By providing services like debt settlement, debt consolidation, and more, these debt relief companies help you escape your strangling financial restraint.
We know how pesky debts can be, but then there are debt relief companies that are a savior for those having a hard time paying off debts.
So now you may be wondering how. To help you, they talk to your creditors and persuade them to accept a less amount rather than what you owe.
Most creditors agree to settle for fear of not getting anything at all. So let’s look at some of the best debt relief companies to save you from this trouble.
National Debt Relief
With more than 10 years in business, NDR has been our number 1 pick based on its Results & Transparency.
Read Review→
Accredited Debt Relief
Save up to 50% on your total debt with Accredited Debt Relief. We ranked it as number 2 because of its Proven Results.
Read Review→
CuraDebt
If you’re ready to get rid of your tax debt and get back on track financially, CuraDebt Tax Relief is here to help.
Read Review→
We will also discuss the services, fees, eligibility, pros and cons, FAQ, etc. so that you have a crystal clear idea about what you are getting yourself into.
This article will look at the top 10 Best Debt Relief Companies to go for In 2023.
What Are the Top 10 Best Debt Relief Companies Of 2023?
There are a plethora of debt relief companies out there, and it can be confusing to choose the right one.
But don’t worry, as we have compiled a list of the top 10 Best Debt Relief Companies for debt settlement and debt consolidation to make this easy for you.
Hear while you read – Here’s a video on the best options based on their presence, reputation, customer service, and reliability :
So let’s have a look at the best debt relief companies:
- Best Overall – National Debt Relief
- Best for Debt Settlement – Accredited Debt Relief
- Best For Tax Debt Relief – CuraDebt
- Best For Customer Service – New Era Debt Solutions
- Best For High-Interest Debt – DMB Financial
- Best For Transparent Pricing – Freedom Debt Relief
- Best For Flexible Program Length – Pacific Debt Inc.
- Best for Debt Consolidation – Citizens Debt Relief
- Best For Credit Card Debt – Century Support Services
- Best For Credit Counseling – GreenPath
1. National Debt Relief — Best Overall
National Debt Relief was founded in 2009, and ever since then, they have helped thousands of people get out of debt.
Although debt relief is their signature solution, they also excel in providing other services, including bankruptcy referrals, consolidation loans, and credit counseling services.
If you wish to work with National Debt Relief, then you can simply get in touch with them and enroll in a free counseling session.
During the session, their certified agent will review your unique financial situation and will suggest a solution based on that.
Apart from the obvious, what makes National Debt Relief stand out is that they take the time to review your budget and suggest a solution that can help you.
As far as their fees are concerned, they boast that their fee is entirely performance-based. This means you will have to pay only when you see the results.
The fee could be between 15%-25% of your total enrolled debt, depending on your state.
If you have any doubts whatsoever, you can always go to their website and see the real-time examples and data of how they have successfully managed to help people reduce their debts by a substantial amount. 1
Read the full National Debt Relief Review
Features
- Top accreditation
- No upfront fees
- Free debt relief consultation
- Renowned debt
Types Of Debts Addressed
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Business debts
- Certain student debts
- Collections
- Line of credit
- Repossessions
National Debt Relief unique’s approach to Debt Settlement
Fees
15% – 25% of enrolled debt
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Availability of Spanish support.
- A+ rating by Better Beaureu Business
- Average negotiation rate is 50%
- Get debt-free in 24-48 months
- A team of people certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators
- Excellent customer reviews
Cons
- Does not handle debts such as mortgages.
Also Read: How Does Debt Consolidation Work?
2. Accredited Debt Relief — Best for Debt Settlement
Accredited Debt Relief was founded in 2011 and has managed to resolve more than $500 million in debt.
It offers service to the people living in the US by providing the debt consolidation service without a loan.
So if you are trapped in debt, then Accredited Debt Relief can come to your rescue.
Their clients have been able to save somewhere around 50% on their monthly payments and have been able to pay off the debt in as little as 12-48 months.
