National Debt Relief is the best overall debt settlement company, according to our research. National Debt Relief's low-cost fee structure and referral service make it a top option for people struggling with debts. Our highest-rated debt settlement companies all charge similar fees, ranging from 15% to 25% of the debt. Some debt settlement companies below require at least $10,000 in debt to enroll in a program, with the goal of reducing the amount you owe, while others don't require as much. You'll find some credit counseling companies here as well, which offer debt management plans for enrollment and monthly fees. These plans are usually less expensive than debt settlement, but they don't result in any forgiven debt. We researched 40 debt relief companies and rated them in several important categories: costs, availability, reputation and stability, customer experience, and services offered. Debt settlement services were compared to other debt settlement services, and likewise for credit counseling services. Important factors like fee transparency, accreditations, and customer support options were examined for each company. In total, we collected over 2,000 data points across 53 criteria and used them to inform our best picks for the categories below. Several financial products fall under the term "debt relief," including debt settlement, credit counseling, bankruptcy, and debt consolidation. Below, you'll find our recommendations for both debt settlement firms and credit counseling services, followed by information on alternative debt relief solutions and how to choose what's right for your situation. Best Debt Relief Companies for May 2024 Best Debt Relief Companies for May 2024 Our Expert Recommendations Compare the Best Debt Relief Companies What Is Debt Settlement? Pros and Cons Alternatives Debt Settlement vs. Debt Management How to Get Out of Debt Who Should Consider Debt Relief? Is Debt Relief Right For You? How to Choose a Debt Relief Company How to Apply for Debt Relief Risks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why You Should Trust Us Methodology Investopedia's Rating 4.8 Pros & Cons Pros Top-ranking company that works with credit card debt Lowest debt settlement fees among top-ranking companies Referral service for other debt solutions Available in most states Cons No live chat option Not available in Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia Doesn’t disclose savings account fees Why We Chose It National Debt Relief scored highly across the board in major categories that we rate the best debt relief companies on, making it the best overall debt settlement service. It charges low fees (from 15% to 25% of the debt that the company successfully settles, versus the total amount) and works with most types of unsecured debt, including “some student debts.” Although most debt settlement companies can help with credit card debt, National Debt Relief is our top pick for credit card debt thanks to its high overall score. If National Debt Relief can’t help you, it can offer referrals to partners for things like credit counseling and debt consolidation loans. National Debt Relief is based in New York City and has been around since 2009. Learn more in our full review: National Debt Relief Review. Fees & Costs National Debt Relief, by law, doesn’t charge any upfront fees of its own. You’ll get a free consultation, and if you decide to proceed, National Debt Relief will set you up with an FDIC-insured savings account from a third party, which often comes with a setup fee and recurring monthly fees. After a few months of building up a settlement fund in that account, National Debt Relief will start negotiating with your lenders. For any debts that it’s successfully able to settle, you’ll pay 15% to 25% of the settled debt. While National Debt Relief is upfront with its own charges, it’s unfortunately silent about how much you’ll have to pay for the FDIC-insured savings account that you’ll use to build your settlement nest egg. These costs, while typically not large, can add up to a significant amount over the 24 to 48 months that it typically takes to complete a debt settlement program—but you’ll have to pay for this with any debt settlement company. Investopedia's Rating 3.9 Pros & Cons Pros Can help with a range of debt types Offers live chat Accredited by the AFCC and IAPDA Cons Only available in 26 states and D.C. Confusing, outdated website Settlement fees are based on initial debt rather than settled debt Why We Chose It CuraDebt may have a website that looks like it hasn’t been updated much since the company launched in 1996, but this Florida-based debt relief company is worth looking into. It helps people with many types of debts, including some that most debt settlement companies don’t touch, such as tax debts. It’s our highest-rated company that offers help with tax debt, which is available in 50 states. Its broader debt settlement plans are offered in half as many states. CuraDebt offers limited customer support hours (Monday to Friday, plus Saturday) but is still relatively accessible, with live online chat via the website. Customer reviews of the company from Trustpilot (3.3 out of 5) and BBB (4.8 out of 5) tend to be relatively good overall. Learn more in our full review:CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review. Fees & Costs All inquiries into CuraDebt’s services start with a free consultation. CuraDebt offers “flat fee pricing” for its tax debt assistance services, although it doesn’t specify how much it costs. CuraDebt’s debt settlement services are the main draw, however, and as with all other debt settlement companies there are no upfront fees. You’ll stop making payments on your debts and make monthly payments into a third-party account to build up a settlement fund. These often come with fees as well, but CuraDebt doesn’t note how much, if anything, this costs. If CuraDebt is successful in resolving any of your debts, it’ll charge you a settlement fee of 15% to 25% of the initial amount of those debts. Investopedia's Rating 4.3 Pros & Cons Pros Excellent customer service availability Good customer reviews Works with a wide range of debts Cons High minimum debt requirement of $10,000 Not transparent about savings account fees Only available in 30 states and D.C. Why We Chose It Accredited Debt Relief is a division of Beyond Finance, another company that essentially offers the same services. It’s our top company for customer service thanks to its many methods of customer support—it offers live chat, phone, email, mail, and even fax accessibility—along with good reviews from past clients. Live chat can be convenient, but it’s especially easy to reach customer support via phone, compared to many other companies; the company staffs its call center every day from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET (until 10:00 p.m. on weekends). Beyond Finance offers a mobile app as well, though it’s not clear whether customers of Accredited Debt Relief are able to use this platform too. Some other details about the companies are similarly muddled together. However, with close to 6,000 reviewers on Trustpilot giving the company an average rating of 4.9 stars (out of 5), it’s clear the company’s doing something right. Accredited Debt Relief was founded in 2011 in Houston, TX. While Accredited Debt Relief's services are only available in 30 states and the District of Columbia, the ones include the most populous states like California, Florida, New York, and Texas. Learn more in our full review:Accredited Debt Relief Review. Fees & Costs Accredited Debt Relief offers two main services: debt settlement and debt consolidation loans. It can help you decide which one is best with a free consultation. If you opt for debt settlement, you’ll owe the company 25% of the debt that it’s able to successfully settle. You may also owe a setup fee and monthly fees for a savings account from a third-party bank. Accredited Debt Relief does not specify an amount for these charges. Accredited Debt Relief also offers debt consolidation loans through its partners: Investopedia's Rating 4.0 Pros & Cons Pros Highest customer satisfaction ratings among top-ranking companies Relatively low fees Claims to reduce debts by 57% on average Cons High minimum debt requirement of $10,000 Charges based on initial debt, rather than settled debt Not available in Maine, Oregon, and Iowa Why We Chose It You’ll need at least $10,000 in credit card or other eligible unsecured debt to hire California-based New Era Debt Solutions. That’s higher than most other companies, but New Era does have more than a 20-year track record of settling your debt for less (it was founded in 1999). New Era has the highest customer reviews and ratings of any of the top debt relief companies we examined. Over 350 people have given New Era a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, for example. Dozens more have given it the same rating on Google and the BBB. Learn more in our full review:New Era Debt Solutions Review. Fees & Costs Initial consultations with New Era are free. If you decide to go ahead with the service, you’ll open up a third-party savings account to serve as an escrow account. You’ll make monthly payments into this account, which may come with an initial and monthly fee. If New Era is successful in negotiating with your creditors, it’ll charge a settlement fee ranging from 15% to 23% of your initial debt. Investopedia's Rating 4.1 Pros & Cons Pros Good customer reviews and reputation Transparent about fees Can help with a wide range of debts Cons Not available in 8 states and D.C. Somewhat expensive third-party monthly charges Consumer protection law violations on record Why We Chose It One of the more popular companies operating in the debt relief space, Freedom Debt Relief claims to have helped over a million customers shed a collective $18 billion in debt in the 20 years it’s been operating. Those customers have left a lot of helpful breadcrumbs about working with the company, and they’re largely positive. Freedom Debt Relief has a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 41,000 reviews, for example, and 4.83 on BBB with over 100 reviews. It’s almost as highly rated as our top pick for customer satisfaction and reputation. Freedom Debt Relief helps people with many types of unsecured debts, including payday loans