Is accredited debt relief trustworthy? (2024)

Is accredited debt relief trustworthy?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I trust accredited debt relief?

Is Accredited Debt Relief Legit? Yes, Accredited Debt Relief is a legitimate debt relief company. It's been in business for more than a decade, it's accredited by the AADR and certified by the IAPDA, and it has overwhelmingly positive reviews from past clients.

Is the debt relief program legit?

If a debt relief organization you're considering demands upfront payment, guarantees to settle your debts for a fraction of what you owe, refuses to send free information about its services, or promises to stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits, steer clear. Those are red flags that indicate a possible scam.

What is the disadvantage of debt relief program?

Cons of debt settlement

Creditors are not legally required to settle for less than you owe. Stopping payments on your bills (as most debt relief companies suggest) will damage your credit score. Debt settlement companies can charge fees. If over $600 is settled, the IRS will view this debt as a taxable income.

How do I know if a debt relief company is legit?

They Ask for Fees Upfront

This is the most obvious sign of a debt relief scam. If the person/company offers to help get rid of your debt but first you have to pay them a fee, they're probably lying to you. Cut off contact and file a complaint with us.

Who is better, national debt relief or accredited?

Accredited Debt Relief has a higher debt minimum than National Debt Relief, $10,000 compared to $7,500, so it's only a contender if you have at least that much debt. It's not available in every state. And it tends to charge a higher fee than NDR, usually 25% of the settled debt.

Does debt relief program hurt your credit?

Your credit card accounts will be closed and, in most cases, you'll have to live without credit cards until you complete the plan. (Many people do not complete them.) Debt management plans themselves do not affect your credit scores, but closing accounts can hurt your scores.

Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement?

While you can still use your open credit card accounts after debt consolidation, consumers should do so with caution. If you do use your credit card after debt consolidation, be sure to pay off your balance regularly.

How does Biden debt relief work?

If you received a Pell Grant in college and meet the income threshold, you will be eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief. If you did not receive a Pell Grant in college and meet the income threshold, you will be eligible for up to $10,000 in debt relief.

How to wipe credit card debt?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out unsecured debt such as credit cards, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you restructure debts into a payment plan over 3 to 5 years and may be best if you have assets you want to retain.

How long does it take to rebuild credit after debt settlement?

There is a high probability that you will be affected for a couple of months or even years after settling your debts. However, a debt settlement does not mean that your life needs to stop. You can begin rebuilding your credit score little by little. Your credit score will usually take between 6-24 months to improve.

Is debt settlement better than not paying?

Despite the potential downside, settling a debt by making partial repayment is better for your credit (and peace of mind) than neglecting it and leaving it unpaid. If you ignore a debt, the creditor will typically turn it over to a collection department or third-party collection agency.

What is the best debt relief company?

National Debt Relief is the best overall debt settlement company, according to our research. National Debt Relief's low-cost fee structure and referral service make it a top option for people struggling with debts. Our highest-rated debt settlement companies all charge similar fees, ranging from 15% to 25% of the debt.

Why is debt relief bad?

Using debt settlement options to reduce debt comes with several risks, including late payments on your credit report, potential charge-offs, settlement company fees, tax implications on forgiven balances, possible scams and the overall risk of settlement offers not working.

What happens to your credit after debt relief?

Key Takeaways. Debt settlement can eliminate outstanding obligations, but it can negatively impact your credit score. Stronger credit scores may be more significantly impacted by a debt settlement. The best type of debt to settle is a single large obligation that is one to three years past due.

Do debt relief companies charge a fee?

Key takeaways

Working with a debt management company can result in less debt or a faster payoff — but there are often hefty fees, often up to 25 percent of the debt enrolled, attached to the services. Working with a debt relief company often results in credit damage.

Will credit card debt be forgiven?

Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest. Or the credit card company might write off your debt.

What happens when you use a debt relief company?

Debt relief companies are for-profit businesses that charge you to negotiate with your creditors (the lenders you owe money) on your behalf. Their goal is to get creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe in exchange for settling the debt.

How to get rid of 10,000 credit card debt?

Can I buy a house after debt settlement?

Yes, you can buy a home after debt settlement. You'll just have to meet the lender's requirements to qualify for a mortgage. Unfortunately, that could be harder after you settle debt.

How to get rid of credit card debt without paying?

Bankruptcy is your best option for getting rid of debt without paying.

Should I close my credit card after debt consolidation?

Once your credit card balance is zero, you can still use it as long as you don't close the account. But if having it open will tempt you to rack up more charges, then closing it may be beneficial.

Can you get a new credit card after debt consolidation?

Yes, although it depends on your situation. If you have good credit and a limited amount of debt, you probably won't need to close your existing accounts. You can use a balance transfer or even a debt consolidation loan without this restriction. Getting a balance transfer credit card never comes with restrictions.

Does debt settlement close your account?

Most debt over $600 that's forgiven is considered taxable income and you'll need to report it on your annual taxes. Debt consolidation allows you to continue using your accounts once you pay them off. That's not the case with debt settlement since the lender will close the settled accounts.

Does the government provide debt relief?

While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify. The local housing authority pays the landlord directly.