--- title: 4 Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026 description: We reviewed nearly 20 debt relief companies, looking at costs, transparency, breadth of services provided, customer support and reputation. authors: - name: Martha C. White role: Writer url: https://money.com/author/martha-c-white/ education: BA, English, Princeton University at_money_since: 2015 articles: 349 covers: - Personal Finance - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Federal Reserve Rate Cuts - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Professional Services - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes - Technology editors: - name: Kaitlin Mulhere role: Editor url: https://money.com/author/kaitlin-mulhere/ bio: Kaitlin Mulhere has been covering the intersection of college and personal finance since 2015. She enjoys breaking down the complexities of college costs and financial aid, and she also runs Money’s Best Colleges. education: University of Florida at_money_since: 2015 articles: 217 covers: - Personal Finance - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Debt - Economy and Politics - Education - Health and Wellness - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes social: - https://twitter.com/KMulhere - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-mulhere-64503048/ published: '2026-09-04T15:23:58.000Z' modified: '2026-09-04T15:23:58.000Z' section: Personal Finance word_count: 3212 canonical: https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We may earn a fee if you click on the links below. Compensation does not determine ranking. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![4 Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026](https://img.money.com/2025/04/Best-Debt-Relief-Companies1-mbci_26wy3__37nvlx.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25289/medium_2e7b27ce-b30d-40a3-beef-0139ecba6b47.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/09a6a08e8734?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729326&ptid=662071427&ptoken=793027ea8fe5ac7f6483fd9900049de8&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Recommended for debts above $20,000** - Fast & easy online registration with 24/7 customer assistance - Free, no-obligation evaluation - Low monthly payments with no upfront fees - A+ rating from the BBB - $20 Billion+ debt resolved - Helping people overcome debt since 2002 * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/23879/medium_3847e650-29eb-411b-9b8c-05deb0d02cbc.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/c27e296555dc?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729329&ptid=662071427&ptoken=b837e0412fa0d69d52f314afec9bf759&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Serving customers with $20,000 of debt and more** - 100% free, no-risk consultation - No upfront enrollment fees - Get out of debt in 24-48 months - Applying won’t affect your credit score - A+ BBB rating - Building financial well-being since 2011 * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15565/medium_832cc4b7-74f8-4735-8fe1-6917816cbe8d.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/f8a938a6dd1a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729323&ptid=662071427&ptoken=c2063425132f29dcdb970f69b6d5f536&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Best for people with $10,000 in unsecured debt or more** - Fast and easy application process - No upfront fees - Free consultation, 100% confidential - Become debt-free in 24 to 48 months - AFC accredited and A+ rated by the BBB - Resolving debt since 2009 * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/24118/medium_bcda4fb0-0c9f-499c-b7f8-63a19d757e28.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/49833bb40373?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729338&ptid=662071427&ptoken=98eb4ccb43a660fce6f3d334b00a65d2&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Designed for customers with $15,000+ in debt** - Consolidate your debt in 20-48 months - Reduce monthly payments by 50% or more - No upfront fees and no obligation - Serving Americans for 10+ years - Committed to financial wellness since 2009 - 20K+ online community of program clients * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/9246/medium_94931930-28cf-46b5-b09d-683979caec81.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/01e13e3b577b?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729334&ptid=662071427&ptoken=0b2ba01f32d210719aa59891b568ca87&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **For People with $10,000 or More in Credit Card Debt** - Free consultation from certified Debt Consultant - Get debt free for significantly less than you owe - Completely resolve your debt in 24-36 months - $0 upfront fees - Rated A+ by the BBB - Accredited  by the American Fair Credit Council * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22446/medium_74732701-1049-4c16-bc43-9bc7db5edeec.png) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/c8ce083dabee?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729337&ptid=662071427&ptoken=8a311b732536aaa91ea7c056dd89d703&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Ideal for consumers with $15,000 or more in debt** - 100% FREE initial consultation - Customized options to fit your needs - One affordable monthly program payment - 30+ years experience in financial services - Consolidating debt since 2019 * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/36791/medium_e48f033d-dfae-4d0a-8120-35e4ad846ffe.webp) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/7d7e8ec497a2?