and private student loans. The services offered by Freedom Debt Relief can be expensive because, if negotiations are successful, it charges a percentage fee of your initial debts, rather than of the amount of settled debt. However, the company does have a “program guarantee” which limits the fees the company charges in some cases. Freedom Debt Relief’s program guarantee ensures customers won’t pay “more than the total amount of debt you enroll in [their] program.” However, since debt settlement often causes your outstanding balances to swell due to late fees and interest charges, that amount may be more than you expected. Freedom Debt Relief has been in business since 2002, and is based in San Mateo, California. Learn more in our full review:Freedom Debt Relief Review. Fees & Costs Freedom Debt Relief offers a free consultation to go over your financial details. The company doesn’t charge any fees upfront, but it does require you to open a savings account with a third party. Most debt relief companies don’t mention the costs with this account, but Freedom Debt Relief does: There’s a one-time $9.95 setup fee, plus a $9.95 monthly charge. This is a high price for a savings account given that banks generally offer them for free, but it’s not unusual with even the best debt relief companies. If you agree to any debt settlements that Freedom Debt Relief is able to negotiate, you’ll be charged a fee of 15% to 25% of your original debt—not the amount of settled debt. Investopedia's Rating 3.8 Pros & Cons Pros No minimum debt requirement Excellent customer satisfaction ratings Been in business for a long time Cons Doesn’t disclose debt settlement fees Potentially high debt management plan fees Why We Chose It Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit debt relief company based in Stafford, Texas, and founded in 1958. Unlike most other companies, it doesn’t have a minimum debt requirement to enroll in a debt settlement program. However, these are only offered in certain circ*mstances. Instead, MMI generally steers people toward a debt management plan. The company’s DMP fees run a bit on the high side, according to Investopedia research, but MMI offers services on a sliding fee scale for people with lower incomes. Customer service availability is top-notch at MMI. The agency’s phone lines are open 24/7 and you can get help in person at one of MMI’s 38 branch locations around the country. There are also options to connect with an advisor online via live chat or email. Learn more in our full review:Money Management International Review. Fees & Costs Money Management International offers an initial free credit counseling session if you complete an online form or call the company. After that, your advisor will create a plan and recommend certain services. Paid options are available on a sliding fee scale and include: Money Management International also offers free support in these areas: Investopedia's Rating 4.3 Pros & Cons Pros Debt settlement fees are among the lowest of companies reviewed 20+-year company history (founded in 2002) Excellent customer satisfaction ratings Cons Requires at least $10,000 of debt Only available in 28 states and D.C. Limited customer service support hours Why We Chose It Pacific’s settlement fees are just as low as our best overall pick for debt settlement—15% to 25% of the settled debt—but it has a slightly lower overall rating. The company’s website claims to charge based on your total enrolled debt, however, a company representative confirmed that it actually charges based on the amount of settled debt, which can end up being less expensive. Judging by online customer reviews, Pacific Debt Relief has built up quite a positive reputation among debt relief companies. Nearly 1,500 people have given Pacific Debt Relief an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5, for example, and its reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are higher yet: 4.93 stars out of 5, based on a similar number of reviews. Pacific Debt Relief is based in San Diego and has been around for over two decades. Learn more in our full review:Pacific Debt Relief Review. Fees & Costs All customers start with a free consultation with Pacific Debt Relief. After a review of your finances and your debt, Pacific Debt Relief may offer you a contract if it decides to offer its services to you. You’ll need to stop paying your debts and instead pay into a third-party savings account (which may come with additional, unspecified fees). Pacific Debt Relief will use those funds to negotiate a debt payoff settlement. If it’s successful, it’ll charge you 15% to 25% of any settled debts. Investopedia's Rating 4.8 Pros & Cons Pros Low fees on a sliding scale Resources for tax debt, housing debt, student loans, and more Multiple customer support channels Cons Limited customer service hours Counseling courses may have limited human interaction Some counseling options have higher fees Why We Chose It Apprisen is our highest-rated credit counseling agency, founded in 1955 and based in Gahanna, Ohio. It’s not a debt settlement agency like the other companies on this list; instead, it’s a nonprofit that offers a whole host of