We evaluated over 30 debt settlement and relief agencies based on fees, customer service, and success rates. Here are our top picks.
Zogby is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. We may receive compensation from the companies whose products appear on this site. This compensation may impact how, where, and in what order products appear. Zogby does not include every financial company or every product available in the marketplace.
Key Takeaways
- 1 Debt relief companies negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount you owe, typically saving 30-50% on enrolled debts after fees.
- 2 Legitimate companies never charge upfront fees—by law, they can only collect payment after successfully settling a debt.
- 3 Debt settlement will negatively impact your credit score and should be considered a last resort before bankruptcy.
- 4 The best companies offer free consultations, transparent fee structures, and have strong BBB ratings and customer reviews.
- 5 Most debt settlement programs take 24-48 months to complete, and not all creditors will agree to negotiate.
- 6 The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) prohibits debt relief companies from charging fees before settling at least one debt.
Our Top Picks for Debt Relief
1. Delancey Street
Min. Debt
$10,000
Avg. Fees
15-25% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Headquartered at 54 W 40th Street in Midtown Manhattan, Delancey Street Group LLC has carved out a dominant niche in commercial debt restructuring and settlement for small and mid-sized businesses. Unlike most consumer-focused debt relief firms, Delancey Street specializes in merchant cash advance (MCA) defense, business loan restructuring, and tax debt resolution—areas where their New York-based legal team leverages deep knowledge of NY commercial law and UCC filings. They operate on a strict performance-fee model with no upfront costs, and their attorneys have negotiated millions in debt reductions. Their free initial consultation includes a detailed financial assessment that maps out a customized settlement roadmap before any commitment is required.
Pros
- No upfront fees—performance-based billing only
- Specialized in MCA defense and commercial debt (rare expertise)
- NYC headquarters with direct knowledge of NY commercial courts
- Free detailed financial assessment before enrollment
Cons
- Requires minimum $10k in enrolled debt
- Primarily focused on business debt; consumer cases are secondary
2. CuraDebt
Min. Debt
$5,000
Avg. Fees
20% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Founded in 2000 by UCSD graduate Eric Pemper and originally incorporated as Pemper Companies Inc. in San Diego, CuraDebt has grown into one of the most versatile debt relief firms in the country with over 24 years of continuous operations. Now headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, the company uniquely offers both consumer debt settlement and IRS tax debt resolution under one roof—a combination few competitors match. Their tax debt team includes enrolled agents who can negotiate Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, and penalty abatements directly with the IRS. CuraDebt's lower $5,000 minimum makes them accessible to consumers who don't qualify elsewhere, and their bilingual (English/Spanish) counselors serve a diverse client base across most U.S. states.
Pros
- Lowest minimum debt requirement ($5,000) among top-tier firms
- IRS tax debt resolution with enrolled agents on staff
- 24+ years in business with bilingual counseling available
- Both consumer and business debt programs
Cons
- Settlement fees of 20% are slightly above the 15-25% industry average
- Online client portal lacks modern features compared to newer competitors
3. Accredited Debt Relief
Min. Debt
$10,000
Avg. Fees
15-25% of enrolled debt
Timeline
12-48 months
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Diego, California (with a second office in Houston, Texas), Accredited Debt Relief has earned an A+ BBB rating and BBB accreditation since February 2021. What sets them apart is their aggressive negotiation approach that frequently resolves individual accounts within 6-12 months—faster than the industry average of 24-48 months. They operate through a network of affiliates that extends their reach to most U.S. states, and their dedicated account managers provide regular progress updates via phone and a proprietary online dashboard. The company has consistently earned 4.5+ star ratings on Trustpilot from thousands of verified reviews, with clients citing transparency and communication as top strengths.
Pros
- Fastest average resolution times in our testing (some accounts settled in 6-12 months)
- A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2021
- Dual offices in San Diego and Houston for broader coverage
- Modern online dashboard with mobile app access
Cons
- Fee structure varies by affiliate, making cost comparisons complex
- Strict eligibility screening—not all applicants are accepted
4. New Era Debt Solutions
Min. Debt
$5,000
Avg. Fees
15-23% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, New Era Debt Solutions is one of the longest-running debt settlement companies in the United States with over 25 years of continuous operations. They have settled more than $275 million in consumer debt since inception and maintain an A+ BBB rating with accreditation. New Era distinguishes itself through complete transparency: they publish their average settlement percentages (approximately 50% of enrolled debt), and their fees range from 15-23%—among the most competitive in the industry. They operate in most U.S. states and offer both consumer and some business debt settlement. Their experienced negotiators have established relationships with major creditors, which often translates to faster and more favorable settlement outcomes.
Pros
- Over 25 years in business with $275M+ in settled debt
- Competitive fees of 15-23% (below many competitors)
- A+ BBB rating with full accreditation
- Published average settlement results for transparency
Cons
- Limited online tools and client portal
- Not available in all 50 states
5. Pacific Debt Inc
Min. Debt
$10,000
Avg. Fees
15-25% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Headquartered in San Marcos, California, Pacific Debt Inc has been helping consumers resolve unsecured debt since 2002, earning an A+ BBB rating and IAPDA membership along the way. They've settled over $300 million in consumer debt and consistently earn some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry, with a 4.9-star rating on Google from thousands of reviews. Their approach emphasizes client education—each customer receives a dedicated Certified Debt Specialist who provides monthly progress calls and detailed reporting. Pacific Debt is also one of the few settlement firms that offers complimentary credit monitoring throughout your program, so you can track your credit recovery in real time as debts are resolved.
