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Debt consolidation loans and debt settlement companies offer some borrowers a path to making their debts more manageable. But with the sheer number of businesses offering debt solutions, it’s difficult to find a reputable company that’s right for you.
We compiled the top twelve debt consolidation lenders and debt settlement companies of 2025, based on availability, rates and fees, user experience, and customer service. Our top picks include:
To identify the best debt consolidation lenders and debt settlement services, we evaluated companies using the following review categories:
Availability. We review the locations where the company does business, scope of its product and services, eligibility requirements, and types of debts eligible for consolidation or settlement.
Rates and fees. We determine affordability by reviewing the available annual percentage rates (APRs) and origination fees for loans, and the debt settlement fees and other service costs for debt settlement services. Then, we compare these costs with competitor pricing and industry standards.
User experience. We read the information on the company’s website, evaluate the application process, and review loan or debt settlement terms. In addition, we determine if the customer’s credit score will be impacted, check if there’s a mobile app, and look for additional benefits and features.
Customer service. We look at how many years a company has been in business, check its consumer ratings and complaints on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and review the company’s customer service channels.
Companies that perform well across all or most categories are considered for our Best of lists and sub-lists. Learn more about how we rate and review debt consolidation lenders and settlement companies in our full methodology.
Why we picked Freedom Debt Relief as a top debt settlement company: Freedom Debt Relief offers debt settlement services, meaning it’ll negotiate down the amount you owe your creditors and manage the repayment. It specializes in unsecured debt, like outstanding credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans.
Freedom’s mobile app allows you to manage settlement offers, track repayment progress, and see how much you’re saving on the go. It also happens to be the highest-rated mobile app, among the companies we reviewed, scoring 4.8 out of 5.0 stars on Google Play and 4.9 out of 5.0 stars on the Apple App Store.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the 41 states where Freedom Debt Relief does business
Have at least $7,500 in qualifying debt
Accept a debt settlement offer to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.6
BBB rating: A+ (BBB accredited)
Common complaints? Negative effects on credit scores, lack of refunds after termination of services
Common praise? Positive customer service experiences, successful debt negotiations
Contact channels: Phone (833-582-7700), email (info@freedomdebtrelief.com)
PROS
Read our Freedom Debt Relief review
Why we picked National Debt Relief as a top debt settlement company: National Debt Relief is a debt settlement service that negotiates your debts, then manages payments through an escrow fund.
The company also offers a broad range of services through partners, including debt consolidation loans, credit counseling, and bankruptcy referrals.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the 46 states where National Debt Relief does business
Have at least $10,000 in qualifying debt
Accept a debt settlement offer to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.7
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? High fees, lack of progress with debt resolution
Common praise? Transparent communications, easy enrollment process
Contact channels: Phone (800-300-9550)
PROS
Read our National Debt Relief Review
Why we picked JG Wentworth as a top debt settlement company: JG Wentworth offers debt settlement and can refer you to debt consolidation loans from MoneyLion. With 32 years in business, it is the oldest debt settlement company on this list, and also offers structured settlements, access to cash by selling your annuity payments, and referrals for credit cards, insurance, and home improvement companies.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the 43 states where JG Wentworth does business
Have $10,000 or more in qualifying debt
Accept a debt settlement offer to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.8
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Non-responsive customer service, payment issues
Common praise? Positive experiences with specific customer representatives
Contact channels: Phone (888-570-5240), email (debt@jgwentworth.com)
Why we picked Accredited Debt Relief as a top debt settlement company: Accredited Debt Relief has a strong customer reputation online, with one of the highest Trustpilot scores among debt settlement companies on this list, and BBB review scores among its top competitors. Plus, it partners with debt consolidation lenders that offer interest rates as low as 4.9%.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the 37 states where Accredited Debt Relief does business
Have at least $10,000 in qualifying debt
Accept a debt settlement offer to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.8
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Aggressive sales tactics, misleading sales process
Common praise? Good experiences with specific customer reps
Contact channels: Phone (800-497-1965), email (customerservice@acrelief.com)
