✅ Reviewed by: Lauren Brown, CFA.
People often ask us which debt relief company to choose. We couldn’t find a single list of debt settlement and debt relief companies ranked by their actual third-party reviews — BBB, Google, and Trustpilot — so we built one. If you’re looking for a top-rated provider, this should help you compare prices & services:
Advertising disclosure: We are reader-supported, and some companies listed here are paid partners. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. The numbered list below is ordered by third-party ratings (BBB, Google, Trustpilot); our partnerships don’t change those scores. We may also receive a fee if you request a bankruptcy attorney consultation through the link on this page.
Jump to: Top picks · Full rankings (24 companies) · FAQ
Not sure which option actually fits you?
Debt relief isn’t one-size-fits-all. Settlement can cut what you owe, but it can also hurt your credit, trigger lawsuits, add fees (often 15–25%), and create a tax bill on forgiven debt — and many people don’t finish a full program. Consolidation, nonprofit counseling, or even bankruptcy may be the better path for you. Our quick quiz points you in the right direction before you talk to anyone.
| Best For Debt Settlement | ✓Beyond Finance (sponsored) |
| Best For Debt Consolidation | ✓Accredited Debt Relief (sponsored) |
| Best For Tax/IRS Debt | ✓CuraDebt (sponsored) |
| Best For Business Debt | ✓CuraDebt (sponsored) |
| Best For Bankruptcy | ✓Bankruptcy Attorneys (free evaluation, sponsored) |
| Best Counseling & DMP | ✓NFCC |
Accredited Debt Relief, Beyond Finance, CuraDebt and many others on this page are affiliate partners — we may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you, and it doesn’t affect our ratings. NFCC is a nonprofit partnership; we earn nothing from NFCC referrals.
Preferred starting point
Not sure where to start? Begin with a nonprofit
For a lot of people the smartest first move isn’t a for-profit settlement company at all — it’s a free consultation with a nonprofit credit-counseling network. We’d start with the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling), the oldest and largest nonprofit counseling network in the U.S. It costs nothing to talk to, and it routes you to a vetted 501(c)(3) member agency — for example ACCC, our #1-rated company below — that handles the actual counseling or debt-management plan.
Find a nonprofit counselor (NFCC) →
Every Company, Ranked & Tagged by Type
This list ranks all 24 companies by a volume-weighted average of their third-party ratings (BBB, Google, and Trustpilot) — each platform’s score counts in proportion to how many reviews it’s based on, so a company isn’t lifted or sunk by a handful of reviews on a single site. Each entry is tagged by type so you can see at a glance what it offers — they are not interchangeable:
Debt Settlement Negotiates to settle debts for less than you owe. Can reduce balances, but hurts credit and carries fees and lawsuit risk.
Consolidation Rolls multiple debts into one loan or payment. Works best with reasonable credit and steady income.
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit Nonprofit guidance and a structured repayment plan (DMP) at lower interest — you repay the full balance.
Tax / IRS Relief Specializes in back taxes, liens, garnishments, and IRS or state payment plans.
1) ACCC (4.99/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.consumercredit.com
- Minimum Debt: N/A
- Fees: Monthly Fee.
ACCC Overview & Reviews:
The ACCC is technically NOT a debt settlement company. They are a credit counseling agency that focuses on providing DMPs (aka Debt Management Plans) to help you better manage and repay your debt. The disadvantage is that DMPs don’t decrease your debt.
- BBB: A+ (4.98/5 – ~1,054 reviews)
- Google: 5/5 (~3,800 reviews)
- TrustPilot: N/A (no active profile)
- Certifications: NFCC, COA
- Combined Reviews: ~4,850
- Average Rating: 4.99/5
2) New Era Debt Solutions (4.9/5)
Debt Settlement
Logo of New Era Debt Solutions (credit: neweradebtsolutions.com)
- URL: www.neweradebtsolutions.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 14–25% of enrolled debt; nothing upfront (charged only after a debt is settled)
New Era Debt Solutions Overview & Reviews:
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, New Era Debt Solutions is one of the longest-running settlement-only firms (founded 1999). It focuses on credit card debt relief and employs debt-relief specialists, financial professionals, attorneys and support staff, negotiating unsecured debts on your behalf and charging no upfront fees — you pay only after a debt is settled. It has resolved $275M+ in debt and posts unusually strong, consistent reviews, though on a smaller review base than the national giants below.