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729340&ptid=662071427&ptoken=ec151bb6fbd133d1bdba4a1b6d51c122&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Smartly Tailored Loan Portfolios** - Secure Financing Options up to $35,000 - Seamless, Tech-Driven Borrowing Experience - Complimentary Inquiry with Real-Time Eligibility Checks - Funds Transferred as Early as the Next Business Day * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/36790/medium_150f589b-baeb-4c65-9814-789631e60aa4.webp) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/3f52d2f3ed5f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729339&ptid=662071427&ptoken=301828386620f2b383599f32e868fe34&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Personalized Loan Options** - Request up to $35,000 - Simple and Secure No Hassle Financing - Free to apply and receive a decision within minutes - Funds deposited as soon as the next business day * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/36953/medium_a9092159-c917-487b-b0cb-ec1cbb3960b8.webp) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/5264b297f170?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729336&ptid=662071427&ptoken=4c7c77e1f26341369e1c5fa9822182ad&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Smart matching to loan offers that fit your profile** - Explore requests up to $35,000 (amounts may vary) - Flexible options from a broad network of lending partners - Apply at no cost and get a quick decision in minutes - Approved funds available next business day. - Secure experience built for speed and peace of mind * * * ![VISIT SITE](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/39954/medium_8e1dfbb5-83c8-4be6-917d-5dc4144e3701.webp) Our Partner [VISIT SITE](https://money.com/go/7c3634ae4890?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&bidid=4027729332&ptid=662071427&ptoken=69572b601d9f2fa3b886e71d2cb419b6&zip=20149&apxa1=homepage) **Marketplace for all types of loans** - Get  in one business day - Rates fluctuate from  - Loan terms between  - Compare loan offers without obligation to accept them - No collateral needed ## Key Takeaways - Companies we ranked include Accredited Debt Relief, CuraDebt, DebtBlue, Freedom Debt Relief and National Debt Relief. - The best debt relief companies offer transparency and trustworthy reputations, a user-friendly experience and quick resolution from unsecured debt. - Methodology: We evaluated more than 20 companies, considering enrollment fees and program duration. We analyzed over 140 reputation data points from third-party review sites and accrediting organizations. We investigated more than 150 legal and regulatory agencies to monitor judicial activity and enforcement actions against providers. Debt relief isn’t a quick fix for money problems. The process, also called debt settlement or debt resolution, involves paying a company to negotiate with your creditors in hopes of getting them to agree to settle for a sum that’s less than you owe. The approach can pay off for those who stick with it: according to the American Association for Debt Resolution's 2023 Economic Impact Report, the average client saved about $1,440 per enrolled account — roughly 32% of the balance owed on each account at enrollment, after fees. Because debt relief companies generally recommend that you stop paying creditors in order to increase their negotiating leverage, your credit score will almost certainly suffer, and you could find yourself subject to legal action — including paycheck garnishment — if your creditors pursue legal action. What's more, not all debts are eligible for relief. A number of debt relief companies have faced legal trouble of their own for misleading marketing, improper disclosure of fees and other dishonest practices. While even successful debt relief is neither fast nor cheap, our guide highlights companies with solid reputations in the industry. Read more about [how debt relief works](#guide) and whether you should pursue it. ## Our top picks for best debt relief companies of September 2026 *The companies listed below are organized in alphabetical order.* - [Accredited Debt Relief](#Accredited) - Best Customer Reviews - [DebtBlue](#DebtBlue) - Best for Transparency - [Freedom Debt Relief](#Freedom) - Best for Legal Support - [National Debt Relief](#National) - Best for Fast Resolution ## How much are you paying in credit card interest? ### Debt Relief programs could combine multiple credit card balances into a single loan with a lower interest rate, helping simplify payments and lower costs over time. Click on your state to learn more. [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/r68c3ac0f92e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&apxa1=homepage) ## Best Customer Reviews: Accredited Debt Relief ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/23879/large_3847e650-29eb-411b-9b8c-05deb0d02cbc.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/lfb460798c34?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&url=&apxa1=homepage) **Pros** - Highly ranked on third-party review sites - Debt consolidation loans also available - Blog offers helpful budgeting, spending advice **Cons** - No information on website about account fees or other costs - Minimum debt for eligibility not provided on website ### HIGHLIGHTS Accreditation American Association for Debt Resolution (now called the Association for Consumer Debt Relief) via corporate parent Beyond Finance Typical program length 24 to 48 months Additional services offered Debt consolidation loans Typical settlement fees 25% **Why we chose it:** [Accredited Debt Relief](https://money.com/pr/h541398991f1?