At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Credit Associates
Credit Associates guarantees to resolve your debt within 24-48 months or refund their fees. The key detail: "resolve" doesn't necessarily mean "settle at a discount" -- it could mean the creditor charged off the debt or stopped pursuing it, which still has credit implications. A charge-off means the creditor wrote off the balance as a loss, but the debt may still be sold to a collection agency and will remain on your credit report for 7 years. Make sure you understand exactly what "resolution" means for each account before celebrating. Founded in 2006 in Dallas, Texas, Credit Associates has nearly two decades of experience and one of the lower minimum debt requirements in the industry at $7,500. This lower threshold makes them accessible to consumers who do not meet the $10,000 minimums common at larger firms. However, settlement on smaller total balances can result in higher effective fees as a percentage of savings -- do the math on whether the fees make settlement worthwhile for your specific debt level. Credit Associates runs significant television advertising, particularly late-night spots targeting financially stressed consumers. Their free savings estimate tool is a useful starting point, but it presents best-case scenarios. Ask your enrollment counselor what the median (not average) outcome looks like for someone with your creditor mix and debt level. Medians remove the effect of unusually good or bad outlier results.
Key Features
Resolution Guarantee with Fine Print
They refund fees if your debt is not resolved in 24-48 months. Sounds good until you learn that a creditor charge-off counts as "resolved." A charge-off still tanks your credit and can still be collected.
Lower $7,500 Minimum
Most firms want $10,000 minimum. Credit Associates starts at $7,500. If you are stuck in the gap between "too much to handle" and "not enough for the big firms," they will take you.
Free Savings Estimate
Their calculator gives you a savings estimate before you talk to anyone. The numbers are best-case — ask your counselor what the median outcome looks like, not the average.
Nearly 20 Years of Experience
They have been at this since 2006. That is nearly two decades of calling the same banks, which counts for something when you need someone who knows the system.
How It Works
Free Savings Estimate
Run their calculator or call for a free estimate. The numbers look good — they are supposed to. Ask what happens in a typical case, not the best case.
Guarantee Terms Review
Before you sign, read the guarantee terms word by word. "Resolve" does not always mean "settle at a discount." Make sure you know what you are agreeing to.
Low-Threshold Enrollment
You can enroll with as little as $7,500 in debt. But run the fee math first — at smaller balances, the 15-25% fee eats a bigger chunk of your savings.
Escrow Building
Monthly deposits go into an FDIC-insured account. Credit Associates starts reaching out to creditors while your balance grows.
Resolution Execution
Your debts get "resolved" — that might mean a negotiated settlement at a discount, or it might mean the creditor charged it off. You approve real settlements before payment.
What They Do
- Debt Settlement
- Debt Negotiation
- Financial Counseling
- Resolution Guarantee Programs
Debt Types They Take On
- Credit Cards
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Collections
- Store Cards
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Low-Balance Settlement Success
Someone with $9,200 across 2 credit cards — below the minimum at most other firms. Credit Associates took the case and settled both in 20 months.
Guarantee-Triggered Resolution
Someone with $31,000. Three accounts settled at a discount the normal way. The fourth ($4,800) was charged off by the creditor — still counted as "resolved" under the guarantee, but the debt is still on the credit report.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower $7,500 minimum threshold opens settlement to consumers other firms reject
- Resolution guarantee provides some accountability, even if "resolve" is broadly defined
- Nearly 20 years of creditor relationship history since 2006 founding
- Free savings estimate tool is a useful (if optimistic) starting point
- Lower CFPB complaint volume relative to client base suggests reasonable service quality
Cons
- "Resolution" guarantee includes charge-offs and creditor cessation, not just negotiated settlements at a discount
- BBB rating is A rather than A+, reflecting some unresolved complaint patterns
- Settlement fees on smaller balances ($7,500-$10,000) consume a larger share of total savings
- Television advertising features best-case scenarios that may not reflect median outcomes
User Reviews (8)
they took my case when nobody else would
Under 10k in debt. NDR, FDR, Beyond Finance all said below their minimum. Credit Associates took it. Fees ate a bigger percentage at that balance but I literally had no other options.
WHAT DOES "RESOLVE" EVEN MEAN
One of my accounts got charged off by the creditor. Credit Associates counted this as "resolved" under the guarantee. A CHARGE-OFF. That's on my credit report for 7 years and the debt can still get sold to a collector!! That is NOT what I had in mind when they said resolved. The other 3 accounts settled for real but that one charge-off really bothered me.
the guarantee kept me from quitting
Month 14 nothing had settled and creditors were calling every day. Almost dropped out. But the guarantee meant I could get fees refunded if nothing resolved by month 48. That kept me in. First settlement hit month 16. Shoutout to Angela for talking me off the ledge during that stretch.
2am infomercial
Found them through a late night ad when I couldn't sleep because of debt stress. Smiling people promising huge savings. Reality was 20 months of creditor calls and score tanking before anything good happened. Results were fine but the first year is nothing like the commercial.
would recommend
Been around since 2006. Nearly 20 years of doing this. Results were solid not spectacular. Process ran smoothly.
fee math is rough on small balances
Under 10k the fee-to-savings ratio gets ugly. The percentage is the same but the actual dollar savings after fees are way thinner. Run the math before committing if your balance is on the lower end.
calculator overpromises
Their online calculator said 50% savings. Actual was 44%. Calculator is best case, ask your counselor for median outcomes. My counselor was honest about it at least which I appreciated.
charge-off loophole is real
BBB A not A+. Combined with the broad definition of "resolve" in their guarantee... two accounts settled at actual discounts which was great. Third one the creditor just charged it off and Credit Associates called that resolved. Guarantee technically held. Outcome was NOT what I signed up for. Ask specifically how charge-offs are counted before you enroll.
Write a Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Companies
Important Debt Settlement Disclaimers
- Debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance owed. This can result in tax liability on forgiven amounts exceeding $600. You may receive a Form 1099-C from creditors for canceled debt.
- Debt settlement may negatively affect your credit score and can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years. During the program, you will typically stop making payments to creditors, which causes late payment marks and potential collection activity.
- Not all creditors will agree to settle. Some may pursue legal action, wage garnishment, or bank levies during the settlement process. A debt settlement company cannot guarantee protection from lawsuits.
- Results vary based on individual circumstances including the types of creditors, account age, and your ability to fund the escrow account on schedule. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
- Debt settlement fees are typically 15%-25% of the enrolled debt amount. The FTC prohibits debt settlement companies from charging upfront fees before settling at least one debt. Confirm that your chosen company complies with this rule.
- Alternatives to debt settlement include debt consolidation loans, nonprofit credit counseling and debt management plans, balance transfer credit cards, and bankruptcy. Consult with a licensed financial advisor or attorney before enrolling.
- Zogby is an independent comparison service and does not provide debt settlement services. We do not negotiate with creditors on your behalf or manage 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.