Debt and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: How Much Debt Do You Need to File?

by Amine Rahal | Apr 10, 2026 | Debt Relief

Debt and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: How Much Debt Do You Need to File?

If you’re searching for answers about debt and Chapter 7 bankruptcy, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably this: how much do you have to be in debt to file Chapter 7? The short answer is simpler than most people expect: there is no official minimum debt amount required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I’ve been writing about debt relief, bankruptcy, consolidation, and settlement for a long time, and this is one of the most common misconceptions I see. A lot of people assume you need to be buried in six figures of debt before Chapter 7 is even on the table. That is not how it works.

What really matters is not hitting some magic debt number. What matters is whether you qualify, whether Chapter 7 would actually help, and whether it makes financial sense compared with other options. Over the years, I’ve noticed that people often ask the wrong first question. They ask, “Do I have enough debt?” when the better question is usually, “Is my debt bad enough, and is my income low enough, that Chapter 7 makes sense?”

Do you need a minimum amount of debt to file Chapter 7?

No. There is no fixed minimum debt amount written into the law for Chapter 7. In other words, you do not need to owe $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000 before you are allowed to file. The U.S. Courts explains that, subject to the means test, relief under Chapter 7 is available regardless of the amount of the debtor’s debts. If you want to read the official overview, the U.S. Courts’ Chapter 7 basics page is one of the best starting points.

That said, just because there is no official minimum does not mean filing over a small amount of debt is always a smart move. In real life, most people only consider Chapter 7 when the debt is large enough that repayment feels unrealistic or when collections, lawsuits, garnishment risk, or constant financial stress are making life unmanageable.

So what actually matters more than the debt amount?

In my view, these are the questions that matter more than the raw number:

• Is most of your debt unsecured debt, like credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills?
• Is your income low enough to qualify under the means test?
• Do you own assets that could be at risk in a Chapter 7 case?
• Are you behind on payments with no realistic way to catch up?
• Would another path like settlement, consolidation, or counseling be less damaging?

That is why I rarely like answering this topic with a single number. It is not really a number problem. It is more of a qualification and strategy problem. If you want a broader overview before zeroing in on bankruptcy, our main debt relief guide is a good place to start.

What kinds of debt can Chapter 7 erase?

Chapter 7 is usually best known for wiping out many types of unsecured debt. That can include:

• Credit card debt
• Personal loans
• Medical bills
• Old utility bills
• Certain collection accounts
• Some judgments tied to unsecured debt

That is one reason Chapter 7 comes up so often in conversations about debt settlement and debt relief. A lot of people comparing bankruptcy with negotiated settlement end up looking at pages like our ranking of the best debt settlement companies, our review of National Debt Relief, our review of Accredited Debt Relief, or our review of Beyond Finance because they are trying to figure out whether a negotiated approach is more realistic than a court-based one.

However, Chapter 7 does not erase everything. Some debts are harder or impossible to discharge, such as many student loans, child support, alimony, and some tax debts. The discharge rules themselves are laid out in 11 U.S. Code § 523 and 11 U.S. Code § 727. If taxes are a big part of your problem, you should also read our article on whether bankruptcy clears tax debt.

How much debt is “worth it” for Chapter 7?

This is where personal judgment comes in. Even though there is no minimum debt requirement, filing Chapter 7 over a relatively small debt load may not always be the best move because bankruptcy has consequences. It can affect your credit, stay on your credit report for years, and may not be the right fit if your issue is temporary.

This table is not a legal rule. It is just a practical way to think about when bankruptcy starts to become more understandable as a serious option.

The means test matters more than the debt total

In the U.S., Chapter 7 eligibility often turns on the means test. In plain English, the means test looks at your income and certain allowed expenses to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 or whether the filing may be presumed abusive. That is why someone with $20,000 in debt and very low income may be a better Chapter 7 candidate than someone with $60,000 in debt but much higher disposable income.

If your income is above your state’s median for a household of your size, the means test becomes especially important. This is one of the biggest reasons I tell readers not to focus only on debt size. You could owe a lot and still have qualification issues. Or you could owe less than you think is “bankruptcy-worthy” and still be a perfectly reasonable candidate because your cash flow has completely collapsed.

If you are trying to compare bankruptcy with other debt paths, I would also look at our guide to debt consolidation lawyers and attorneys, since some readers are really deciding between a legal route and a negotiated or structured payoff route.

When Chapter 7 tends to make more sense

In my opinion, Chapter 7 becomes much more worth discussing when several of these are true:

• You have mostly unsecured debt
• You are behind and cannot realistically catch up
• Your income is low enough to qualify
• You are facing collection pressure, lawsuits, or garnishment risk
• You do not have many non-exempt assets to protect
• You need a clean reset more than a long repayment plan

That last point is important. Some people need a reset. Others just need structure. Those are not the same thing. If tax liabilities are part of the mix, pages like our guide to tax debt lawyers and attorneys, our review of Tax Relief Advocates, and our review of Five Star Tax Resolution can also help you understand how tax-specific help compares with bankruptcy.

