At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Credit First Financial
Credit First Financial is a debt settlement company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2018. They target consumers with $5,000 to $50,000 in unsecured debt — a range that many larger settlement companies do not prioritize because the per-account revenue is lower. For someone carrying $8,000 or $12,000 in credit card debt who gets turned away by firms with $10,000-$15,000 minimums, Credit First fills a gap in the market. The trade-off with smaller, younger settlement companies is straightforward: less negotiating volume means less creditor pull. When Freedom Debt Relief calls Chase, Chase has a dedicated desk for them because Freedom sends thousands of settlement offers per month. When Credit First calls, they are one of many smaller firms and may not get the same pre-approved rate bands. That does not mean they cannot settle your debts — it means individual negotiator skill matters more than institutional reputation, and outcomes can be more variable. Credit First charges 18-25% of enrolled debt and operates on the standard performance-based model. They hold a BBB B+ rating — not the A+ that larger competitors carry, but not a failing grade either. The B+ reflects a shorter track record and a lower volume of resolved complaints rather than unresolved issues. They are registered in approximately 35 states.
Key Features
Low Minimum Enrollment
$5,000 minimum debt threshold is lower than most competitors. If you have one or two credit cards totaling $6,000-$8,000, Credit First will take you on when bigger firms will not.
Personalized Service
Smaller company, smaller client load per representative. You are more likely to talk to the same person when you call, and they are more likely to know your case without looking it up.
No Upfront Fees
Standard performance-based model. You pay nothing until a debt is settled and you approve the terms.
Free Consultation
Initial evaluation is free. They review your debts and financial situation and tell you whether settlement is a realistic option.
Flexible Payment Plans
They work with clients to set monthly deposit amounts that actually fit the budget, rather than pushing aggressive deposits to speed up settlements.
How It Works
Free Evaluation
Speak with a representative who reviews your debts, income, and expenses to determine if settlement is the right path.
Enrollment
Enroll your unsecured debts and agree on a monthly deposit amount you can sustain.
Savings Phase
Make monthly deposits into a dedicated escrow account. The balance grows until there is enough to negotiate settlements.
Negotiation
Credit First contacts your creditors and works to settle for less than the full balance. You approve each settlement before payment.
Resolution
Settled debts are paid from escrow. Program typically takes 24-48 months depending on debt load and deposit amount.
What They Do
- Debt Settlement
- Debt Negotiation
- Creditor Communication
Debt Types They Take On
- Credit Cards
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Store Cards
- Collections
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Small Balance Credit Card Settlement
Client had $7,200 across 2 credit cards with 24% and 27% interest rates. Other settlement companies refused to take the case due to low balances. Monthly minimums of $280 were manageable but the interest meant it would take 8+ years to pay off at minimum payments.
Post-Layoff Debt Accumulation
Client used credit cards to cover living expenses during a 6-month layoff, accumulating $14,000 across 3 accounts. Re-employed at lower salary of $3,200/month with combined minimums of $480.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- $5,000 minimum threshold makes settlement accessible to consumers with smaller debt loads that larger firms refuse
- Smaller client base means more personal attention — you are less likely to be treated as a number
- Flexible deposit scheduling that works with tight budgets rather than pushing aggressive timelines
- No upfront fees and standard performance-based pricing
Cons
- Founded in 2018 — limited track record and creditor relationship history compared to firms operating for 15-20+ years
- BBB B+ rating rather than A+ suggests the company is still building its compliance and reputation track record
- Lower settlement volume may mean less negotiating pull with major creditors, potentially resulting in higher settlement percentages
- Available in approximately 35 states — not nationwide coverage
- Fewer accreditations than larger competitors — no AFCC or IAPDA membership listed
User Reviews (9)
they took my small account
I only had $6,500 in debt. Three other companies told me I didnt have enough to enroll. Credit First took me on and settled both cards in 14 months. Grateful they exist for people with smaller balances.
affordable deposits
They let me do $200/month deposits which is what I could afford. Other companies wanted $400+ minimum. Took longer but I could actually sustain it without missing rent.
got the job done
Got the job done. Nothing fancy.
eh
It was fine. Nothing special nothing terrible.
B+ BBB rating is concerning
Every other company I looked at has an A+ BBB rating. Credit First has a B+. My rep said it was because they are newer. Maybe. But if you are trusting someone with your financial future shouldnt you go with a company that has fully established credibility? I enrolled anyway and the results were middling.
decent
decent
settlements were high
My 3 accounts settled at 48%, 52%, and 55%. People on forums say they got 40-45% through bigger companies. Maybe less pull because they are smaller? Hard to know. Still saved money versus paying it all back.
young company
Founded in 2018 gives me pause. The big companies have been doing this for 15-20 years and have established relationships with creditors. Credit First is still building those. My experience was OK but I wonder if I left money on the table compared to going with a bigger firm.
wasted my time
Spent 45 minutes on a consultation call and THEN they tell me they dont operate in New York??? Why did they not ask where I live FIRST before going through the whole evaluation?? Complete waste of my time. Check your state before calling these people.
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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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