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) has very high rankings on multiple third-party consumer review platforms. It has a 4.89 (out of five stars) customer review ranking on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it is not accredited by the organization. Out of a possible five stars, it has 4.8 stars on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google. We also appreciate the company’s “Top Dollar” blog, which offers useful financial advice and tips on budgeting, spending and saving money. Clients can track their progress via the company's website or mobile app. The Accredited Debt Relief website indicates that its debt settlement programs take between 24 and 48 months to complete, which is typical for the industry. While most companies cite a fee range, Accredited’s website is more transparent by disclosing that its fee is “usually” 25%. However, a statement on its homepage that says, “This won't affect your credit score!” is misleading in that it gives consumers the impression that its debt settlement *program* won’t affect your credit score. In reality, only the initial *consultation* won’t affect your credit score. Only at the very bottom of the homepage does the company disclose that debt settlement “may adversely affect your credit for a time.” If you decide that debt settlement isn’t a good choice for you, Accredited works with affiliates that offer debt consolidation loans. Note that these two products are very different, as are the potential ramifications for your credit score. It's important to make sure you understand what you're signing up for before you enter into an agreement to consolidate your debts. This guide as well as Money's guide to the [best debt consolidation loans](https://money.com/best-debt-consolidation-loans/) can help you determine which option is right for you. Read our full [review of Accredited Debt Relief.](https://money.com/accredited-debt-relief-review/) ## Best for Transparency: DebtBlue ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/28276/large_30f232ee-17d5-4782-bddf-d258e9e0b0d6.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/rbb3114bdf07?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&apxa1=homepage) **Pros** - Website is very informative, with detailed information on costs and fees - Quicker average program completion timeline than many competitors - Good reputation on third-party sites like BBB **Cons** - Fees of 25% in most states are higher than some competitors - Add-on legal service costs $39.95 a month ### HIGHLIGHTS Accreditation Consumer Debt Relief Initiative (now called the Association for Consumer Debt Relief), International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators Typical program length Historical average of 32 months Additional services offered Debt consolidation loans Typical settlement fees 20% to 25%, depending on the state **Why we chose it:** The debt relief industry doesn’t exactly have a reputation for transparency. [DebtBlue](https://money.com/pr/af4320eccf47?data-trk-company=debtblue-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=af4320eccf47&encoded_id=&apxa1=homepage) is the exception to that rule, with an informative website that explains both the process and its costs in plain English. It prominently discloses information about the third-party costs debt relief customers pay for establishing and maintaining an account to hold their accrued funds. Their costs are in line with the industry standard — roughly $10 to open the account and then $10 a month — but most companies don’t proactively disclose this information, or make it hard to find. DebtBlue also helpfully explains that customers may incur nominal charges for some creditor payments, as well. Given the number of complaints, industry-wide, debt relief customers make on review sites and with regulatory agencies about costs they weren’t expecting, DebtBlue is a notable departure from the norm. DebtBlue also breaks from the norm with information on its website about how people can negotiate with creditors themselves. It correctly points out that doing so isn't easy (it compares the process to representing yourself in court instead of hiring a lawyer), but it also provides realistic and useful advice for people who want to try engaging with a creditor directly. DebtBlue’s ratings on third-party sites are also respectable. It has a 4.73 BBB ranking, a 4.9 Trustpilot ranking and a 4.8 Google review ranking. In addition, we noted that the company provides individualized responses to many complaints logged with the BBB, rather than using a form letter or ignoring these posts entirely. Spanish-speaking customers can access a Spanish-language version of DebtBlue's website. ## Best for Legal Support: Freedom Debt Relief ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25289/large_2e7b27ce-b30d-40a3-beef-0139ecba6b47.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/mc5ac38adc07?