Best Debt Settlement Companies

National Debt Relief tops our list of the best debt settlement companies thanks to its strong service history and transparent pricing model. The company’s fees are comparable to other providers on our list, and it boasts excellent ratings on the BBB and Trustpilot. With an easy-to-use client dashboard and online client resources, National Debt Relief stands out as a client-first debt settlement agency.

On average, clients see their debts settled within 24–48 months — not the fastest average on our list, but a fairly standard time frame. You must have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt and be several months behind on your payments to qualify for settlement.

Pros

• Transparent fees
• Online dashboard makes it easy to monitor progress
• Free quotes and debt analysis

Cons

• Minimum $7,500 in unsecured debt required to qualify
• Fees can be as high as 25% of total enrolled debt
• Not available in Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia

• A+ BBB Rating and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
• Fees range from 15% to 25% of enrolled debt with an average of 21%
• More than $1 billion in settled debt since 2009
• Customer support is available Monday through Friday (no live chat option)
• AFCC accredited

Pacific Debt Relief may not boast as much settled debt as National Debt Relief, but its customer service scores stand out as some of the best among its peers. With a 4.8-out-of-5 score on Trustpilot in over two decades, the results speak for themselves.

The company’s higher minimum debt requirement of $10,000 will turn away some potential clients, as will its wide fee range of 15% to 35%. Depending on your debts, this can be a costly settlement option, so be sure to take advantage of the free consultation and quote before you enroll.

Pros

• Very high customer service ratings
• Free consultation and quote
• Educational resources available on the company’s website

Cons

• Minimum $10,000 in unsecured debt required
• Fees up to 35% of enrolled debt
• Not available in 21 states

• A+ BBB Rating and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
• More than $200 million in settled debt since 2002
• Debts take an average of 24–48 months to settle, though some may take longer
• Customer support available Monday through Saturday (no live chat or client dashboard)
• Does not operate in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, or Wyoming
• AFCC accredited

With barely a decade in business, Accredited Debt Relief has already racked up an impressive résumé. The company has settled over $1 billion in debts and claims to reduce the average client’s debt by 45%. Its 4.9-out-of-5 rating on Trustpilot is tops on our list, setting the company apart in terms of customer service.

Accredited Debt Relief’s biggest knock is that it’s only available in 31 states and the District of Columbia. You’ll also have to pay fees of roughly 15% to 25% on your enrolled debt, even if the company is able to negotiate a substantial reduction. Some debts can even be settled in as little as 12 months, while others may take up to four years.

Pros

• Some debts can be settled in 12 months
• Company helps reduce client debt by 45% on average
• 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot

Cons

• At least $10,000 in unsecured debt required to qualify
• Not available in every state
• Fee based on total enrolled debts, regardless of how much the company is able to reduce your debt

• A+ BBB Rating and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
• More than $1 billion in settled debt for 200,000+ clients since 2011
• Available in 31 states and Washington, D.C.
• Services not available for secured debts such as mortgages, auto loans, or student loans
• AFCC accredited

As a nonprofit debt settlement and credit counseling agency, Money Management International (MMI) stands out for its lower fees and flexible monthly payment arrangements. The company has been in business for over 25 years, operates nationwide, and boasts a near-perfect rating on Trustpilot.

After your free consultation, MMI will either recommend debt settlement or another pathway for debt relief. If you choose settlement, the company will negotiate rate reductions with your creditors and establish a payment plan. Fees will be included in your monthly payment, which MMI will then disburse to your creditors.

Pros

• Nonprofit agency can offer lower fees
• Free initial counseling session and analysis
• Will negotiate rate reductions with creditors

Cons

• May take up to five years to pay off debts
• Charges a setup fee and a monthly settlement fee, which may be less appealing to some consumers
• MMI may receive some compensation from creditors for client enrollment

• A+ BBB Rating and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
• Services include financial education, credit and bankruptcy counseling, and debt management
• No minimum debt requirement specified
• Free educational resources available to clients
• Available nationwide and in business for more than 25 years
• Accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Council on Accreditation (COA)

CuraDebt has been in business longer than many of the companies on our list, and it has built a strong reputation over 20-plus years. Its 4.1-out-of-5 rating on Trustpilot isn’t as high as some others we’ve reviewed here, but it’s still solid. The company’s low minimum debt requirements, performance-based fees, and ability to service both secured and unsecured debts stand out as top features.

CuraDebt is less transparent about its fees and timeframes than we’d like, but clients should expect to pay no more than 20% — and only when their debts are settled. Although the company’s website is a bit behind the times, you’ll find educational resources available to help you get back on your feet.

Pros

• Low $5,000 minimum debt requirement
• Services secured and unsecured debts
• Fees based on performance

Cons

• Lack of fee transparency
• Lower Trustpilot rating than other companies on this list
• Not available in 15 states

A+ BBB Rating and 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
Free consultation and analysis
Performance-based fee structure means you only pay when CuraDebt delivers
Fees vary based on types of debt, up to 20% of total enrolled
Debt relief services not available in Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia
Tax relief unavailable in Pennsylvania or Puerto Rico
Accredited by the AFCC and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA)

With almost 25 years in business and over $275 million settled, New Era Debt Solutions has the experience to win clients. Its 4.9-out-of-5 rating on Trustpilot stands out among most of its competitors, and the company’s live chat and online dashboard options help bolster its strong reputation.

Many clients are drawn to New Era for its customer service, and its 14% to 23% fees are comparable to many other options you’ll find. Note that you may have to accumulate a year’s worth of savings before the company will begin negotiating with your creditors, and it takes 28 months, on average, to fully settle your debts. New Era doesn’t specify a minimum debt requirement.

Pros

• Almost 25 years in business and more than $275 in settled debt
• High customer service rankings, with live chat available
• Lower minimum debt requirement than many other companies

Cons

• May not begin negotiating with creditors until you accumulate 12 months’ worth of savings
• Customer support only available Monday through Friday
• Not available in three states

• A+ BBB Rating and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
• Average debt settlement timeframe is 28 months
• Unspecified minimum debt requirements
• Free consultation and debt relief analysis
• Not available in Iowa, Maine, or Oregon
• AFCC accredited