These days, more than 80% of Americans are carrying some kind of debt. the average credit card balance is around $6,500. That kind of weight can feel overwhelming—like no matter how hard someone tries, the bills just keep stacking up and the paycheck disappears way too fast.
It’s a tough spot, and a lot of people are looking for ways to get a handle on it. That’s where companies like Accredited Debt Relief start to show up. But naturally, the big question is: Can they actually help?
This guide is here to break things down about what Accredited Debt Relief actually do? What are people saying about it? And most importantly—could it be the right move for someone trying to get out from under their debt?
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What’s Accredited Debt Relief All About?
Knowing who they are sets the stage for deciding if they are worth your time. Accredited Debt Relief has been around since 2011, helping people handle stuff like credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans that aren’t tied to things like a house or car. They are part of a bigger company called Beyond Finance, LLC, and they have got a good reputation with stamps of approval from the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR).
How Does Accredited Debt Relief Work?
If you are thinking about giving them a try, you are probably wondering what it is like to team up with them. In this part of blog, I am going to discuss the process, step by step. They focus on two big ways to tackle debt: settlement and consolidation. Here’s how they roll.
Debt Settlement: The Play-by-Play
Their main focus is helping people settle their debt. Instead of sending payments straight to your creditors, their team steps in to negotiate and try to lower what you owe. Here’s how it works:
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Free First Chat: It all starts with an honest conversation with no pressure to sign up. A debt pro asks about your bills, how much you’re earning, and what you’re spending, then tosses out ideas for a plan that fits your life.
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Plan Built for You: If you’re in, they develop a custom strategy—maybe cutting your debts down or lumping them into one payment.
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Your Savings Jar: You stop paying creditors and start putting money in a special FDIC-insured account you control. This money builds up over time for settling your debts.
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Talking Down Creditors: Once your account has got enough amount, their team negotiate with your creditors into taking less than you owe. You say yes, and they pay it off with your savings.
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Keep Going: They repeat the process until your debts are settled or ruled out. Most people are done in 2 to 4 years, depending on how much you owe and what you can pay.
Debt Consolidation: Another Way to Go
Not into settlement? They can connect you with lenders for a debt consolidation loan, which rolls all your debts into one payment, ideally with a better interest rate. Loans range from $1,000 to $100,000, with rates from 4.9% to 35.99% and fees of 1% to 6%. For all this good stuff, you will need to have a good credit score so that you can get the best of the best rates.
What Makes Them Special?
What I dig about them is they don’t just hand you a generic approach. They study your case deeply and offer options—settlement, consolidation, or even credit counseling through their network. Their fees, usually 15% to 25% of your debt and they don’t charge until they’ve made real progress, which feels way better than handing over money right away.
Is Accredited Debt Relief Legit?
When you’re trusting someone with your money, you want to make sure they are not some night scam. Let’s talk about why Accredited Debt Relief is legit. They have helped over 500,000 people clear more than $1 billion in debt since 2011. They have got an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot from over 8,000 reviews—91% of those are five stars.
They’re backed by AADR and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and their parent company, Beyond Finance, had zero complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2024. That’s way better than some big names like Freedom Debt Relief, which got hit with a lawsuit in 2019 for hidden charges. Still, there are some companies which charge around 25% fee, and they only work in 30 states including D.C., so check if they are in your area.
Accredited Debt Relief Reviews: What Folks Are Saying
Nothing beats hearing from people who have walked the path you’re on. Let’s check out what real clients say about working with Accredited Debt Relief to get a feel for the ups and downs.
The Bright Side: Less Worry, More Hope
People often say it’s like a huge weight has been lifted. One client, Emma, wrote on Trustpilot:
“I was so scared to call, feeling like I’d totally messed up with my debt. They didn’t make me feel bad—they listened and got me a plan that’s saving me $600 a month.”
Another guy, Jake, said he is looking at $20,000 in savings by consolidating his credit card chaos. People love how the specialists take their time, explain things in in clear and easy terms, and make you feel like you have got a companion in your corner.
The Tough Stuff: Fees and Credit Bumps
Some say the 25% fee is too much, especially when you are already living penny by penny. And stopping payments to creditors during settlement can sharply decline your credit score—sometimes over 100 points. Those The impact can last for seven years, which could mess with plans like getting a car loan. But for a lot of people, the relief outweighs the hassle.
Can Accredited Debt Relief Get You to Financial Freedom?
Here’s the million-dollar question: can they really help you shake off the debt and feel free? Let’s figure out how their services match up with that dream and what you need to keep in mind.
What Freedom Really Means
To me, financial freedom is about sleeping easy, not freaking out over bills, or having a little extra for things that matter—like a weekend getaway or a new pair of boots. Accredited Debt Relief aims to get you there by reducing your debt and making payments easier to handle. Their settlement program can reduce monthly bills by 40% or more, and most folks are debt-free in 2 to 4 years.
