolled and varies from 14% to 29%. For a debt settlement offer to be made to creditors, you must save a minimum of 25% of each debt. This amount is then used to offer up in settlement to the creditor.

    Best for customer support: Pacific Debt Relief

    Headquartered in San Diego, California, Pacific Debt Relief is available in 30 states, and has partnerships with debt relief companies in the states it doesn’t serve. In operation since 2002, Pacific Debt Relief has built an expectation of trust. Like the others on this list, Pacific Debt Relief has an A+ rating with BBB, which is the highest a company can have. Its customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST, Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Pacific Debt Relief

    Cost 15-25% of enrolled debt based on debt amount and state of registration
    Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
    Accreditations CDRI, IAPDA
    View offer

    at Pacific Debt Relief

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.93 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.8 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.6 out of 5
  • Pacific Debt Relief can be reached by phone, fax, or email. The California-based debt relief company also has a form on its website to fill out as another method to contact the company.
    View offer

    at Pacific Debt Relief

    Why we like Pacific Debt Relief for customer support

    Good for those who prioritize customer service. Of the 1,456 Pacific Debt Relief reviews on Trustpilot, 84% were 5-star reviews, and 11% were 4 stars. The vast majority of reviews praise its customer service, and that’s something we like to see. Being burdened with debt is one of the most stressful situations one can face, and having a friendly voice on the other line to hold your hand and walk you through the process is sometimes all you need to see a light at the end of the tunnel and know that you’re not in this alone.

    With new technology designed to make it easier for clients to communicate with the Pacific Debt Relief team, case management is made even smoother through better efficiencies. Plus, its team receives regular training on the best practices and negotiation tactics for creditors.

    Learn more in our full Pacific Debt Relief review.

    Pacific Debt Relief’s services

    Pacific Debt Relief provides a range of services for its clients. These include: 

    • Debt settlement
    • Personalized financial consultation
    • Credit counseling
    • Financial education resources
    • Program for managing and reducing unsecured debts

    Pacific Debt Relief’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • You’ll receive communication from your account manager every few weeks
    • No upfront fees
    • A+ BBB rated

    Cons

    • Not available in all states
    • Potential negative impact on credit score during program
    • Must have over $10,000 in unsecured debt to qualify

    Pacific Debt Relief’s fees

    With Pacific Debt Relief, you’ll pay no fees upfront. These fees range from 15% to 25%, depending on your location and the amount of debt you have.  

    Best in availability: Century Support Services

    Headquartered in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Century Support Services has been servicing clients in need of debt solutions since 2003. Since its inception, the company has helped over 259,000 clients settling a total of more than $1.7 billion in debts.

    Like other debt relief companies, Century Support Services’ process starts with a free consultation and clients only get charged after based on the amount of debt enrolled. Clients who make all their monthly program payments on time will pay on average 50% of their enrolled balance in addition to the fees Century Support Services collects, which is 25% of the enrolled debt.

    Century Support Services

    Cost 25% of enrolled debt
    Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
    Accreditations IAPDA, AADR
    View offer

    at Century Support Services

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 3.7 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.9 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.5 out of 5
  • Century Support Services can be reached by phone, fax, or email. The Pennsylvania-based company’s hours of operations are weekdays between 9:00am and 8:00pm EST. Century Support Services also has a live chat feature on its website.
    View offer

    at Century Support Services

    Why we like Century Support Services

    Century Support Services is one of our top debt relief picks because of 20 years of success in reducing debts for over 259,000 clients. It has an A+ BBB rating and a strong Trustpilot rating, which are indications of positive customer feedback. While Century Support Services’ 25% rate is standard, many of the competitors do charge a lower rate based on certain circumstances or vary by state. 

    Century Support Services helps tackle high-interest credit card debt and works to negotiate lower interest rates. It also works to reduce principal balances, which will reduce the overall debt repayment period. 

    See our full review of Century Support Services.