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&url=&apxa1=homepage) **Pros** - No additional charge for legal assistance - Highly-rated mobile app - $7,500 minimum debt **Cons** - Lower BBB customer review rating than some competitors ### HIGHLIGHTS Accreditation American Association for Debt Resolution (now called the Association for Consumer Debt Relief), International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators Typical program length 39 months Additional services offered Debt consolidation loans Typical settlement fees 15% - 25% **Why we chose it:** Most people’s biggest fear when entering into a debt settlement program is the prospect of being sued by creditors. While many debt relief companies offer ancillary legal assistance to help customers deal with creditors, this protection and peace of mind generally comes at a cost — usually between $20 and $40 a month on top of the other charges and fees debt relief customers pay. [Freedom Debt Relief](https://money.com/pr/ua0ddb43c995?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) is unique in that it offers all customers legal assistance for no additional charge. This service can help if customers are getting harassing phone calls or if creditors take legal action. It also offers a performance guarantee. Freedom Debt Relief also has a lower minimum threshold than some of its competitors, requiring only $7,500 of unsecured debt to enroll in a debt relief program rather than the $10,000 minimum some debt relief companies impose. Like all of our winners, the company has an A+ rating from the BBB. But FDR’s customer reviews rating on the BBB (4.33 stars out of 5) is lower than the other companies on our list. It has a 4.5 Trustpilot ranking based on more than 47,000 reviews and a 4.6 Google review ranking. Freedom Debt Relief also offers debt relief and consolidation services in Spanish, and it offers a highly rated, free mobile app for customers to manage their debt settlement progress. Read our full [review of Freedom Debt Relief.](https://money.com/freedom-debt-relief-review/) ## Best for Fast Resolution: National Debt Relief ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15565/large_832cc4b7-74f8-4735-8fe1-6917816cbe8d.png) [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/e01bd0201f9a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&url=&apxa1=homepage) **Pros** - Shorter typical duration for clients who complete program - $7,500 minimum debt **Cons** - Company would not disclose what percentage of clients complete program - Account fees ($9 setup fee plus $9.85 monthly) not disclosed on website ### HIGHLIGHTS Accreditation American Association for Debt Resolution (now called the Association for Consumer Debt Relief), International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators Typical program length 34 months Additional services offered Debt consolidation loans , bankruptcy referrals Typical settlement fees 15% - 25% **Why we chose it:** The debt settlement process is not speedy. Most debt relief companies advise people to expect a timeline of between 24 and 48 months. While many advertise how quickly a customer might get an initial settlement from a creditor, this is only the first step. Many companies cite an average of three to four years as typical for reaching out and negotiating with *all* your creditors. [National Debt Relief](https://money.com/pr/k9e555219819?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) says its typical customer who completes a debt settlement program does so in 34 months. A faster completion not only frees customers from the stress and financial strain of debt, but allows them to begin rebuilding their credit more quickly. National Debt Relief has a lower minimum debt threshold than some, requiring $7,500 rather than the $10,000 minimum some of its competitors require. It has an A+ BBB rating and a 4.69 consumer review ranking on the site, although more than 500 complaints have been logged over the past three years. It has a 4.7 Trustpilot ranking and a 4.6 Google review ranking. National Debt Relief also offers resources in Spanish on its website. Read our full [review of National Debt Relief.](https://money.com/national-debt-relief-review/) ## Debt holding you back? ### If you owe over $20,000, learn how Freedom Debt Relief can help you reduce or eliminate it. Act now! [Visit Site](https://money.com/pr/nd3b95dcb6af?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-debt-relief-companies%2F&apxa1=homepage) ### Other debt relief companies we considered #### [Ascend Debt Relief](https://money.com/pr/u12e9b3fe6ce?data-trk-company=ascend-debt-relief-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=u12e9b3fe6ce&encoded_id=&apxa1=homepage) Founded in 2024, Ascend Debt Relief doesn't have the track record of its more established peers, and is not BBB or ACDR accredited. What it does offer are lower fees than the industry standard, ranging from 10% to 22% of enrolled debt. Its monthly escrow fee of $12.50 is roughly in line with the industry standard, and it offers legal assistance for a flat fee of $67, versus billing a monthly retainer fee like some of its competitors do. #### [New Era Debt Solutions](https://money.com/pr/w6fe78906352?data-trk-company=new-era-debt-solutions&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=w6fe78906352&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) New Era Debt Solutions has been in business for more than 25 years and has a decent reputation as per the BBB. Although the company’s fee (14% to 23% of enrolled debt) is in line with industry norms, this fee information is hard to find on the website. The $18.95 monthly fee customers pay for escrow account service is high for the industry, and that cost isn't disclosed on the website at all. #### [Pacific Debt Relief](https://money.com/pr/u8fad9606c2c?data-trk-company=pacific-debt-inc&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=u8fad9606c2c&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) Pacific Debt Relief’s 18% to 25% fees are in line