Who It’s Good For
This is a great fit if you:
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Owe $10,000 or more in stuff like credit cards or medical bills.
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Can’t keep up with minimum payments and need some wiggle room.
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Don’t mind a credit score hit for long-term relief.
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Live in one of their 30 states, like California or Texas.
If you owe less or have debts tied to a house or car, you might want to try talking to creditors yourself or look into a debt management plan.
The Stuff to Watch Out For
You might get hit with late fees, higher interest rates, or even legal trouble. Moreover, if any of your debt gets forgiven, the IRS might treat it like income—which could mean a surprise tax bill. (That’s happened to more than a few people.) Talking to a tax expert can help you avoid that. And if you are planning to take out a big loan soon, the drop in your credit score could make it harder to get approved.
How Do Accredited Debt Relief Compare to Other Options?
To know if they’re your best bet, let’s see how they compare to other ways to tackle debt.
Accredited Debt Relief vs. National Debt Relief
National Debt Relief’ is similar, with a lower minimum debt ($7,500 vs. $10,000) and service in 47 states. Both charge 15% to 25% fees, but Accredited’s 4.9 Trustpilot score edges out National’s 4.7. If you want everything to be managed internally, National might be better since Accredited sometimes teams up with partners.
Accredited Debt Relief vs.Freedom Debt Relief
Freedom’s cleared $18 billion for over 1 million people but got hit with a 2019 CFPB lawsuit for hidden fees. Accredited’s cleaner record and 4.9 Trustpilot score (vs. Freedom’s 4.6) give it an edge over Freedom Debt Relief. Freedom’s fees are based on your starting debt, which can cost more. If you want friendly, helpful service, Accredited Debt Relief is better.
Other Options: Debt Management and Bankruptcy
A debt management plan through a nonprofit like American Consumer Credit Counseling lowers interest rates and bundles payments for about $39 upfront and $7 per account monthly. Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) can wipe out debts fast but leaves a public record and credit damage. A buddy of mine loved her DMP’s structure, but it took serious commitment.
Tips to Make Accredited Debt Relief Work for You
If you’re leaning toward them, here’s how to get the most out of it and steer clear of headaches.
- Do Your Homework: Check their BBB rating and Trustpilot reviews before you jump in. Call your state’s consumer protection office to make sure they’re legit where you live.
- Lay It All Out: Be real about your debts and budget when you talk to them. The more they know, the better they can build a plan that fits. Holding back could mess things up.
- Plan for Fees and Taxes: Budget for the 15% to 25% fees and possible taxes on forgiven debt. Settling $20,000 with a 25% fee means $5,000 in fees. Stash some cash for a potential tax hit.
- Keep an Eye on Your Credit: Settlement can sharply decrease your credit score, but you can bounce back. Pay other bills on time and avoid new debt.
Conclusion: Your Shot at a Fresh Start
Accredited Debt Relief can be a real lifeline if you’re buried under $10,000 or more in debt and struggling to keep your head above water. Their custom plans, no-upfront-fee setup, and awesome reviews—4.9 stars on Trustpilot and an A+ from the BBB—make them a solid choice. Folks like Emma and Jake talk about saving hundreds a month and feeling hopeful again. But it’s not a magic fix. The credit score drop, fees, and tax risks mean you’ve got to go in with your eyes open.
Give them a call at 800-497-1965 for a free chat or check their website to see if it’s a fit. Compare them to options like National Debt Relief or a nonprofit plan, and talk to a tax pro to cover your bases. You’re tougher than you think—take that first step toward financial freedom today.
FAQs
Is Accredited Debt Relief the real deal?
You bet—they’ve got an A+ BBB rating, AADR accreditation, and a 4.9-star Trustpilot score from over 8,000 reviews. They’ve helped 500,000 people clear $1 billion in debt since 2011. No CFPB complaints in 2024 makes them look pretty solid.
How does Accredited Debt Relief actually work?
They settle debts for less by negotiating with creditors or hook you up with consolidation loans. You save money in a special account, and they use it to settle debts over 2 to 4 years. It’s all built around what you can swing financially.
What’s the deal with their fees?
Fees are 15% to 25% of your enrolled debt, only paid when they settle something—usually around 25%. There’s no upfront cost, but some folks mention small setup or account fees. Ask for a clear rundown when you start.
Will this tank my credit score?
Yeah, stopping payments to creditors can drop your score by 100 points or more, and those marks hang around for seven years. You can rebuild by paying other bills on time. Think twice if you need good credit for something big soon.
Can I just haggle with creditors myself?
Sure, but it’s tough dealing with multiple creditors or if you’re not a pro negotiator. Accredited’s team often scores better deals, saving you hassle. Weigh the fees against what you might save going solo.
What if they don’t work in my state?
They cover 30 states plus D.C., like Florida and Texas. If you’re not in one, try National Debt Relief, which hits 47 states, or a nonprofit credit counselor. Their website or a quick call will let you know if they’re available.