- BBB: A+ (4.95/5 – 59 reviews)
- Google: 4.9/5 (207 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (398 reviews)
- Certifications: IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 664
- Average Rating: 4.9/5
3) TurboDebt (4.87/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.turbodebt.com
- Fees: 15% to 25%
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
TurboDebt Overview & Reviews:
TurboDebt is one of the most highly-rated debt settlement companies (as you can see below) that we have had a chance to review, combining tens of thousands of positive reviews. They can help you decrease and pay off several types of debt, including credit card, tax, personal loans, student loans, medical bills and more. Learn more by reading our TurboDebt review.
- BBB: A+ (4.87/5 – ~1,300 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (~7,802 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.9/5 (~14,671 reviews)
- Combined Reviews: ~23,800
- Average Rating: 4.87/5
4) CreditAssociates (4.83/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.creditassociates.com
- Minimum Debt: None
- Fees: 25%
CreditAssociates Overview & Reviews:
CreditAssociates is a Dallas-based debt settlement company that has some great reviews on TrustPilot, but not as good on the BBB. They have a similar setup as most other debt settlement providers on this page, charging 25% of your debt and no upfront fees for consultation.
- BBB: A+ (4.23/5 – ~330 reviews)
- Google: 4.3/5 (~2,510 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.9/5 (~21,764 reviews)
- Combined Reviews: ~24,600
- Average Rating: 4.83/5
5) Accredited Debt Relief (4.81/5)
Debt SettlementConsolidation
- URL: www.accrediteddebtrelief.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 25%
Accredited Debt Relief Overview & Reviews:
Accredited Debt Relief is a highly-rated debt settlement and consolidation company that heavily advertises the ability to help customers be debt-free in 24-48 months. A brand of Beyond Finance, Accredited reports 1.3 million+ clients helped and over $15 billion in debt resolved, which it cites as the largest in the U.S. by clients served. Like its sister brand Beyond Finance (#17 below), Accredited also gives enrolled clients a financial wellness program — including free group financial-therapy sessions led by Certified Financial Therapists Dr. Erika Rasure and Nathan Astle — which is unusual in this industry. Unlike other agencies reviewed previously, Accredited Debt Relief does offer debt consolidation loans through their partners, and the APRs can be quite high, up to 35.99% for those with less desirable credit scores.
- BBB: A+ (4.89/5 – ~3,000 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (~7,148 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (~10,922 reviews)
- Combined Reviews: ~21,100
- Average Rating: 4.81/5
6) Consolidated Credit Counseling Services (4.8/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.consolidatedcredit.org
- Minimum Debt: N/A
- Fees: up to 25%
Consolidated Credit Overview & Reviews:
Consolidated Credit has a flat monthly fee for its debt relief program. They charge a one-time setup fee ranging from $50 to $75, and their monthly service fee is about $30. They don’t advertise any minimum debt.
- BBB: A+ grade (customer-review star excluded – small sample)
- Google: 4.8/5 (~1,808 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (~9,155 reviews)
- Combined Reviews: ~10,963
- Average Rating: 4.8/5
7) GreenPath Financial Wellness (4.79/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.greenpath.com
- Minimum Debt: None
- Fees: N/A
GreenPath Financial Wellness Overview & Reviews:
GFW works nationwide and can help settle your debt with multiple creditors, including banks, credit unions, retailers, medical providers, auto finance agencies, and collection agencies.
- BBB: A+ (4.8/5 – 345 reviews)
- Google: N/A
- TrustPilot: 3.5/5 (2 reviews)
- Certifications: NFCC
- Combined Reviews: 347
- Average Rating: 4.79/5
8) Pacific Debt Relief (4.79/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.pacificdebt.com
- Fees: 15% to 35%
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
Pacific Debt Relief Overview & Reviews:
Pacific Debt Relief is a debt settlement company with the ability to handle many types of debt, including medical bills, overdue utility payments, credit cards, personal loans, tax debt, payday loans, bankruptcy, and certain contracts, like gym memberships. They also offer financial education.
