✅ Reviewed by: Lauren Brown, CFA.
In these uncertain geopolitical and economic times, people often ask us which company they should choose for debt settlement. Now, since we couldn’t find a list of debt settlement companies in America ranked by their reviews and ratings on trusted third-party sites like the BBB, Google Reviews, TrustPilot and others, we decided to create it! If you are looking for the best rated debt settlement provider to help you with high debt, this list should help you:
☝ IMPORTANT NOTE: Debt settlement has its downsides and may NOT be the best option for your situation. Try our debt relief quiz to find the best path to alleviate your debt.
| Best For Over 10k Debt | New Era Debt |
| Best For Under 10k Debt | CuraDebt |
| Best Debt Lawyer | Oak View Law |
| Best For Tax/IRS Debt | Tax Relief Advocates |
1) New Era Debt Solutions (4.9/5)
Logo of New Era Debt Solutions (credit: neweradebtsolutions.com)
- URL: www.neweradebtsolutions.com
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
- Fees: 14% to 25%
New Era Overview & Reviews:
New Era Debt Solutions is a debt settlement company headquartered in Camarillo, California. They focus on credit card debt relief and employ debt relief experts, financial professionals, attorneys and support staff. They offer debt settlement, debt negotiation and negotiation with creditors.
- 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
2) TurboDebt (4.9/5)
- 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 a total of over 17,000 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+ (4.92/5 – 17,343 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (4,859 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.9/5 (11,190 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, BBB
- Consolidation Loans: No
- Combined Reviews: 33,392
- Average Rating: 4.9/5
3) National Debt Relief (4.72/5)
- 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: 4.8/5 (31,000 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 44,660
- Average Rating: 4.72/5
4) Freedom Debt Relief (4.59/5)
- 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 (42,334 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 44,760
- Average Rating: 4.59/5
5) Pacific Debt Relief (4.85/5)
- URL: www.pacificdebt.com
- Fees: 15% to 35%
- Minimum Debt: $10,000
Freedom 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: 4.8/5 (1,853 reviews)
- Certifications: CDRI, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 4,042
- Average Rating: 4.85/5
6) Accredited Debt Relief (4.86/5)
- 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. 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 – 2,080 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (7,148 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.9/5 (7,190 reviews)
- Certifications: N/A
- Combined Reviews: 16,418
- Average Rating: 4.86/5
7) Money Management International (4.76/5)
- 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 settlement 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
8) ClearOne Advantage (4.37/5)
- 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: 4.7/5 (8,784 reviews)
- Certifications: IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 12,510
- Average Rating: 4.37/5
9) Century Support Services (4.74/5)
Century Support Services Logo
- 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
10) Guardian Debt Relief (2.25/5)
- 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, AFCC
- Combined Reviews: 82
- Average Rating: 2.25/5
11) GreenPath Financial Wellness (4.79/5)
- 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
12) CreditAssociates (4.83/5)
- 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+ (4.01/5 – 208 reviews)
- Google: 4.3/5 (2,165 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.9/5 (17,658 reviews)
- Certifications: AADR, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 20,031
- Average Rating: 4.83/5
13) DMB Financial (4.73/5)
- 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) Trinity Debt Management (1.5/5)
- 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
15) Consolidated Credit Counseling Services (4.8/5)
- 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+ (2.18/5 – 11 reviews)
- Google: 4.8/5 (1,808 reviews)
- TrustPilot: 4.8/5 (9,083 reviews)
- Certifications: NFCC, FCAA, CFC
- Combined Reviews: 10,902
- Average Rating: 4.8/5
16) InCharge Debt Solutions (4.66/5)
- URL: www.incharge.org
- Minimum Debt: None
- Fees: 15% to 25%
- Combined Reviews: 2,326
- Average Rating: 4.53/5
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
17) CuraDebt (4.73/5)
- 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, AFCC
- Combined Reviews: 306
- Average Rating: 4.73/5
18) ACCC (4.99/5)
- 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 (1,068 reviews)
- TrustPilot: N/A
- Certifications: NFCC, COA
- Combined Reviews: 2,122
- Average Rating: 4.99/5
19) Navicore Solutions (4.36/5)
- 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
20) DebtHelper (4.79/5)
- 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
21) Tax Relief Advocates (4.54/5)
- 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. From what I can tell, they handle cases like back taxes, wage garnishments, liens, audits, and payment plans. Their site positions the company around a consultative process that reviews your situation and then pursues options with the IRS or state authorities
- BBB: A+ rating; customer reviews average 4.28/5 (1,377 reviews) Better Business Bureau
- Google: 4.7/5 (about 2,666 reviews, collected 2024) LendEDU
- Trustpilot: 1.9/5 (23 reviews) Trustpilot
- Awards / Accreditations: BBB Accredited; BBB Torch Award for Ethics (regional winner 2021, reported winner again 2024) Better Business Bureau+1
- Combined Reviews: 4,066
Average Rating: 4.54/5 (weighted across sources above)
Notes: Availability, pricing, and review counts can change. Always confirm current program details during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Settlement
1. What is debt settlement and how does debt settlement work?
Debt settlement is a debt relief strategy where a company or negotiator works with your creditors to try to reduce the total amount you owe. In many cases, the goal is to settle unsecured debts like credit card balances, personal loans, or medical bills for less than the full balance.
The process usually involves setting aside money each month until enough has built up to make settlement offers. If a creditor agrees, the debt may be resolved for less than the full amount owed. This can help some people get out of overwhelming debt, but it also comes with risks, including fees, possible lawsuits, and credit score damage.
