Best Debt Help Companies of 2026
5 debt help companies, ranked. Call one directly or visit its site for a free consultation.
Updated October 17, 2026
- 1Best overall
4.8ExcellentNational Debt Relief
Best for: Large unsecured balances you are already behind on
- A+ BBB rating & fully accredited
- No fees until accounts are settled
- Helped 600,000+ clients since 2009
Verified partner. Read our review
- 2Best for a published fee range
4.7Very goodAmericor
Best for: More than $7,500 in unsecured debt you can't keep up with
- Over $3B in debt negotiated
- Accredited by AADR, RMA, & BBB (A+ rated)
- "Pay-No-Fee" guarantee
Verified partner. Read our review
- 3Best for large balances
4.5Very goodFreedom Debt Relief
Best for: Large balances and steady monthly deposits for 2 to 4 years
- Over 1 million customers served
- A+ BBB rating & no upfront costs
- Free initial consultation
- 4Best for a second quote
4.4Very goodDebt Relief Advocates
Best for: A quote from a smaller settlement firm to compare
- Offers a free, no-obligation consultation
- Team of Certified Debt Consultants
- Clients only pay after results
Verified partner. Read our review
- 5Best nonprofit option
4.3Very goodCambridge Credit Counseling
Best for: Steady income and high card rates you could repay with a lower rate
- Non-profit credit counseling
- Bankruptcy counseling & courses
- Extensive educational resources
Verified partner. Read our review
Looking for Credit Associates?
We have not rated this company and it is not a BestGuide partner. The button opens our #1 pick, National Debt Relief, so you can compare.
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6
Credit AssociatesNot rated by BestGuide and not a partner
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Compare at a glance
| Company | Score | BBB | Fee | Minimum debt | Type | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1National Debt Relief | 4.8Excellent |
A+ | Up to 25% of enrolled debt | Not published | Debt settlement | |
| 2Americor | 4.7Very good |
A+ | 14% to 29% of enrolled debt | More than $7,500 | Debt settlement | |
| 3Freedom Debt Relief | 4.5Very good |
A+ | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt | Not published | Debt settlement | |
| 4Debt Relief Advocates | 4.4Very good |
A+ | Not published, varies by state | Generally $10,000 | Debt settlement | |
| 5Cambridge Credit Counseling | 4.3Very good |
A+ | Setup and monthly fee within state limits | Not published | Nonprofit credit counseling |
Debts these programs usually cover
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Store and department store cards
- Other unsecured debt
Debt settlement programs do not cover mortgages, car loans or federal student loans. Settlement is not a loan and not a government program. Companies usually ask you to stop paying creditors while you save, which lowers your credit scores and can lead to collection calls or lawsuits, and forgiven debt can be taxable. Debt settlement fees are charged only after a debt is settled, and no company can promise a result. Nonprofit credit counseling is an option if you can repay in full at a lower rate. BestGuide is a comparison service and does not give financial advice; calls and forms go to the company you choose.
Questions people ask
Who qualifies for debt settlement?
Anyone who is having a hard time making their credit card payments may qualify for debt settlement programs. However, some companies require borrowers to have a specific amount of debt — like $10,000 — to qualify for their services.
Free consultation: National Debt Relief
Will my credit score go up if I settle a debt?
Settling debt can have both a negative and a positive effect on your credit scores. You're most likely to see a drop in points up-front, but over time you can gain back everything you lost and more. Regardless of the setback, you can always work to experience the benefits of better credit.
Free consultation: Americor
Can I settle a debt without going to court?
You may settle your case at any time prior to having the court make a decision (a judgment) by either: Paying the full amount of the debt (plus any fees, costs, and interest required) Negotiating to pay a lesser amount and having the other side agree to accept that amount as full payment.
Free consultation: Freedom Debt Relief
Can I use my credit card after debt consolidation?
Creditors don't want you to use the cards when you're having a benefit from a debt management program. But if there's a card that you can keep out of the program, you can do that. You can keep the card out and use it for emergencies.
Free consultation: Americor
How much money can I save with a debt relief program?
Savings vary depending on your total debt, creditors, and consistency in making payments — but many clients settle their debts for 40–60% less than what they owe before fees. Fees are typically between 15–25% of your enrolled debt and are only charged after settlements are reached. You’ll receive an estimated savings breakdown before enrolling, so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision.
Free consultation: National Debt Relief
Are there upfront fees?
No. Legitimate debt relief companies never charge upfront fees. Under federal law, fees can only be collected after the company negotiates and settles a debt on your behalf. This protects consumers and ensures you only pay for results. The fee amount is typically a percentage of your enrolled debt and is already built into your monthly program payment — so there are no surprise charges or add-ons along the way.
Sources: FTC and CFPB guidance on debt relief and debt settlement, IRS guidance on canceled debt (Form 1099-C, Form 982), company disclosures.
How we rank
The companies on this page are verified BestGuide partners. They pay us when you click, call or fill out a form, and compensation, along with our review of each company, decides which companies we list and the order they appear. Verified partners can be listed first and are always labeled. Scores on this page follow that order, highest first. Results can depend on your state, because not every company works in every state.
Partner scores come from our partner verification program. Fees, minimums, BBB grades and program details come from each company's published information, its BBB profile and regulator records, checked in October 2026. Get the fee, the program length and the cancellation terms in writing before you sign. Advertiser disclosure · Our methodology
NDR vs Americor vs Freedom Debt Relief: side by side
Our top 3 picks on the details we could confirm.
National Debt Relief
Americor
Freedom Debt Relief