At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Debt Advisors of America
Debt Advisors of America is a debt management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, founded in 2012. They operate in a middle ground between pure credit counseling nonprofits and for-profit debt settlement companies, offering structured debt repayment plans that may include elements of both approaches depending on the client's situation. Their primary service is creating and managing customized debt repayment plans that consolidate multiple payments into one monthly amount. What makes Debt Advisors different from a standard DMP or settlement program is their emphasis on financial education as a core component of the service rather than an afterthought. Every client goes through an educational curriculum covering budgeting, credit building, and financial planning alongside their repayment plan. Whether this actually changes behavior long-term is debatable — studies on financial literacy programs show mixed results — but the intention distinguishes them from companies that just negotiate and collect fees. The company has resolved over $200 million in consumer debt since founding and maintains a BBB A rating (not A+, but solidly positive). They serve approximately 40 states and charge fees in the range of 15-22% of enrolled debt on a performance basis. Client feedback is mixed — the education component draws praise from some and frustration from others who just want their debts handled without attending what feels like a class.
Key Features
Financial Education Program
Every client goes through a structured financial education curriculum. Covers budgeting, credit management, and long-term financial planning. Some clients find it valuable, others find it annoying. But nobody can say they were not taught.
Customized Repayment Plans
Plans are tailored to your specific debt types, income, and budget constraints. Not a one-size-fits-all program.
Dedicated Account Manager
You get assigned to one person who handles your case throughout. They know your accounts, your creditors, and your financial situation.
Performance-Based Fees
No upfront charges. Fees are collected only when debts are successfully resolved, which aligns their incentive with your outcome.
Monthly Progress Reports
Regular reporting on account status, payments made, and progress toward graduation. You know where you stand each month.
How It Works
Free Consultation
A financial advisor reviews your debts, income, and goals. They assess which approach — management plan, settlement, or referral — makes the most sense.
Plan Design
A customized repayment plan is created with realistic timelines and monthly payment amounts based on your actual budget.
Education Enrollment
You begin the financial education curriculum alongside your repayment plan. Modules cover budgeting, credit building, and avoiding future debt.
Payment & Negotiation
Monthly deposits are managed and creditor negotiations proceed. You approve all settlement or payment terms before anything is finalized.
Graduation
Once all enrolled debts are resolved and education modules are complete, you graduate the program.
What They Do
- Debt Management Plans
- Debt Settlement
- Financial Education
- Budget Counseling
- Creditor Negotiation
Debt Types They Take On
- Credit Cards
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Store Cards
- Collections
- Payday Loans
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Credit Card Debt with Payday Loan Cycle
Client had $18,000 in credit card debt plus $3,200 in payday loan obligations. The payday loans had effective APRs exceeding 300% and were rolling over every two weeks. Household income of $4,100/month was being consumed by minimum payments and payday loan rollovers totaling $1,100.
Dual-Income Household After Income Reduction
Household with $32,000 in mixed consumer debt (3 credit cards, 1 personal loan, 2 medical collections) after one spouse's income dropped from $45,000 to $32,000 due to a job change. Monthly obligations of $1,050 were unsustainable on the reduced combined income of $6,800.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Financial education program distinguishes them from settlement-only companies — useful for clients who want to understand their finances, not just discharge debts
- Handles payday loan debt that many settlement companies refuse to touch
- Dedicated account manager model with monthly progress reports keeps clients informed and engaged
- Performance-based fee structure with no upfront charges aligns their incentive with your outcome
Cons
- Education requirement may feel like an imposition for clients who just want their debts negotiated without attending modules
- BBB A rating (not A+) and limited accreditations compared to industry leaders
- Smaller settlement volume may limit negotiating pull with major creditors
- Available in approximately 40 states — not full nationwide coverage
- Mixed reviews suggest inconsistent client experience depending on which account manager is assigned
User Reviews (10)
education was actually useful
I rolled my eyes at the financial education thing at first. But the budgeting module actually changed how I think about money. Two years post graduation and I have not taken on any new debt. That module is worth more than the debt they settled.
solid but not spectacular
Solid service. Settled my 4 accounts over 26 months. Nothing went wrong but nothing blew me away either. The education stuff was fine, not life changing.
payday loan help
They handled my payday loans which three other companies refused to touch. Got them down to just the principal. Saved me from the rollover trap that was eating my paycheck every two weeks. Thank you Marcus.
my manager was great
Account manager Brian was responsive, knowledgeable, and kept me updated without me having to chase him. I know other people had different experiences so maybe it depends on who you get assigned to.
ok
ok
good experience
Good experience.
forced education
I did not sign up for school. I signed up to get my debts settled. The constant reminders to complete education modules felt like homework. Just settle my debts and let me move on with my life. The actual settlement work was fine but the education thing is annoying if you already know this stuff.
took 3 days to return my call
Left a voicemail on a Monday about a settlement offer that needed approval. Nobody called back until WEDNESDAY. By then the offer had changed. Maybe it was just my account manager but if you are paying someone to handle your debts you should not have to wait 3 days for a callback on a time-sensitive matter!!!
middle of the road
Settlements averaged around 48-50%. Not terrible but not the 40-45% I was hoping for. They said every situation is different which I am sure is true but still feels like a canned response. Would have been happier with a bigger company that had more pull with creditors.
should have gone with a bigger company
My settlements were consistently higher than what I see people getting through Freedom or National Debt Relief. 52%, 55%, even 58% on one account. My friend with SIMILAR debt through NDR got 42% and 45%. The education stuff was nice I guess but I would trade a budgeting lesson for 10% lower settlements any day of the week. SMALLER COMPANIES HAVE LESS PULL. That is just a fact. Go with a bigger firm if you want the best settlement percentages. I learned this the expensive way.
Write a Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Embed This Badge on Your Website
Debt Advisors of America has earned a Debt Management Specialist designation from Zogby. Display this badge on your website to showcase your rating.
Paste this code anywhere in your website's HTML. The badge links back to your full Zogby review.
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.
Editorial Independence
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.