    Century Support Services’s services

    Century Support Services is much like a tailor, in that it offers a variety of solutions for its customers based on their financial needs. These include: 

    • Free initial debt assessment
    • Personalized debt settlement programs
    • Debt negotiation
    • 24/7 online account management
    • Customer support and client advocacy
    • Educational resources for financial management

    Century Support Services’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • Over $2 billion in settled debts
    • No fees charged until debt settlement is successfully negotiated
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Not available in all states
    • Fees are high
    • Some clients may not complete the program due to the stringent saving requirements

    Century Support Services’s fees

    Fees vary from state to state, and Century Support Services doesn’t detail these. However, its fees are significant—it claims clients realize savings of approximately 43% but that’s before fees. The amount saved after fees is 16%, factored over 24 to 48 months. This only counts those who stay in the program and settle all their debt.

    Best in customer satisfaction: New Era Debt Solutions 

    Headquartered in Camarillo, California, New Era Debt Solutions works to alleviate debt for clients located in 20 states, and an additional 27 states through Consumer First Legal Network (CFLN). It does not serve clients in Iowa, Maine, or Oregon.

    Since its inception, New Era has negotiated $275 million in debt relief. It reports an average reduction of 42.87% off the account balances at the time of settlement.
    Since 1999, New Era Debt Solutions has worked to negotiate settlements for clients in a variety of hardships.

    A BBB rating of A+ is the highest a company can score on its letter scale. Points are assigned based on factors such as complaint resolution, time in business, complaint volume, and business practices.

    New Era Debt Solutions

    Cost Not disclosed
    Avg. time to settle debt 12-36 months
    Accreditations IAPDA
    View offer

    at New Era Debt Solutions

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.93 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 5 out of 5
  • Google ratings – 4.9 out of 5
  • New Era has debt specialists available Monday through Saturday from 7:00am to 8:00pm PST and after hours by appointment. If you’re a current client, customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm PST.
    View offer

    at New Era Debt Solutions

    Why we like New Era Debt Solutions 

    Good for those seeking relief and an effective path out of debt. New Era Debt Solutions doesn’t sugarcoat the process and provides the facts that other debt relief companies trying to earn your business might shy away from. It has an entire page dedicated to these hard truths, detailing its average settlement amounts, reasons why people have left the program before completion, and the average length of time it takes someone to complete its program. This transparency allows potential clients to make informed decisions and goes a long way in building trust and credibility.   

    With an entire team of debt specialists to help with the settlement process, it can tailor the strategy to each financial situation. It also partners with Consumer First Legal Network, which extends its reach further, allowing for legal insight when necessary.

    See our full review on New Era Debt Solutions.

    New Era Debt Solutions services

    New Era Debt Solutions aims to help clients reduce the stress of overwhelming debt. It does this through the following services: 

    • Debt settlement
    • Customized financial analysis
    • Creditor negotiation
    • Financial education and resources

    New Era Debt Solutions pros and cons

    Pros

    • Personalized debt relief programs
    • No upfront fees for services
    • A+ BBB rating

    Cons

    • Unavailable in every state
    • Credit score is likely to decline
    • Its rates aren’t transparent

    New Era Debt Solutions fees

    New Era Debt Solutions does not provide the details of its fees. It states that this depends on your location, the amount of debt, and the amount you can set aside to settle. You won’t pay any maintenance fees, and no fees are due until the debt is settled.

    Best for interactive engagement: Freedom Debt Relief 

    Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freedom Debt Relief works with clients all over the country to get relief from their unsecured debts, such as credit cards and medical bills.

    Freedom Debt Relief has served over 850,000 clients, the most out of every company on our list, and has settled more than four million accounts.

    Freedom Debt Relief has settled over $18 billion in debt, the most out of all the debt relief companies on our list.

    Freedom Debt Relief

    Cost 15-25% of enrolled debt
    Avg. time to settle debt 24-48 months
    Accreditations IAPDA, AADR
    View offer

    at Freedom Debt Relief

  • BBB Customer Reviews – 4.63 out of 5
  • TrustPilot ratings – 4.6 out of 5
  • Freedom Debt Relief has debt specialists available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 11:00pm EST, and weekends from 9:00am to 9:00pm EST. Customer service for current clients can be reached Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 9:00pm EST, Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, and weekends from 10:00am to 8:00pm EST.
    View offer

    at Freedom Debt Relief

    Why we like Freedom Debt Relief 

    Good for those who want an interactive dashboard that keeps you updated on the progress of your debt relief situation. Every time a new settlement offer comes in, you’re notified via phone and through your interactive dashboard. From there, you can select whether to accept it or not. This is particularly helpful for those with busy lives who don’t always have time to hop on a phone call.