Another great thing is that even Accredited Debt Relief does not charge any upfront fee, but after your debt settlement, you will be required to pay 15-25% of the enrolled debt.
Numerous clients have been able to save a lot by only paying 55% of their enrolled balance, excluding the fees.
Accredited debt relief is unique because they understand that not everyone has the same capacity and ask you to make minimum monthly payments only.
Read the full Accredited Debt Relief Review
Features
- No-risk guarantee
- Free Consultation
- Reputable Company
Types Of Debts Addressed
- Personal loans
- Payday loans
- Past-due medical bills
- Credit card debt
Fees
15% to 25% of the enrolled debt.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Proven results.
- Settle your debts for as low as 50% of what you owe.
- A+ BBB rating.
- Great online reputation.
- Receive 1-on-1 help from their certified debt specialists.
Cons
- No live chat is available.
3. CuraDebt — Best For Tax Debt Relief
Founded in 2000, CuraDebt provides a free consultation to anyone interested in its debt relief services.
You can get started with them right away. Also, they do not charge any upfront fees or monthly fees.
However, you will be required to pay 20% or less of the total enrolled debt at the time of settlement.
CuraDebt differs from others in two ways. First, when you complete your debt settlement program with them, they will offer you free credit restoration with a prominent credit restoration company.
And second is that, unlike any other debt relief company, CuraDebt also offers Tax Debt relief for various IRS and State tax debt solutions.
Their team of experts offers a solution for tax debt issues such as an innocent spouse, trust fund penalty, audit defense, business tax liens, and more.
The company has federal and state tax specialists and offers its services in all 50 states.
And to be eligible for any of their programs, you will need to have only a minimum of $5000 in debt. 2
Read the full CuraDebt Review
Features
- It caters to tax-related debt too
- Assign expert negotiators
- Free Consultation
Types Of Debts Addressed
- Personal loans and lines of credit
- Certain secured debts*
- Collections and repossessions
- Medical bills
- Business debts
- Certain private student loans
- Credit cards
- IRS debt and back taxes
Types of Tax issues they can help with
- Unpaid taxes
- Trust fund penalty
- Personal taxes
- Business tax liens
- Tax penalties
- Personal tax liens
- Audits
- Business taxes
- IRA rollover issues and more
Fees
20% or less of the total enrolled debt.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Back taxes and IRS debt are eligible.
- Only a minimum of $5,000 in debt is required.
- Free consultation.
- Positive customer response.
Cons
- Consultations are not available on Sundays.
4. New Era Debt Solutions — Best For Customer Service
Ever since its foundation in 1991, New Era Debt Solutions has settled over $250,000,000 in debt.
They employ financial experts, attorneys, debt relief specialists, and support personnel who help you immensely reduce your financial burden and make you debt-free.
New Era Debt Solutions boasts transparency and uses a performance-based model to charge you.
This means that you will not have to pay monthly administration fees and will be billed only after your debt is settled.
But that’s not it. New Era’s debt settlement program has an average debt settlement period of 27.73 months which is way less than the industry average of 24-48 months.
And you can expect to get your debt settled for an average of 47.77% of the total enrolled debt.
Read Full New Era Debt Solutions Review
Features
- Performance-based pricing.
- Spanish support
- Provides advisor
- Renowned Company
Types Of Debts Addressed
- Credit cards
- Collections
- Personal loans
- Business debts
- Certain student debts
- Line of credit
Fees
Unclear on the fee structure. You will have to get in touch with them to know the fees.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High success rate.
- Excellent customer reviews.
- A+ rating by BBB.
- Member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.
- No upfront fees.
- On-staff attorneys.
Cons
- No clarity on the minimum amount of debt required.
5. DMB Financial — Best For High-Interest Debt
DMB Financial was founded in 2003, and since then, it has positively helped more than 30,000 customers to come out of debt.
So essentially, what DMB does is that they consolidate your credit card loan into a lower fixed monthly payment program and help you get out of debt faster.
In order to get started, you just have to contact them and enroll yourself in their free debt counseling session.
