Article
Best Debt Relief Companies in 2026
Compare the top debt relief companies to reduce your debt and regain financial freedom. Our experts evaluated settlement rates, fees, customer reviews, and success rates to help you find the best debt relief solution.
Overwhelming debt can feel impossible to overcome alone. Debt relief companies negotiate with your creditors to reduce the total amount you owe, potentially saving thousands while helping you become debt-free faster than making minimum payments.
Our team researched the leading debt relief companies, evaluating their settlement rates, fees, customer satisfaction, and success rates. Here are the best debt relief companies for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Company | Best For | Fee Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. National Debt Relief | Best Overall Debt Relief | Up to 25% of settled debt | ★4.8/5 |
| 2. Freedom Debt Relief | Best for High Volume Settlement | 15-25% of enrolled debt | ★4.6/5 |
| 3. Accredited Debt Relief | Best Customer Satisfaction | ~25% of enrolled debt | ★4.9/5 |
| 4. Pacific Debt Relief | Best Performance-Based Pricing | 15-25% of settled debt | ★4.9/5 |
| 5. New Era Debt Solutions | Best Low Fee Structure | 14-23% of enrolled debt | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. CuraDebt | Best for Tax Debt Relief | 15-25% of settled debt | ★4.4/5 |
| 7. Debt Relief USA | Best for Small Debt Amounts | 18-25% of enrolled debt | ★4.3/5 |
| 8. Rescue One Financial | Best for Quick Response | 20-25% of settled debt | ★4.2/5 |
| 9. Liberty Debt Relief | Best for Flexible Terms | 15-25% of enrolled debt | ★4.1/5 |
| 10. Alleviate Financial | Best for Financial Education | 18-25% of enrolled debt | ★4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
National Debt Relief
National Debt Relief has been helping Americans since 2009 with comprehensive debt settlement services. Operating in 47 states, they provide extensive tools and resources to negotiate with creditors, typically achieving 20-25% debt reduction for clients who complete the program in around 34 months.
Pros
- ✓Available in 47 states plus DC, Guam, Puerto Rico
- ✓Most comprehensive debt relief tools reviewed
- ✓Average 20-25% debt reduction after fees
- ✓Typical program completion in 34 months
- ✓No upfront fees required
Cons
- ✗Must have $7,500+ in unsecured debt
- ✗Monthly account maintenance fees apply
- ✗Credit score impact during program
Freedom Debt Relief
Freedom Debt Relief is an industry leader accredited by the American Fair Credit Council and International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. Since 2002, they've resolved over $20 billion in debt, settling approximately 45,000 accounts monthly with performance-based fees.
Pros
- ✓$20+ billion in debt resolved since 2002
- ✓45,000 accounts resolved monthly
- ✓Available in 31 states
- ✓A+ BBB rating with 4.6 Trustpilot rating
- ✓Only pay fees when settlement is reached
Cons
- ✗$9.95 monthly escrow account fee
- ✗Program duration 24-48 months
- ✗Not available in all states
Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief stands out for exceptional customer satisfaction ratings across multiple platforms. Founded in 2011, they've helped clients resolve over $1 billion in debt with transparent pricing, personalized settlement negotiation, and the strongest customer reviews in the industry.
Pros
- ✓A+ BBB rating with 4.9 customer reviews
- ✓$1+ billion in debt resolved
- ✓Transparent 25% fee disclosure
- ✓Available in 37 states plus DC
- ✓Lowest complaint ratio among peers
Cons
- ✗$20,000+ minimum debt required
- ✗Higher minimum than competitors
- ✗Limited state availability
Pacific Debt Relief
Pacific Debt Relief has built an excellent reputation since 2002 with over $500 million in client debt settled. Their unique fee structure charges a percentage of settled debt rather than enrolled amount, potentially saving clients money with outstanding customer service ratings.
Pros
- ✓A+ BBB rating with 4.93 stars
- ✓$500+ million in debt settled
- ✓Fees based on settled vs. enrolled debt
- ✓Available in 49 states (except Oregon)
- ✓Only 6 complaints in 3 years
Cons
- ✗$10,000 minimum debt required
- ✗$10 monthly escrow account fee
- ✗Not available in Oregon
New Era Debt Solutions
New Era Debt Solutions has been operating since 1999 with the lowest settlement fee range in the industry at 14-23%. With over $275 million settled and an A+ BBB rating, they offer faster-than-average completion times of 28 months, though escrow fees are higher.
Pros
- ✓Lowest fee range at 14-23%
- ✓A+ BBB rating and accreditation
- ✓$275+ million in debt settled
- ✓Average 28-month completion time
- ✓Over 20 years in business
Cons
- ✗$10,000 minimum debt requirement
- ✗$18.95 monthly escrow fee (high)
- ✗Fee structure not clearly disclosed online
CuraDebt
CuraDebt specializes in both consumer debt and tax debt relief since 2000. With over $1 billion negotiated and an A+ BBB rating, they offer unique dual-service capabilities for clients dealing with both credit card debt and IRS obligations.
