Debt Relief Company Reviews & Trust Index. August 2026
We evaluate selected debt relief companies using the same Trust Index methodology, then compare fees, minimum debt requirements, program structure, availability, and verified consumer feedback.
On This Page
We evaluate selected debt relief companies using the same Trust Index methodology, then compare fees, minimum debt requirements, program structure, availability, consumer feedback, and other verified factors.
ReliefGuardian does not attempt to review every debt relief company. We first apply editorial inclusion standards to determine which companies have sufficient market presence and publicly verifiable information for a meaningful evaluation. Companies that meet those standards are then scored using the same Trust Index methodology and ordered by their resulting scores.
A lower position does not mean a company failed our review. It means that among the companies currently included, it received a lower overall Trust Index score based on the factors we evaluate.
ReliefGuardian Trust Index Methodology
Our evaluation framework is designed to apply the same published criteria to every company included in our reviews, regardless of whether ReliefGuardian may receive compensation from that company. We assess included providers using a weighted scoring model across five core categories:
| Evaluation Category | Weight | What We Evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Legitimacy | 25% | Operating history, accreditation or professional memberships where applicable, business standing, and verifiable company information. |
| Customer Experience & Volume | 30% | Review volume, complaint patterns, consumer feedback, and company response patterns. |
| Fee Transparency & Structure | 20% | Published fee information, clarity about when fees are charged, and material program cost disclosures. |
| Program Structure & Accessibility | 15% | Program design, accessibility, servicing structure, and other verified operational factors. |
| Compliance & Practices | 10% | Consumer disclosures, marketing practices, and observable compliance-related indicators. |
Each individual company review goes a level deeper, breaking its evaluation into six factors. Company Reputation, Customer Feedback, Program Transparency, Fees & Costs, Years in Business, and Consumer Value. Those six factors are the detailed evidence behind the five categories above; they're the same underlying evaluation, just shown at a more granular level on each company's own review page.
What the Trust Index Does, and Doesn't. Measure
- What it measures: Relative standing among evaluated debt relief companies based on our weighted scoring criteria, historical data, fee disclosures, and public complaint records.
- What it does not measure: The score does not predict how much debt a company will settle, how quickly an individual consumer will complete a program, whether every creditor will participate, or whether debt settlement is the right solution for you.
Scoring Note
Master Comparison Matrix Table
| Company | Trust Index | Min. Debt | Fee Range | Typical Term | State Availability | Membership / Credential | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Debt Relief | 98 / Elite | $7,500 | 15–25% | 24–48 months | 40 states (30 direct, 10 via legal partner)Not available in: Colorado, Hawaii, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| National Debt Relief | 96 / Elite | $7,500 | 15–25% | 24–48 months | 46 statesNot available in: Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| Accredited Debt Relief | 92 / Excellent | $5,000 | 15–25% | 24–48 months | all 50 states + Washington, D.C. (evaluation availability) | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| ClearOne Advantage | 91 / Excellent | $10,000 | 18–29% | 24–51 months | 48 statesNot available in: Illinois, Oregon | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| Pacific Debt Relief | 90 / Excellent | $10,000 | 15–25% | 24–48 months | 49 states + Washington, D.C.Not available in: Oregon | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| DebtBlue | 86 / Very Good | $10,000 | Roughly 25% | 24–48 months | Varies by state | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| JG Wentworth Debt Relief | 83 / Recommended | $10,000 | Varies by client | 24–60 months (JG Wentworth states typical clients resolve debts within 24–48 months) | 30 jurisdictions (direct service) | ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| New Era Debt Solutions | 81 / Recommended | $10,000 | 14–23% | 24–42 months | Availability varies by stateNot available in: Iowa, Maine, Oregon | Not an ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| Americor | 80 / Recommended | $7,500 | 14–29% of enrolled debt, varies by state | 24–48 months | 47 statesNot available in: Colorado, Oregon, West Virginia | Not an ACDR Member | Read Review → |
| TurboDebt | 79 / Recommended | $10,000 | 15–25% | 24–48 months | Availability varies by stateNot available in: Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin | Not an ACDR Member | Read Review → |
Vetted Provider Reviews & Cards
#1 Freedom Debt Relief
Trust Index Score: 98 / 100 (Elite)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $7,500
Program Fee: 15–25%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
Largest Debt Settlement Company in the U.S.
