Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
8 Best Debt Relief Companies of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · Next review December 26, 2026
National Debt Relief is the best company to get rid of credit card debt through settlement in 2026: its fee is capped at 25% of enrolled debt, nothing is charged until a debt is settled, and it reports clients save about 20% after fees. JG Wentworth suits people who want one flat 21% program fee, and Americor publishes the lowest starting fee at 14% of enrolled debt (fees checked on each company's site as of November 2026). If you can still afford to repay your cards in full at a lower rate, a nonprofit debt management plan usually costs less than any company here.
- Tools ranked
- 8
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- See table
By the numbers
- $81,905US households (consumer units) spent an average of $81,905 in 2025, up 4.3 percent from 2024.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $27,790US households spent an average of $27,790 on housing in 2025, 33.9 percent of total spending.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 3.7%US consumer prices rose 3.7 percent in the 12 months to September 2026, before seasonal adjustment.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 63%63 percent of US adults said in 2025 that they would cover a $400 emergency expense with cash or its equivalent, unchanged from 2024.Federal Reserve Board
- 47%Only 47 percent of Americans said they had enough savings or access to funds to cover a $1,000 emergency expense in Bankrate's 2026 survey.Bankrate
- 3.8%The US personal saving rate, personal saving as a share of disposable income, was 3.8 percent in September 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Debt Relief | 01 | 8.9 | 8.6 | Customup to 25% of enrolled debt, charged as debts settle | No |
| Americor | 02 | 8.6 | 8.3 | Custom14% to 29% of enrolled debt | No |
| JG Wentworth | 03 | 8.6 | 8.8 | Custom21% program fee on enrolled debt | No |
| Liberty Debt Relief | 04 | 8.3 | 7.9 | Customup to 29% of enrolled debt | No |
| Pacific Debt Relief | 05 | 8.1 | 8.2 | Customtotal cost about 65% to 85% of enrolled debt including fees | No |
| ClearOne Advantage | 06 | 7.9 | 7.4 | Check price | No |
| DMB Financial | 07 | 7.6 | 7.2 | Check price | No |
| New Era Debt Solutions | 08 | 7.6 | 7.3 | Check price | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for people carrying heavy credit card balances who are comparing debt settlement companies, the firms that negotiate with card issuers to accept less than the full balance. We compared documented features and published fees on each company's own site in November 2026; we did not enroll in any program. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Value reflects the published fee, or a low score when no fee is published, features cover program track record, accreditation and tools, and ease of use reflects how simple it is to start and follow the program. Settlement fees are a percentage of the debt you enroll, so on $20,000 of card debt a 21% fee is $4,200. Freedom Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief were considered, but their sites could not be checked from our location, so they are not ranked. CuraDebt was dropped because its site now refers consumers to independent providers instead of running its own program.
The verdict
Debt settlement can cut what you repay on credit cards, but it costs a fee of roughly a fifth to over a quarter of the enrolled debt and will hurt your credit while accounts go unpaid. National Debt Relief ranks first because it caps its fee at 25%, discloses an average 20% saving after fees and has settled over $20 billion since 2009. JG Wentworth is second with the clearest price, a single 21% program fee. Americor has the widest fee range, 14% to 29%, and a consolidation loan option after six months in the program. Liberty Debt Relief adds a mobile app, Pacific Debt Relief discloses the total cost including fees, and ClearOne Advantage, New Era Debt Solutions and DMB Financial rank lower mainly because they do not publish their fee.
- 01Top value
National Debt Relief
8.9/10Debt settlement company, founded in 2009, that negotiates down credit card and personal loan balances for a performance-based fee.
Price
Customup to 25% of enrolled debt, charged as debts settle
No upfront fee; fee varies by state and debt amount, up to 25% of enrolled debt
“Our fees vary by state and the amount of your debt (up to 25% of your enrolled debt).” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 9.3
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.9
Best forpeople with large card balances who want the biggest, most established settlement firm
National Debt Relief ranks first because it pairs a clear fee cap with the largest track record on this list. The company says its fee varies by state and debt amount, up to 25% of your enrolled debt, and that it earns nothing until a debt is settled. You make one monthly deposit into a Dedicated Savings Account in your name; as the balance builds, negotiators contact your card issuers, and you authorize each payment of the reduced amount. National Debt Relief reports over $20 billion in debt settled and more than 1.5 million people enrolled since 2009, an A+ BBB rating, ACDR membership and Platinum accreditation from the IAPDA. Its disclosure is also unusually honest about cost: clients who settle all enrolled debt save about 45% before fees, or 20% after them, over 24 to 48 months. The trade-off is the same as with every settlement company: you stop paying the enrolled cards, so your credit will suffer while the program runs.