If you like the customized plan they offer, you can work with them.
They specialize in reducing credit card debt and have a team of highly skilled experts to help you.
Although DMB has not disclosed their fees, you can expect to pay a monthly fee plus a percentage of total enrolled debt (18% – 21.5% approx) once your debt is settled. 3
Read the full DMB Financial Review
Features
- Free Consultation
- 24\7 client portal access
- Reputable
Types of Debts Addressed
- Credit Card Debt
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans And Payday Loans
Fees
Not disclosed, but it could be around 18% – 21.5% percent of total debt.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Consolidate debts with a high-interest rate.
- Free consultation.
- Resolve debts for a lower amount.
Cons
- Have not disclosed the fees.
6. Freedom Debt Relief — Best For Transparent Pricing
Freedom Debt Relief was founded in 2002 and is certified by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), one of the industry’s most renowned professional associations.
If you owe a minimum of $15,000 of unsecured debt [mortgage is a secured debt], then you are eligible for their debt settlement program.
Freedom Debt Relief boasts confidence in its service and promises not to charge a single penny from you if the total debt settlement amount exceeds the total amount you owe.
And if they keep their promise, then you will have to pay 15% to 25% of the settled debt.
Another noteworthy thing about Freedom Debt relief is that they give you control over your account, which means you will decide the amount and frequency with which deposits would be made.
Before enrolling prospective customers, Freedom Debt Relief also makes referrals to non-profit credit counselors, which sets it apart from its competitors.
This is beneficial since debt settlement should only be considered after you have exhausted all other options.
Read the full Freedom Debt Relief Review
Features
- Free one-hour consultation
- Assign a team to you
Types of Debts Addressed
- Credit Card Debt
- Private Student Loans
- Medical Bills
Fees
15% to 25% of the settled debt
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No upfront costs & consultation fees.
- Referrals to credit counseling are often made available.
- Customer service is available daily.
- Spanish support is available.
Cons
- A $15,000 minimum debt is required.
- No live chat is available.
7. Pacific Debt Inc. — Best For Flexible Program Length
Pacific Debt Inc. was founded in 2002 and has settled over $300 million in debt.
It excels in the customer experience area, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.8-star rating from Trustpilot.
According to Pacific Debt, the overall time it takes to pay off your debt may range from 24 to 48 months, though some programs take longer.
It provides a free consultation as well as a quote. The company’s website has educational resources, but it lacks features like live chat and a user dashboard.
Like the other firms on our list, Pacific Debt is accredited by the AFCC. It is available in 29 states as well as the District of Columbia.
According to its website, the average client can expect to pay a fee ranging from 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt, which is a more extensive range than the other companies on our list.
You’d spend a lot more for this debt settlement service at the top end (35 percent).
To be eligible for Pacific Debt’s program, you must have $10,000 in unsecured debt. Furthermore, this company does not operate in 21 states. 4
Read the full Pacific Debt Inc Review
Features
- Free Consultation
- Free educational material
Types of Debts Addressed
- Credit Card Debt
- Personal Loans and Payday Loans
- Medical Bills
Fees
15% – 25% of settled debt
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A long history of success.
- AFCC accredited.
- High customer satisfaction scores.
- Debts are usually paid off between 24 to 48 months.
Cons
- Requires at least $10,000 in unsecured debt.
- Fees can be up to 25% of the total debt.
8. Citizens Debt Relief — Best for Debt Consolidation
Citizens Debt Relief was founded in 2017 with the purpose of delivering one-on-one debt settlement services to those who have fallen behind on their credit card payments.
The company has received certification from the American Fair Credit Council and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau in that short period.
They offer a specialized service called Citizens Solution, which is the name given to Citizens Debt Relief’s five-step program.
You can book your free appointment with a debt consultant by simply calling them or filling out the online form.
Citizens Solution have not disclosed the minimum requirement on their website. You will have to contact them personally to get a quote.
However, the company has flexible pricing to fit every client’s budget and never charges upfront costs.