Read our Accredited Debt Relief review
Why we picked Achieve as a top debt settlement company: Achieve has a lower barrier to entry, with debt settlement services available to borrowers with as little as $7,500 in debt. If the total debt settlement program ends up costing you more than the debt you had when you enrolled, Achieve will refund the difference. Achieve also offers debt consolidation loans.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the 39 states where Achieve does business
Have at least $7,500 in qualifying debt for debt settlement or apply for a loan of at least $5,000
For a loan, have a minimum credit score of 620
Accept a debt settlement or open a loan to get started
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.8
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Issues with applying payments to the correct creditors, hard inquiries on credit reports
Common praise? Easy signup process, customer service responsiveness
Contact channels: Phone (833-418-3097)
Why we picked ClearOne as a top debt settlement company: ClearOne only offers debt settlement services, with no pressure to refer customers for loans. The company’s website is transparent about the debt settlement process. Plus, ClearOne has teams of Certified Debt Specialists who provide a consultation to understand your specific needs and debts.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the states where ClearOne does business
Have at least $10,000 in qualifying debt
Enroll in a debt settlement plan
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.6
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Billing issues, difficulty with cancellation
Common praise? Positive interactions with specific customer service representatives
Contact channels: Phone (888-340-4697), email (customerservice@clearoneadvantage.com)
Why we picked Americor as a top debt settlement company: Americor operates in all 50 states, making it one of the few nationally available debt settlement companies. Debt settlement fees range as low as 14%, a full percentage point lower than many competitors. After six months in a debt resolution program, you can qualify for a debt consolidation loan.
How to qualify:
Have at least $7,500 in unsecured debts
Accept a debt settlement offer to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.8
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Aggressive sales tactics, lengthy debt settlement process
Common praise? Customer service interactions with specific customer service representatives
Contact channels: Phone (888-211-2660), email (info@americor.com)
Why we picked Pacific Debt Relief as a top debt settlement company: Pacific Debt Relief ably balances consumer reputation and availability. It has some of the strongest ratings with Trustpilot and the BBB on this list. Plus, while it doesn’t operate directly in all states, it will help U.S. residents everywhere by referring them to reputable partner organizations, including alternative debt settlement companies and legal firms.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the states where Pacific Debt Relief does business
Have at least $10,000 in qualifying debts
Accept a debt settlement to enroll in the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.8
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Misleading sales process, difficulty cancelling the service
Common praise? Helpful staff members
Contact channels: Phone (833-865-2028), email (cs@pacificdebt.com)
Read our Pacific Debt Relief review here
Why we picked Consolidated Credit as a top debt settlement company: Consolidated Credit provides debt settlement services nationwide, with settlement fees that can go as low as 10%, an industry standout. The company also offers U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- (HUD-) approved housing counseling, corporate financial wellness, and financial literacy programs for the military.
How to qualify:
Have at least $4,000 in debt
Review debt settlement services and enroll to start the program
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.7
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Poor customer service experiences, website glitches
Common praise? Successful debt settlement, easy payment process
Contact channels: Phone (844-285-9318), email (counselor@consolidatedcredit.org), chat (website)
Why we picked Upgrade as a top debt consolidation lender: One of the few pure lenders on this list, Upgrade provides debt consolidation loans to combine your existing debts for one single monthly payment. Upgrade offers loans with repayment terms of up to 84 months to borrowers with credit scores as low as 580. The lender also offers checking accounts, credit cards, and more.
How to qualify:
Have $1,000 to $50,000 in debt to consolidate
Have a credit score of at least 580
Apply for a loan with Upgrade
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.3
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Administrative and account issues
Common praise? Easy loan application and approval process
Contact channels: Phone (844-319-3909), email (support@upgrade.com)
Why we picked Lending Club as a top debt consolidation lender: Lending Club offers loans to consolidate multiple debts into a single debt, ideally with a lower interest rate than you were previously paying. Lending Club works with borrowers who have credit scores as low as 600. Plus, it is one of the most well-rounded companies on this list, offering a full range of banking services, other types of loans, and even investment options.
