Review: Freedom Debt Relief vs. other debt relief companies

Are you drowning in debt and looking for a lifeline? Chances are you came across Freedom Debt Relief and want to know if it’s right for you.

The following article will cover everything you need to know; who they are, how they help, and what their clients think.

And you won’t just learn the benefits. You’ll get a comprehensive review that includes the negatives and suitable alternatives.

So, can Freedom Debt Relief truly provide debt freedom? Continue reading to find out.

Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief is a U.S.-based debt reduction services company started by Freedom Financial Network in 2002.

Since then, the company has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans through its debt relief program.

With over 1,600 employees, the company isn’t small. They maintain an army of over 200 experienced debt negotiators and over 550 certified debt consultants.

It’s a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), an organization that promotes honesty and integrity in the debt resolution industry. It’s also a part of the Financial Health Network, a non-profit group dedicated to improving personal financial health.

• Highlights: Freedom Debt Relief has assisted over 850,000 clients in clearing more than $15 billion in debt since 2002.
• BBB Rating: A+
• BBB customer score: 4.46 out of 5 based on 1,617 customer reviews.
• Fees: 15%-25% of enrolled debt.

How Freedom Debt Relief’s program works

Freedom Debt Relief is a debt settlement or debt negotiation company. They help customers wipe out their balances by negotiating a lower outstanding amount with creditors.

Services like this are typically pursued when debtors struggle to cover monthly expenses. Creditors accept the terms of a lower balance because it may be the best outcome they can hope for.

To achieve debt freedom, you need follow their four-step program.

• Build: Make monthly deposits in a separate account. Freedom Debt Relief builds a personalized program as the balance grows.
• Negotiate: Once sufficient savings have been reached, they will negotiate directly with your creditors to settle for an amount lower than your existing debts.
• Settle: They will contact you to authorize and approve each settled debt they negotiate.
• Freedom: Once the settlement amount is paid, you walk away debt-free, and the program concludes.

What are customers saying?

While positive reviews are abundant, not everyone is satisfied with their service. Some clients complain of steep fees and processing delays.

Robert L. says the company didn’t save him any money. He also claims the program took “over a year longer” than they said it would.

Wallace T. didn’t mince words in his review, claiming that signing with the company was one of the “dumbest things” he’s ever done.

Even still, Freedom Debt Relief enjoys a Better Business Bureau customer rating of 4.46 stars out of 5 based on over 1,600 reviews.

In short, the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive.

Most reviewers speak of exceptional customer service and empathy. Many also praise the company for its straightforward application process.

According to Patricia B., “They were amazing to work with! I never had a problem getting ahold of them, fast responses. Did what I couldn't do.”

You can almost feel the relief and excitement from some of the reviews. Scott S. says they “Lived up to everything they promised,” and Carolyn K. called them “lifesavers.”

Top Freedom Debt Relief alternatives

While Freedom Debt Relief will suit most debtors looking for assistance, it’s far from the only option.

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider one of the companies listed below. Each one that made the list was assessed based on its history, reputation, customer reviews, fees, and other services.

National Debt Relief: The company has assisted over 450,000 people in settling over $10 billion in debt since its inception in 2009. Like Freedom Debt Relief, it’s an American Fair Credit Council member.

• Why we selected it: For its extensive history, stellar reputation, and informative client portal.
• BBB rating: A+
• BBB customer score: 4.65 out of 5 based on over 2,000 customer reviews.
• Fees: 15%-25% of enrolled debt.

Accredited Debt Relief: If you’re looking for a well-reviewed alternative to Freedom Debt Relief, look no further. While its client history is a bit more modest, it’s still helped over 300,000 clients clear $2 billion in debt since its founding in 2011.

• Why we selected it: Accredited Debt Relief offers one the fastest programs for shedding debt, promising to clear balances in as little as 12 months. Lawyers on staff and a valuable client dashboard only sweeten the offer.
• BBB rating: A+
• BBB customer score: 4.74 out of 5 based on 292 customer reviews.
• Fees: 15%-25% of enrolled debt.

Pacific Debt Relief: Since its beginnings over two decades ago, this California-based debt relief company has settled over half-a-billon dollars in customer debt. While it’s only available in 36 states and Washington D.C., for the right person, it's an excellent alternative to consider.

• Why we selected it: Because it’s one of the highest-rated debt relief companies and charges no upfront fees.
• BBB rating: A+
• BBB customer score: 4.93 out of 5 based on 1,243 customer reviews.
• Fees: 15%-25% of enrolled debt.