Freedom Debt Relief
Editor's ChoiceLargest Debt Settlement Company in the U.S.
Freedom Debt Relief earned the highest overall score in our evaluation because it consistently performed well across every category we reviewed, including transparency, customer experience, accessibility, and company reputation. Here’s how it performed, who it may be right for, and what to consider before enrolling.
Susan Russell— Managing EditorReviewed by:
James Russell— Senior Debt Relief SpecialistTrust Index Score (#1)
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.
Freedom Debt Relief at a Glance
Headquarters
San Mateo, CA
BBB Rating
A+
Availability
40 states (30 direct, 10 via legal partner)
Min. Debt
$7,500
Program Length
24–48 months
Fee Range
15–25% of enrolled debt
Editorial Highlight: Consistent performance across our evaluation criteria
How We Verified This Information
Every company is evaluated using the same published methodology. Rankings are based on consistent editorial standards—not advertising relationships or affiliate partnerships. This review is based on Relief Guardian's published evaluation methodology. We review publicly available company information, regulatory disclosures, accreditation status, fee information, and customer feedback from established third-party platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. We also verify company policies and program details directly from publicly available company resources whenever possible. Information changes over time, so we periodically review and update each profile to reflect meaningful changes in company policies, availability, fees, and accreditation whenever possible. Whenever possible, we link directly to the original source so readers can review the information for themselves.
Our Editorial Verdict
What stood out most during our evaluation was Freedom’s consistency—it performed well across every category we evaluate rather than standing out in just one. That balanced combination of transparency, customer experience, accessibility, and company reputation is what earned it the highest overall score in our review. It also accepts consumers with a comparatively low minimum debt requirement, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers exploring debt settlement.
No debt relief company is the right fit for every situation. Freedom’s consistent performance across our evaluation criteria made it the strongest overall choice among the companies we reviewed.
How Freedom Debt Relief Stacks Up
Freedom Debt Relief
- Minimum Debt
- $7,500
- Program Length
- 24–48 months
- Fee Structure
- 15–25% of enrolled debt
- BBB Rating
- A+
- Availability
- 40 states (30 direct, 10 via legal partner)
- Credit Check Required
- No — debt settlement programs generally don't require a credit check
Typical Industry Standard
- Minimum Debt
- $5,000-$10,000
- Program Length
- 24-48 months
- Fee Structure
- 14-25% of enrolled debt, most commonly 18-25%
- BBB Rating
- A or A+ is generally considered a strong trust signal
- Availability
- Varies by provider — always confirm your state is served before enrolling
- Credit Check Required
- No — this is standard across reputable debt settlement providers
Why It Earned Its Rating
Strong customer feedback, transparent program information, broad accessibility, and an established reputation each contributed to Freedom’s final rating — the checklist below breaks down what stood out in each area.
Score Breakdown Factors
Every company we review is evaluated using the same published methodology. Here's how Freedom Debt Relief performed in each category and why it mattered in our evaluation.
Company Reputation
Freedom has operated for decades while maintaining strong trust indicators, including an A+ BBB rating and recognized industry accreditations. Rather than relying on one credential, we looked at its overall operating history, regulatory record, and consistency over time — including a 2019 CFPB settlement over past disclosure and fee practices, a matter of public record we factored into our review.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback from established third-party review platforms reflects generally positive experiences with Freedom’s enrollment process and representatives. We considered overall review trends alongside our broader evaluation criteria rather than relying on star ratings alone. View current customer feedback on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
Program Transparency
Freedom clearly explains how its program works, including how fees are charged, what to expect during the process, and the potential impact debt settlement can have on credit.
Fees & Costs
Like most debt settlement providers, Freedom charges a percentage of enrolled debt after settlements are reached rather than upfront. We evaluated not just the fee structure itself, but how clearly it’s disclosed throughout enrollment. Settled debt may also be reported as taxable income by the IRS unless you qualify for an exception like insolvency — see our full breakdown of how debt settlement affects your taxes.
Years in Business
Freedom’s long operating history reflects experience navigating changing regulations and market conditions. Longevity alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but it contributes to a more established track record.
Consumer Value
Taken together—transparency, customer experience, accessibility, and program flexibility—Freedom delivered one of the strongest overall value propositions among the companies we reviewed.
Company Snapshot & Editorial Observations
Company Snapshot
Freedom Debt Relief reviews consistently point to its scale — it’s one of the largest debt settlement companies in the United States by enrollment volume. Founded in 2002, the company operates under Achieve, which also offers personal loan products, so a consultation may result in a recommendation for either debt settlement or a consolidation loan. Freedom is accredited by the ACDR and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Editorial Observations
What Makes Freedom Debt Relief Different?
Freedom’s ability to route qualified consumers toward either debt settlement or a consolidation loan through Achieve is one of the more distinctive features we evaluated.
Where It Performs Well
Freedom’s scale, creditor relationships, and broad accessibility make it particularly well suited for consumers managing larger unsecured debt balances across multiple creditors.
Potential Trade-Offs
Unlike some smaller providers, Freedom generally uses a team-based servicing model rather than assigning one dedicated case manager throughout the program. Why this matters: you may work with different representatives over the course of your program rather than the same point of contact each time — worth knowing if consistency of contact is a priority for you. In 10 states, Freedom also delivers service through its legal partner, Turnbull Law Group, rather than handling the case directly (see State Availability below for the full list) — your consultation will confirm how service works in your specific state.
Common Misconception
Some consumers assume Achieve and Freedom Debt Relief are separate companies. In reality, Freedom operates under Achieve, the parent brand formerly known as Freedom Financial Network.
