Best Debt Settlement Companies Of May 2023
Best Debt Settlement Companies 2023
We have evaluated and selected the top 25 debt settlement companies that are widely available in the United States.
The information provided is up to date as of May 1, 2023.
Complete Debt Relief
ScoreComplete Debt Relief
Customers of Complete Debt Relief are highly satisfied with the company’s services. It has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. With over a decade of experience, Complete Debt Relief has successfully settled more than $1 billion in unsecured debt.
One notable aspect of Complete Debt Relief is its transparency regarding fees. The cost of their services ranges from 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt, but the company states that the average fee for its users is approximately 21%. It typically takes an average of 24 to 48 months to settle the debt.
The company’s website offers a client dashboard that allows users to track their progress 24/7. Additionally, the site provides free calculators and resources related to debt settlement, although it does not have a live chat feature.
Complete Debt Relief’s debt settlement service is available to a large majority of the country, with the exception of three states. Like the other debt settlement companies on our list, Complete Debt Relief is accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC).
Things to consider: It’s important to note that Complete Debt Relief requires applicants to be in a financial crisis. To qualify for their program, you must have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt and be several months behind on your payments. While the average fee for users is 20%, fees can reach as high as 25% of the settled debt amount.
Additional information: For more information about Complete Debt Relief’s services, you can request a free quote online or call them for a free debt analysis. It’s worth mentioning that Complete Debt Relief does not operate in Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia.
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National Debt Relief
ScoreNational Debt Relief
Customers of National Debt Relief express high satisfaction with the company’s services, as evidenced by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. With over a decade of experience, National Debt Relief has successfully settled over $1 billion in unsecured debt.
Unlike some competitors, National Debt Relief is transparent about its fees, which range from 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt. The company states that the average fee for its users is approximately 21%. The debt settlement process typically takes an average of 24 to 48 months.
National Debt Relief provides a client dashboard on its website, allowing users to track their progress 24/7. The site also offers free calculators and resources related to debt settlement, although live chat support is not available.
National Debt Relief’s debt settlement service is available in most states, with the exception of three. Like other reputable debt settlement companies on our list, National Debt Relief is accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC).
Things to consider: To qualify for assistance from National Debt Relief, you must be facing a financial crisis, have a minimum of $7,500 in unsecured debt, and be several months behind on your payments. While the company states that the average fee for its users is 20%, fees can reach as high as 25% of the settled debt amount.
Additional information: Interested individuals can request a free quote online or contact National Debt Relief for a free debt analysis. Please note that National Debt Relief does not operate in Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia.
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Pacific Debt Relief
ScorePacific Debt Relief
Pacific Debt Inc. has been operating since 2002 and has successfully settled over $300 million in debt. The company receives positive customer feedback, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
The debt settlement process with Pacific Debt typically takes between 24 to 48 months, although some programs may take longer. They offer a free consultation and quote to interested individuals. While the company provides educational resources on their website, features like live chat or a client dashboard are not available.
Pacific Debt is accredited by the AFCC, just like other reputable companies on our list. It operates in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
Things to consider: Pacific Debt discloses that the average customer can expect to pay a fee ranging from 15% to 35% of the total enrolled debt, which is a wider range compared to other companies on our list. At the higher end, the cost for this debt settlement service can be significantly higher. To qualify for Pacific Debt’s program, a minimum of $10,000 in unsecured debt is generally required. Additionally, the company does not operate in 21 states.
Additional information: Interested individuals can sign up for Pacific Debt Inc.’s services online or by calling to receive a free debt analysis. Please note that Pacific Debt does not operate in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, or Wyoming.
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Accredited Debt Relief
ScoreAccredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief is a reputable company that offers various debt relief services, including debt consolidation, debt resolution, and credit counseling. Since its establishment in 2011, the company has assisted over 200,000 individuals in resolving more than $1 billion in debt. Accredited Debt Relief is accredited by the AFCC and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Specializing in unsecured debts such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal and payday loans, Accredited Debt Relief helps individuals settle these types of obligations. However, it does not handle secured debts like federal student loans, mortgages, and auto loans.
Points to consider: To qualify for Accredited Debt Relief, you need a minimum of $10,000 in unsecured debts and must be facing difficulties in making payments. On average, the company assists customers in reducing their debt by 45%. Settlement fees range between 15% and 25% of the total enrolled debt. Additionally, please note that Accredited Debt Relief’s services may not be available in all states.
Additional information: The debt relief process typically takes 12 to 48 months to complete, with the first settlement often achieved within four to six months. Accredited Debt Relief follows a performance-based fee structure, meaning you only pay a fee if the company successfully reduces your debt.
To enroll in Accredited Debt Relief’s services, you can contact them by phone or fill out a form on their website. The company operates in 31 states and Washington, D.C. For an updated list of eligible states, please visit their website.
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Money Management International
ScoreMoney Management International
ScoreIf you’re seeking a trustworthy nonprofit credit counseling organization, consider Money Management International (MMI). Since 1997, MMI has been providing financial education and counseling services, including debt management plans, credit counseling, and bankruptcy counseling. It operates in all 50 states and holds accreditation from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Council on Accreditation (COA).
MMI’s debt management plans are designed to help you pay off your unsecured debt within a five-year timeframe, with reduced interest rates negotiated by MMI with your creditors. To determine if a debt management plan is suitable for your situation and which debts can be enrolled in the program, MMI offers a complimentary counseling session. Additionally, you’ll have access to free financial education resources, such as blog posts, webinars, workshops, and a budget guide.