- ✓Discloses savings after fees: about 20% for clients who settle all enrolled debt
- ✓A+ BBB rating, ACDR member and Platinum Accredited by the IAPDA
- ✓Deposit schedule can be customized to your pay dates
- ✕Fee can reach 25% of enrolled debt depending on your state
- ✕Savings fall from about 45% before fees to 20% after fees
- ✕Missed card payments during the program will hurt your credit
- Fee:
- Up to 25% of enrolled debt
- Program length:
- 24 to 48 months
- Debt settled:
- Over $20 billion
- In business since:
- 2009
- Accreditation:
- ACDR member, IAPDA Platinum
Bottom line: National Debt Relief is the best choice for most people with heavy credit card debt because its fee is capped at 25% of enrolled debt and it discloses an average 20% saving after fees. Pick JG Wentworth instead if you want one flat fee percentage.
- 02
Americor
8.6/10Debt relief company in Irvine, California, that runs the Americor Advantage debt resolution program and offers consolidation loans through partner Credit9.
Price
Custom14% to 29% of enrolled debt
No upfront or cancellation fees; fees range from 14% to 29% of enrolled debt
“Fees are based on a percentage of your enrolled debt at the time of starting the program and range from 14%-29% of your enrolled debt.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.3
- Features (35%)
- 8.9
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.5
Best forpeople who might qualify for a consolidation loan partway through settlement
Americor ranks third because it publishes more program detail than most settlement firms, including the lowest starting fee on this list. Its disclosures say fees are based on enrolled debt at the start and range from 14% to 29%, and that clients who make every payment save about 45% before fees. The majority of completing clients finish in 24 to 48 months, with an average of 35, and the first settlement usually arrives 3 to 6 months after enrollment. A distinctive feature is the Credit9 partnership: after six months in the Americor Advantage program, clients can qualify for a consolidation loan to pay off creditors. Americor reports more than 200,000 people helped, over $2 billion of debt relieved and an A+ BBB rating. The wide fee range is the catch, because the same balance could cost 14% or 29% depending on your state and situation. Clients also need to save at least 25% of each debt before an offer is made.
- ✓Lowest published starting fee on this list at 14%
- ✓Discloses the average program length (35 months) and timing of first settlement
- ✓No sign-up or cancellation fees, and clients may withdraw at any time
- ✕Fees can reach 29%, the highest published ceiling here with Liberty
- ✕Clients must save at least 25% of each debt before a settlement offer is made
- ✕Some programs are run through a partner law firm rather than Americor
- Fee:
- 14% to 29% of enrolled debt
- Average savings before fees:
- 45%
- Average program length:
- 35 months
- Debt relieved:
- Over $2 billion
- Clients helped:
- Over 200,000
Bottom line: Americor is the best choice for people who want a path from settlement to a consolidation loan because Americor Advantage clients can apply through Credit9 after six months. Ask for your exact fee, since the published range runs from 14% to 29%.
- 03
JG Wentworth
8.6/10Debt resolution program from JGW Debt Settlement, LLC, part of the J.G. Wentworth group, for credit card and personal loan debt.
Price
Custom21% program fee on enrolled debt
No upfront fees; 21% program fee on enrolled debt
“Clients who complete the program and settle all enrolled debt realize an average overall savings of 44% before our 21% program fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.5
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forpeople who want one published fee percentage before they call
JG Wentworth ranks second because it publishes the clearest price in debt settlement: its disclosures state an average 44% saving before "our 21% program fee". The program is run by JGW Debt Settlement, LLC and has been offered since 2019, while the wider J.G. Wentworth group reports 375,000+ customers since 1991 and BBB accreditation since 1994. Applying takes less than 5 minutes, prequalification does not affect your credit score, and a Certified Debt Specialist explains options before you enroll. JG Wentworth says the program fits best with $10,000 or more in unsecured debt and lists an average monthly payment reduction of $329 on $25,000 of enrolled debt. Most customers finish in 24 to 48 months, though the disclosures allow up to 60. The limits: JGW runs the program directly in 28 states plus DC and Puerto Rico, and consumers elsewhere may be referred to a law firm, and the debt relief business itself is younger than most rivals here.
