First Advantage Debt Relief (www.FirstAdvantageDebtRelief.com) is a for-profit Debt Relief company that specializes in debt settlement for consumers struggling with unsecured credit card debt. Note that “First Advantage Debt Relief” is a brand name (a “Doing Business As” or DBA) for a company called AmeriSave Debt Relief, LLC.Their Certified Debt Specialists negotiate with creditors to settle debts for less than you owe, but as with all settlement programs, it’s important to understand that this type of relief is not for everyone. Let’s take a closer look and see how it compares to New Era Debt Solutions, our top-rated company of 2025.
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Comparison Table (First Advantage vs New Era Debt Solutions)
| Feature | New Era Debt Solutions | First Advantage Debt Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Direct debt settlement provider | Debt settlement company |
| Primary Services | Debt settlement only; no loans | Debt settlement; credit card negotiation |
| Minimum Unsecured Debt | $5,000+ | Typically $10,000+ |
| Fees | 14% – 23% of enrolled debt; no upfront fees | Estimated 20% – 25% of enrolled debt; no upfront fees |
| Availability | Most U.S. states | Most U.S. states |
| Ratings Snapshot | BBB A+ rating; Excellent reviews | BBB A rating; mixed reviews |
| Best For | Clients wanting transparency & long history | Clients focused solely on credit card debt relief |
| Get Started | See if you qualify | Visit First Advantage |
Company Snapshot
- Official Name: First Advantage Debt Relief
- Website: www.FirstAdvantageDebtRelief.com
- Phone: (302) 281-2570
- Headquarters: Delaware, USA
- Founded: 2020 (est.)
- Clients Served: 44,000 +
- Debt Resolved: Over $440 million
The Team Behind First Advantage Debt Relief
As we said before, this debt relief entity appears to be a division or affiliate of a much larger, more established company, AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation, which was founded in 2002. The leadership and key figures are associated with this parent corporation.
Here are the people behind the company:
1. Patrick Markert (Chief Executive Officer)
Patrick Markert is the CEO of AmeriSave. He is the principal and key executive figure who oversees the entire AmeriSave corporate structure, including the mortgage and debt relief arms.
- Background: He is an entrepreneur in the financial services space and has led AmeriSave since its inception.
- Public Record: Markert is a known figure in the financial industry. Notably, in 2014, he and his companies (AmeriSave Mortgage and an affiliate) were involved in a major settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over a “bait-and-switch” mortgage-lending scheme.
2. Andrea Markert (Chief Financial Officer)
Andrea Markert serves as the CFO of AmeriSave, managing the financial strategy and operations for the corporation.
3. Magesh Sarma (Chief Information & Strategy Officer)
Magesh Sarma is a key executive who leads the company’s technology and strategic planning. This is highly relevant to the “First Advantage Debt Relief” brand, which, like its parent company, is heavily focused on using a tech-driven platform to manage clients.
Other Key Leadership
While the C-suite leads the entire corporation, other executives are central to the company’s client-facing operations:
- Carl Smithers (Executive Vice President)
- Jerrie Giffin (Vice President of Sales)
- Mike Bloch (EVP, Consumer Direct Operations)
In summary, when you are dealing with “First Advantage Debt Relief,” you are not dealing with an independent company. You are a client of a brand that funnels into the larger AmeriSave organization, which is led by CEO Patrick Markert.
Legitimacy, Ratings & Reviews
First Advantage Debt Relief appears to be a legitimate debt settlement firm with Certified Debt Specialists and an FDIC-insured client account structure. However, the company is relatively new compared to more established firms like New Era Debt Solutions, and it lacks extensive public data on settlement success rates or average savings.
- BBB Rating: A (verified)
- Google Reviews: 4.6 / 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 4.5 / 5 stars
- Founded by: Privately held – leadership not publicly listed
Services Offered by First Advantage
- Debt Settlement: Negotiates with credit card companies to settle for less than the full balance owed.
- Custom Debt Relief Programs: Tailored repayment deposits made into an FDIC-insured account.
- Free Consultation: No obligation call with a Certified Debt Specialist.
- Online Dashboard: 24/7 client access to program progress and settlements.
Important Disclaimer — Not for Everyone
While debt settlement programs like First Advantage’s can provide significant savings, they are not ideal for everyone. These programs typically require you to stop paying your creditors while funds build up in a separate account. This can temporarily hurt your credit score and may trigger collection activity. Settlement works best for people who are already behind on payments and cannot realistically repay their debts in full. If you have steady income or only mild financial strain, consider credit counseling or a debt management plan instead.
Check If You Qualify with New Era Debt Solutions
Crumbling under debt? Check if you qualify for debt relief with New Era Debt Solutions, our top-rated debt relief company in America this year.
First Advantage Pros 👍:
- Certified Debt Specialists: You’ll work with trained professionals to negotiate settlements.