    They’ve negotiated over $15 billion in debt as the largest debt relief provider in the U.S. The process starts with an in-depth consultation with specialists. It will then tailor strategies for every financial goal the client has.

    See our full review of Freedom Debt Relief.

    Freedom Debt Relief’s services

    Services offered by Freedom Debt Relief include the following: 

    • Personalized debt analysis
    • Custom debt negotiation plans
    • Online client dashboard for real-time updates
    • Comprehensive creditor negotiations

    Freedom Debt Relief’s pros and cons

    Pros

    • Interactive client dashboard for monitoring settlement progress
    • No upfront fees charged
    • More than $15 billion in settled debt

    Cons

    • Services not available in all states
    • Settlements can significantly impact credit scores negatively
    • The process can take up to 48 months

    Freedom Debt Relief’s fees

    You won’t pay any upfront fees with Freedom Debt Relief. Instead, you’ll pay 15%-25% of the debt enrolled. However, this rate can vary by state and the amount you enroll. The fee is charged only after you approve of the settlement offer and a payment has been made to the creditor.

    Debt Relief CompanyDebt management plansDebt settlement servicesSee details
    Featured partner
    National Debt Relief
    NoYesView offer
    at National Debt Relief
    Money Management InternationalYesNoView offer
    at MMI
    Accredited Debt ReliefNoYesView offer
    at Accredited Debt Relief
    Americor Debt ReliefNoYesView offer
    at Americor
    Pacific Debt ReliefNoYesView offer
    at Pacific Debt Relief
    Century Support ServicesNoYesView offer
    at Century Support Services
    New Era Debt SolutionsNoYesView offer
    at New Era Debt Solutions
    Freedom Debt ReliefNoYesView offer
    at Freedom Debt Relief
    Featured partner
    National Debt Relief
    View offer
    at National Debt Relief
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    Money Management InternationalView offer
    at MMI
    Debt management plansYes
    Debt settlement servicesNo
    Accredited Debt ReliefView offer
    at Accredited Debt Relief
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    Americor Debt ReliefView offer
    at Americor
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    Pacific Debt ReliefView offer
    at Pacific Debt Relief
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    Century Support ServicesView offer
    at Century Support Services
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    New Era Debt SolutionsView offer
    at New Era Debt Solutions
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes
    Freedom Debt ReliefView offer
    at Freedom Debt Relief
    Debt management plansNo
    Debt settlement servicesYes

    What to know about debt relief companies

    The first thing you should know about debt relief companies is that not all types of debt can be negotiated. Anything backed by the federal government or by collateral is ineligible for relief. This includes federal student loans, mortgages, and auto loans. Some private student loans may be eligible, depending on the debt relief company and your circumstances.  

    Most debt relief companies require you to be facing some kind of financial hardship, such as a divorce or layoff, before they’ll consider taking you on as a client.   

    While you’ll get out of debt, know that your credit score will likely tank in the immediate term. This is because, to negotiate with creditors, the money you’d typically put toward your debt will go into an FDIC-insured trust account to accumulate. This means missed payments and you’ll continue to receive collection calls. After all, why would a creditor negotiate if you’re already making on-time payments? 

    Additionally, you don’t need a debt relief company to settle with creditors. There are plenty of online resources to do it yourself, but if you’re not confident in your negotiation skills, having an expert do it for you can save you time, money, and stress. After all, you don’t want to agree to unfavorable terms or misunderstand any of the legalities of your agreements.