Read the full Citizens Debt Relief Review
Features
- Monthly Payment
- Free Consultation
- Debt consolidation option
Types of Debts Addressed
- Medical bills
- Credit card debt
- Private student loans
- Personal loans
- Lines of credit
Fees
15% – 25% percent of enrolled debt
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free debt relief consultation.
- In most cases, debt is reduced by 40% to 60%.
- Provides useful resources.
- CDRI-certified.
Cons
- Not available in some states.
- Limited pricing information.
9. Century Support Services — Best For Credit Card Debt
Century Support Services work with the motive to reduce the total amount of debt their clients owe in the shortest possible time so that they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
It started operating in 2003, and ever since, they have served more than 250,000 consumers and have settled debts totaling more than $1.3 billion.
Apart from this, it also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4 out of 5-star rating from Trustpilot.
If you choose their service, you can expect to get your debt settled between 24 and 48 months.
They give you access to an online dashboard where you may control your account and progress at any time of the day or night.
On its website, Century also provides valuable resources and tools. Additionally, there is a live chat option, and existing customers can email the company.
You’ll get a free consultation with a debt expert before enrolling in Century Support Services program.
The expert will evaluate your circumstances and help you design a strategy. On weekends, however, you will not be able to get a debt consultation.
Read the full Century Support Services Review
Features
- Live chat option
- Interactive calculator
- Client dashboard
Types of Debts Addressed
- Secured debts
- Unsecured debts
- Medical files
- Personal loans
- Business debt
- Credit card debt
- Unfiled taxes and more
Fees
18% to 25% of enrolled debt
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer satisfaction.
- AFCC accredited.
- Access to a client dashboard.
- Provides valuable materials and tools.
Cons
- You must owe at least $10,000 in debt.
10. GreenPath — Best For Credit Counseling
GreenPath is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1961 and is recognized by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), a professional association for credit counselors.
So GreenPath, unlike the other companies on our list, offers credit counseling and debt management solutions to its customers.
GreenPath debt management plans include modest setup fees ranging from $0 to $50 and a monthly fee ranging from $0 to $75, depending on your local legislation.
Credit counseling is always provided free of charge. A large collection of free educational resources is also available on the company’s website.
GreenPath offers in-person counseling in 21 states, and support is available in every state.
Credit counseling is available during regular office hours or by appointment at a suitable time for you. 5
Read the full GreenPath Review
Features
- Free credit counseling
- Money management courses
- Available online
Types of Debts Addressed
- Debt Counseling
- Student loan counseling
- Bankruptcy support
- Debt management
- Credit report review
- Simple payment plan
Fees
Charges one-time setup fees ranging from $0 to $50 and $36 a month for financial services and account maintenance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Debt management plans that are either free or low-cost
- In certain states, in-person sessions are provided.
- Extensive financial education resources
Cons
- Charges monthly fee and set up cost.
Comparison
| Company | Trustpilot Ratings | Founded | Minimum Debt Requirement | Relief Within | BBB Rating | Fees |
| National Debt Relief | 4.7 | 2009 | $7,500 | 24 to 48 Months | A+ | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt |
| New Era Debt Solutions | 4.9 | 1999 | Not Disclosed | 12 to 46 Months | A+ | 14% to 23% of enrolled debt |
| Accredited Debt Relief | 4.8 | 2011 | $10,000 | 24 to 48 Months | A+ | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt |
| CuraDebt Relief | 4.1 | 2000 | $5,000 | 24 to 48 Months | A+ | 20% of enrolled debt |
| Century Support Services | 4.8 | 2012 | $10,000 | 24 to 48 Months | A+ | 18% to 21.5% of enrolled debt |
Pros and Cons of Debt Relief Program – Debt Settlement
How Does Debt Relief Work?
Debt Relief companies act as a mediator between you and the lender and help you lower your debt amount by using their expert negotiation skills.
This usually works in a way that brings the lender in a position to accept less than what you actually owe, arguing that if they do not accept what is being offered, they might not get anything at all as the borrower is not in a position to repay the loan.