- BBB: A+ (4.93/5 – 1,930 reviews)
- Google: 4.6/5 (259 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.7/5 (~2,400 reviews)
- Certifications: CDRI, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 4,589
- Average Rating: 4.74/5
9) DebtHelper (4.79/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.debthelper.com
- Minimum Debt: N/A
- Fees: N/A
DebtHelper Overview & Reviews:
DebtHelper is yet another Florida-based debt counseling agency. Based on our review of their website, they don’t seem to offer debt settlement or consolidation programs. Instead, they focus on counseling, DMP’s and financial education. They put a special emphasis on credit cards, housing and student debts.
- BBB: A+ (4.95/5 – 697 reviews)
- Google: 4.1/5 (168 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (58 reviews)
- Certifications: NFCC, FCAA
- Combined Reviews: 923
- Average Rating: 4.79/5
10) Money Management International (4.76/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.moneymanagement.org
- Minimum Debt: No Minimum
- Fees: $33 for set-up fees; $25 for monthly fees
MMI Overview & Reviews:
Money Management International is one of the fastest-growing debt relief companies, and have acquired many other smaller debt relief providers, such as Debt Advisors of America. They provide debt management plans at a unique monthly fee structure that is different from most of the other companies we reviewed.
- BBB: A+ (4.89/5 – 339 reviews)
- Google: 4.9/5 (502 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.7/5 (1,828 reviews)
- Certifications: FCAA, NFCC.
- Combined Reviews: 2,669
- Average Rating: 4.76/5
11) Century Support Services (4.74/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.centuryss.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 25%
Century Support Services Overview & Reviews:
This company was founded in 2008 and has been operating for over 15 years. They serve clients nationwide, although they exclude some states. Just like others reviewed in this list, they offer debt settlement, debt resolution, debt management plans and more.
- BBB: A+ (3.65/5 – 97 reviews)
- Google: 4.7/5 (898 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (2,591 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 3,586
- Average Rating: 4.74/5
12) CuraDebt (4.73/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.curadebt.com
- Minimum Debt: $5,000
- Fees: 15% to 25%
CuraDebt Overview & Reviews:
Founded in 1996, CuraDebt (which we previously reviewed here) is probably the oldest debt settlement company reviewed in this list. What makes them stand out, aside from their longevity, is their low minimum. They are the only company that advertises low minimums of $5,000 and they will sometimes take clients with debt lower than that.
- BBB: (4.7/5 – 23 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (271 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 3.3/5 (12 reviews)
- Certifications: IAPDA, AADR
- Combined Reviews: 306
- Average Rating: 4.73/5
13) DMB Financial (4.73/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.dmbfinancial.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 15% to 25%
DMB Financial Overview & Reviews:
DMB Financial is a Massachusetts-based debt settlement company. DMB Financial advertises the ability to help you consolidate all of your high-interest credit card balances into one lower, flat monthly program payment, which is similar to what most of the other companies on this page do.
- BBB: (4.86/5 – 226 reviews)
- Google: 4.7/5 (933 reviews)
- TrustPilot: N/A
- Certifications: IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 1,159
- Average Rating: 4.73/5
14) National Debt Relief (4.69/5)
Debt SettlementConsolidation
- URL: www.nationaldebtrelief.com
- Fees: 15% to 25%
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
National Debt Relief Overview & Reviews:
National Debt Relief is similar to Turbo Debt. However, they do also offer loans, which isn’t necessarily a good thing if you’re in a tough financial situation, as you won’t qualify for a good rate. They also offer debt settlement, debt consolidation, credit counseling and more. Learn more by reading our National Debt Relief review.
- BBB: A+ (4.75/5 – 4,548 reviews)
- Google: 4.6/5 (9,112 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.7/5 (~44,424 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 58,084
- Average Rating: 4.69/5
15) Americor (4.69/5)
Overall rating: 4.69 / 5 (24,900+ combined reviews) • Debt Settlement + Consolidation Loans (via Credit9)
Americor is one of the largest debt relief companies in the country, in business since 2008, pairing debt settlement with consolidation loan options through its Credit9 lending affiliate. It charges no upfront fees on settlement, and its review volume is among the biggest in the industry.
