Debt Relief Programs 2025: Top 5 Options Compared

Are you drowning in debt and struggling to stay afloat? You’re not alone. Total credit card debt in the U.S. reached $1.08 trillion at the close of 2023.

Debt relief programs can help you negotiate payment plans. They can even reduce what you owe. Third-party organizations work directly with your creditors on your behalf.

Settle Debt for Less Without Minimum Requirements

Don't meet the $7,500 minimum for traditional debt relief? Solo helps you negotiate settlements for any amount. No upfront fees and legal defense included.

Start Settling Debt

We’ve reviewed five top debt relief programs for 2025. You can also settle your debt yourself with our partner Solo.

National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief helps clients save 23% to 25% on total debt. The company handles credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and other consumer debt.

Benefits of National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief offers several advantages:

Negotiate multiple debt types in one program
Customized plans that fit your budget
Monthly payment terms from 24 to 48 months
Extensive educational resources and transparency

The company shares real customer stories publicly. Some clients have reduced debts as high as $60,000.

Drawbacks of National Debt Relief

Consider these limitations before signing up:

Requires minimum debt of $7,500
Must prove financial hardship to qualify
Cannot help with past-due tax obligations

Despite these restrictions, the company’s transparency makes it worth considering.

Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief operates on a success-based model. You pay nothing until your debt is settled. Programs typically last 24 to 48 months.

Benefits of Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief provides these advantages:

Zero fees until debt settlement is complete
Personalized guidance throughout your program
Highly rated customer service team
Experienced negotiators who reduce total debt

The company has helped nearly 800,000 clients. Customer support is their strongest selling point.

Drawbacks of Freedom Debt Relief

Be aware of these potential issues:

Minimum debt requirement of $7,500
Past lawsuit from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Limited transparency about potential savings

The company’s customer service reputation may outweigh these concerns for many people.

Credit.org

Credit.org has 45 years of experience helping consumers. The nonprofit formerly operated as Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management.

Benefits of Credit.org

Credit.org stands out for these reasons:

Most core services are completely free
A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
Wide variety of services and educational content
Strong reputation built over decades

Donations and grants fund the organization. You can receive free credit consultations.

Drawbacks of Credit.org

The word “free” comes with some caveats:

Cost structure varies by location and situation
Some debt management plans require additional fees
Limited transparency about total costs

Credit.org still offers valuable budgeting and financial literacy resources.

CuraDebt

CuraDebt handles back taxes and IRS debts. Most other debt relief companies won’t touch tax obligations.

Benefits of CuraDebt

CuraDebt provides unique advantages:

Assistance with back taxes and IRS debts
Support for full range of consumer debts
Solid customer service with online chat
Lower minimum debt of just $5,000

CuraDebt fills a niche for consumers with complex debt situations.

Drawbacks of CuraDebt

The company has some shortcomings:

Lack of transparency about program details
Limited online educational resources

If you’re facing tax debt alongside consumer debt, CuraDebt may help.

Reach Financial

Reach Financial (formerly Liberty Lending) offers debt consolidation loans. You can receive payouts in as little as 24 hours.

Benefits of Reach Financial

Reach Financial offers these perks:

Low debt minimum of just $3,500
No prepayment penalties on loans
Simple online application process

The streamlined approach helps you get out of debt quickly.

Drawbacks of Reach Financial

The company is relatively new to debt relief:

Limited transparency about services and fees
Potentially higher interest rates than competitors
Few additional service offerings

Reach Financial may expand its services over time. For now, it’s a straightforward loan option.

Settle Your Debt Yourself

You don’t need a third party to negotiate debt. Our partner Solo helps you settle debts on your own terms.

Solo makes debt settlement easier by:

Including built-in legal defense if needed
Requiring no payments until you reach agreement
Working with any debt amount (no minimums)
Keeping you updated throughout the process

Consider Claire’s example. She owed $6,500 but couldn’t meet minimum requirements elsewhere. Solo helped her negotiate a payment plan and reduce her total debt.

You can respond to debt collectors through our partner Solo and negotiate settlements directly.

Facing a Debt Lawsuit?

Debt collectors sometimes file lawsuits over unpaid debts. You need to respond quickly to protect your rights.

Our partner Solo helps you prepare a legal Answer. The Answer asserts your defenses with the court and creditor.

Don’t ignore a court summons. Missing deadlines can result in default judgments against you. You could face wage garnishment or frozen bank accounts.

Solo walks you through each step of responding. You answer questions, and their system generates your legal documents. An attorney reviews everything before filing.

How to Choose the Right Debt Relief Program

Every debt situation is different. Consider these factors when choosing a program:

Your total debt amount and minimum requirements
Types of debt you need to address
Whether you owe back taxes
Your budget for monthly payments
How quickly you need relief

Programs with lower minimums may work better for smaller debts. Tax debt requires specialized help that not all companies provide.

Customer service matters when you’re navigating financial stress. Look for companies with strong reputations and transparent processes.

Some debt relief programs damage your credit score temporarily. Settlement programs often require you to stop making payments while negotiating. Creditors may report missed payments during negotiations.

Weigh the credit impact against your need for immediate relief. Sometimes a temporary credit score drop is worth eliminating overwhelming debt.

Alternatives to Debt Relief Programs

Debt relief programs aren’t your only option. Consider these alternatives:

Credit Counseling

Credit counselors help you create a budget and payment plan. Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling offers debt management plans that consolidate payments without new loans.

Debt Consolidation Loans

You can consolidate multiple debts into one loan. A single monthly payment with lower interest can make debt more manageable.

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers. You can save on interest while paying down debt. Watch out for transfer fees and promotional period end dates.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy provides legal protection from creditors. Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 creates a court-supervised repayment plan.

Bankruptcy seriously impacts your credit but offers a fresh start. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney to explore your options.

Protecting Yourself from Debt Relief Scams

Some companies prey on desperate consumers. Watch for these red flags:

Demands for upfront fees before any services
Guarantees to eliminate all your debt
Pressure to stop communicating with creditors
Promises to remove accurate negative information from credit reports
Lack of proper licensing or accreditation

Legitimate debt relief companies charge fees after settling debts. They’re transparent about their process and success rates.

Check company ratings with the Better Business Bureau. Read customer reviews on multiple platforms. Verify licensing in your state.

You have rights under federal law. The Federal Trade Commission regulates debt relief services. Companies must be truthful about services and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a debt relief program?

A debt relief program is a service that negotiates with your creditors on your behalf. The program may secure lower payments, reduced interest rates, or even reduce the total amount you owe. Third-party organizations handle communications with creditors while you make payments into a dedicated account.

How do I qualify for debt relief programs?

Most debt relief programs require between $3,500 and $7,500 in minimum debt. You typically need to demonstrate financial hardship. Programs work best with unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans usually don't qualify.

Can I settle debt without using a debt relief company?

Yes, you can negotiate directly with creditors yourself. Solo helps you settle debts on your own terms without minimum debt requirements. You pay no fees until you reach a settlement agreement. Self-settlement gives you more control over the process and can save money on company fees.

What happens to my credit score during debt relief?

Debt relief programs often hurt your credit score temporarily. Most programs require you to stop making payments while negotiating settlements. Creditors report these missed payments to credit bureaus. However, eliminating overwhelming debt may be worth the temporary credit impact for long-term financial health.

How long does a debt relief program take?

Most debt relief programs last 24 to 48 months. The timeline depends on your total debt amount, monthly payment capacity, and how quickly creditors agree to settlements. Some programs may resolve debts faster if you can make larger lump-sum payments.

Best Debt Relief Programs 2025: Compare Your Options