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Free • No Obligation • Takes 2 Minutes

Settle Your Debt for
Less Than You Owe

Debt settlement can reduce what you owe by up to 50%. Compare the top-rated settlement programs and find out if you qualify — free, in minutes.

See If You Qualify — Free How It Works
100% Free Consultation
Settle for 40–60% Less
850,000+ People Helped
No Upfront Fees
What Is Debt Settlement?

Pay Less Than You Owe — Legally

Debt settlement is a proven strategy where a company negotiates with your creditors to accept a reduced lump-sum payment to resolve your debt. You could pay off $20,000 in debt for as little as $8,000–$12,000.

50%
Average debt reduction achieved through settlement
24–48
Months to complete a typical settlement program
$0
Upfront fees with accredited settlement companies
$7,500
Minimum unsecured debt to qualify for most programs
Simple Process

How Debt Settlement Works

The process is straightforward. Here’s what happens from start to finish.

01

Free Consultation

Speak with a certified debt specialist who reviews your situation and tells you exactly how much you could save. No cost, no obligation.

02

Build Your Fund

Instead of paying creditors, you deposit money monthly into a dedicated savings account. This becomes your settlement fund.

03

Negotiate

Expert negotiators contact each creditor and work to settle your debts for significantly less than the balance owed.

04

Debt Free

Once each settlement is approved and paid, that debt is resolved. Most programs complete in 24–48 months.

Do You Qualify?

Is Debt Settlement Right for You?

Debt settlement works best for specific situations. Here’s a quick guide.

✓ Good Candidate If You Have…

  • $7,500+ in unsecured debt
  • Credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans
  • Missed payments or struggling to keep up
  • Some monthly income to set aside
  • Want to avoid bankruptcy
  • Can accept a temporary credit score drop

✗ May Not Be Right If You Have…

  • Mostly secured debt (mortgage, car loan)
  • Less than $7,500 in total debt
  • Strong credit you want to protect
  • Student loans (federal loans don’t qualify)
  • No income to fund a savings account
Reviewed & Verified

Top Debt Settlement Companies

We’ve reviewed the leading companies. These are our top picks for 2026.

National Debt Relief
#1 Pick
★★★★★

Our top-rated debt settlement company. A+ BBB rating, AFCC accredited, and a proven track record of helping clients reduce debt by up to 50%.

Min. Debt: $7,500 Savings: Up to 50%
Get Free Consultation

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Freedom Debt Relief
#2 Pick
★★★★★

America’s largest debt settlement company. Has resolved over $18 billion in debt for 850,000+ clients since 2002. Fully online process.

Min. Debt: $7,500 Since: 2002
Get Free Consultation

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Accredited Debt Relief
★★★★½

Excellent for $10,000+ in unsecured debt. A+ BBB rating and strong client satisfaction scores. Works with a network of top settlement providers.

Min. Debt: $10,000 BBB: A+
See If You Qualify

Advertising disclosure

Find Out How Much You Could Save

Get a free, no-obligation debt analysis in minutes. No credit check required. See exactly how much a settlement program could save you.

Check If You Qualify — Free
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with debt settlement? +
Results vary, but many clients reduce their total debt by 40–60% before fees. After paying the settlement company’s fee (typically 15–25% of enrolled debt), the net savings are still significant compared to paying the full balance plus interest over time.
Will debt settlement hurt my credit score? +
Yes, in the short term. Because you stop paying creditors during the program, your credit score will decline. However, once your debts are settled and balances cleared, most clients see meaningful credit score recovery within 12–24 months of completing the program.
What types of debt can be settled? +
Debt settlement works for unsecured debts — primarily credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and some business debts. It does not work for secured debts like mortgages or auto loans, or for most federal student loans.
Are debt settlement companies legitimate? +
Yes — reputable companies are legitimate and regulated. Look for AFCC or IAPDA accreditation and an A or A+ BBB rating. Avoid any company that charges upfront fees before settling a debt, which is prohibited by FTC regulations.
How long does debt settlement take? +
Most debt settlement programs are completed in 24 to 48 months. The timeline depends on the total amount of debt enrolled and the size of your monthly deposits into the dedicated savings account.
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