    Pro tips

    Even credit experts make financial mistakes sometimes—a fact I’m not afraid to admit. In the past, I’ve struggled with credit card debt. But I was able to use a balance transfer credit card to consolidate my balances and pay them down over time. Still, if you’re considering this option you should consider the pros and cons of a balance transfer before you apply for a new account. Michelle Lambright Black, Fortune Recommends contributor and credit expert

    Debt relief vs. debt settlement

    Think of debt relief as an umbrella term that includes several strategies for getting out of debt—debt settlement included. Other debt relief strategies include credit counseling, debt consolidation, and more. The overall goal is to reduce the financial stress involved with carrying a heavy debt load by reducing interest rates, consolidating multiple debts, negotiating for lower payments, or a combination of strategies. 

    Debt settlement is a specific type of debt relief that aims to negotiate with creditors to reduce the amount owed, usually for a lump-sum payment, which is often done with a third party. The most common type of debt for debt settlement is credit card debt, although other types of unsecured debt, such as medical bills, personal loans, and private student loans, can also be negotiated in some cases. 

    You won’t find debt settlement options for anything that’s secured, such as a mortgage or a vehicle loan, because these are backed by collateral—if the consumer defaults, the lender collects the collateral in return and has no reason to negotiate a debt.

    Key featuresDebt reliefDebt settlement
    Reduces total debtSometimesYes
    Lowers interest ratesYesNo
    Consolidates debts into one paymentYesNo
    Negative impact on credit scoreSometimesYes
    Available for secured debts, such as mortgage and car loanNoNo
    Involves negotiating with creditorsSometimesYes
    Requires upfront feesNoNo
    Length of time to complete (average)12-60 months24-48 months
    Credit counseling and education includedYesNo
    Can be done without third-party assistanceYesYes
    Reduces total debt
    Debt reliefSometimes
    Debt settlementYes
    Lowers interest rates
    Debt reliefYes
    Debt settlementNo
    Consolidates debts into one payment
    Debt reliefYes
    Debt settlementNo
    Negative impact on credit score
    Debt reliefSometimes
    Debt settlementYes
    Available for secured debts, such as mortgage and car loan
    Debt reliefNo
    Debt settlementNo
    Involves negotiating with creditors
    Debt reliefSometimes
    Debt settlementYes
    Requires upfront fees
    Debt reliefNo
    Debt settlementNo
    Length of time to complete (average)
    Debt relief12-60 months
    Debt settlement24-48 months
    Credit counseling and education included
    Debt reliefYes
    Debt settlementNo
    Can be done without third-party assistance
    Debt reliefYes
    Debt settlementYes

    How to choose a debt relief company

    Choosing a debt relief company should be done with care because the last thing you want is to end up in a worse situation than you’re in now. Here are some questions to ask potential debt relief companies:

    • Is it accredited by any industry organizations?
    • Does it publish its success rate? How about its failure rate?
    • What are its fees?
    • How long is the program?
    • How are you notified of settlement progress?
    • Does it have an in-house or external legal team?

    Watch out for debt relief scammers

    The unfortunate truth about the debt relief and credit repair industries is that scammers are ready to pounce on the vulnerable. They prey on those who are looking for easy out from insurmountable debt by promising unrealistic results. Be wary of any companies charging money upfront (the FTC doesn’t allow this), making promises that your credit score won’t go down (if you’re settling, it will), and offering to settle for pennies on the dollar (it can’t). Some of these scammers will use automated robocalls to proactively reach people in debt. 

    Protect yourself from scammers by confirming the agency you are speaking with is accredited and has a track record of success. You should do independent research on sites, such as Trustpilot and BBB. Search its name and website and check for negative customer reviews and any lawsuits. Any legitimate debt relief company cannot make you pay a fee upfront or promise to stop all debt collectors from calling. Lastly, if what they are promising appears to be too good to be true, then it probably is. 

    Pro tip

    I found that many people mistakenly placed their faith in debt settlement, debt relief services and credit repair services. Just because one of these companies has the word “law” or “legal” in their name, like Lexington Law, doesn’t mean they have lawyers working for you, and there’s still a good chance you’ll get scammed. Sarah Brady, Fortune Recommends contributor and former credit counselor.