debt management services. Debt management plans (DMPs) are offered at many credit counseling agencies, and these are quite different from debt settlement. You’ll repay your full debt with help from Apprisen counselors who negotiate with your creditors to reduce your interest rates. This process often takes three to five years. You’ll make one payment a month to Apprisen, which will distribute it to all of your creditors so that the entire balance is paid off, not forgiven like with a debt settlement company. This helps reduce damage to your credit score. Apprisen also offers many other options to help with housing debt, student loans, ongoing financial coaching, and more. Some of these programs are structured as online courses and workshops, whereas others involve working one-on-one with a counselor. Learn more in our full review:Apprisen Credit Counseling Review. Fees & Costs Apprisen starts with a free financial review session with a counselor. The company will then propose a financial plan for you with a cost estimate for services. Apprisen offers reduced-price services for those who qualify, and may even waive its fees entirely. In addition to the paid counseling options above, Apprisen also offers free counseling for the following situations and needs: Debt relief companies aren’t your only option when it comes to getting out of debt. Generally, experts recommend other debt help options first. But if you decide that debt settlement is right for you, consider National Debt Relief, New Era Debt Solutions, and Freedom Debt Relief first since these companies have the highest customer satisfaction scores. Apprisen is our top pick for nonprofit credit counseling agencies, which many financial advisors recommend over for-profit debt settlement companies (Money Management International is another highly rated company offering credit counseling). Debt relief companies generally can’t help you with student loans, but there are other options for student loan debt relief. Federal student loan borrowers can choose from various financial aid options. Private student loan borrowers can approach their loan servicer for help. If that doesn’t work, you can try refinancing with a new lender or contacting a debt attorney for assistance. Debt settlement is a type of debt relief that involves a third-party company negotiating with creditors to lower the total amount owed for those who have accumulated so much debt that they can no longer stay on top of their payment schedules. In exchange for this service, debt relief companies typically charge consumers a fee based on a percentage of the amount settled. Debt relief companies often work to resolve debts through a process called debt settlement, which involves negotiating with creditors to reduce the amount of debt owed, often by 40% to 60% of the outstanding balance. In the debt settlement process, clients are asked to set aside a specific amount of money each month in a dedicated savings account. The goal is to save up enough money to negotiate a lump sum settlement with creditors. To build up savings and gain negotiating power, clients are also advised to pause regular payments and instead direct funds to the savings account. While the potential savings are attractive, debt settlement comes with risks. Your credit score may be damaged once you stop paying your bills, as late payment behavior and delinquency will show up on your credit report. On top of that, creditors aren't required to agree to a settlement, so there’s no guarantee the negotiations will be successful. Pros You may get out of debt sooner You may avoid bankruptcy Cons Debt settlement can hurt your credit Your success isn’t guaranteed You may not stick with the plan You may may owe additional taxes As you seek debt relief options, also consider other programs and strategies that may be better suited for your goals: A specific type of debt relief, debt settlement, is a very different process than Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Declaring bankruptcy involves a debtor who is unable to repay their debts petitioning the court to seek temporary protection from creditors for their unsecured debts and is intended to result in an equitable settlement of the debtor's obligations, typically for significantly less than was originally owed. Secured debts, like mortgage or auto loans, are not discharged through bankruptcy but rather involve the borrower forfeiting the loan collateral if they are unable to make payments. Debt settlement is a process by which the terms of existing debts are renegotiated by a third party for a fee to lower the cost, either in reduced interest or cancellation of part of the principal, of carrying debt. While debt settlement can negatively impact credit, bankruptcy significantly impairs both credit scores and can block access to further credit for quite a period as it is reported for seven years to the credit bureaus. Debt settlement is often confused with debt consolidation but the two terms are very different. Debt settlement entails negotiation between the borrower, either directly or through an agent acting on the borrower's behalf, and the lender(s) to get the lender to accept something less