- ✓The only company here that states one fee percentage for its program
- ✓Discloses the date range of the client data behind its savings figure
- ✓Parent group reports 375,000+ customers served since 1991 and BBB accreditation since 1994
- ✕Debt relief has only been offered since 2019
- ✕Direct program covers 28 states plus DC and Puerto Rico; elsewhere you may be connected with a law firm
- ✕Recommended for $10,000 or more in unsecured debt
- Fee:
- 21% program fee
- Average savings before fees:
- 44%
- Program length:
- 24 to 60 months
- Debt relief offered since:
- 2019
- Suggested minimum debt:
- $10,000 in unsecured debt
Bottom line: JG Wentworth is the best choice for people who want to know the price before they call because it publishes a single 21% program fee. Its debt relief program is newer than most, dating from 2019.
- 04
Liberty Debt Relief
8.3/10Debt settlement company that settles credit card, medical and personal loan debt and offers a mobile app for tracking the program.
Price
Customup to 29% of enrolled debt
No upfront fees; fees up to 29% of enrolled debt, collected after settlement
“Fees up to 29% of the debt enrolled into clients monthly program will be collected after debt is settled and/or work is complete.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.9
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forpeople who want to follow their program in a mobile app
Liberty Debt Relief ranks fourth on the strength of its client tools and plain explanation of which debts qualify. Its mobile app lets you review enrolled accounts, track progress, upload documents, manage payments and receive updates, which none of the higher-ranked companies promote. Deposits go into an FDIC-insured Dedicated Account in your name, and Liberty pays each settlement and its program fee from that account only after you approve. The site lists eligible debts, including credit cards, medical bills, most personal loans, collections and some private student loans, and says it cannot help with taxes, secured loans or federal student loans. Phone support runs 24/7, and you can leave without a termination fee. Value scores lower because Liberty's disclosure allows fees up to 29% of enrolled debt, the top of the published range, and it does not state a typical rate. It reports helping over 31,000 customers and holds an A+ BBB rating and AADR accreditation.
- ✓Only company here that promotes a dedicated mobile app for clients
- ✓Lists exactly which debts it can and cannot enroll
- ✓A+ BBB rating and AADR accreditation
- ✕Fee ceiling of 29% is the highest published here, alongside Americor
- ✕Reports over 31,000 customers, a smaller client base than the top three
- ✕Its $100 million debt resolved figure includes partner companies
- Fee:
- Up to 29% of enrolled debt
- Program length:
- As little as 24 to 48 months
- Customers helped:
- Over 31,000
- Mobile app:
- Yes
- Accreditation:
- AADR, BBB A+
Bottom line: Liberty Debt Relief is the best choice for people who want to manage their settlement program from their phone because its app shows enrolled accounts, progress and payments. Its fee can reach 29% of enrolled debt, so compare quotes.
- 05
Pacific Debt Relief
8.1/10San Diego debt settlement company, founded in 2002, that negotiates credit card and other unsecured debt for clients nationwide.
Price
Customtotal cost about 65% to 85% of enrolled debt including fees
No upfront fees; completing clients pay about 65% to 85% of enrolled debt including fees
“Clients who make all their monthly program deposits pay approximately 50% of their enrolled balance before fees, or 65% to 85% including fees, over 24 to 48 months” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forpeople who want to see the total cost including fees before enrolling
Pacific Debt Relief ranks fifth because it tells you the number most companies leave out: what you pay in total. Its disclosure says clients who make every deposit pay about 50% of their enrolled balance before fees, or 65% to 85% including fees, over 24 to 48 months. That means a $20,000 balance would cost roughly $13,000 to $17,000 all in. The fee percentage itself is not published; the FAQ says it depends on your total debt at enrollment and your state, and nothing is charged up front. Founded in San Diego in 2002, the company reports over $500 million settled and service in 32 states. A Client Success team sends monthly updates, and staff ask for your approval of every settlement. Pacific is an ACDR accredited member and BBB accredited. It ranks below the top four because it covers fewer states and you need a call to learn your exact fee rate.