with industry norms, and it has a partnership with a lender to offer consolidation loans, potentially helping people get out of debt faster. The $10 monthly fee customers pay for escrow account service is typical, but that information isn’t disclosed on the website. To qualify for debt settlement, customers generally must have a minimum of $10,000 in unsecured debt, although the company says that in “some circumstances” it may accept customers with as little as $7,500 in debt. However, Pacific Debt Relief is less accessible than competitors, as customers don't have an online account or portal. #### [TurboDebt](https://money.com/pr/hd5af9e32c22?data-trk-company=turbo-debt-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=hd5af9e32c22&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-debt-relief-companies%252F&apxa1=homepage) TurboDebt has an excellent reputation on third-party review sites and the fees it charges are in line with industry norms. Its website is available in English and Spanish; however, the website doesn’t have information about ancillary fees. In addition, be aware that TurboDebt has accrued a fair number of complaints about unsolicited or repetitive phone calls. ## What you need to know about debt relief Debt relief companies — also called debt settlement or debt resolution companies — claim they can negotiate with creditors to reduce the amount of debt owed by their clients. The industry isn't without controversy, and there are risks you need to be aware of, including the possibility that you could be sued by creditors and the likelihood that your credit will be damaged. Some indicators that you may want to consider debt relief/debt settlement include: - You’re late on or are missing payments - You’re having trouble budgeting for your payments - You’re not making any progress on paying off your debts - Your debts keep growing - You’re considering bankruptcy To learn more, read our [full guide on what debt relief is and how it works](https://money.com/what-is-debt-relief/). ### Is debt relief right for you? Because of its [likely negative impact](https://money.com/will-debt-relief-hurt-credit-score/) on your credit score and associated risks, debt resolution may not be the best choice for everyone. Getting a [debt consolidation loan](https://money.com/what-is-a-debt-consolidation-loan/), a balance transfer credit card or working with a credit counselor or other debt management program may be preferable to [get out of debt](https://money.com/how-to-get-out-of-debt/). On the other hand, if you're overwhelmed by debt, can’t keep up with payments and can't secure a loan or credit card with a more favorable rate, debt settlement may be a viable option. ### Alternative options to debt relief programs Entering into a debt relief program shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. If you have debts that you’re struggling to pay off, consider other options for getting a handle on these obligations. #### Debt management Debt management and debt settlement might sound similar — and some companies make it confusing by conflating the two terms, or referring to both as debt relief — but they are very different in reality. A [debt management plan](https://money.com/what-is-a-debt-management-plan/) is not a loan and doesn't reduce the amount of your debt, but it does typically reduce interest and fees, which make it easier and quicker to pay back your debts. You set up a debt management plan with the help of a (typically nonprofit) credit counseling organization. The [counselor negotiates directly with creditors](https://money.com/how-credit-counseling-can-help-with-debt/) on your behalf to lower interest rates, waive fees and minimize payments. Credit counselors can also help advise you on the best ways to [improve your credit score](https://money.com/7-ways-to-improve-credit-score/), [repair bad credit](https://money.com/repair-bad-credit/) and deal with debt problems. You can find a credit counseling organization through the [National Foundation for Credit Counseling](https://www.nfcc.org/). #### Debt consolidation loans A [debt consolidation loan](https://money.com/use-personal-loan-to-pay-off-debt/) is a personal loan that lets you combine and consolidate other high-interest debts into one monthly payment. Ideally, the loan rate will be lower than your current debts, allowing you to pay less in the long run. For more information, check out our [debt consolidation guide](https://money.com/understanding-debt-consolidation/) and top picks for the [best debt consolidation companies](https://money.com/best-debt-consolidation-loans/). #### Negotiate with creditors and collection agencies It is possible to [negotiate with individual creditors](https://money.com/how-to-negotiate-credit-card-debt/) and [debt collect](https://money.com/how-to-negotiate-with-debt-collectors/)ion agencies yourself. Essentially, you are doing the same thing as a debt settlement agency. You’ll need to educate yourself about the process and be willing to spend a lot of time on the phone, as well as conduct all the necessary follow-up to ensure that you get any agreement you reach in writing, and that the debt is noted as settled on your credit report. It requires determination along with a thick skin. #### Bankruptcy [Filing for bankruptcy](https://money.com/how-to-file-for-bankruptcy/) isn’t something to take lightly. It’s considered a last resort, but might be the best option in certain circumstances. While some bankruptcy settlements can wipe out your debts, though, be aware that some loans — like