than the total amount owed by the borrower. Debt consolidation is a loan made by a new lender to pay off existing consumer debts, thereby consolidating the previous debts into a single, lower-interest loan that must be repaid by the borrower. Debt settlement is also sometimes confused with debt management but they are very different processes. As mentioned above, debt settlement involves creditor negotiations on behalf of the borrower to "settle" for an amount less than was originally owed. Debt management, however, involves a process of paying all debts that are owed under a modified repayment plan that allows creditors to be satisfied while not harming the credit standing of the borrower. Getting out of debt can be challenging for those with bills that have piled up from credit card purchases, medical expenses, and other types of borrowing, the minimum payments for which can often exceed their take-home pay. It is best to keep your debt-to-income ratio at 35% or less, as this is considered as a manageable level. The process of paying down bills can be systematic and effective if the right steps are followed, though: If the steps above are not feasible due to insufficient income, unemployment, or credit eligibility then credit counseling, debt settlement or even bankruptcy may be steps to consider. Debt relief services should be considered if you: Debt settlement services can be relatively expensive and negatively affect your credit, so it is not advisable to pursue them without first contacting your creditors to see if there are other options for debt restructuring or more favorable repayment plan terms to pay your creditors available. The decision to pursue debt relief is a very personal one and should not be considered lightly. That's because it can have long-term effects on your credit score and may not completely free you from the obligation of eventually repaying all the principal, interest, and fees that you owe on your debts. While debt relief can provide an initial settlement with creditors, those lenders often charge off the portion of the debt not collected to debt collection agencies. However, debt settlement can offer many people a path to getting out of debt that they might not have without the help of a debt relief company's ability to negotiate with creditors on their behalf. Before you hire a debt relief company, make sure you understand the fees and interest that would be charged, the services offered, and the firm's reputation. Any company you consider should be transparent about its pricing and its process, have strong customer satisfaction scores, and be free of regulatory actions from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). "Customers should be vigilant about having their debt relief questions answered without giving out personal information because some of these companies are eager to put you in their database and 'close' you on a settlement plan instead of reviewing costs and terms upfront. Information like fees, cancellation policies, and eligible debt should be discussed before providing any personal information to a company so you can first decide if they are an affordable option before proceeding." —Sana Siddiqui, Investopedia Research Analyst To apply for a debt settlement program you need to: 1. Research companies that can settle your type of debt: 2. Make sure you meet any debt-level requirements: 3. Contact the company that best suits your needs: It is best to thoroughly research your options, both online and by speaking to friends and family, before deciding on a debt settlement company to ensure the one you choose has a solid reputation, isn't under sanction by any regulatory authorities, and has good customer experience reviews. Reputability, trustworthiness, and transparency are critical factors that should be considered before selecting a company to help settle your debt. Choosing to work with a debt relief company to settle your debt does come with risks. If you decide to proceed with debt relief, be aware that you could face the following: Below are some red flags to be aware of to avoid getting scammed by a disreputable debt relief company: National Debt Relief is Investopedia's pick for the best overall debt relief company in the country in March 2024. We evaluated the leading debt companies across 19 different criteria in four areas: reputation and stability, customer experience, services, and costs and fees. National Debt Relief achieved the best overall score compared to other companies we evaluated. Debt settlement companies, like the ones we profiled above, can offer you help with negotiating with creditors to provide relief from accumulated high-interest debt from private student loans, credit cards, buy-now-pay-later agreements, and other forms of personal loan obligations. Alternatives to using debt settlement companies for debt relief can include working with a nonprofit debt counseling service or taking advantage of a debt consolidation loan. Using a new creditor to pay off your debt may seem risky but the lower interest rate potentially available can help you pay down balances faster. Debt settlement can take a considerable amount of time, up to three to four