- BBB: 4.72/5 (4,800+ reviews)
- Trustpilot: 4.7/5 (16,900+ reviews)
- Google: 4.6/5 (3,200+ reviews)
- Fees: No upfront fees; settlement fees charged only after a debt settles
- Availability: Most U.S. states (exclusions vary, check eligibility)
Read our full Americor review Check If You Qualify →
16) ClearOne Advantage (4.68/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.clearoneadvantage.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 20% to 25%
ClearOne Overview & Reviews:
ClearOne Advantage is another popular and well-reviewed debt settlement company that offers free initial consultations to help you determine the best plan of attack to tackle your debt.
- BBB: A+ (4.0/5 – 544 reviews)
- Google: 4.4/5 (3,182 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (~10,682 reviews)
- Certifications: IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 14,408
- Average Rating: 4.68/5
17) InCharge Debt Solutions (4.66/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.incharge.org
- Minimum Debt: None
- Fees: 15% to 25%
InCharge Overview & Reviews:
Incharge is a Florida-based debt management company that offers credit counseling, debt consolidation and more. Unlike many companies reviewed on this page which require a minimum 10k debt to work with you, InCharge advertises a “no minimums”.
- BBB: A+ (3.36/5 – 14 reviews)
- Google: 4.0/5 (107 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.7/5 (2,206 reviews)
- Certifications: NFCC, FCAA, COA
- Combined Reviews: 2,327
- Average Rating: 4.66/5
18) Beyond Finance (4.64/5)
Debt SettlementConsolidation
- URL: www.beyondfinance.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 15% to 25%
Beyond Finance Overview & Reviews:
Beyond Finance is a large debt settlement provider founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, IL. It markets under “debt consolidation,” but its core program is settlement, and it can evaluate you for a consolidation loan through partners (APRs can run high for weaker credit). It’s best known for a strong mobile app, responsive support, and an integrated financial wellness program — free group financial-therapy sessions led by Certified Financial Therapists Dr. Erika Rasure and Nathan Astle, plus budgeting tools. Worth knowing for transparency: Accredited Debt Relief (#5 above) is a brand of Beyond Finance, so the two are the same company and run the same wellness program — they’re not two independent options.
- BBB: A+ (4.74/5 – ~9,904 reviews)
- Google: excluded (Beyond has separate listings for its Chicago, Houston, and San Diego offices, so there’s no single verifiable rating)
- TrustPilot: 4.6/5 (~20,910 reviews)
- Certifications: ACDR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: ~30,800
- Average Rating: 4.64/5
19) Freedom Debt Relief (4.6/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.freedomdebtrelief.com
- Fees: 15% to 25%
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
Freedom Debt Relief Overview & Reviews:
Freedom Debt Relief is a highly-rated debt counselling agency with a particular focus on credit card debt. They offer debt settlement, debt management plans and credit counseling.
- BBB: A+ (4.47/5 – 1,917 reviews)
- Google: 4.7/5 (509 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.6/5 (~48,900 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 51,326
- Average Rating: 4.6/5
20) Tax Relief Advocates (4.54/5)
Tax / IRS Relief
- URL: tra.com
- Minimum Tax Debt: Not disclosed
- Fees: Not disclosed publicly (varies by case)
Tax Relief Advocates Overview & Reviews:
Irvine, California–based Tax Relief Advocates focuses on tax resolution for consumers and small businesses, handling cases like back taxes, wage garnishments, liens, audits, and payment plans. Their process reviews your situation and then pursues options with the IRS or state authorities.
- BBB: A+ (4.28/5 – 1,377 reviews)
- Google: 4.7/5 (~2,666 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 1.9/5 (23 reviews)
- Awards: BBB Accredited; BBB Torch Award for Ethics
- Combined Reviews: 4,066
- Average Rating: 4.54/5
21) Navicore Solutions (4.36/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.navicoresolutions.org
- Minimum Debt: N/A.
- Fees: Monthly Fee.
Navicore Overview & Reviews:
Founded in New Jersey, Navicore is a nonprofit that assists clients in terms of debt management plans, credit counseling, housing counseling and more. Similar to the ACCC, Navicore focuses strictly on providing advice and guidance. They don’t offer debt settlement, consolidation or any other debt relief program.