federal student loans — usually cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy also will have a significant negative impact on your credit report. ### How to choose a debt relief program Selecting a debt relief company requires careful consideration. Even if you’re overwhelmed with your debt bills, it’s still essential to take the time for thorough research, as even legitimate companies need to be vetted. Beware of potential scams. Red flags to watch out for include a provider that guarantees debt reduction, asks for upfront fees or for set-up fees before providing services. When choosing a debt relief company, consider the following: - **Reputation and accreditation** - The [Association for Consumer Debt Relief](https://acdr.org/), a trade group formed by the merger of the Consumer Debt Relief Initiative and the [American Association for Debt Resolution](https://aa4dr.org/) (previously called the [American Fair Credit Council](https://aa4dr.org/)), is an accrediting organization that monitors and audits debt relief companies as well as conducts research on the debt relief industry. In addition, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA) offers education to the debt relief company employees that work with customers and creditors. - **Customer Reviews** - Review customer feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot and other sites. Occasional bad reviews are typical, but consistent negative patterns may warrant concern. Assess how the company addresses complaints; active engagement and resolving issues indicate reliability. It's worth noting if positive reviews are primarily from new customers who are basing their feedback only on the sales process and their initial impressions of the company, rather than the results they achieve. - **Fees** - By law, debt relief companies cannot charge upfront fees. They can only charge you once at least one creditor agrees to a settlement. Verify all fees and payment details, including fees you might have to pay a third-party company to establish and manage an account with money used for settlements. Debt relief companies typically charge a percentage of the amount of debt you enroll; confirm this with a representative in advance. - **Accessibility** - How easy is it to get hold of a company rep? Given the impact a debt settlement program could have on your financial health, you should be able to contact the provider on the phone or through chat, email or text, and they should be responsive to your questions. It's also a bonus if there's an online dashboard so you can monitor your progress. ## Latest debt relief news Recent [research](https://fsicoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/FSIC-Consumer-Financial-Health-Crisis-One-Pager-final-REDUCED-7-6-26-1.pdf) from the Financial Services Innovation Coalition (FSIC), a nonprofit that focuses on improving financial services for unbanked and underserved consumers, reveals that Americans across the income spectrum are finding it harder to maintain payments on their debts as persistently high inflation erodes the purchasing power of workers' paychecks. In a news [release](https://acdr.org/news-press-releases/acdr-applauds-new-fsic-study-highlighting-debt-relief-as-an-important-solution-to-americas-consumer-debt-crisis), the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) said the FSIC research adds new context to the role of debt in the average household balance sheet. Macroeconomic conditions like a stagnant hiring market and eroding wage growth have increased demand for unsecured debt products like credit cards and personal loans. While these products help Americans stretch their paychecks in the short term, long-term reliance on debt and the cost of servicing that debt — especially for credit cards, many of which carry annual percentage rates of 20% or higher — can create real financial challenges. "Americans increasingly rely on borrowing to cover basic necessities including housing, groceries, transportation and healthcare," the group said in its release, warning that "fewer options and greater financial vulnerability" hamstring families' ability to save up for or invest in long-term financial goals like a college degree or a home. Rising demand for interventions like debt relief is evidence of the growing toll macroeconomic factors are having on Americans' budgets, said ACDR president and CEO Jason Mulvihill, who characterized debt relief as "an important tool that helps consumers regain financial stability." ## Debt Relief Companies FAQs ### Are debt relief programs legit? Debt relief, also called debt settlement, is a legitimate service. But there are also scams and fraudulent organizations present in the industry. Avoid any entity that charges you upfront or promises to eliminate a dollar amount or a certain percentage of your debt. Debt relief companies typically cannot help with federal student loans, auto loans or any other secured debts. ### Does debt relief hurt your credit? Your credit score can drop by 100 points or more if you work with a debt relief company, especially at first. One analysis found that the typical credit score dropped by roughly 160 points six months after enrolling in a debt relief program. The reason is because the process typically requires that you stop making payments to your creditors to build leverage for negotiation. This delinquency hurts your credit score. Settled accounts remain on your credit report for up to seven years, which means the effect could linger even after you complete the program. ### Is debt relief a good