When Chapter 7 may not be the best fit

I do not think Chapter 7 should automatically be treated as the first answer for every debt problem. It may not be the best fit if:

• Your debt load is manageable with a lower-interest payoff strategy
• Your income is too high for Chapter 7 qualification
• Most of your debt is non-dischargeable
• You are trying to protect assets that may be exposed
• A settlement or consolidation path would solve the issue with less long-term fallout

That is why I usually suggest people compare it against other options before making a final decision. For example, someone exploring negotiated settlement might also want to read our reviews of TurboDebt and Debt Clear USA, especially if they are still trying to figure out whether bankruptcy is too aggressive for their situation.

What if your debt is small but you still can’t pay it?

This is an important point that people sometimes feel embarrassed about. A debt problem does not have to look huge on paper to feel crushing in real life. A person with $12,000 of debt and almost no disposable income may be in a worse position than someone with $40,000 of debt and a strong salary.

I’ve always thought this is where internet advice can be misleading. People throw around numbers without context. But context is everything. The right question is not whether your debt sounds “big enough” to impress someone online. The right question is whether it is unpayable for you.

If your debt is more state-specific and you want to compare local options, your site also has location-based guides like North Carolina debt relief and Florida debt relief programs, which can help readers think through alternatives in a more localized way.

My bottom line

So, how much do you have to be in debt to file Chapter 7?

There is no minimum debt amount required. You do not need to hit a certain number first. What matters more is whether your debt is truly unmanageable, whether most of it is the kind Chapter 7 can erase, whether your income allows you to qualify, and whether Chapter 7 is smarter than the alternatives.

If you are buried in unsecured debt and cannot see a realistic payoff path, Chapter 7 may absolutely be worth exploring. But I would not choose it based on debt amount alone. I would compare it against every realistic option first, especially if your case is not straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bankruptcy Clear Tax Debt in 2026?

by Amine Rahal | Apr 10, 2026 | Debt Relief

When readers ask me, “Does bankruptcy clear tax debt?”, my honest answer is: sometimes, yes, but only in specific situations. I’ve been writing about debt relief, tax debt, settlement, consolidation, and bankruptcy-related topics for a long time, and one mistake I see over and over is people assuming all IRS debt gets wiped out the same way credit card debt might. It’s not always the case. Tax debt follows its own rules, and the timing matters a lot.

In general, bankruptcy can erase some older income tax debt, but it usually does not wipe out every kind of tax bill. If the debt is too recent, tied to payroll taxes, connected to fraud, or based on late or unfiled returns, the odds get much worse. The IRS bankruptcy guidance, IRS Publication 908, and the bankruptcy priority rules under 11 U.S. Code § 507 all point in the same direction: some tax debt can be discharged, but only if the facts line up.

My quick answer

If you want the short version, here it is:

• Yes, bankruptcy may clear some tax debt
• No, it does not automatically clear all tax debt
• Older income tax debt has the best chance
• Recent tax debt, payroll tax debt, and fraudulent tax debt usually survive

I’ve seen people wait too long to get help because they assumed “nothing can be done” with IRS debt. I’ve also seen people rush toward bankruptcy thinking it would magically clean everything up, only to learn later that the tax debt they cared most about would still be there. That is why I think this is one of the most important debt topics to understand properly before you file anything.

When bankruptcy may clear tax debt

In the U.S., bankruptcy is usually most helpful for older income tax debt. A lot of professionals refer to this informally as the 3-2-240 rule. It is a shortcut way of thinking about whether a tax debt might be dischargeable.

Even if those timing rules look good, the debt still generally needs to be income tax debt, not payroll tax debt or a fraud-related obligation. On top of that, things can get more complicated if you had an offer in compromise, a prior bankruptcy, or other events that can affect the clock.

Tax debts that usually do not get wiped out

This is where I think readers need to be especially careful. Bankruptcy is not a universal eraser for every tax problem. It usually does not clear:

• Recent income tax debt
• Payroll tax debt and trust fund taxes
• Tax debt linked to fraudulent returns
• Tax debt tied to willful tax evasion
• Some debt from late or unfiled returns
• Post-petition tax liabilities

If your debt is mostly credit cards, personal loans, or collections, you may also want to compare this question against our broader guide to debt relief options in America. A lot of people assume “tax debt problem” and “overall debt problem” are the same thing, but they often are not.

Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 for tax debt

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that people talk about “bankruptcy” as if it were one single strategy. It isn’t. The chapter matters.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the form most people think of when they imagine wiping out debt and getting a fresh start. For tax debt, Chapter 7 can sometimes discharge older qualifying income taxes. But it is not automatic, and not every filer qualifies for Chapter 7 in the first place.

If someone has old income tax debt that checks the right boxes, Chapter 7 may be the more direct route. But if the debt is newer, partially priority debt, or part of a larger cash-flow problem, Chapter 13 may be more realistic.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 works more like a court-supervised repayment plan. In my view, it can be more useful for people who need time and protection rather than a full wipeout. Some tax debt may still be paid through the plan, while some older qualifying debt may eventually be discharged.

That is one reason I often tell readers not to focus only on “Can I erase this?” Sometimes the better question is, “Can I stop the pressure, stay protected, and create a payment structure I can actually survive?”

Does bankruptcy stop IRS collections?

Usually, filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which can temporarily stop many collection actions. That can include collection pressure from the IRS. But this does not mean the tax debt is permanently gone. It just means the collection activity may pause while the bankruptcy case moves forward.

If your main goal is breathing room, that pause can be meaningful. If your main goal is full elimination of the tax balance, then you need to look much more closely at the exact age and type of the tax debt.

What about state tax debt?

State tax debt can also be affected by bankruptcy, but the exact treatment can vary, and state collection practices can be different. I would be very careful about assuming the IRS rules tell the full story for state income tax departments. The broad framework may be similar, but local details matter.

If your tax problem is more specialized and you are trying to understand tax-resolution-style help instead of consumer debt relief, you may also want to read our reviews of Tax Relief Advocates and Five Star Tax Resolution. They are not substitutes for legal advice, but they can help you understand how the tax relief side of the market works.

A simple example

Let’s say someone owes federal income taxes for a return that was due more than 3 years ago. They filed the return more than 2 years ago. The IRS assessed the tax more than 240 days ago. There was no fraud, and no willful evasion.

That person may have a path to discharge that debt in bankruptcy.

Now let’s change one detail. Maybe they filed the return late. Maybe the tax was assessed recently. Maybe the debt is for payroll taxes. Maybe the tax year is too recent. Suddenly, the answer can flip from “possibly dischargeable” to “probably not.”

That is why I never like ultra-simplified headlines on this topic. They may get clicks, but they can mislead people badly.

When I think bankruptcy is worth discussing seriously

In my opinion, bankruptcy becomes much more worth discussing when some or all of the following are true:

• You cannot realistically repay the debt in a reasonable timeframe
• The tax debt is old enough that discharge may be possible
• You are also carrying large unsecured debts on top of the tax balance
• Collections are becoming aggressive
• You need court protection and a real reset, not just another temporary arrangement

On the other hand, if the tax debt is recent and your income is stable, bankruptcy may not be the first place I would look. In that case, you may want to compare other options too, including our guide to the best debt settlement companies and our review of debt consolidation lawyers and attorneys, especially if you are trying to weigh legal help against non-legal debt relief programs.

My bottom line

So, does bankruptcy clear tax debt?

Yes, sometimes. But usually only certain older income tax debts that meet strict timing and filing rules. It is much less likely to wipe out recent tax debt, payroll taxes, or tax debt linked to fraud, evasion, or filing issues.

If you are overwhelmed and not sure where your case falls, I honestly think the smartest first step is not guessing. Map out the type of debt, the tax years involved, when the returns were filed, and whether the debt is really tax debt only or part of a bigger consumer debt problem. Once you do that, the right next step gets much easier to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

TurboDebt – Legit Debt Relief Company? Read Our Review…

by Amine Rahal | Mar 23, 2026 | Debt Relief

TurboDebt (sometimes written as Turbo Debt) is a U.S. debt relief brand that helps consumers explore options for tackling unsecured debt (like credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and collections). The key thing to understand up front is that TurboDebt often acts as a connector that matches you with a debt relief program that fits your situation, rather than always being the company that negotiates directly with your creditors.

PS: Want a fast, personalized starting point before you call anyone? Take our quick quiz here: Debt Relief Quiz (settlement vs consolidation vs bankruptcy).

TurboDebt company snapshot (updated for 2026)

• Company: TurboDebt, LLC
• Website: TurboDebt.com
• Headquarters (published on TurboDebt site): 1643 NW 136th Ave, Building H, Sunrise, FL 33323
• Email (published on TurboDebt site): contact@turbodebt.com
• Availability: TurboDebt states it does not offer services in CT, MN, OR, VT, WV, and WI. Always confirm availability from their “Areas We Serve” page before you spend time on an application.

Legitimacy, ratings & reviews (2026 update)

Below is a current snapshot of third-party ratings. These numbers can change over time, so consider them a “temperature check,” not a guarantee of your experience.