- BBB: (4.86/5 – 28 reviews)
- Google: 4.2/5 (140 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.4/5 (216 reviews)
- Certifications: FCAA, NFCC, COA
- Combined Reviews: 384
- Average Rating: 4.36/5
22) Optima Tax Relief (4.27/5)
Tax / IRS Relief
- URL: www.optimataxrelief.com
- Minimum Tax Debt: $10,000
- Fees: Investigation phase from ~$495; average total case around $4,000 (varies with complexity)
Optima Tax Relief Overview & Reviews:
Optima is the biggest brand in tax relief — if you listen to the radio, you’ve heard their ads. Founded in 2011 and based in Santa Ana, California, they report over $3 billion in tax debt resolved and staff tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents. They offer a 15-day money-back guarantee, but note that it applies to the investigation-phase fee only, not the (much larger) resolution fees. Here’s what our volume-weighted method surfaces that their marketing doesn’t: despite the biggest ad budget in the category, Optima’s review scores run well below the smaller firms above, with a heavy BBB complaint volume. The most common complaint theme is paying thousands of dollars and ending up on a standard IRS payment plan the client could have set up themselves for free. Before hiring any tax relief firm, check the IRS’s own no-cost options first — and if your tax debt is tangled up with credit card or business debt, compare CuraDebt (#12 above), which handles both under one roof.
- BBB: A rating, accredited (3.99/5 – ~1,700 reviews)
- Google: 4.1/5 (~3,800 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.5/5 (~5,000 reviews)
- Certifications: NAEA member; IRS-approved continuing education provider; BBB Torch Award
- Combined Reviews: ~10,500
- Average Rating: 4.27/5
23) Guardian Debt Relief (2.25/5)
Debt Settlement
- URL: www.guardiandebtrelief.com
- Minimum Debt: $7,500
- Fees: 25%
Guardian Debt Relief Overview & Reviews:
Guardian Debt Relief doesn’t have the most flattering review profile, but we included them because they are a well-known brand when it comes to debt settlement. Based in New York, they offer debt settlement, debt management, financial counseling and more.
- BBB: (2.33/5 – 3 reviews)
- Google: 3.0/5 (33 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 1.7/5 (46 reviews)
- Certifications: IAPDA, AADR
- Combined Reviews: 82
- Average Rating: 2.25/5
24) Trinity Debt Management (1.5/5)
Counseling / DMP · Nonprofit
- URL: www.trinitycredit.org
- Minimum Debt: N/A
- Fees: N/A
TDM Overview & Reviews:
Based in Ohio, Trinity Debt Management is a Christian debt management company that offers credit counseling, budgeting help, financial education, debt settlement and more. They don’t advertise their minimums and their fees.
- BBB: N/A (Currently updating profile)
- Google: N/A
- TrustPilot: 1.5/5 (180 reviews)
- Certifications: N/A
- Combined Reviews: 180
- Average Rating: 1.5/5
Is bankruptcy actually your best path?
If your debt is severe enough that settlement math doesn’t work — or creditors are already suing — bankruptcy may be the cleaner reset, and it’s a legal process where a licensed attorney matters. You can request a free case evaluation with a bankruptcy attorney in your area to find out whether Chapter 7 or 13 fits before committing to anything.
Get a Free Bankruptcy Case Evaluation →
We may receive a fee if you request a consultation through this link, at no cost to you.
Not sure debt settlement is right for you?
Settlement isn’t the best path for everyone — credit counseling, consolidation, or bankruptcy may fit your situation better. Our quick quiz compares all of them honestly, with the pros and cons of each, before you contact any company.
Debt Relief by State — find your state’s guide (28 states)
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Settlement
1. What is debt settlement and how does debt settlement work?
2. How were the debt settlement companies ranked in this list?
3. What services do debt settlement companies usually offer?
4. What fees do debt settlement companies charge?
5. What is the minimum debt required for debt settlement?
6. Do debt settlement companies offer debt consolidation loans too?
7. What certifications should a reputable debt settlement company have?
8. How long does debt settlement usually take?
9. Does debt settlement hurt your credit score?
10. How do I choose the right debt settlement company?
11. Are nonprofit credit counseling agencies better than for-profit debt settlement companies?
Amine is an entrepreneur, investor and financial writer that covers the US economy, inflation, alternative investments, cryptocurrencies and more. He has been involved in the space for over a decade.