years to complete, starting from the time you stop making regular payments to your creditors and until you ultimately pay off the discounted amounts negotiated by a debt relief company. One major downside of debt settlement programs is the fact that your credit score can take a significant hit once you stop making payments. This makes sense since your payment history is the most important factor used to determine your FICO credit score. When you stop making payments on personal loans, that behavior gets reported to credit bureaus, or in the case of small business owners it can get reported to a business bureau. Damage to your credit score isn’t all you have to worry about. Stopping payments while you save money for debt settlement also can lead to late fees and penalties that can cause your balances to go up even more. You also may get debt collection calls from creditors or debt collectors during your program, and you even could potentially face a debt collection lawsuit. For someone with $10,000 in credit card debt, a simple option for paying off the debt more quickly is to seek a 0% balance transfer offer from another card issuer. If the new account offers a credit limit high enough to transfer the entire $10,000, then the borrower can begin paying down the principal directly rather than paying interest each month. Some balance transfer offers involve a balance transfer fee, however, so it can pay to shop around. Another option for this level of credit card debt relief is to apply for a personal debt consolidation loan at a lower interest rate and then pay that loan down over time. If neither of those options is available, then working with a debt relief company to settle the debt may prove to be the best path to providing sufficient relief leading to loan repayment for a negotiated amount that is less than originally owed. National Debt Relief is a legitimate company providingdebt relief services. The company was founded in 2009 and is a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR). It’s certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and is accredited by the BBB. Settling debt with creditors can certainly hurt your credit score since debt relief entails a company negotiating on your behalf with lenders to accept significantly less than you owe. Credit repair companies can potentially help improve your credit scores by engaging with credit reporting agencies and creditors to have any inaccurate information removed from yourcredit reports. While the negative credit impact of debt settlement won't be affected by cleaning up your credit files, the removal of inaccurate or incomplete information can certainly help. Completion rates, which the debt settlement industry defines as having all client debts settled, average around 45% - 50% according to the Federal Trade Commission. We researched and reviewed 40 companies to find the best debt relief companies you see above on this list. While we write individual reviews for most companies, we do not always write reviews for companies we would not recommend. Below are the companies we researched along with links to individual company reviews to help you learn more before making a decision: A Debt Coach Credit Counseling, Accredited Debt Relief, American Consumer Credit Counseling, American Debt Relief, Americor Financial, Apprisen, Atlas Debt Relief, Cambridge Credit Counseling, Century Support Services, Christian Credit Counselors, Citizens Debt Relief, ClearOne Advantage, Community Tax, Consolidated Credit, Consumer Education Services, Countrywide Debt Relief, Credit.org, CreditAssociates, CuraDebt, Debt Reduction Services, DebtBlue, DebtWave, DMB Financial, Family Credit Management, Fast Track Debt Relief, First Choice Debt Relief, Freedom Debt Relief, GreenPath, Greenwise Debt Relief, GRT Financial, InCharge Debt Solutions, JG Wentworth, Liberty Debt Relief, Money Management International, National Debt Relief, New Era Debt Solutions, Pacific Debt Relief, Progressive Debt Relief, Rescue One Financial, Trinity Debt Management. Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been helping readers find the best debt relief companies since June 2020. We collected over 2,000 data points on the debt relief companies we reviewed and based our assessments on numerous factors, including services, costs and fees, availability, reputation and stability, customer experience. To determine the best debt relief companies, we reviewed various databases, competitive analyses, consumer behavior, and more, ultimately narrowing down the list to 40 companies that offered debt settlement and/or credit counseling services. We developed a quantitative model in which we identified 53 important criteria across five categories. We weighted each category as follows to rate debt settlement services for this article: We weighted each category as follows to rate credit counseling services for this article: We then gathered data for the 53 criteria directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. Data was collected between Oct. 19, 2023, and Dec. 18, 2023. This resulted in over 2,000 data points in our rubric, which we used to score and determine the best debt relief companies (including debt settlement and credit counseling services) for people looking to manage and get out of debt. To learn more about our process for finding the best debt relief companies, read our full methodology. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Federal Reserve: "Consumer Credit - G.19." Better Business Bureau. "Business Profile: CuraDebt Systems, LLC." Trustpilot. "CuraDebt Reviews." Trustpilot. "Accredited Debt Relief." Trustpilot. "New Era Debt Solutions." Better Business Bureau. "Business Profile: New Era Debt Solutions." Google. "New Era Debt Solutions." Better Business Bureau. “Business Profile: Freedom Debt Relief LLC.” Trustpilot. "Freedom Debt Relief." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "What Is a Debt Relief Program and How Do I Know If I Should Use One?" Better Business Bureau. "Business Profile: Pacific Debt Relief." Trustpilot. "Pacific Debt Relief." Federal Trade Commission. "How to Get Out of Debt." Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What Is Credit Counseling?” National Foundation for Credit Counseling. "Debt Settlement." Related Terms Debt Relief: What it Is, How it Works, FAQs Debt relief involves the reorganization of a borrower's debts to make thDebt relief can come in a variety oem easier to repay. It also can give creditors a chance to recoup at least a portion of what they are owed. more Credit Counseling: What It Means and How It Works Credit counseling provides guidance and support for consumer credit, money management, debt management, and budgeting. more What Is a Debt Relief Program? A debt relief program is a method for managing and paying off debt. It includes strategies specific to the type and amount of debt involved. Learn how it works. more Cancellation of Debt (COD): Definition, How It Works, How to Apply Cancellation of debt (COD) occurs when a creditor relieves a debtor from a debt obligation. Canceled debts are often taxable as income. more Debt Cancellation Contract (DCC): Meaning, How It Works, Example A debt cancellation contract (DCC) modifies loan terms to cancel all or part of a customer’s obligation to repay an extension of credit from a bank. more What Is Debt Consolidation and When Is It a Good Idea? Debt consolidation is combining several loans into one new loan, often with a lower interest rate. It can reduce your borrowing costs but also has some pitfalls. moreBest Debt Relief Companies for May 2024
Important
Best Overall for Debt Settlement, Best for Credit Card Debt, Best for Low Fees : National Debt Relief
Best for Tax Debt Relief : CuraDebt
Best for Customer Service : Accredited Debt Relief
Best for Customer Satisfaction and Reputation : New Era Debt Solutions
Also Great for Customer Satisfaction and Reputation : Freedom Debt Relief
Best for Small Debts : Money Management International
Also Great for Low Fees : Pacific Debt Relief
Best for Credit Counseling : Apprisen
Our Expert Recommendation for the Best Debt Relief Companies
Compare the Best Debt Relief Companies
Debt Settlement Debt Settlement Fee Debt Management Plans DMP Enrollment Fee DMP Monthly Fee National Debt Relief
Best Overall for Debt Settlement/Credit Card Debt/Low FeesYes 15%–25% of settled debt No N/A N/A CuraDebt
Best for Tax Debt ReliefYes 15% to 25% of initial debt No N/A N/A Accredited Debt Relief
Best for Customer ServiceYes 25% of settled debt No N/A N/A New Era Debt Solutions
Best for Customer Satisfaction and ReputationYes 15% to 23% of initial debt No N/A N/A Freedom Debt Relief
Also Great for Customer Satisfaction and ReputationYes 15% to 25% of initial debt No N/A N/A Money Management International
Best for Small DebtsYes Not disclosed Yes $0–$75 $0–$59 Pacific Debt Relief
Also Great for Low FeesYes 15% to 25% of settled debt No N/A N/A Apprisen
Best Overall for Credit CounselingNo N/A Yes $0–$45 $0–$45 What Is Debt Settlement?
How Debt Settlement Works
Pros & Cons of Debt Settlement
Alternatives to Debt Settlement Programs
Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy
Debt Settlement vs. Debt Consolidation
Debt Settlement vs. Debt Management
How to Get Out of Debt
Who Should Consider Debt Relief?
Is Debt Relief Right For You?
How to Choose a Debt Relief Company
Sana Siddiqui, Investopedia Research Analyst
How to Apply for Debt Relief
Risks of Dealing With a Debt Relief Company
How to Know if a Debt Relief Company is Legitimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Debt Relief Company Is Best to Work With?
Who Can Help Me Settle My Debt?
How Long Does Debt Settlement Take?
Does Debt Relief Destroy Your Credit?
How Can I Pay Off $10,000 of Credit Card Debt?
Is National Debt Relief a Legit Company?
Does Credit Repair Make Sense Following Debt Relief?
What Is the Success Rate of Debt Settlement?
Companies We Reviewed
Why You Should Trust Us
How We Chose the Best Debt Relief Companies
Learn More About Debt Relief
FAQs
Best Debt Relief Companies for May 2024? ›
These methods won't crush your credit score: Consolidation loans from a bank, credit union, or online debt consolidation lender. Balance transfer(s) to a new low- or zero-rate credit card. Borrowing from a qualified retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k).
