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Freedom Debt Relief Review
In a nutshell: Freedom Debt Relief helps U.S. consumers simplify and reduce unsecured debt, credit cards, medical bills, private student loans, collections, and more, by negotiating settlements for less than owed. Clients save in an FDIC‑insured account they control, pay no upfront fees, and only pay 15–25% of the settled debt. The program spans roughly 24–48 months.
Freedom Debt Relief Review
In a nutshell: Freedom Debt Relief helps U.S. consumers simplify and reduce unsecured debt, credit cards, medical bills, private student loans, collections, and more, by negotiating settlements for less than owed. Clients save in an FDIC‑insured account they control, pay no upfront fees, and only pay 15–25% of the settled debt. The program spans roughly 24–48 months.
Freedom Debt Relief Review
In a nutshell: Freedom Debt Relief helps U.S. consumers simplify and reduce unsecured debt, credit cards, medical bills, private student loans, collections, and more, by negotiating settlements for less than owed. Clients save in an FDIC‑insured account they control, pay no upfront fees, and only pay 15–25% of the settled debt. The program spans roughly 24–48 months.
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Overview

Freedom Debt Relief, founded in 2002 and based in California, is one of the largest U.S. debt resolution firms. It has served over 1 million clients and settled more than $20 billion in unsecured debt.

The company negotiates reduced settlements on unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, private student loans (case-by-case), collections, lines of credit, repossessions, and some payday loans. Not eligible for settlement are secured debts (like mortgages, auto loans), taxes, utility bills, lawsuits, and federal student loans.

Clients deposit monthly into an FDIC‑insured dedicated account they control. Freedom Debt Relief does not manage these funds directly. Negotiations begin when the account funds are sufficient. Settlement offers require client approval before payment, and only then are fees applied, ranging from 15% to 25% of enrolled debt, plus a $9.95 one-time setup fee and $9.95 monthly account servicing fee charged by the account provider.

The program's length typically ranges from 24 to 48 months, depending on your savings pace, debt amount, and creditors involved.

Freedom is accredited with the BBB (A+ rating), is a founding member of the AADR, a platinum member of the IAPDA, and boasts strong customer reviews (Trustpilot 4.6/5 from 45k+, ConsumerAffairs awards).

Pros

  • Free, no‑obligation debt consultation
  • No upfront fees—pay only after settlements
  • FDIC‑insured dedicated account controlled by you
  • A+ BBB accreditation and industry certifications

Cons

  • Voluntary missed payments may lower a credit score
  • Fees of 15–25% of enrolled debt, plus account fees
  • Possible tax implications on forgiven debt

Application Process

  1. Free Consultation – Speak with a Certified Debt Consultant to evaluate your debt relief options versus alternatives like consolidation, bankruptcy, or credit counseling.
  2. Enrollment – If chosen, you sign up and open an FDIC-insured dedicated account via Crossroads Financial Technologies; you make your own deposits.
  3. Deposits – You save monthly based on a customized plan designed to build funds for settlement.
  4. Negotiation – Once funds are sufficient, Freedom negotiates with your creditors. Each offer is sent to you for review and approval.
  5. Settlement - After you approve, a payment is issued from the account. Freedom’s fee is then processed.
  6. Completion – Once debts are settled, you’re debt-free under the program structure.

Debt Services

Freedom specializes in debt settlement, working with unsecured debt by negotiating reduced payment amounts. They do not offer loans themselves but may refer to affiliate lenders if debt consolidation is an option.

Types of Debt Covered

  • Included: Credit cards, department store cards, medical bills, personal loans, private student loans (case-by-case), collections, lines of credit, repossessions, payday loans.
  • Excluded: Secured loans, federal student loans, taxes, utilities, lawsuits.

Customer Support

  • Phone Support:
    Prospective clients: 800‑910‑0065 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–11 PM EST; Sat–Sun 9 AM–9 PM EST).
    Current clients: Mon–Thu 8 AM–9 PM EST; Fri 8 AM–8 PM; Sat–Sun 10 AM–8 PM EST.
  • Address: 1875 S Grant Street, Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94402.
  • Email Contacts: support@freedomdebtrelief.com, info@freedomdebtrelief.com (use the official site for accurate contacts).

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.

prosAndCons icon
Pros
  • Free, no‑obligation debt consultation
  • No upfront fees—pay only after settlements
  • FDIC‑insured dedicated account controlled by you
  • A+ BBB accreditation and industry certifications
prosAndCons icon
Cons
  • Voluntary missed payments may lower a credit score
  • Fees of 15–25% of enrolled debt, plus account fees
  • Possible tax implications on forgiven debt
Freedom at a Glance
9.6Editorial Score
Application process
10
Application process is mostly online and requires only essential documentation
Customer support
10
Available seven days a week via phone and email, responsive and friendly service reps
Eligibility criteria
8.0
Available in 34 states, requires evidence of financial hardship but flexible in documentation, accepts various unsecured debts
Customer rewards
10
No upfront fees, program guarantee where if the total program settlement cost exceeds the amount of debt initially enrolled
Financial tools and resources
10
Comprehensive credit monitoring services, access to legal advice, personalized budgeting tools, and flexible loan options
FAQs: quick answers on debt consolidation
How can I choose a suitable debt consolidation loan for my needs?
Compare interest rates, APRs, fees, and repayment terms from reputable lenders to identify a debt consolidation loan that aligns with your financial situation. Use online comparison tools and verified customer reviews to help evaluate your options. Choose a loan that suits your credit profile and financial goals, and carefully review all terms and conditions to understand the fees and repayment obligations.
What are some common ways to consolidate credit card debt?
A fixed-rate personal loan may be a suitable option for some individuals, depending on their credit history and financial goals. It's important to compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms from multiple lenders to find a loan that fits your circumstances. Results will vary based on your financial profile.
Can I get debt forgiveness through debt consolidation?
Debt consolidation does not eliminate or forgive your debt; it simply combines multiple debts into a single loan, which may help simplify repayment. Debt forgiveness is typically only available in limited cases, such as qualifying federal loan programs for public service workers or documented financial hardship. Eligibility requirements vary by program.
Are payday loans eligible for consolidation?
Some lenders offer consolidation options for payday loans, which may allow you to combine multiple payday debts into a single loan with different repayment terms. Depending on your credit profile and the lender's terms, this could result in a lower overall interest rate. Eligibility requirements vary by provider.
Is there debt relief for teachers or medical professionals?
Certain public sector workers in education or healthcare may be eligible for government-backed programs such as federal loan forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, or grants. These programs have specific eligibility requirements based on loan type, employment history, and repayment records. Not all applicants will qualify, and results depend on individual circumstances.
What is the difference between a debt consolidation loan and a debt management plan?
A debt consolidation loan is a new credit product that combines multiple debts into one, usually with a single monthly payment and a fixed interest rate. A debt management plan, typically arranged through a nonprofit credit counseling agency, is a structured agreement with your creditors to repay what you owe, often with reduced fees or interest, without taking on new credit. These plans may also require you to close or suspend use of your existing credit accounts during the repayment period.
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