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Scoreboard · Debt relief
Debt Relief Scoreboard: Six Options, Same Five Criteria
Debt relief is the industry where rankings are most often bought. This scoreboard scores six options, including free nonprofit counseling and bankruptcy, on published criteria and labels the row that pays us. Our partner First Advantage wins the "first step" slot because its consultation is free and it matches rather than sells; it is not a settlement company and we don't score it as one.
Our take in 10 seconds
Start with the free options and a free consultation, then pay for relief only if the balance is $15,000 or more and the payments truly don't fit. Nonprofit counseling wins if you can repay in full at lower rates. Settlement wins if you can't. Bankruptcy wins more often than people admit.
Paid partner link. Scored on the same rubric as every other option below.
The scoreboard
Every option, scored 1–10 on the same five criteria
Scores and facts last verified September 5, 2026. Sorted by overall score. Rows marked Partner pay us a commission if you apply through them and are scored on exactly the same rubric. Non-partners are here because they belong here; we don't link to them.
Your unsecured debt · tap to highlight what fits
First Advantage PartnerFits you
Best for: First step, $15k+ unsecured debt
8.4/10
Min debt~$15k
CostFree consultation
TimelineSame week to options
Credit impactNone from the consult
Cost9
Access8
Speed9
Transparency8
Fit8
Why this score: Free and fast, and matching beats committing blind; scored as a first step, not a program.
Free consultation that matches you to third-party relief providers; not a lender or debt settlement company. Best used to see options side by side before committing to any program.
Nonprofit credit counseling (NFCC agencies)Fits you
Best for: Full repayment at lower rates
8.0/10
Min debtAny
CostSmall monthly fee
Timeline3–5 years
Credit impactMinimal
Cost9
Access9
Speed7
Transparency9
Fit6
Why this score: Cheapest way to lower rates while repaying in full; does nothing about principal.
Debt management plans cut card rates with small monthly fees; you repay in full over 3–5 years. Little credit damage. Does not reduce principal.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7)Fits you
Best for: Overwhelming debt, few assets
8.0/10
Min debtAny
CostAttorney + filing fees
Timeline3–6 months
Credit impactLong mark, fast recovery
Cost8
Access10
Speed8
Transparency9
Fit5
Why this score: Highest access and fastest true reset; lower fit because it is a last resort and not for everyone.
Attorney and filing costs, then a discharge in a few months. The fastest true reset; long credit mark; not for everyone but underrated.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
National Debt ReliefFits you
Best for: Direct settlement, large balances
6.0/10
Min debt~$7,500
Cost15–25% of enrolled debt
Timeline2–4 years
Credit impactSignificant during program
Cost5
Access7
Speed4
Transparency7
Fit7
Why this score: Effective at reducing balances; fees and credit damage cost it on two criteria.
Negotiates balances down for a fee of roughly 15–25% of enrolled debt. Takes 2–4 years and damages credit during the program. Established and accredited.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Freedom Debt ReliefFits you
Best for: Direct settlement, large balances
6.0/10
Min debt~$7,500
Cost15–25% of enrolled debt
Timeline2–4 years
Credit impactSignificant during program
Cost5
Access7
Speed4
Transparency7
Fit7
Why this score: Same trade-offs as National with a strong client dashboard.
One of the largest settlement firms, similar fee structure and timeline to National. Strong dashboard, same credit trade-off.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Accredited Debt ReliefFits you
Best for: Settlement with consolidation referrals
5.8/10
Min debt~$10k
Cost15–25% of enrolled debt
Timeline2–4 years
Credit impactSignificant during program
Cost5
Access7
Speed5
Transparency6
Fit6
Why this score: Settlement plus loan referrals; industry-standard fees and timeline.
Settlement plus referrals to consolidation loans when credit allows. Fees and timeline in line with the industry.
Not a partner · pays us $0 · no link by policy
Match your situation
Who wins for whom
Not sure which path fits
First Advantage consultation
Can repay in full at lower rates
Nonprofit counseling / DMP
$15k+ and payments do not fit
Settlement via a matched provider
Few assets, overwhelming debt
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
$15,000 or more in unsecured debt?A free consultation lays out settlement, management plans and consolidation side by side. No obligation.
Paid partner link · First Advantage is not a lender or debt settlement company; it connects consumers with third-party debt relief providers. Results vary. Typically for $15,000+ in unsecured debt.
How we score
The five criteria
CostRates and fees relative to the credit tier served. Origination and admin fees weigh heavily.
AccessHow far down the credit ladder the product actually approves, and how it treats thin files.
SpeedTime from application to money, quote, or first reported payment.
TransparencyClear pricing before a hard pull, plain disclosures, no bait terms.
FitHow many real situations it serves well, not just the ideal customer.
Scores use published terms, our own application tests, and reader reports. Facts are re-checked quarterly and after any partner change. Full method on our how we rank page.
Who gets paid on this page
First Advantage — if you request a debt consultation through our linkpays us a commission
Every other company discussedpays us $0
If that changes, this box changes the same day. How we rank →
Questions
FAQ
Is First Advantage a debt settlement company?
No. It is a matching service: a free consultation connects you with third-party debt relief providers. That is why it scores well on cost and speed and why it belongs at the start of the process, not the end.
What's the cheapest debt relief option?
Nonprofit credit counseling, if you can repay in full at reduced rates. If you can't, settlement reduces the balance but charges 15–25% of enrolled debt and damages credit during the program.
How much debt do you need for debt relief?
Settlement programs typically want $7,500 to $15,000 or more in unsecured debt; the partner consultation on this page is built around $15,000+. Smaller balances are usually better served by counseling or a consolidation loan.
Does debt relief hurt your credit?
Settlement does, for the duration of the program and some time after. Debt management plans barely do. Bankruptcy has the longest mark but often the fastest recovery afterward because the debt is gone.
Why is bankruptcy on a debt relief scoreboard?
Because for some people it is the right answer and the industry rarely says so. With few assets and overwhelming unsecured debt, a Chapter 7 discharge is faster and cheaper than years of settlement.