Debt relief companies are profit-driven and charge 15-25% of the settled debt amount as their fees.
And there is no guarantee that your creditor will agree to a settlement.
In such cases, they obviously do not charge you anything, but because their process requires you to stop making monthly payments, your credit score will plummet drastically6, creating more problems for you.
Read the full How Does Debt Relief Work?
What is the Difference Between Debt Settlement & debt consolidation?
While talking about the difference between Debt Settlement & Debt Consolidation, both are meant to reduce your financial burden, on the most basic level,
They both differ in the sense that:
Debt Settlement is meant to reduce the amount of debt you owe, while Debt Consolidation is meant to reduce the total number of creditors you have, by combining your loans.
Let’s see how both of these can hurt your credit.
For debt consolidation, you will require to apply for a new credit account leading to a hard inquiry.
And each hard inquiry can lower your credit score by up to five points. Apply for a loan only when you are sure.
As in the case of debt settlement7, the company will ask you to stop making monthly payments to your creditor to get you in a position to negotiate, which will again plummet your credit score.
Choosing between Debt Settlement & Debt Consolidation essentially depends upon your financial situation, and you should choose according to that.
For example:
Going for debt consolidation is a good option if you simply want to reduce confusion about making payments to multiple creditors.
While at the same time, debt settlement is a prudent choice if your creditor is threatening you to repay the loan as soon as possible.
Know that both Debt Settlement & Debt Consolidation can lower your credit score if you are not careful enough. 8
You may also like facts about the National Debt.
Is It Worth Trying to Settle Credit Card?
How Do We Review Debt Relief Companies?
Choosing the right debt relief company is highly essential and so we make sure to consider all the important factors while reviewing them.
First up, we look for the products and services that they offer, and what is their overall goal.
Then we check for customer reviews and the online reputation it holds. Then comes the fees charged by them in comparison to their competitors.
Here’s our detailed Debt Relief Review methodology.
Wrap Up
Debt relief companies can vary in terms of what they offer, and many people may need to try a few different ones before finding one that works for them.
With the top 10 best debt relief companies in the 2023 list we created above, you should be able to find an organization with appropriate debt relief programs and services suited to your needs.
Remember: not all organizations will work for everyone; it’s important to do some research first!
FAQs
What does a debt relief company do?
A debt relief company helps consumers negotiate with their creditors to reduce what they owe or to work out payment plan options.
What is the fee for a debt relief company?
Debt relief companies charge a fee to consumers they’re going to help.
This can be a percentage of the debt, a certain amount per month, or an even higher flat fee.
Consumers should always read the small print to make sure they know what fees are involved before signing up with any debt relief company.
What are the requirements to use a debt relief company?
Debt relief companies typically require that consumers have at least $3,000 in debt and a reasonable amount of disposable income.
Some companies may work with consumers who have higher or lower amounts of outstanding debt, but it’s best to refer to the company’s website for their minimum requirements.
Will I have to pay tax on my settled debt amount?
Yes, if you have settled more than $600 in debt then you will be required to pay tax as it will come under taxable income. 9
Does debt settlement ruin my credit score?
Yes, because debt settlement requires you to stop making payments to your creditors, it directly affects your credit score.
Amit Gupta is the founder of National Planning Cycles, a company that helps startups, individuals, and small businesses with their financial planning. He has a vast amount of experience in the finance sector, having managed Google Play accounts for some of the world’s most successful unicorns. Amit is an expert in his field, and he uses his knowledge to help others achieve their individual goals.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The National Planning Cycles is committed to producing high-quality content that follows industry standards. We do this by using primary sources, such as white papers and government data alongside original reporting from reputable publishers that were appropriate for the accuracy of information while still being unbiased. We have an editorial policy that includes verifiable facts with due credit given where applicable.
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- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/debt-consolidation/curadebt/[↩]
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- https://americanfaircreditcouncil.org/facts-about-debt-settlement/[↩]
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