- FDIC-Insured Client Account: Funds are held safely in your name until settlements occur.
- No Upfront Fees: You only pay after a settlement is reached.
- Online Access: Dashboard available 24/7 to track progress.
First Advantage Cons 👎:
- Credit Score Impact: Like all settlement programs, your credit will likely drop during participation.
- Limited Track Record: A newer company with less historical data than competitors.
- Not Available in All States: Some states restrict debt settlement activity.
- Not for Everyone: Better suited for consumers already falling behind on unsecured debts.
Debt Types They Can Help With
- Credit Card Debt
- Personal Loans
- Medical Bills
- Collections Accounts
- Private Student Loans (non-federal)
If you’re already behind on your credit card payments and struggling to catch up, First Advantage may be able to help you reduce what you owe. However, if you still have good credit or consistent income, a debt management or consolidation plan may be safer. Always compare options before committing.
Check If You Qualify with New Era Debt Solutions
Crumbling under debt? Our top-rated pick for 2025, New Era helps consumers settle unsecured debt for less than owed. Fast, free evaluation — no obligation.
- Free consultation • no upfront fee to review options
- No loans • one focused plan to resolve unsecured debt
- Fast online form • get started in minutes
Frequently Asked Questions about First Advantage Debt Relief
1. Is First Advantage Debt Relief a legitimate company?
Yes. First Advantage Debt Relief appears to be a legitimate debt-settlement firm offering FDIC-insured client accounts and certified debt specialists. It operates legally in most U.S. states and follows Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that prohibit upfront fees before a debt is settled. However, it’s a relatively new company, so independent long-term data on success rates is limited.
2. How does First Advantage’s debt-relief process work?
Once you enroll, you stop paying your creditors directly and instead make monthly deposits into a separate, FDIC-insured account in your name. When enough funds accumulate, the company negotiates with your creditors to settle accounts for less than the full balance. After you approve each offer, the funds are released to complete the settlement. Most programs last 24–48 months.
3. What kinds of debts qualify for settlement?
First Advantage focuses mainly on unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, collections, and certain private student loans. Mortgages, car loans, and other secured debts do not qualify because those creditors can reclaim collateral if you stop paying.
4. What fees does First Advantage charge?
Although exact percentages vary by state, clients typically pay 20–25% of the total enrolled debt. Fees are earned only after at least one debt is successfully settled. There are no enrollment or monthly service fees apart from the performance-based charge once results are achieved.
5. How much can I expect to save?
Savings depend on your creditor mix, total debt, and ability to stay current with program deposits. Most consumers save between 30%–50% off the original balances before fees. However, results vary and are not guaranteed, since creditors are not legally obligated to accept settlement offers.
6. Will joining First Advantage hurt my credit?
Yes—at least temporarily. Debt-settlement programs require you to stop making direct payments to creditors, which leads to late marks and potential charge-offs on your credit report. Your score may drop significantly during the program but can recover once debts are settled and reported as “paid” or “settled.”
7. Can creditors sue me while I’m in the program?
It’s possible, although uncommon. Creditors retain the right to pursue collection or legal action until a settlement is reached. If that happens, First Advantage’s negotiators will contact the creditor to seek resolution, but they do not provide legal representation. Consumers who face active lawsuits should consult an attorney.
8. How long before I see my first settlement?
Timelines vary, but many clients see their first settlement offer within 4–6 months of starting the program, assuming regular deposits are made. The entire program typically lasts 2–4 years, depending on how much debt is enrolled and how quickly you fund your account.
9. What happens if I can’t continue making payments?
If you pause or miss deposits, your progress will slow, and creditors may resume collection efforts. You can contact First Advantage to adjust your deposit schedule or pause temporarily, but consistency is key for successful settlements. Stopping completely may cancel your enrollment and forfeit progress already made.
10. Does First Advantage offer debt consolidation loans?
No. First Advantage is strictly a debt-settlement company and does not issue or broker loans. If you want to consolidate debt without settlement, you may want to explore loan-based options or nonprofit credit-counseling programs instead.
11. Is First Advantage better than filing bankruptcy?
That depends on your financial situation. Settlement can help you avoid bankruptcy if you can still make monthly deposits and have mostly unsecured debt. Bankruptcy may be a faster option for those who are deeply insolvent and facing wage garnishment or lawsuits. You should consult a financial advisor or bankruptcy attorney before choosing.
12. Is First Advantage Debt Relief right for me?
Debt settlement is designed for people who are already struggling to keep up with payments, have significant unsecured debt, and cannot qualify for lower-interest consolidation options. If you’re only slightly behind, or if your credit is still strong, a credit-counseling plan or consolidation loan may be safer. Settlement is most useful for consumers in genuine financial hardship who are ready for a structured path toward becoming debt-free.
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.