Pros
- 4.9-star Google rating with thousands of verified reviews
- $300M+ in settled debt over 20+ years of operations
- Dedicated Certified Debt Specialist assigned to each client
- Complimentary credit monitoring included in program
Cons
- $10,000 minimum debt enrollment requirement
- Longer average program duration compared to some competitors
6. Century Support Services
Min. Debt
$7,500
Avg. Fees
18-25% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Based in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, Century Support Services has been providing debt settlement services since 2011 and currently manages over $1 billion in enrolled debt. They are accredited by the IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators) and operate an FTC-compliant program across more than 30 states. Century stands out for their flexible program design—they offer customizable monthly deposit schedules that adapt to clients' changing financial situations, including options for seasonal workers or those with irregular income. Their proprietary mobile app provides real-time account tracking, settlement notifications, and document uploads. They also have a notably low $7,500 minimum enrollment threshold, making them more accessible than many larger competitors.
Pros
- Flexible deposit schedules that adapt to irregular income
- Over $1B in enrolled debt under management
- IAPDA accredited with FTC-compliant operations
- Proprietary mobile app for real-time account tracking
Cons
- Small monthly escrow fee of $7.50 in addition to settlement fees
- Settlement fees on the higher end (18-25%)
7. Rescue One Financial
Min. Debt
$10,000
Avg. Fees
15-21% of enrolled debt
Timeline
24-48 months
Based in Irvine, California, Rescue One Financial was founded in 2010 and has grown to become one of the most cost-effective debt settlement options available. Their settlement fees of 15-21% are among the lowest in the industry, and they have no enrollment fees, monthly maintenance fees, or hidden charges. Rescue One is a member of the IAPDA and maintains an A+ BBB rating. They've settled over $1 billion in consumer debt and employ a team of experienced negotiators who specialize in credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Their straightforward fee structure makes them particularly attractive for consumers who want predictable costs without surprises. Rescue One also provides hardship accommodations for clients who experience financial setbacks during their program.
Pros
- Among the lowest fees in the industry at 15-21%
- No hidden charges—completely transparent fee structure
- Over $1B in successfully settled consumer debt
- A+ BBB rating with IAPDA membership
Cons
- $10,000 minimum debt requirement excludes smaller balances
- Limited digital tools and online portal capabilities
How Does Debt Relief Work?
Debt relief (specifically debt settlement) involves negotiating with your creditors to allow you to pay a "settlement" to resolve your debt—a lump sum that's less than the full amount you owe.
When you sign up with a debt settlement company, they will typically advise you to stop making payments to your creditors and instead make deposits into a dedicated savings account. Once that account has built up a sufficient balance, the settlement company will contact your creditors to negotiate a lump-sum payoff.
Debt Relief Companies Compared
| Provider | Min. Debt | Avg. Fees | Timeline | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Delancey Street
Top Pick
|
$10,000 | 15-25% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.9
|
|
CuraDebt
|
$5,000 | 20% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.8
|
|
Accredited Debt Relief
|
$10,000 | 15-25% of enrolled debt | 12-48 months |
4.7
|
|
New Era Debt Solutions
|
$5,000 | 15-23% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.6
|
|
Pacific Debt Inc
|
$10,000 | 15-25% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.5
|
|
Century Support Services
|
$7,500 | 18-25% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.4
|
|
Rescue One Financial
|
$10,000 | 15-21% of enrolled debt | 24-48 months |
4.3
|
Our Methodology
Our editorial team spent over 100 hours researching and evaluating debt relief companies. We contacted each provider, reviewed public complaint records, and analyzed customer feedback to determine our rankings.
Fee Transparency & Structure
30%We evaluated each company's fee structure, looking for clear disclosure of costs, no upfront fees, and competitive rates relative to industry averages.
Track Record & Reputation
25%We reviewed BBB ratings, state attorney general complaints, CFPB complaints, and independent customer reviews to assess each company's reliability.
Customer Experience
25%We assessed the quality of customer service, communication frequency, online portal access, and overall client satisfaction through verified reviews.
Settlement Success Rate
20%We compared reported settlement rates, average savings percentages, and program completion timelines across all evaluated companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Chen
Senior Senior Financial Editor
Sarah Chen is a certified financial planner (CFP®) and senior editor at Zogby with over 12 years of experience covering debt relief and consumer debt management. She holds a degree in Economics from Columbia University and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Sarah's work focuses on making complex financial products accessible to everyday consumers.
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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.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be construed as, financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
Editorial Independence
Our recommendations are based on independent research and analysis. While Zogby may receive compensation from some partners listed on this page, our editorial team maintains full independence over our rankings and ratings. Compensation does not influence which products we recommend or how we rate them.