    Alternatives to debt relief companies

    There are many alternative options before resorting to a debt relief company. Some of these include:

    • Debt consolidation: Debt consolidation is when you combine multiple debts, like high-interest credit card debt, into a single loan, usually with a lower interest rate. This is ideal for those who are making multiple payments to various creditors each month and want to simplify things. If they can offer a lower interest rate on the consolidation, it’ll save you money too. Debt consolidation is done via a personal loan, home equity loan, or balance transfer credit card, depending on your credit score.
    • Debt management: A debt management plan (DMP) is usually offered through credit counseling agencies. They aim to lower your interest rate so you can repay your entire debt in full over time. They work with creditors to create a payoff plan and often negotiate for lower interest rates and no late fees. This way, you’re making consistent, on-time payments without financial strain.
    • Negotiate with creditors yourself: If you want to avoid the cost of having a third party negotiate with creditors, you can do so yourself. Some creditors may be willing to lower your interest rate, waive fees, extend payment terms, or reduce your total balance owed if you can provide proof of financial hardship.
    • Personal loan: To get a personal loan to pay off debt, you usually need a decent credit score, which isn’t easy to obtain if you are already struggling with debt. This will let you consolidate your debt into one loan with, hopefully, a lower interest rate.
    • Home equity loans or lines of credit (HELOC): If you’re a homeowner, tapping into your home equity through a home equity loan or HELOC can help to pay off debt. Most HELOCs have lower interest rates than credit cards, so you can pay off debt quicker. This is a risky strategy, though, because if you fail to make your HELOC payments, you could lose your home. 
    • Balance transfer credit cards: With a balance transfer credit card, you usually get an introductory rate, such as low interest or zero interest for a set period of time, usually 12 to 18 months. This can give you some breathing room to pay down your debt without accumulating interest. The caveat is balance transfer cards usually charge a fee for transfers, and if you’re not paying off the card before the promotion period ends, interest usually skyrockets.
    • Credit counseling: Credit counseling won’t reduce the amount you owe, but it can provide a structured path toward reducing your debt and, sometimes, includes a debt management plan. These agencies provide financial advice and guidance on managing your debt. Usually, your first consultation is free and helps you come up with a plan to pay down your debt, improve credit, and create a budget.
    • Bankruptcy: Bankruptcy should be a last resort, as it can have long-lasting detrimental effects on your credit score and financial record. Some employers won’t hire you if there is a bankruptcy on your record, so this is something to keep in mind. There are two main types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7, which liquidates your assets to pay off debts, and Chapter 13, which sets up a repayment plan. These usually stay on your record for seven to 10 years, and in most jurisdictions, are matters of public record.

    How to apply for debt relief services

    Applying for debt relief services is pretty straightforward, but it helps to have an idea of the process. While debt relief companies vary, here’s what to expect, whether you’re pursuing debt settlement, debt management, or a different form of assistance.

    1. Assess your financial situation

    Before you get in touch with a debt relief company, it’s helpful to have a thorough understanding of your financial situation. Go through each of your statements and catalog your outstanding balances, interest rates, due dates, minimum monthly payments, and account numbers. Leave no stone unturned—it can be scary to look at, but it’s better to bite the bullet now so you can get ahead of your finances.

    Take stock of your monthly income and expenses so you have a better idea of what you have to work with. Debt relief companies will want to know this information when recommending solutions, so gathering this before your call will speed up the process. 

    2. Research debt relief companies

    Once you’ve got a clear picture of your financial situation, you can start narrowing down the debt relief companies you want to work with. Look for a company that’s accredited by organizations like the AFCC or IAPDA. These types of organizations make sure debt relief companies adhere to best practices and ethical standards so they’re not being unethical and consumers aren’t deceived. Companies who are members of these bodies are vetted and follow industry guidelines. 

    Check out review sites like Trustpilot or BBB to gauge customer satisfaction. Some charge excessive fees or make unrealistic promises, so be sure to look for these types of comments in customer reviews. These review sections can sometimes provide tips, such as reminders or even red flags to watch out for. 