Pros
- ✓Handles both debt and tax relief
- ✓BBB A+ rating
- ✓Over $1 billion negotiated
- ✓Transparent pricing model
- ✓Money-back guarantee option
Cons
- ✗$10,000 minimum debt required
- ✗Limited state availability
- ✗Longer settlement timeline
Debt Relief USA
Debt Relief USA offers accessible debt settlement services with the industry's lowest minimum debt requirement of just $5,000. Operating since 2008, they provide nationwide coverage with personalized payment plans, making debt relief accessible to more consumers.
Pros
- ✓$5,000 minimum debt (lowest)
- ✓Quick enrollment process
- ✓Nationwide availability
- ✓Personalized payment plans
- ✓No upfront cost to start
Cons
- ✗Limited customer reviews available
- ✗Higher fees for smaller debts
- ✗Longer average completion time
Rescue One Financial
Rescue One Financial brings modern technology and rapid response to debt settlement. Though newer than competitors, their streamlined process and responsive customer support make them appealing for clients who value quick creditor negotiation and clear communication.
Pros
- ✓Rapid creditor negotiation
- ✓Streamlined enrollment
- ✓Responsive customer support
- ✓Clear communication process
- ✓Modern technology platform
Cons
- ✗Newer company (2017)
- ✗Limited track record vs. competitors
- ✗$10,000 minimum debt
Liberty Debt Relief
Liberty Debt Relief has served clients since 2004 with highly flexible and customizable debt settlement programs. They emphasize education and no-pressure consultations, allowing clients to design payment schedules that fit their unique financial situations.
Pros
- ✓Highly customizable programs
- ✓Flexible payment schedules
- ✓Nearly 20 years experience
- ✓No pressure sales tactics
- ✓Educational resources included
Cons
- ✗$7,500 minimum debt requirement
- ✗Variable completion timelines
- ✗Mixed customer reviews
Alleviate Financial
Alleviate Financial combines debt settlement with comprehensive financial education since 2016. Their holistic approach includes budget planning, credit rebuilding guidance, and ongoing counseling to help clients not just eliminate debt but build lasting financial health.
Pros
- ✓Strong financial education focus
- ✓Comprehensive counseling included
- ✓Holistic approach to debt
- ✓Budget planning assistance
- ✓Credit rebuilding guidance
Cons
- ✗$7,500 minimum debt
- ✗Newer company with shorter track record
- ✗Limited state coverage
How We Evaluate Debt Relief Companies
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate debt relief companies. Here’s what we measure:
Settlement Success Rates
We analyze each company’s performance:
- Average debt reduction: Percentage of debt eliminated after fees
- Completion rates: How many clients finish the program
- Settlement timeline: Average time to complete the program
- Success with creditors: Track record negotiating with major lenders
- Client satisfaction: Reviews from people who completed programs
Fees and Transparency
We evaluate the complete cost structure:
- Setup or enrollment fees
- Monthly account maintenance costs
- Percentage charged on settled or enrolled debt
- Hidden fees or charges
- Total cost compared to debt reduced
Trust and Reputation
We assess company credibility:
- BBB rating and accreditation status
- Years in business and debt resolved
- Customer reviews across multiple platforms
- Complaint resolution record
- Industry certifications and memberships
Customer Experience
We compare service quality:
- Initial consultation process
- Communication frequency and clarity
- Educational resources provided
- Support availability
- Technology and account access
Frequently Asked Questions
How does debt relief work?
Debt relief (or debt settlement) companies negotiate with your creditors to accept less than you owe. You stop paying creditors directly and instead deposit money into a dedicated account. Once enough accumulates, the company negotiates settlements, typically reducing your debt by 20-50% before fees.
Is debt relief worth it?
Debt relief can save money for those with significant unsecured debt who cannot afford minimum payments. However, it severely damages credit scores, may result in tax liability on forgiven debt, and doesn’t work for everyone. Consider alternatives like credit counseling or debt management plans first.
How much does debt relief cost?
Most debt relief companies charge 15-25% of your enrolled debt as their fee. For example, on $20,000 in debt, you’d pay $3,000-$5,000 in fees. You’ll also pay monthly account maintenance fees of $10-$20. These fees are only charged after successful settlements, not upfront.
How long does debt relief take?
Most debt relief programs take 24-48 months to complete. National Debt Relief reports an average of 34 months, while New Era Debt Solutions averages 28 months. Timeline depends on debt amount, monthly deposits, and creditor willingness to settle.
Will debt relief hurt my credit?
Yes. Debt settlement severely damages credit scores because you stop paying creditors while saving for settlements. Late payments, charge-offs, and settled accounts all negatively impact credit. Expect your score to drop 100+ points, though it can recover after completion.
What types of debt can be settled?
Debt relief works for unsecured debts including credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and some private student loans. It does NOT work for secured debts (mortgages, car loans), federal student loans, child support, alimony, or most tax debts.
Are debt relief companies legitimate?
Legitimate debt relief companies exist but are heavily regulated. Red flags include upfront fees before settling any debt (illegal under FTC rules), guarantees of specific results, or pressure to stop communicating with creditors. Always verify BBB ratings and state licensing.
What are alternatives to debt relief?
Consider these alternatives first: DIY debt settlement (free but time-consuming), credit counseling and debt management plans (less credit damage), debt consolidation loans (if you qualify), bankruptcy (legal fresh start), or negotiating directly with creditors for hardship programs.