What is the highest rated debt relief company? ›Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Best For |
---|---|---|
Pacific Debt Relief | 4.1 | Best for Established Track Record |
Accredited Debt Relief | 4.0 | Best for Quick Resolution |
Money Management International | 4.0 | Best Nonprofit for Debt Relief Help |
CuraDebt | 3.9 | Best for Negotiating Tax Debt |
- The costs. Debt-settlement companies earn revenue by charging fees equal to a percentage of the initial or settled debt. ...
- How much you owe. You might not owe enough to work with some debt relief companies. ...
- Complaints and concerns. ...
- Records and accreditations. ...
- Additional considerations.
These methods won't crush your credit score: Consolidation loans from a bank, credit union, or online debt consolidation lender. Balance transfer(s) to a new low- or zero-rate credit card. Borrowing from a qualified retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k).
Who is better, Freedom Debt Relief or accredited debt relief? ›Both are on our list of the best debt relief companies due to their programs, customer service, and reputations, but overall we generally recommend Freedom Debt Relief over Accredited Debt Relief. They're more alike than they are different, but they differ in fees and program availability.
Is national debt relief worth it? ›In general, National Debt Relief has strong customer reviews. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and it has an A+ rating. On TrustPilot, it has a 4.7 out of five rating based on over 39,000 reviews.
Is it a good idea to use a debt relief program? ›If you're one of the millions of Americans struggling to repay high-interest debt, a debt relief plan may be an option to help you get your finances on track. But it's not a quick fix. It's a long-term solution designed to help you get out of debt over a period of time — typically several years.
How do I find a reputable debt consolidation company? ›Reputable debt consolidation companies should belong to a national trade association that sets service standards for its member businesses. Accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is another good way to identify reputable debt consolidation companies. The BBB also rates companies on an A to F scale.
Is Freedom Debt Relief a good company? ›FAQs About Freedom Debt Relief
Yes. It's operated since 2002 and served over 1 million clients to date. The firm is a member of the American Association of Debt Resolution and the Financial Health Network and holds an IAPDA Certification. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
They Ask for Fees Upfront
This is the most obvious sign of a debt relief scam. If the person/company offers to help get rid of your debt but first you have to pay them a fee, they're probably lying to you. Cut off contact and file a complaint with us.
Is there really a debt relief program from the government? ›
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a government-sponsored program for credit card debt relief. In fact, if you receive a solicitation that touts a government program to get you out of debt, you may want to think twice about working with that company.
Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement? ›The short answer is Yes, people are generally allowed to use their credit cards after debt consolidation as it does not typically involve closing credit card accounts.
What is the disadvantage of national debt relief? ›Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO credit score, so enrolling in a plan with National Debt Relief could negatively impact your credit rating. The extent of that impact, however, depends on whether you're still current on your bills or not.
What is the highest rated debt relief program? ›- Best for debt support: Accredited Debt Relief.
- Best for customer satisfaction: Americor.
- Best for affordability: New Era Debt Solutions.
- Best for large debts: National Debt Relief.
- Best for credit card debt: Freedom Debt Relief.
- Best longstanding company: Pacific Debt Relief.
Yes, you may withdraw from your Dedicated Account, which you control, at any time. This is an FDIC-insured account, and you control it, not Freedom Debt Relief, meaning you can withdraw from it at any time.
What percentage does Freedom Debt Relief take? ›Expect to pay Freedom Debt Relief between 18% and 25% of the enrolled debt. Even though you will be making one regular payment to FDR, your accounts will be settled one by one. For instance, once FDR wraps up talks on credit card #1, it will get in touch with you so you can authorize the settlement.
What is the success rate of debt relief? ›Completion rates vary between companies depending upon a number of factors, including client qualification requirements, quality of client services and the ability to meet client expectations regarding final settlement of their debts. Completion rates range from 35% to 60%, with the average around 45% to 50%.
What's the best debt management company? ›- Advice. With over 20,000 volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, the well-known advisory service that helps the general public deal with financial and housing issues. ...
- Money Helper. ...
- Shelter. ...
- National Debt Line. ...
- Business Debtline. ...
- The Money Charity. ...
- Debt Advice Foundation. ...
- Step Change.
Debt consolidation can negatively impact your credit score. Any debt consolidation method you use will have the creditor or lender pulling your credit score, leading to a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry will decrease your credit score by a few points. However, this credit score decline is temporary.