    3. Schedule a consultation

    Most debt relief companies offer free consultations, so you should take advantage of booking one with each of your top contenders. At a consultation, you’ll speak with a debt consultant who will go over your financial details and goals before letting you know about the options that will fit your situation. Find out if their chosen program will impact your credit score. What should you do if creditors are hounding you? Are you charged a monthly fee? What are the trade-offs?

    At this appointment, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about their fees, timelines, the process, and the risks of the program they recommend. Don’t make any commitments until you’ve had a chance to consult with other companies and can sleep on the information you’re given. The last thing you want is to make an impulse decision and end up in a contract that isn’t in your best interest. 

    4. Sign the agreement and create a plan

    After deciding on a debt relief company and plan, your final step before implementing the actual debt relief plan is to sign an agreement. This contract will outline the services the company will provide, your fees, and the duration of the program. Once you sign your contract, the company will begin the plan you signed up for. This could involve creating a dedicated savings account to fund your debt settlements, or scheduling your reduced monthly payments in a debt management plan.

    Keep a copy of this agreement for your records, and it’s a good idea to save a scan of it to your phone in case it gets lost. You can do this through any scanner app. Then, back up this digital copy in cloud storage for easy access across devices.

    Our methodology 

    To determine the five best debt relief companies, our team did a thorough qualitative analysis of dozens of debt relief companies. We analyzed the services offered, its published track record, industry reputation, customer reviews, accreditations, and its customer service.

    Consumer Reviews (40%): What actual consumers have to say about their experience with a debt relief company is taken into account heavily because dealing with the stress of debt cannot be understated. We looked at a number of consumer review sites, such as BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews, to compile the score.

    Costs (30%): Anyone looking for debt relief should be focused on how much it will cost them to reduce their debt because, after all, it has to be worth it. That’s why we heavily weigh costs in our methodology.

    Average time to settle debt (20%): Anyone with mounting debt should be concerned with how long it takes to settle and achieve debt-free financial freedom.

    Free consultation (5%): All debt relief companies should not charge you for your first consultation. It is against the laws of the FTC for them to take any upfront fees. 

    Accreditations and types of debt services (5%):- There are several relevant accreditations that debt relief companies can have. Those badges indicate the debt relief company is trained properly to offer you sound advice on how to manage or reduce your debts. We also weighed the types of debt services each company provides, such as debt settlement and debt consolidation.

    Frequently asked questions

    Will my credit score improve by using a debt relief company?

    In the short term, your credit score will almost always go down. You won’t be making payments on your debt, which will be reported to credit bureaus as a missed payment, and instead will be taking that money and putting it into an FDIC-insured trust account to accumulate until enough money is collected to settle. Once a settlement is reached, debt relief companies use the money in the trust account to settle that debt. However, in the long-term, once the missed payments drop off, your score is likely to increase as the debt decreases.

    How will debt relief effect my credit?

    Because debt relief programs often require you to stop making payments to creditors while they negotiate on your behalf, your credit score will be negatively impacted. Repairing your credit score after a participating in a debt relief program can take months or years.

    Do debt relief companies charge money upfront?

    No, it’s against the FTC to charge money before settling. Instead, debt relief companies charge a fee based on the amount they have settled on your behalf. Typically, debt relief companies charge 15% to 25% after an agreement is reached.

    Can credit relief companies stop collection calls?

    No, you’re likely to continue to receive collect calls even when actively working with a debt relief company. This is because you’re missing payments. Legally, creditors are allowed to continue to attempt to collect on the debt owed.

    How does debt relief work?

    Debt relief can come in a number a ways all with the goal of reducing or eliminating your debt. Debt relief companies typically negotiate a settlement with your creditors to reduce your overall balance. They'll then work out a more manageable payment plan with you at a lower interest rate.

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    About the contributors

    Katherine HaanPersonal Finance Expert

    Katherine Haan is a former financial advisor turned small business coach. Katherine holds an MBA, and is a former staff writer for Fit Small Business. She is a regular contributor to Forbes and maintains a popular lifestyle and travel blog.

    Ehab ZahriyehSenior Editor, Personal Finance

    EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.