Achieve
Best TransparencyDebt settlement with a personal loan option — a flexible two-path approach to resolving unsecured debt.
9,241 verified reviews
What is ACDR Membership?
The American Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) is a trade association representing companies in the debt relief industry. Membership indicates a company participates in the association and agrees to follow its standards and code of conduct. Membership alone is not a guarantee of performance or outcomes — ReliefGuardian evaluates many additional factors when reviewing providers.
Quick Facts
Founded
2002
Headquarters
Tempe, AZ
BBB Rating
A+
States Served
Most U.S. states
Min. Debt
$7,500
Max. Debt
$100,000+
Program Length
24–48 months
Fee Range
15–25% of enrolled debt
Overview
Achieve (formerly known as Freedom Debt Relief's parent entity and rebranded in 2022) is a full-service financial wellness company headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Their debt resolution program helps consumers settle unsecured debts for less than the full balance — and they stand out for also offering personal loans as an alternative path for consumers who qualify. This dual approach allows Achieve consultants to recommend the most appropriate solution based on a consumer's credit profile, income, and debt composition. Achieve holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and maintains ACDR membership and IAPDA certification. Their client portal provides real-time visibility into each account's negotiation status.
How It Works
After a free consultation, eligible consumers enroll unsecured debts and begin making monthly deposits into a dedicated savings account. Achieve's team of negotiators works with creditors as funds accumulate. Consumers who qualify may also be offered a personal loan to consolidate eligible debts at a lower rate — providing a faster path to resolution without the credit impact of settlement.
Our Rating Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transparent about both settlement and loan options
- A+ BBB rating with strong accreditation track record
- Competitive fees relative to program outcomes
- Mobile app with real-time account tracking and settlement status updates
- Real-time client portal for tracking negotiations
- Consultants discuss all available options — not just enrollment
- FDIC-insured dedicated savings account
Cons
- Personal loan pathway requires qualifying credit
- Not available in all states
- Settlement path carries same credit impact as other providers
- Fee structure varies based on program type
Who Is It Best For?
✅ Best For
- Consumers who want transparency about all debt resolution options
- Those who may qualify for a consolidation loan as an alternative
- Higher-balance cases ($20,000–$100,000+)
- Consumers who value real-time program visibility
❌ Not Ideal For
- Consumers with credit scores that disqualify them from the loan option (if that path is preferred)
- Those seeking the lowest possible fees above all else
- Consumers in states where Achieve is not licensed
Eligible Debt Types
Requirements to Qualify
- Minimum $7,500 in qualifying unsecured debt
- Currently experiencing financial hardship
- Ability to make consistent monthly program deposits
- U.S. resident in a state where Achieve operates
Customer Reviews
Melissa R. — Phoenix, AZ · May 2026
"My consultant didn't just push me to enroll. She explained the settlement program AND the loan option side by side, told me honestly which one fit my situation better, and let me decide. That transparency made all the difference."
Debt Enrolled
$31,500
Amount Saved
$14,200
David M. — Dallas, TX · April 2026
"Enrolled $42,000 across four credit cards. Three were settled within 18 months at an average of 47 cents on the dollar. The portal made it easy to track everything. Very satisfied."
Debt Enrolled
$42,000
Amount Saved
$19,800
Sandra K. — Tampa, FL · March 2026
"The process was straightforward and my case manager was responsive. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the fee came out to 22% on enrolled debt, which I wish had been a bit lower. But settlements were fair and I finished in 26 months."
Debt Enrolled
$24,000
Amount Saved
$9,500
Why We Recommend Achieve
ReliefGuardian's Take: Achieve earns high marks for transparency and flexibility. Their willingness to present both settlement and personal loan options — rather than defaulting to enrollment — sets them apart from providers that lead with a single product. A strong choice for consumers who want to understand all their options before committing.
Last verified: June 2026 · ReliefGuardian evaluates providers independently based on fees, accreditation, customer service, and settlement outcomes.
Our Verdict
Achieve earns high marks for transparency and flexibility. Their willingness to present both settlement and personal loan options — rather than defaulting to enrollment — sets them apart from providers that lead with a single product. A strong choice for consumers who want to understand all their options before committing.
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