Accredited Debt Relief Review [2024]
9 MIN READ
Published August 27, 2024 | Updated October 18, 2024
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Accredited Debt Relief is a well-known debt relief company that offers debt settlement and consolidation services. If you have over $10,000 in unsecured debt, the company may be able to help you.
While it does have good customer reviews, you’ll typically pay high fees for debt settlement of up to 25%. Read this Accredited Debt Relief review to learn more about its debt resolution services, how it works, costs, and the pros and cons.
How does Accredited Debt Relief Work?
Accredited Debt Relief offers settlement and debt relief services to help you manage unmanageable debts. You’ll typically start with a free consultation, after which the company will recommend the right debt relief option.
If you enroll in a debt settlement program, you’ll need to provide details about the debts you owe. You’ll have to stop making payments on your debts and instead start depositing money in a separate savings account to save for your settlement.
The company will negotiate with your lenders to reach a settlement agreement. Accredited Debt Relief claims to help clients settle their accounts for 55% of the amount they owe. You’ll pay a fee to the company only after the company successfully negotiates a settlement.
Pros and Cons of Accredited Debt Relief
If you’re considering debt relief, it’s important to evaluate your options thoroughly. Consider these pros and cons of working with Accredited Debt Relief before you sign an agreement.
Pros
- Offers free consultation
- You’ll only pay if there’s a successful settlement negotiation
- Good customer reviews
- Multiple certifications and accreditations
Cons
- Debt settlement fees can be high, with most borrowers paying the higher end of the range (25%)
- The fee is charged on the enrolled debt, not on the negotiated amount
- A high minimum debt threshold of $10,000 for the debt settlement program
- Services not available in every state
Services Offered by Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief offers two types of debt relief programs:
- Debt Settlement: If you have credit card debt, personal loans, medical bills, private student loans, or any other type of unsecured debt of at least $10,000, you can enroll them in the settlement program.
- Debt Consolidation: The company offers debt consolidation loans of $1,000 to $100,000. While it isn’t a lender, it offers loans through its affiliates.
Costs and Fees
Accredited Debt Relief charges a debt settlement fee of 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt. If you opt to get a debt consolidation loan through the company, the annual percentage rates (APRs) can range from 4.9% to 35.99%, depending on your credit score, income, and other details. You’ll also pay an origination fee of up to 6% of the loan amount. Depending on your credit score, you may qualify for better consolidation options at a lower interest rate.
Time To Complete the Program
Most people can become debt-free in 24 to 84 months with a debt settlement program. However, the exact time can vary based on the amount of debt you have enrolled and how much you can put aside each month for the settlement.
If you opt for a debt consolidation loan, the repayment terms can range from 4 to 84 months. You’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan if you choose a longer repayment term, though it can keep your monthly payments lower.
Expected Relief Amount
On average, Accredited Debt Relief clients settle their debts for 55% of the enrolled balances. However, this is before accounting for the company’s fees, which are 15% to 25%.
Customer Service Options
Accredited Debt Relief offers many ways to get in touch with them. If you’re an existing client, here are your customer support options:
Phone Number: 800-497-1965 (Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 11 PM EST, Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 10 PM EST)
Email: customerservice@acrelief.com
For general enquiries:
P.O. Box 660442, Dallas, Texas 75266-0442
Phone Number: 800-282-7186 (Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 11 PM EST, Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM to 10 PM EST)
Accredited Debt Relief Reviews and Feedback
While Accredited Debt Relief may be a good option for those with a large amount of unsecured debt, it’s also important to consider the company’s customer reviews to make an informed decision.
Accredited Debt Relief Reviews on Google
As of August 2024, Accredited Debt Relief has 4.8/5 stars from 6,782 Google reviews. While the company has great reviews, some of the one-star reviews highlighted issues like receiving too many calls and issues getting in touch with the company for existing clients. Here’s an example we found:
“My agent Kendall was great and responsive up to the point of signing the agreement. Even though he told me that I could ask him any questions after signing that just was not true; he went dark and did not answer any questions and I waited 4 days - which made me question how these guys conduct their business.. so I canceled the agreement.”