How to qualify:
Be a U.S. citizen or current resident
Be 18 years old and have a current bank account
Have up to $50,000 of debt to consolidate
Have a credit score of at least 600
Apply for a loan with Lending Club
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.6
BBB rating: A+ (BBB accredited)
Common complaints? Loan application issues, account lockouts
Common praise? Easy online application process and fast loan approvals
Contact channels: Phone (888-596-3157)
Read our Lending Club review here
Why we picked Reach Financial as a top debt consolidation lender: Reach Financial offers debt consolidation loans with APRs that range from 5.99% to 35.99%, undercutting many other lenders on the lower end of its spectrum. Plus, loan origination fees can go as low as 0%.
How to qualify:
Live in one of the states where Reach Financial does business
Have $3,500 to $40,000 of debt to consolidate
Prequalify for a loan on the website to see potential rates, fees, and repayment terms
Apply for a loan with Reach Financial
Customer service at a glance
Trustpilot score: 4.9
BBB rating: A+ (accredited)
Common complaints? Billing issues, confusion over loans taken out on referral from debt settlement partners
Common praise? Good customer service experiences, transparent application process
Contact channels: Phone (800-606-8200), email (support@reach.com)
Company | APR range | Loan amounts | Min. Credit Score | Repayment terms |
---|---|---|---|---|
15% to 25% of debt amount | $1,000 to $100,000-plus | N/A | Varies by creditor | |
15% to 25% of debt amount | N/A | N/A | Typically 24 to 48 months | |
7.99% to 35.99% | $5,000 to $25,000 | Not disclosed | 24 to 60 months | |
4.9% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $100,000 | Not disclosed | 4 to 84 months | |
8.99% to 29.99% | $5,000 to $50,000 | 620 | 24 to 60 months | |
Up to 25% of debt | From $10,000 | N/A | 24 to 60 months | |
14% to 29% of debt amount | N/A | N/A | 20 to 48 months | |
15% to 25% of debt | N/A | N/A | 24 to 48 months | |
9.99% to 35.99% | $1,000 to $50,000 | 580 | 24 to 84 months | |
8.91% to 35.99% | Up to $40,000 | 600 | 24 to 60 months | |
5.99% to 35.99% | $3,500 to $40,000 | Not disclosed | 24 to 60 months |
Debt consolidation occurs when you roll multiple high-interest debts into a singular monthly payment. Typically, this process involves taking out a debt consolidation loan.
Debt consolidation loans allow you to pay off outstanding unsecured debt, such as credit card balances and personal loans, with one interest rate and one monthly payment. They help streamline the repayment process and often reduce the total amount of interest you pay over time, saving you money and helping you get out of the red faster.
Some debt-strapped borrowers might alternately consolidate their outstanding balances by tapping a debt relief or debt settlement company. These companies negotiate with your creditors to reduce the amount you owe and create a repayment plan. Typically, this repayment plan involves one lump payment or several installment payments disbursed across multiple creditors.
In exchange for their services, debt relief companies typically charge between 10% and 30% of the settled amount. The hope, however, is that you’ll ultimately save money through negotiation and get out of debt faster.
While debt settlement may sound like a more attractive option to traditional debt consolidation loans, it can have a severe negative impact on your credit score.
More manageable repayments: In lieu of tracking and making multiple monthly payments across balances, debt consolidation allows you to make one payment each month to a single entity.
Money-saving opportunities: Debt consolidation loans potentially save you on interest, while debt settlement can lower the total amount of debt you owe.
Long-term positive impact on your credit score: While debt settlement in particular can hurt your credit score in the short run, getting out of debt and enabling healthier financial habits should improve your creditworthiness in the long run.
Extra fee or charges: Debt relief companies charge settlement fees, while debt consolidation lenders often charge origination fees and closing costs.
Unfavorable rates: Borrowers, particularly those with fair-to-bad credit, may be unable to qualify for low interest rates on new financing.
Negative impact on your credit score: Debt settlement, in particular, can do damage to your credit as, among other factors, you’re essentially failing to repay loans as originally agreed.
When you are struggling to pay multiple debts, each with its own due date and interest rate, taking out a debt consolidation loan can help reduce what you pay in interest and help you pay off your debts sooner.
It’s a good move in certain circumstances, says Thomas Holgate, Vice President of Auto Refinance at Way.com.
