Get Out of Debt — For Real.
Compare debt settlement, consolidation, and restructuring programs. Find the right path for your situation.
Compare Debt Relief Options
| Option | How It Works | Credit Impact | Best For | Min. Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Debt Settlement
Learn More
|
Negotiate to pay less than you owe. Requires stopping payments to creditors. | Negative | High unsecured debt, hardship | $7,500+ |
|
Debt Consolidation
Learn More
|
Combine debts into one new loan with a lower interest rate. | Positive/Neutral | Good credit, manageable debt | Any |
|
Credit Counseling
Learn More
|
Work with an agency to lower interest rates via a Management Plan. | Neutral | Needs budgeting help | Any |
|
Bankruptcy
Learn More
|
Legal process to wipe out or restructure severe debt burdens. | Severe | Extreme hardship | Varies |
Enter your debt details for personalized savings estimates
Best Debt Relief Companies of 2025
Delancey Street
Best overall for debt settlement with strong customer service and transparent fees.
Min. Debt
$10,000
Est. Fees
15-25%
BBB
A+
CuraDebt
Excellent credit counseling and debt management plans with low minimums.
Min. Debt
$5,000
Est. Fees
20%
BBB
A+
Accredited Debt Relief
Trusted debt settlement company with strong track record and IAPDA accreditation.
Min. Debt
$10,000
Est. Fees
15-25%
BBB
A+
Understanding Your Debt Relief Options
Debt Settlement vs. Debt Consolidation: What's the Difference?
Understanding the key differences between settling your debt for less and combining debts into a single payment.
Read MoreHow Debt Settlement Affects Your Credit Score
Learn about the short-term and long-term credit impacts of debt settlement programs.
Read MoreIs Debt Relief a Scam? How to Spot Red Flags
Protect yourself from fraudulent companies with these warning signs and verification steps.
Read MoreState-by-State Debt Relief Regulations
Debt relief laws vary significantly by state. Know your rights and protections.
Read MoreMCA Debt Relief: What Business Owners Need to Know
Merchant cash advance debt requires specialized relief strategies. Here is what works.
Read MoreHow to Negotiate Debt on Your Own
Step-by-step guide to negotiating directly with creditors without paying a company.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type of debt relief. Debt settlement and bankruptcy will negatively impact your credit score, typically for 7-10 years. Debt consolidation through a new loan can actually help your credit if you make payments on time. Credit counseling and debt management plans generally have a neutral to slightly positive effect on your credit score over time.
Most debt settlement companies charge between 15-25% of the total enrolled debt. For example, if you enroll $30,000 in debt, you might pay $4,500-$7,500 in fees. Reputable companies only charge fees after successfully negotiating a settlement, as required by the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Yes, you can negotiate directly with creditors. Start by contacting the creditor's hardship department, explain your situation, and propose a settlement amount (typically 30-50% of the balance). Get any agreement in writing before making payment. This approach saves you the 15-25% fee that settlement companies charge.
Not all debt relief is a scam, but the industry does have bad actors. Legitimate companies never charge upfront fees (this is illegal under FTC rules), are transparent about their fees and process, and have verifiable BBB ratings and IAPDA accreditation. Be wary of companies that guarantee specific results or pressure you to act immediately.