Highlights
Chris never imagined he’d be buried under debt in his late 20s—but life happened. Here’s how he took back control with the help of trusted debt settlement companies.
- Freedom Debt Relief, National Debt Relief, and Accredited Debt Relief offer legitimate, BBB-accredited settlement programs.
- All three companies offer free consultations and provide support to clients through structured debt settlement plans.
- Debt consolidation may be a better option if your credit score is strong and you want to avoid default.
Chris’s Story: Debt, Stress, and a Search for Solutions
Chris is 28 and works as an account manager. After a slow patch of work during the pandemic, he turned to credit cards to cover rent and bills. The balances ballooned fast. What started as $ 5,000 in debt turned into $ 25,000 across five cards. Chris felt paralyzed, and he wasn’t alone. Reddit users share similar experiences with maxed out cards and struggling to keep up. It’s not uncommon to find people in similar situations that ignore credit card statements because the minimum payments are high and hardly lower the total debt due to high interest. Chris eventually faced collections and nonstop phone calls. That’s when he began looking for debt settlement help.
Best Debt Relief Companies
Freedom Debt Relief: Best for Program Flexibility
Freedom Debt Relief is one of the largest and most well-known debt settlement providers. They’re accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Common praises of Freedom Debt Relief include mentions of the flexibility of Freedom’s plans and strong support staff.
National Debt Relief: Best for Transparent Process
With over a decade in the industry, National Debt Relief also has AFCC accreditation and an A+ BBB rating. They offer a free consultation and make fee structures (typically 15–25% of enrolled debt) easy to understand.
Reddit users like how National Debt Relief they broke everything down and didn’t hide anything. I knew what I was getting into.” Chris appreciated that transparency when comparing his options.
Accredited Debt Relief: Best for Communication and Support
Accredited Debt Relief also holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is known for its strong customer service and consistent communication.
Reddit users state that Accredited Debt Relief was good at keeping users updated every step of the way, and not leaving them feeling in the dark. Chris found that kind of attention comforting during an otherwise stressful time. Accredited Debt Relief’s programs typically span 24 to 48 months.
Compare Debt Settlement Companies
Debt Consolidation: An Option to Consider
While debt settlement can reduce your total balance, it comes at the cost of a credit score hit. If your credit is still good, you may qualify for a personal loan with a lower interest rate. Companies like Credible can help you check for prequalified personal loan offers for debt consolidation. This could help you consolidate payments and avoid default. However, for those already in collections, settlement may be the more viable route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the best debt settlement companies.
Freedom Debt Relief, National Debt Relief, and Accredited Debt Relief are top-rated for their accreditations, transparency, and customer support.
Yes, your score may drop significantly at first because most programs require you to stop making payments to creditors. It can recover over time.
Savings vary, but many people see reductions of 40%–60% on enrolled debt before fees.
Fees typically range from 15% to 25% of your enrolled debt. They’re usually only collected after a settlement is reached.
Most programs last 24–48 months, depending on your enrolled debt and ability to save.