- ✓Publishes the total cost including fees, not only savings before fees
- ✓In business since 2002, with $500 million or more settled
- ✓ACDR accredited member and BBB accredited
- ✕Does not publish the fee percentage itself; it varies by debt and state
- ✕Serves 32 states, fewer than the national firms
- ✕Some programs can run longer than 48 months
- Total cost including fees:
- About 65% to 85% of enrolled debt
- Program length:
- 24 to 48 months
- Founded:
- 2002, San Diego
- Debt settled:
- $500 million+
- States served:
- 32
Bottom line: Pacific Debt Relief is the best choice for people who want the all-in cost up front because it discloses that completing clients pay about 65% to 85% of enrolled debt including fees. It serves 32 states.
- 06
ClearOne Advantage
7.9/10Debt settlement company, in business since 2008, that resolves credit card and other unsecured debt with one monthly payment.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forpeople who want to approve every settlement and fee one by one
ClearOne Advantage ranks sixth because its process gives you control over every fee, but it does not publish what that fee is. The company says there is no upfront cost to enroll, and that its fee is earned only once you approve a settlement and at least one payment is made to the creditor. Each settlement offer and the fee for that settlement are presented for your approval. Fees are a percentage of the enrolled debt, yet ClearOne gives no number or range, and it notes that some third-party fees may apply. It has worked with clients since 2008, is an accredited member of the ACDR and holds a BBB A+ rating; its site shows a 4.8 TrustScore from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews. Certified Debt Specialists design the plan, and ClearOne also lists programs for personal loans and small business debt. Without a published fee, value scores lower than the companies above.
- ✓You see and approve the fee on every individual settlement
- ✓TrustScore 4.8 from 10,000+ Trustpilot reviews, as shown on its site
- ✓ACDR accredited member with a BBB A+ rating
- ✕Does not publish its fee percentage or any range
- ✕No published average savings or program length on the pages we checked
- ✕Says some third-party fees may apply
- Fee:
- Percentage of enrolled debt, not published
- In business since:
- 2008
- Upfront fees:
- None
- Accreditation:
- ACDR, BBB A+
Bottom line: ClearOne Advantage is the best choice for people who want to approve each fee individually because every settlement offer and its fee are presented for approval. It does not publish its fee percentage, so get a written quote.
- 07
DMB Financial
7.6/10Massachusetts debt settlement company, founded in 2003, that restructures credit card balances into one monthly program payment.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.2
- Features (35%)
- 7.7
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.9
Best forpeople who want a dedicated client services representative
DMB Financial ranks eighth. Founded in 2003 and based in Beverly, Massachusetts, it reports managing over $1 billion of debt for more than 30,000 people, and it is an accredited member of the American Fair Credit Council with an A+ BBB rating. The process starts with a free consultation with a certified Program Consultant, after which you make monthly deposits into a dedicated FDIC-insured savings account you control while DMB negotiates reductions with your creditors. Its main selling point is personal service: each client gets a dedicated client services representative they can contact directly, and phones are staffed 9am to 9pm Eastern on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. DMB says you could be debt free in 36 to 48 months, which starts later than the 24 month minimum others quote. It ranks last because its site publishes no fee percentage and no average savings, so its cost cannot be compared without a call.
- ✓Assigns a dedicated representative you can reach directly
- ✓In business since 2003 with an A+ BBB rating
- ✓Accredited member of the American Fair Credit Council
- ✕Does not publish its fee percentage or savings figures
- ✕Typical 36 to 48 month plans are longer at the short end than rivals' 24 months
- ✕Phone hours are limited to weekdays and Saturday
- Fee:
- Not published
- Program length:
- 36 to 48 months
- Founded:
- 2003
- Debt managed:
- Over $1 billion
- Accreditation:
- American Fair Credit Council, BBB A+
Bottom line: DMB Financial is the best choice for people who want one dedicated representative through the whole program because it assigns one to each client. It does not publish fees, so compare its written quote with the companies ranked above.
- 08
New Era Debt Solutions
7.6/10Family-owned debt settlement company, in business since 1999, that negotiates credit card debt for less than the balance.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.3
- Features (35%)
- 7.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forpeople who prefer a small, family-run settlement firm
New Era Debt Solutions ranks seventh. It is the oldest company on this list, family owned and family run since 1999, and reports over $275,000,000 in debt settled in that time. It has been BBB accredited since 2001 with an A+ rating. New Era charges no upfront fees until a debt is resolved and asks for one monthly deposit, and its site includes a debt savings calculator that estimates time and cost from your balance and average interest rate. The site lists each state it serves; in many of them, marked with an asterisk, the program runs in association with its affiliate law firm CFLN. The weakness is disclosure: the pages we checked give no fee percentage, program length or average savings figure, only that fees may differ by state. That leaves value and features below the firms that publish their numbers, and you will need a phone consultation to compare its cost.