It is also worth knowing that debt settlement is very different from a debt management plan. A debt management plan generally aims to repay the full principal over time, while debt settlement focuses on negotiating a reduced payoff.
2. How were the debt settlement companies ranked in this list?
The companies in our list were ranked based on a combination of their average ratings and total review volume across reputable third-party platforms such as the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot. The goal was to make the ranking as objective as possible rather than relying only on marketing claims.
In simple terms, we looked at both quality and quantity. A company with excellent ratings but very few reviews may not tell you as much as a company with strong ratings backed by thousands of customer reviews.
That said, ratings should never be the only factor. Fees, minimum debt requirements, service quality, transparency, and your specific financial situation matter just as much.
3. What services do debt settlement companies usually offer?
Debt settlement is the core service, but many companies also offer related forms of debt relief. Depending on the provider, you may also see debt consolidation loans, credit counseling, debt management plans, budgeting help, or referrals to partner lenders and counselors.
For example, some providers focus almost entirely on negotiating unsecured debts like credit card balances and medical debt. Others expand into debt consolidation or work with nonprofit counseling partners. This is why it is important to confirm exactly what service you are signing up for before enrolling.
If you are mainly looking for a lower monthly payment without defaulting on your accounts, a debt management plan or credit counseling route may be more appropriate than settlement.
4. What fees do debt settlement companies charge?
Debt settlement fees often range from about 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt amount, although fee structures vary by company and by state. Some providers may also have setup fees or monthly account fees, depending on how the program is structured.
In many cases, companies say they charge fees only after a settlement has been successfully reached and approved. Even so, you should read the agreement carefully and ask for the full fee structure in writing before signing up.
The key question is not just what percentage they charge, but how those fees affect your total savings. A settlement program that reduces debt but adds large fees may not be as attractive as it first appears.
5. What is the minimum debt required for debt settlement?
Minimum debt requirements vary by company. Many debt settlement companies prefer clients with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt, although some accept lower amounts, and some debt counseling or debt management providers may have no minimum at all.
This matters because debt settlement is usually aimed at people with a meaningful amount of unsecured debt who are already struggling to keep up. If your debt is relatively low, other solutions may make more sense and may carry less risk.
Before applying, check the provider’s minimum debt threshold so you do not waste time on a company that is unlikely to accept your case.
6. Do debt settlement companies offer debt consolidation loans too?
Some do, but many do not. Certain companies focus only on settlement and negotiation, while others partner with lenders to offer debt consolidation loans as an alternative path.
A debt consolidation loan can sometimes help if your credit is still decent and your income is strong enough to qualify for better terms. But this route can also backfire if the interest rate is too high or if the new loan simply delays a deeper debt problem.
That is why I usually suggest being cautious with consolidation loans unless the numbers clearly improve your situation. A bad loan can make a difficult debt problem worse, not better.
7. What certifications should a reputable debt settlement company have?
Reputable debt relief providers often highlight industry memberships or certifications that suggest they follow recognized standards and ethical practices. Common names you may see include the American Fair Credit Council, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, Better Business Bureau accreditation, the Financial Counseling Association of America, and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
These certifications and memberships do not guarantee that a company is perfect, but they can help you separate more established providers from questionable operators. You should still verify the credentials yourself instead of taking the company’s word for it.
It is also smart to check whether the company has been the subject of major complaints, enforcement action, or regulatory issues before signing up.
8. How long does debt settlement usually take?
Debt settlement programs often take anywhere from about 12 to 48 months, although some run longer depending on the amount of debt, your monthly contributions, and how quickly creditors agree to settle.
The timeline depends on several factors, including how much debt you have, how much money can be set aside each month, and how willing creditors are to negotiate. Larger balances usually take longer. Higher monthly contributions can shorten the process.
This is an important question to ask during a free consultation. A program may look attractive on paper, but if the timeline does not fit your situation, it may not be the right path.
9. Does debt settlement hurt your credit score?
Yes, debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, especially in the short term. That is one of the biggest trade-offs people need to understand before enrolling.
In many settlement programs, accounts become delinquent while money is being set aside for negotiations. Missed payments and settled accounts can both appear on your credit report. That can cause a meaningful drop in your score.
Over time, some people rebuild their credit after resolving debt and stabilizing their finances. But the short-term damage is real, and it should be weighed against other options like credit counseling, debt management, or bankruptcy.
10. How do I choose the right debt settlement company?
Choosing the right debt settlement company comes down to more than just reviews. You should compare reputation, fee structure, minimum debt requirements, transparency, certifications, customer support, and the exact services offered.
I would also look closely at whether the company clearly explains the risks, including credit damage, possible lawsuits, tax consequences, and the time it may take to finish the program. If a company only talks about savings and skips the downsides, that is a red flag.
It is also wise to check whether the company appears in the FTC’s list of banned debt and mortgage relief providers. That is a simple but important screening step.
11. Are nonprofit credit counseling agencies better than for-profit debt settlement companies?
Not always. Nonprofit does not automatically mean better, and for-profit does not automatically mean worse. Both types of organizations can be legitimate, and both can charge fees.
The bigger question is what type of help you actually need. If your debt still looks manageable and you want to repay it in a structured way, nonprofit credit counseling or a debt management plan may be the better fit. If your debt is more severe and you are already falling behind, a settlement company may be one of the options worth researching.
The best approach is to compare the service model, fees, risks, and likely outcome rather than assuming one label is always safer than the other.
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.