The positive reviews highlight the professionalism and knowledge of staff members and their satisfaction with the program's results. Here’s an example:
“Zach was so sweet and caring! It’s easy to feel embarrassed in situations like this and he made me feel so comfortable. He answered all my questions and explained everything thoroughly but also was personable and made me feel like he was a friend helping me in a difficult time. My only regret is waiting so long before reaching out for help.”
Accredited Debt Relief Reviews on Better Business Bureau
Accredited Debt Relief is BBB accredited and has an A+ rating. The company also has 4.89/5 stars from 1,702 customer reviews.
We noticed a few reviews on BBB that mention that the company calls prospects too often, sometimes from different numbers.
“STAY AWAY! They will not stop calling me! I made the mistake of giving them my information to seek their help with debt relief but decided against using this company. THEY STILL CALL ME DAILY! I've told them i'm not interested and to close my inquiry and stop calling but they don't!. I've blocked their number from my phone but they just keep calling using a different number every time. Somedays they'll call every hour. I can't get them to stop. I'm so glad I didn't sign up for their service. I can only imagine what it would be like if I had. Terrible company! STAY AWAY!”
Accredited Debt Relief also has a large number of 5-star reviews that talk about the professional and empathic treatment they received from staff members. Here’s one such review:
“Empathic, understanding, and experienced. These traits are rare when dealing with debt and financial concerns, yet this company employs people who value these traits. Within an hour I had spoken with a live person (*******) who spelled out my options and ensured I fully understood how their program works. Last night was the first time I slept well in months - relieved that my debt would be handled responsibly without requiring another loan.”
Accredited Debt Relief Solutions Reviews on Trustpilot
Accredited Debt Relief has 4.9/5 stars from 6,818 customer reviews (as of August 2024) on Trustpilot. Those who have left positive reviews talk about the company’s helpful, compassionate, and friendly customer service representatives.
“So grateful for this program! The process is simple and straightforward. I worked with Natoya Bell who was friendly and left me feeling empowered. Each person I’ve spoken to in this company has been wonderful, knowledgeable, and not in any way pushy like other similar programs can be from my experience and research.They walk you through each step of the way so you’re not left with any questions. Thank you all!!”
However, we also found a few negative reviews that talk about a lack of transparency when it comes to fees. Here’s an example:
“The salesman made it seem like there weren’t any fees, but in the docs you sign there are multiple fees that he doesn’t talk about. He only says “there are no signup fees.” Lesson learned, read the docs you sign or you will end up paying more than you owe!”
How Accredited Debt Relief Compares To Other Debt Relief Companies
While Accredited Debt Relief has great customer service and impressive reviews online, it’s best to compare your options to make sure you’re working with a company that’s right for your financial situation. Here’s how it compares to other companies offering debt settlement services.
Accredited Debt Relief | National Debt Relief | TurboDebt | Freedom Debt Relief | |
Minimum Debt | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $7,500 |
Fees | 25% | 15%-25% | 15%-25% | 15%-25% |
Free Consultation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is Accredited Debt Relief Worth It?
If you have over $10,000 in debts at a high interest rate and are struggling to keep up with payments, Accredited Debt Relief may be a good fit. You may be able to pay 55% of the debt you owe to settle your accounts. However, you’ll also pay up to 25% of the debt to the company as a settlement fee, which can turn out to be quite expensive.
Check out our other articles on Level One Law and Freedom debt relief companies to help you make an informed decision about the best options for your financial situation.
Use the company’s free consultation to learn more about the program, how it works, the fees it charges, and any other questions you may have. Compare it against other options you may have, such as debt management plans, debt consolidation, credit counseling, and bankruptcy, before you make a decision.