Things to consider: If you choose to enroll in a debt management plan, there will be a one-time setup fee and a monthly maintenance fee. The specific fees depend on state regulations and your financial circumstances. Generally, MMI’s fees are lower than those charged by for-profit debt relief companies. It’s important to note that MMI may receive compensation from creditors for enrolling clients in debt management plans.
Additional information: To begin your journey with MMI, you can sign up for a free counseling session online or over the phone. During the session, a counselor will assess your financial situation and recommend an appropriate course of action, such as enrolling in a debt management plan or exploring other debt relief options.
If you decide to proceed with a debt management plan, MMI will negotiate with your creditors to lower interest rates and establish a payment plan. You will make a single monthly payment to MMI, and they will distribute the funds to your creditors on your behalf.
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CuraDebt
ScoreCuraDebt
CuraDebt, a reputable company that has been operating since 2000, has assisted numerous individuals and businesses in resolving their debt problems. It holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has received a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot.
The services provided by CuraDebt include debt settlement, debt consolidation, tax debt relief, and secured debt relief. The company is accredited by the AFCC (American Fair Credit Council) and IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators). It operates in 35 states across the United States and Washington, D.C.
CuraDebt offers a complimentary consultation and debt analysis to individuals seeking their assistance. They also provide educational resources on their website. In their debt settlement program, they utilize a performance-based fee structure, meaning you will only be charged a fee when a debt is successfully settled by the company.
Important considerations: To qualify for CuraDebt’s program, a minimum of $5,000 in unsecured debt is required, which is lower compared to other companies on our list. According to the information disclosed on CuraDebt’s website, the average customer can expect to pay a fee of up to 20% of the total debt enrolled, which falls within the range of other companies on our list. However, specific fee ranges are not explicitly stated.
Additional information: To avail of CuraDebt’s services, you can sign up online or contact them via phone to schedule a free consultation and debt analysis. It’s worth noting that CuraDebt does not provide debt relief services in the following states: Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. Additionally, tax relief services are not available in Pennsylvania or Puerto Rico.
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New Era Debt Solutions
ScoreNew Era Debt Solutions
New Era Debt Solutions, a well-established company that has been operating for 24 years, has successfully settled over $275 million in debt for its clients. It boasts an impressive track record, holding an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and receiving a stellar 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Clients of New Era have access to an online dashboard where they can track their progress, and they can reach out to customer support via phone, email, or chat for assistance.
New Era’s debt settlement service is widely available across the nation, with operations in almost every state except for three. As a reputable debt settlement company, it holds accreditation from the AFCC (American Fair Credit Council), and initial consultations are provided free of charge.
On average, clients complete New Era’s program within 28 months. The company does not explicitly disclose a minimum qualifying debt amount for enrollment. However, it does mention on its website that negotiations with creditors typically commence after funds have accumulated in a savings account for six to 12 months.
Important considerations: It’s worth noting that New Era does not provide services in every state, and customer support is only available on business days.
Additional information: To initiate New Era’s debt settlement services, you can conveniently get started online or contact them via phone to schedule a free debt analysis. Please be aware that New Era does not operate in the states of Iowa, Maine, and Oregon.
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Freedom Debt Relief
ScoreFreedom Debt Relief
Freedom Debt Relief, recognized as the largest debt settlement service provider nationwide, has successfully resolved over $15 billion in debt for an impressive count of more than 850,000 clients since its establishment in 2002. Customers generally express satisfaction with their experience, awarding the company a noteworthy rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot.
On average, Freedom Debt Relief’s clients manage to settle their debts within a timeframe of 24 to 48 months. The company offers a client portal on its website, allowing individuals to easily track their progress. Additionally, they provide valuable educational resources and offer direct communication with customer service via email. Although live chat functionality is not available, their customer support team is accessible seven days a week.
Freedom Debt Relief proudly states on its website that its program is accessible to over 75% of the United States. However, it’s important to note that services may not be available in all states, including New Jersey, and fees can vary depending on the location. As with the other reputable companies on our list, Freedom Debt Relief is accredited by the AFCC (American Fair Credit Council).
Points to consider: It’s worth mentioning that Freedom Debt Relief has faced several lawsuits in recent years. In 2019, it settled a lawsuit with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding fee transparency and unlawful charges. Consequently, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the fee structure and ensure all details are clearly documented before enrolling in their services.
According to Freedom Debt Relief, their fees average approximately a certain percentage of the total enrolled debt. To qualify for Freedom Debt Relief’s debt settlement program, you must possess unsecured debt totaling $7,500 or more.
Additional information: To determine if you qualify for Freedom Debt Relief’s program, you can visit their website or call their helpline to receive a free debt analysis.
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Summary of Best Debt Settlement Companies
| COMPANY | FRESHFICO RATING | FEES | FOUNDED | BBB RATING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.5 | 15% to 25% | 2023 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 4.5 | 15% to 25% | 2009 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 4.1 | 15% to 35% | 2002 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 4.0 | 15% to 25% | 2011 | A+ | Learn More |
| 4.0 | $33 enrollment, $25 monthly | 1997 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 3.9 | Up to 20% | 2000 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 3.8 | 14% to 23% | 1999 | A+ | Learn More |
 | 3.7 | 15% to 25% | 2002 | A+ | Learn More |
Methodology
- Customer satisfaction and experience: 35%
- History: 25%
- Fees: 25%
- Digital experience: 10%
- Number of services: 5%