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#2 National Debt Relief
Trust Index Score: 96 / 100 (Elite)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $7,500
Program Fee: 15–25%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
Highly Rated Debt Settlement Company
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#3 Accredited Debt Relief
Trust Index Score: 92 / 100 (Excellent)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $5,000
Program Fee: 15–25%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
Multiple Debt Relief Solutions Available
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#4 ClearOne Advantage
Trust Index Score: 91 / 100 (Excellent)Timeframe: 24–51 months
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: 18–29%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#5 Pacific Debt Relief
Trust Index Score: 90 / 100 (Excellent)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: 15–25%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
20+ Years of Debt Relief Experience
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#6 DebtBlue
Trust Index Score: 86 / 100 (Very Good)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: Roughly 25%
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
Established ACDR-Accredited Provider
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#7 JG Wentworth Debt Relief
Trust Index Score: 83 / 100 (Recommended)Timeframe: 24–60 months (JG Wentworth states typical clients resolve debts within 24–48 months)
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: Varies by client
Industry Membership / Credential: ACDR Member
Nationally Recognized Financial Services Company
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#8 New Era Debt Solutions
Trust Index Score: 81 / 100 (Recommended)Timeframe: 24–42 months
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: 14–23%
Industry Membership / Credential: None verified / Not listed
Family-Owned Debt Settlement Company
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#9 Americor
Trust Index Score: 80 / 100 (Recommended)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $7,500
Program Fee: 14–29% of enrolled debt, varies by state
Industry Membership / Credential: None verified / Not listed
Real-Time Digital Negotiation Tracking
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
#10 TurboDebt
Trust Index Score: 79 / 100 (Recommended)Timeframe: 24–48 months
Minimum Debt: $10,000
Program Fee: 15–25%
Industry Membership / Credential: None verified / Not listed
Dedicated Consultant for Every Client
Compensation Disclosure applies, see our Advertiser Disclosure.
How to Use These Reviews
A higher Trust Index score can help narrow your research, but the highest-scoring company is not automatically the right provider for every consumer. Before choosing a company, compare:
- State Availability: Whether the provider currently offers or evaluates consumers for its program in your state, and what licensing, registration, or partner arrangements apply where relevant.
- Minimum Debt Requirement: Whether your total unsecured debt meets the provider's entry threshold (e.g. $5,000 vs. $10,000).
- Actual Fees: What fee percentage applies to your enrolled debt in your state.
- Eligible Debts: Which specific accounts you want to enroll (and which debts cannot be included).
- Monthly Program Deposit: Whether the amount you are expected to deposit into the program's dedicated account is realistically affordable within your household budget.
- Legal Services: Whether legal representation or lawsuit defense assistance is included, separate, or unavailable.
- Litigation & Creditor Policies: How the provider assists if a creditor files a collection lawsuit.
- Cancellation Policies: Your rights and potential costs if you exit the program early.
- Dedicated Account Costs: Monthly maintenance or transaction fees charged by the independent account administrator.
The Core Rule
How We Evaluate Consumer Reviews & Complaints
ReliefGuardian does not treat raw complaint counts as a standalone measure of quality. Larger companies generally serve more consumers and may generate more complaints in absolute terms.
When analyzing customer feedback and public records (such as Better Business Bureau files), we consider complaint themes, recency, response patterns, resolution information when available, review volume, and company size alongside the raw numbers.
How We Vet Every Company
Our evaluation process follows a structured four-stage model:
- Editorial Inclusion: Does the company have enough operating history, public information, and market presence for us to evaluate it fairly?
- Independent Verification: Check company disclosures, BBB information, accreditation claims, state availability, fees, minimum debt thresholds, and other material terms.
- Trust Index Scoring: Apply our weighted methodology to evaluate legitimacy, fees, customer experience, and compliance indicators.
- Editorial Review: Document strengths, trade-offs, factual uncertainties, and material consumer considerations.
Not Sure Debt Settlement Is Right for You?
Comparing companies only makes sense after you've determined that debt settlement itself is appropriate for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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