idea? Debt relief may be a good idea for people who have fallen behind on their monthly bills or are unable to repay unsecured debts such as credit cards or personal loans. A debt relief company might negotiate favorable settlements with your creditors, but this outcome has to be weighed against the likelihood of damage to your credit score and the less likely but still possible outcome of being sued by one or more of your creditors. ### What is the best debt relief company? Money's analysis of 20 companies didn't support naming a single company as the best overall. Debt relief companies with solid reputations and decades of experience include Accredited Debt Relief, Freedom Debt Relief and National Debt Relief, as well as others in this guide. The best debt relief companies are transparent about the debt relief process, including the company’s fees, program timeline and potential outcomes. ### How can I stop paying credit cards legally? While enrolling in a debt relief program can be a legitimate way to reduce your debt burden, your creditors can still take legal action against you before your debt is settled. One report found that up to 30% of people enrolled in debt relief programs are threatened with lawsuits, but most creditors don’t follow through, with other data showing that around 7% of people in debt relief programs are sued by creditors. ### What is the downside to using a debt relief program? Debt relief programs have some notable downsides in addition to the near-certainty that your credit will be damaged. It is not a quick fix for money problems or a fast way to get out of debt, with completion often taking 24 to 48 months. You need to have enough income to set aside money that the debt relief company will use to negotiate settlements. Fees of up to 25% can reduce the amount you save. Forgiven debt is counted as taxable income; each canceled debt of $600 or more must be reported to the IRS. ## How we chose the best debt relief companies To create our rankings, we extensively researched nearly two dozen debt relief providers and analyzed a wide range of criteria to support our recommendations. To decide which companies were best, we employed the following methodology: **Cost:** We chose debt relief companies that provide the best services for their given cost. Companies generally charge anywhere from 14% to 25% of the debt you enroll. By law, they cannot charge you anything up front and can only begin charging once at least one creditor has accepted a settlement. We considered the availability and cost of extra services like legal assistance, as well as the fees charged by third parties that the companies work with to set up and maintain accounts for customers. **Customer support:** We highlighted companies that are responsive to customers and offer assistance via phone, email, text and online chat. Companies that offer the ability to track the debt settlement process via an online dashboard or mobile app also fared well with us. We also considered which companies offer useful consumer money management tools and financial literacy education. **Legal actions:** We researched legal and enforcement actions via regulatory agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and news outlets. **Services and offerings:** We favored companies that offer the most options when it comes to debt settlement. Most services will be able to work with credit card and unsecured personal loan debt, but it’s less common for them to offer help with taxes, medical bills, utility bills, rent and judgments. **Third-party ratings:** We looked at trusted third-party rating sites to determine how satisfied previous customers were with each service. We considered BBB accreditation, how likely the company was to respond to complaints and what percentage were successfully closed. A company's BBB ranking is based on customer feedback and reviews, and is distinct from the letter grade the BBB gives. Additionally, we took a look at other customer review websites in order to identify any pattern of similar complaints lodged against a given company. **Transparency:** We focused on companies that are more transparent about their pricing structure and don’t trick you with hidden fees. ## Summary of Money’s Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026 The companies listed below are organized in alphabetical order. - [Accredited Debt Relief](#Accredited) **\-** Best Customer Reviews - [DebtBlue](#DebtBlue) - Best for Transparency - [Freedom Debt Relief](#Freedom) - Best for Legal Support - [National Debt Relief](#National) **\-** Best for Fast Resolution ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Personal Finance", "item": "https://money.com/personal-finance/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Debt Relief", "item": "https://money.com/debt-relief/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "4 Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/", "name": "4 Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-04T15:23:58.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-debt-relief-companies/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2026-09-04T15:23:58.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "4 Best Debt Relief Companies of September 2026", "articleSection": "Personal Finance", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2025/04/Best-Debt-Relief-Companies1-mbci_26wy3__37nvlx.jpg?quality=85", "width": 1584, "height": 1056 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Martha C. 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