“The most important thing to look at is the total amount of payments to eradicate the debt,” Holgate says. “Sometimes when you consolidate, it will cost you a lot more over time, but If your immediate need is because you can't put food on the table, then you have to balance your goals.”
Taking out any kind of new loan may temporarily cause your credit score to drop — usually around five points or less — and a debt consolidation loan is no different.
However, it's worth keeping in mind the longer-term effect. If the amount you're borrowing enables you to pay off high-interest debt and get out of the red faster, it should ultimately improve your credit. Keep in mind, of course, that loan payments must be made on time for your credit to remain in good standing.
To qualify for a debt consolidation loan, review the lender's requirements. If your credit score isn’t adequate to get a good rate, work on building your credit. To do so, check your credit report for errors, ensure all loan payments are on time, and work to reduce your current debt levels.
You can also consider applying for a joint or co-signed loan with someone who has better credit than you or taking out a secured loan. These are easier to qualify for and tend to have favorable interest rates.
Finally, consider different types of lenders. Some lenders, like banks, may have strict requirements for qualifying for a loan, while online lenders or those that specialize in bad credit loans may have easier criteria.
When searching for the best debt consolidation loans, include the following steps:
Look for an APR lower than your existing debts. That way, you can save on the interest you pay.
Avoid origination fees if you can. Some lenders charge them, while others do not. Generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the better your chance of avoiding an origination fee or having it waived.
Check that the available loan amounts and terms match your debt. Some loans cap at a certain amount, which may be less than your total debt. Find a loan that will completely cover all your current debts. Also, look at how much you will pay per month per the debt consolidation loan repayment period.
Look for special debt consolidation features. Not all debt consolidation lenders operate the same way, so look for features that could be of interest. These can include: payment due date flexibility, direct creditor repayment, co-borrower allowance, and fee waivers for vulnerable or deserving groups such as veterans.
Assess a company’s reputation. See if the company is registered with the appropriate state or licensing agency. Check its status on reputable third-party platforms, like Trustpilot or the BBB.
Know what debts they work with. Most debt settlement companies specialize in unsecured debts, like credit cards, versus secured debts, like auto loans.
Understand the minimum debt requirements. Some debt settlement companies require at least $10,000 in outstanding debt to qualify for their programs, though there are a few agencies with lower or higher thresholds.
Determine the debt settlement fee. Typically, debt settlement costs between 10% and 25% of the total settled amount.
Study the fine print. Make sure you understand when the settlement fee is imposed, how to opt out of the program, and what fees you might incur as a participant, among other terms and conditions.
Debt consolidation loans aren’t for everyone. Here are a few other options to consider.
If you have a credit card, see if you’re eligible for a balance transfer offer. Often, credit card companies offer a promotion with low or no interest for balance transfers for a period of time. This offer can help you save on interest while paying off your debts.
Keep in mind you’ll start to accrue interest at the regular APR once the promotional period ends, so you’ll want to pay down your balances before then.
Also, ensure the offer isn’t subject to deferred interest (meaning interest is applied retroactively to the balance if it’s not paid off in full at the end of the promotional period.) Deferred interest is more common among store credit cards.
Home equity loans of HELOCs give you access to cash based on the equity you have accrued in your home. You can use these funds to pay off your debts. This option may have a low interest rate and long repayment period, but, if you are unable to pay off the loan, you could lose your home.
If your debts are overwhelming and you don’t know how to move forward, credit counseling can educate you on smarter financial practices to get out of debt, create a budget, and manage your money smartly.
Having a strategy for how you pay off your debts can speed up the process. One option is the snowball strategy, where you pay off the smallest debts first, then move on to the next. Another is the avalanche strategy, where you pay off the debts with the highest interest rate first to increase savings.
More debt consolidation loans we reviewed: 5Kfunds, Accredited Debt Relief, Achieve Resolution , AmOne, Century Support Services, ClearOne Advantage, CuraDebt, Debt Solution Network, Fast Track Financial, Freedom Debt Relief, GuideToLenders, JG Wentworth Debt Relief, LendingClub, Lending for Bad Credit, LendingTree, LoansUnder36, Monevo, MoneyLion, National Debt Relief, Optimal Debt Solutions, Pacific Debt, SuperMoney, Upstart and US Financial Alliance.