- ✓Family owned and run since 1999, the longest history on this list
- ✓BBB accredited since 2001 with an A+ rating
- ✓Publishes the exact list of states it serves
- ✕Does not publish its fee percentage, program length or average savings on the pages we checked
- ✕In many states the program is run with an affiliate law firm
- ✕Smaller settled volume than the national firms
- Fee:
- Not published
- In business since:
- 1999
- Debt settled:
- Over $275,000,000
- BBB accredited since:
- 2001
Bottom line: New Era Debt Solutions is the best choice for people who want a long-running, family-owned firm because it has settled debt since 1999 and been BBB accredited since 2001. It does not publish its fee, so get a quote before you compare.
What to check before you pay
Compare the fee as a percentage of enrolled debt
Every company here charges a share of the debt you enroll, not a monthly subscription. Published figures range from 14% at the low end of Americor's range to up to 29% at Americor and Liberty Debt Relief. JG Wentworth states a 21% program fee and National Debt Relief caps its fee at 25%. Ask for your exact percentage in writing before you sign.
Look at savings after fees, not before
Advertised savings are usually quoted before fees. National Debt Relief says completing clients save about 45% before fees but 20% including its fees. Pacific Debt Relief says clients pay about 65% to 85% of their enrolled balance including fees. The after-fee number is the one that matters.
Never pay up front
Federal rules bar settlement companies that sell by phone from charging before they settle a debt, and seven of the eight companies here state on their sites that they charge no upfront fees. You save into a dedicated account in your name, and the fee is taken only after you approve a settlement and a payment is made.
Expect 2 to 4 years and a credit hit
Most programs here run 24 to 48 months; JG Wentworth says some run to 60 months. While you save, you stop paying the enrolled cards, so late payments, collection calls and possible lawsuits are part of the process. Forgiven debt may also be taxable income.
Check whether a nonprofit plan would work first
If you can afford to repay the full balance at a lower interest rate, a debt management plan from a nonprofit credit counselor usually costs about $25 to $40 a month and does less damage to your credit. Settlement fits best when you are already behind and cannot repay in full.
FAQ
What is the best company to get rid of credit card debt?
National Debt Relief is the best debt settlement company for most people with heavy credit card debt. Its fee is capped at 25% of enrolled debt, it charges nothing until a debt is settled, and it says completing clients save about 20% after fees. If you can still repay in full at a lower rate, a nonprofit credit counselor is usually cheaper.
How much do debt relief companies charge?
Most charge about 14% to 29% of the debt you enroll. Americor publishes a range of 14% to 29%, JG Wentworth states a 21% program fee, National Debt Relief caps fees at 25% and Liberty Debt Relief charges up to 29%.
Do debt relief companies charge upfront fees?
No, they should not, and seven of the eight companies here say they charge none. National Debt Relief, JG Wentworth, Americor, Liberty Debt Relief, Pacific Debt Relief, ClearOne Advantage and New Era Debt Solutions collect fees only after a debt is resolved; ask DMB Financial to confirm its terms in writing.
How long does debt settlement take?
Usually 24 to 48 months. Americor says its completing clients average 35 months, DMB Financial quotes 36 to 48 months and JG Wentworth says programs can run up to 60 months.
How much can I save with debt settlement?
About 20% to 35% of enrolled debt after fees, based on company disclosures. National Debt Relief reports 45% before fees and 20% after, and Pacific Debt Relief says clients pay 65% to 85% of the enrolled balance including fees.
Will debt settlement hurt my credit score?
Yes. Every company here warns that settlement will likely hurt your creditworthiness, because you stop paying enrolled accounts while you save. Creditors may also add fees and interest, send accounts to collections or sue.
Is debt settlement better than a debt management plan?
Not if you can afford to repay the full balance. A nonprofit debt management plan repays everything at a lower interest rate for about $25 to $40 a month in fees, while settlement cuts the balance but costs 14% to 29% of enrolled debt and damages your credit.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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