Our best debt relief ratings methodology

How we rate debt relief companies

We’ve reviewed 26 companies and their products to help you find the right debt relief option. Each company receives a star rating between one and five based on how many points they get for each factor outlined below. 

Within each major category, we considered several characteristics, including services offered, state availability and applicable fees. We also evaluated each provider’s customer support options, whether they have American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) Accreditation and more.

In general, the best debt relief companies have rates below the national average and accessible eligibility requirements.

Debt management and debt settlement methodology

How we chose the services we ranked

To be eligible, each company must offer one of these debt relief services: debt management or debt settlement. We also consider if any actions have been taken against a company by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or other federal agencies. If so, a company could be disqualified from our rankings depending on the severity of the violations and their impact on customers.

Ranking factors

Out of all the companies considered, those that made our list excelled in areas across the following categories (with weightings): 

• Services: 15%.
• Company details: 30%.
• Fees: 20%.
• Customer experience: 20%.
• Perks: 15%.

We base each scoring factor on what potential clients value the most. In other words, we make sure to include the details and data you care about most. Here’s the complete breakdown.

Services (15%)

• Free consultation (5%): We gave points to each company who offers clients a consultation free of charge so you can find out if it’s a good fit for your situation. 
• Credit counseling (5%): Points were given to each company if they offered credit counseling services to help you get back on track.
• Tax relief (5%): Although most debt relief companies don’t offer tax relief, there were a handful who did so we awarded points to those companies.

Make a plan to pay off your debt faster: Best debt management companies

Company details (30%)

• Availability (20%): One of our biggest factors was state availability. Companies received points out of 100 for each state serviced. For example, if services are offered in all states, the company gets the full 100. 
• Time in business (5%): Each company received anywhere from 0 to 5 points based on the length of time they have been in business because we value experience. 
• AADR accreditation (5%): The American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) — previously the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) — is the national association of debt resolution companies. Debt relief companies don’t need to be accredited by the AADR, but we awarded 5 points if they have the accreditation which holds them accountable to their clients. “It signifies that a company upholds the industry’s highest standards and represents their clients’ best interests in negotiations with creditors and actions with others within the debt resolution process,” according to the AADR website.

Fees (20%)

• Settlement fees (5%): Each company received points based on the standardized cost of settlement fees (including enrollment, maintenance and result-based fees). The lower the cost, the higher the company scored.
• Upfront fees (5%): Each company received 5 points for not charging any fees upfront and 0 points if they do.
• Money back guarantee (5%): Each company received 5 points if they have a money back guarantee and 0 points if they do not.
• Cancellation policy (5%): Each company received 5 points for having a generous cancellation policy (if you cancel you only pay for what you already received) and 0 points if they don’t have a policy in place (if you cancel you will likely have to pay for everything).

Customer experience (20%)

• Better Business Bureau (5%): Companies receive 5 points if they have a 5-star rating on the BBB; 4 points for a 4-star rating and so on. If they are not included on BBB’s website, they receive no points.
• Trustpilot star rating (5%): Companies receive 5 points if they have a 5-star rating on Trustpilot; 4 points for a 4-star rating and so on. 
• Email (5%): If a company has email support, they get 5 points.
• Online chat (5%): If a company offers support via online chat, they get 5 points.

Perks (15%)

• Mobile app (5%): If companies have an official mobile app, they earn 5 points; 0 points for no app.
• Dashboard (5%): If the company website has a client dashboard where you can manage your services and payments, they earn 5 points; 0 points if not.
• Resources (5%): If a company offers more resources and educational material to its clients, they earn 5 points; 0 points if no extra resources are offered.

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How we collect data

We rely on the companies when doing our research — never on third-party sources. We research each individual lender by reviewing their website and collecting data. Then, we reach out to them directly to collect additional information and get clarification on any details we were unable to find on the website. 

We regularly recheck and update company and service information. Our data team also researches each company’s services annually to verify that the data is up to date.

In some cases, companies don’t disclose certain details on their website and either don’t reply to our inquiries or don’t disclose the information at all. When this is the case, the company does not receive any points for that factor at all and it’s marked as “Does not disclose.” 

USA TODAY Blueprint’s editorial standards

Every article is fact checked by our writers and editors along with our data and compliance teams to ensure we have the most accurate and up to date information. Our team uses a data-driven methodology based on what borrowers value most to determine each rating. 

We pride ourselves on our journalistic integrity and our goal is to always empower our readers to make sound financial decisions. Advertisers do not influence any of our content, opinions or evaluations.