At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief has resolved over $2 billion in consumer debt since 2011, making it one of the fastest-growing settlement firms in the country. Based in San Diego, the company holds both IAPDA and AFCC accreditation — the two main industry watchdog bodies. What actually separates them from volume-driven competitors is their hybrid model: you get a dedicated account manager who knows your file, backed by a centralized negotiation team that handles the creditor calls. You get personal attention without giving up negotiating power. Here is the number that matters most: speed-to-first-settlement. Most debt settlement programs do not produce a single resolution for 6-12 months. Accredited routinely delivers first settlements in 4-6 months. That matters because the single biggest risk in any settlement program is dropout — if people do not see progress, they quit and lose their accumulated escrow savings to fees. Faster results keep clients in the program and reduce the compounding damage of missed payments on credit reports. Accredited handles unsecured consumer debt: credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, private student loans, and collection accounts. They require at least $7,500 in qualifying debt and serve all 50 states. Fees are performance-based at 15-25% of enrolled debt, charged only after successful settlements — fully compliant with the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule. The company has landed on the Inc. 5000 list multiple times and holds a 4.7 average across major review platforms with over 8,500 verified reviews.
Key Features
Fast First Settlements
Many clients receive their first settlement offer within 4-6 months of enrollment, faster than the industry average of 6-12 months.
Custom Debt Plans
You get a debt resolution plan built around your actual numbers — your income, your balances, your monthly budget — not a one-size-fits-all template.
Dedicated Account Manager
You get one person who knows your file from day one through graduation. No explaining your situation to a different rep every time you call.
No Upfront Fees
Accredited Debt Relief charges no fees until a debt has been successfully negotiated and settled on your behalf.
How It Works
Free Consultation
A certified debt consultant looks at your full financial picture and walks you through every option, not just settlement.
Custom Plan
Your account manager builds a plan around what you can actually afford each month.
Monthly Deposits
You start putting money into an FDIC-insured escrow account each month. This builds the fund your negotiators use to make settlement offers.
Settlement
Negotiators go to work on your creditors. Nothing gets paid without your explicit approval on every settlement.
Debt Freedom
Every enrolled debt is resolved. You are done. No more creditor calls, no more minimum payments.
What They Do
- Debt Settlement
- Debt Negotiation
- Financial Education
- Hardship Programs
Debt Types They Take On
- Credit Cards
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Private Student Loans
- Store Cards
- Collections
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Six Credit Cards Settled in 30 Months
A client enrolled \$62,000 across six credit cards with interest rates ranging from 22-29%. First settlement arrived at month 5 — a \$14,200 Capital One balance settled for \$5,680 (60% reduction). By month 30, all six accounts were resolved.
Medical Debt Combined with Credit Card Debt
Client facing \$41,000 in combined medical bills (\$18,000) and credit card debt (\$23,000) after a hospitalization. Medical collections were aggressively pursuing wage garnishment. Accredited prioritized the medical accounts, settling the \$18,000 in medical debt for \$5,400 within 4 months.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- First settlements typically arrive in 4-6 months — roughly half the industry average wait time, which significantly reduces client dropout risk
- Dedicated account manager model means you deal with one person who knows your file, unlike call-center-based competitors where you explain your situation to a new rep every time
- client satisfaction with only 85 CFPB complaints over 3 years — remarkably low for a company handling \$2B+ in debt volume
- Serves all 50 states with no geographic restrictions, and fees remain within the standard 15-25% range regardless of state
- Inc. 5000 recognition multiple years running demonstrates sustainable business growth rather than churn-and-burn client acquisition
Cons
- \$7,500 minimum debt requirement excludes consumers with smaller balances who might still benefit from negotiation — some competitors accept as low as \$5,000
- Does not handle business debt, merchant cash advances, tax debt, or federal student loans — strictly consumer unsecured debt only
- Fee percentage (15-25%) varies by state due to regulatory differences, and the company does not publish a clear fee schedule upfront — you must complete a consultation to get your specific rate
- As a 2011-founded company, they lack the two-decade track record of firms like Pacific Debt or Freedom Debt Relief, which may matter for consumers who weight institutional longevity
User Reviews (24)
first settlement in 4 months
Everyone talks about Accredited's speed. It's real. Capital One settled at month 4. My guy Alex knew every detail of my case without me re-explaining. Shoutout to Alex.
good results, communication could improve
Settlements were excellent. But there were stretches of 2-3 weeks between updates. When I called, my account manager Mark was always helpful. Just wish he'd reached out more without me initiating.
went with accredited over NDR for the speed
Consulted both. NDR quoted 6-8 months for first settlement. ADR said 4-6 and delivered at month 5. When you're drowning in debt those extra months of waiting feel like years.
minimum excludes people who need help
My neighbor has about $6k in debt and ADR turned her away because of the minimum. She's struggling just as much as anyone. Some competitors accept lower amounts.
one person who knows your file
My account manager Sarah handled everything. Never had to explain my situation to a stranger. She knew which creditors were stubborn and when I was having a bad month.
fee depends on your state
ADR charges 15-25% but the exact rate depends on where you live. I'm in CA and got 20%. A friend in TX got 17% for similar debt. Not a dealbreaker but less transparent than I'd like.
would recommend
would recommend
credit score dropped 130 points
From 690 to 560. They said expect 80-150 and they were right. What they didn't emphasize is how LONG recovery takes. Graduated 10 months ago and still 80 points below where I started. Higher car insurance, bigger utility deposits, the whole thing. Worth it financially but man the credit damage is real and nobody prepares you for how slow the recovery is
timeline was accurate which is rare
Quoted 24-30 months. Completed in 28. Most companies underestimate and it takes 40+. ADR was within 2 months of actual. One star off because Discover took way longer than everything else.
medical debt settled fast
Hospital bills from an ER visit settled in under 5 months. Credit card debt took longer but the medical settlements were lightning fast. ADR said medical providers are more motivated to settle quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Companies
Important Debt Relief Disclaimers
- Debt settlement programs may negatively affect your credit score. When you enroll, you typically stop making payments to creditors, which results in late payments, collections, and potential charge-offs on your credit report.
- There is no guarantee that a debt settlement company can settle all of your debts or reduce them by a specific amount. Creditors are not required to negotiate or accept settlement offers.
- Debt settlement fees are typically 15%-25% of the enrolled debt amount. You should not pay fees before a debt has been successfully settled. The FTC prohibits debt settlement companies from charging upfront fees before settling at least one debt.
- Forgiven debt of $600 or more may be considered taxable income by the IRS. You may receive a Form 1099-C from creditors for canceled debt. Consult a tax professional about potential tax consequences.
- Creditors may continue collection efforts, including lawsuits, wage garnishment, and bank levies, while you are enrolled in a debt settlement program. A debt settlement company cannot guarantee protection from legal action.
- Alternatives to debt settlement include debt consolidation loans, credit counseling through nonprofit agencies, debt management plans, and bankruptcy. Consider all options and consult with a licensed financial advisor or attorney before enrolling in any debt relief program.
- Zogby does not provide debt relief services. We are an independent comparison service. We do not negotiate with creditors on your behalf or manage debt settlement accounts.
This page is informational, not financial or legal advice. Talk to a qualified professional before making any big money decisions.
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We make money from some companies on this page. That doesn't change our rankings -- the editorial team scores every product independently, and the business side has no say in what we recommend.