What TurboDebt actually does (and the question you should ask)

TurboDebt describes itself as a service that connects clients to debt relief programs. In practice, that can mean your case may be handled by a partner program (example partners listed publicly include National Debt Relief and others). That isn’t automatically “bad,” but it changes what you should ask on your first call:

• Who will be the actual program provider negotiating with my creditors?
• What is the total cost (program fees + any dedicated account fees), and when do those costs get charged?
• Will I be asked to stop paying creditors during the program, and what happens if a creditor sues?
• How will you communicate settlement offers, and do I have to approve each settlement?

How debt settlement usually works (plain English)

1. Free consultation: you share your debts, budget, and hardship.
2. Program fit: if settlement is recommended, you’ll typically open a dedicated account to build funds for offers.
3. Negotiations: once enough funds accumulate, settlements are negotiated one debt at a time.
4. Fees: reputable providers generally cannot charge “advance fees” before results (make sure you understand fee timing).
5. Finish line: the goal is to resolve each enrolled debt and close the program.

If you’re new to this, two excellent government resources to read first are the FTC’s overview of getting out of debt and the CFPB’s explanation of debt relief programs. Also be aware that canceled debt can sometimes trigger tax forms (like a 1099-C), depending on your situation.

TurboDebt Pros 👍

• Massive review footprint: TurboDebt has a very large volume of consumer reviews across major platforms, which is useful for due diligence.
• Clear “shopping” entry point: If you’re not sure which option fits (settlement vs counseling vs consolidation), TurboDebt can be a starting conversation.
• Availability in most states: While not nationwide, it is available in many U.S. states (confirm via their service area page).

TurboDebt Cons 👎

• Potential “middle layer”: Because TurboDebt can act as a connector, you must confirm who the actual program provider is and what their policies are.
• Costs can be significant: Debt settlement fees are often a percentage of enrolled debt, and you may also pay account fees depending on the setup.
• Credit impact risk: Many settlement programs involve missed payments, which can hurt credit and increase collection pressure before resolution.

What types of debt can these programs usually help with?

Most debt settlement programs focus on unsecured debts, for example:

• Credit card balances
• Personal loans
• Medical bills
• Collections
• Some private unsecured lines of credit

They typically do not “settle” secured debts in the usual way (like mortgages or auto loans) because those are tied to collateral. Student loans and tax debts have their own rules and may require different specialists.

Who TurboDebt might be best for (and who should look elsewhere)

• Better fit: You want to explore options, you have meaningful unsecured debt, and you can commit to a structured payoff plan.
• Probably not a fit: Your debt is mostly secured (mortgage/auto), you’re current on everything and just want a lower interest rate, or you need legal protection quickly (in that case, speaking with a bankruptcy attorney may be smarter).

Other reputable options to compare

Even if you like what you hear from TurboDebt, I would still compare a few other providers before making any decision. Debt relief is not one-size-fits-all. Some companies are better for straightforward unsecured debt, some are stronger for tax debt, and some may be a better fit if you want a more legal-heavy approach.

Here are several alternatives you can review on our site:

• CuraDebt review – a well-known name that can be worth a look if you want to compare a more established debt relief brand.
• Oak View Law Group review – a useful option to compare if you prefer a law-firm-style approach or want help with more complex debt situations.
• JG Wentworth Debt Relief review – worth reviewing if you want to compare another major brand with broad consumer awareness.
• National Debt Relief review – one of the biggest names in the space, and a smart benchmark when comparing fees, process, and reputation.
• Freedom Debt Relief review – another large provider that is useful to compare if you want to see how a major national company stacks up.
• Pacific Debt Relief review – a good one to look at if your focus is mainly unsecured debt like credit cards, loans, collections, or medical bills.
• Accredited Debt Relief review – worth comparing if you want to look at a provider that may offer both settlement and consolidation-style options through partners.
• CreditAssociates review – another option to compare if you want a broader sense of how different programs structure their process and fees.

If you want a broader shortlist instead of reviewing companies one by one, here is our full rankings page: Best debt settlement companies ranked by ratings & reviews.

And if you are still not sure whether debt settlement is even the right route for you, I would take our Debt Relief Quiz before speaking with any company. It can help you think through whether settlement, consolidation, or even bankruptcy may be the better fit for your situation.

Bottom line (Our conclusion for 2026)

TurboDebt appears legitimate and has strong public ratings. The main “watch-out” is clarity: confirm who will actually manage your program, get the total fee schedule in writing, and make sure you’re comfortable with the timeline and credit impact.

Frequently asked questions

21 Best Debt Settlement Companies Ranked By Ratings & Reviews (2026)

by Amine Rahal | Mar 10, 2026 | Debt Relief

✅ 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

Debt Relief in North Carolina — 2026 Guide for Residents

by Brandi Marcene | Mar 9, 2026 | Debt Relief