Accredited Debt Relief Review: What to Know Before You Enroll

Accredited Debt Relief is a well-known debt settlement company that claims it can help shrink your debt and make it more manageable. Sounds great, right? Sure — but if we dig into the details, is it still going to be that straightforward? Let’s find out!

In our breakdown, we explain how Accredited Debt Relief works, who it’s really for, what it’ll cost you and what actual customers have to say about their experience.

Read on to determine if Accredited Debt Relief is the right solution for your current debt situation.

What Is Accredited Debt Relief?

Accredited Debt Relief isn’t a lending company. Instead, it’s a debt settlement company that helps people negotiate down unsecured debts — typically credit cards, medical bills and personal loans.

Founded in 2011 and based in San Diego, Accredited Debt Relief works with third-party partners to negotiate settlements, usually for less than the full balance owed. The company has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which adds to its credibility.

If you’re drowning in unsecured debt and feel like you’re out of options, Accredited might be worth a look.

How the Debt Settlement Process Works

Before you opt into a debt relief program, you can set up a free debt consultation with Accredited — they’ll talk you through different options depending on your financial needs. But here’s a simple breakdown of how the Accredited Debt Relief program works:

1. Stop payments to your creditors. Instead, you’ll deposit money into a dedicated savings account each month.
2. Negotiation phase. Accredited negotiates with your creditors to settle your debts for a reduced amount.
3. Settlement payment. Once a settlement is reached, funds from your savings account will cover the agreed-upon amount.

The entire process usually takes between 24 and 48 months, depending on how much you owe and how willing your creditors are to negotiate.

Who Is a Good Fit for Accredited Debt Relief?

The Accredited Debt Relief program is designed for people with $10,000 or more in unsecured debt, including consumers who are struggling to make minimum payments or are already dealing with collections. It may also be a good fit for individuals who are considering bankruptcy as a last resort.

This program wouldn’t be suitable for people with secured debts like mortgages or auto loans. It also wouldn’t be a good program for someone who needs to protect their credit score in the short term.

Pros and Cons of Accredited Debt Relief

When it comes to getting out of debt, no solution is perfect — and Accredited Debt Relief is no exception. Before you commit, here’s a look at the highs and lows: the perks that might make it worth it and the pitfalls you’ll want to watch out for.

Pros

• Potential for significant debt reduction.
• Free consultation to assess your financial situation.
• Could help you avoid bankruptcy.
• BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
• Personalized plans tailored to your debt situation.

Cons

• No guarantees that settlements will be reached.
• Debt settlement will hurt your credit score in the short term.
• High fees ranging from 15% to 25% of enrolled debt.
• Not available in all states.
• Possible late fees, collections or legal action while negotiating.

Costs, Fees and Timeline Expectations

Accredited Debt Relief follows a no upfront fee policy — you only pay if a settlement is successfully negotiated.

Here’s what to expect:

• Fees: 15% to 25% of the total debt you enroll.
• Program length: Typically two to four years.
• Potential savings: Depend on your total debt, creditor negotiations and sticking to your monthly payments.

Important: The IRS may consider any forgiven debt as taxable income.

What Real Customers Say About Accredited

Customer reviews for Accredited Debt Relief are generally positive, with many clients highlighting the company’s helpful customer service and the sense of relief they felt once they began the process. On platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, reviewers often mention feeling supported and well-informed, praising the transparency and guidance they received every step of the way. 

For many, working with Accredited not only helped reduce their debt but also eased the emotional stress that often comes with financial struggles.

That said, some Accredited Debt Relief complaints mention miscommunication and frustration with how long settlements can take. The key to a good experience? Patience and staying informed throughout the process.

Final Verdict: Should You Consider Accredited?

Accredited Debt Relief can be a smart option if you’re struggling with large amounts of unsecured debt and feel like you’ve exhausted other alternatives.

While it’s not without risks — including damage to your credit score and potential fees — it offers a structured path to reducing your debt burden.

Before enrolling, weigh the costs, risks and timeline carefully. And as always, consider speaking with a consolidation expert from Accredited for free to explore all your debt relief options.