How This Compares to Alternatives
Freedom’s dual settlement-or-loan routing through Achieve is a structural feature few competitors on this list offer — worth asking about directly if you’re not sure which path fits your situation.
State Availability
Freedom Debt Relief is available in 40 states. In 30 of those states, Freedom provides service directly: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. In the remaining 10 states — Connecticut, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia — Freedom delivers service through its legal partner, Turnbull Law Group, rather than directly. It does not currently offer debt relief programs in Colorado, Hawaii, North Dakota (active for Achieve Personal Loans only — ineligible for debt relief), Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, nor in any U.S. territory (including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, or the Marshall Islands) or U.S. overseas military mail regions (APO/FPO AA, AE, AP).
How It Works
Clients make monthly deposits into a dedicated FDIC-insured account. Freedom's negotiators work to settle each enrolled debt account as sufficient funds accumulate. They handle creditor communications and negotiation calls on the client's behalf. In states served through Turnbull Law Group, that legal partner handles legal responses if a creditor pursues legal action. Once a settlement is agreed upon, the client approves it before any funds are released. The entire process — from initial application through enrollment — can be completed online, subject to your application meeting Freedom's requirements.
What Enrollment Looks Like
Apply and Enroll — the Entire Process Can Be Completed Online
Build Your Dedicated FDIC-Insured Account
Negotiation With Creditors
Review and Approve Each Settlement
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling With Freedom Debt Relief
Before You Enroll With Freedom Debt Relief
- 1What is your exact fee structure — is it within the 15–25% range, and when is it charged?
- 2Is Freedom Debt Relief directly licensed and available in my state? (Freedom Debt Relief currently serves 40 states (30 direct, 10 via legal partner))
- 3What is a realistic — not optimistic — program timeline for my specific debt level?
- 4Can you confirm your ACDR membership and A+ BBB rating in writing?
- 5Who holds my dedicated savings account, and can I access it directly?
- 6What happens if a creditor sues me during my program?
Trust & Recognition
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A+ BBB Rating
- ACDR Member
- Largest debt settlement company by enrollment volume
- Low $7,500 minimum debt
- Multiple debt relief pathways through Achieve
- Mobile app
- Online dashboard
- Online enrollment available in many cases
- Available in 40 states
Cons
- Team-based servicing model
- Not all unsecured debts qualify
- Legal partner service (Turnbull Law Group) in 10 states, rather than direct representation
Eligible Debt Types
Requirements to Qualify
- Minimum $7,500 in unsecured debt
- Demonstrated financial hardship
- Must be a resident of a supported state
⚖️ How Service Works in Your State
Legal Partner Service in Select States
In 10 states — Connecticut, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia — Freedom Debt Relief provides service through its legal partner, Turnbull Law Group, rather than directly, at no additional cost to eligible clients.
Freedom states that eligible clients in legal-partner states receive comparable program support through Turnbull Law Group. Your free consultation will confirm how service is delivered in your specific state.
Customer Reviews
We don't publish customer testimonials ourselves. Check Freedom Debt Relief's reviews directly on these independent, third-party platforms:
These links take you to independent third-party review platforms, outside of ReliefGuardian's control. Review volume and ratings on these sites are not verified or endorsed by us.
Who May Want to Consider Freedom Debt Relief
Although Freedom’s stated minimum is $7,500, we believe its structured settlement program offers the most compelling value for consumers managing larger balances across multiple creditors — which is why we highlight $20,000+ as the best fit below.
May Be a Good Fit If
$20,000+ across multiple creditors
Wanting the largest and most established provider
Open to either settlement or a consolidation loan through Achieve
Consumers who want mobile app tracking
You May Want to Compare Other Options If
Wanting one dedicated case manager rather than a team-based model
Residents of the 10 unsupported states or U.S. territories
Why Freedom Debt Relief Scored Highly
ReliefGuardian's Take: Freedom Debt Relief’s scale, two decades of creditor relationships, and real-time mobile tracking make it a strong choice for consumers who have already decided debt settlement fits their situation, particularly those managing substantial debt across multiple creditors.
Last verified: August 2026 · ReliefGuardian evaluates providers independently based on fees, accreditation, customer service, and settlement outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freedom Debt Relief legit?
Yes, Freedom Debt Relief is a legitimate, operating debt relief company that is BBB accredited (A+ rating) and is a member of the American Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR). As with any financial services company, we recommend independently verifying current standing and comparing multiple providers before enrolling.
How much does Freedom Debt Relief cost?
Freedom Debt Relief states its fee is typically 15–25% of enrolled debt, calculated on the enrolled amount and charged per settlement. For example, on $50,000 of enrolled debt settled at $25,000, a 20% fee would be $10,000 — based on the enrolled amount, not the lower settled amount. Always confirm exact fees directly with the company before enrolling.
What is the minimum debt required to enroll with Freedom Debt Relief?
Freedom Debt Relief generally requires a minimum of $7,500 in qualifying unsecured debt, though exact requirements can vary by individual situation and state.
Is Freedom Debt Relief available in my state?
Freedom Debt Relief is available in 40 states — 30 served directly and 10 through its legal partner, Turnbull Law Group. See the State Availability section above for the full state-by-state breakdown, or confirm current availability for your specific state before enrolling.
How long does the Freedom Debt Relief program take?
Freedom Debt Relief states its programs typically run 24–48 months, depending on your total enrolled debt and monthly deposit amount.
Alternatives to Consider
We encourage comparing more than one provider before enrolling. Here are other companies we've independently reviewed:
Compare all companies side by side →Related Educational Resources
Why We Ranked Freedom Debt Relief #1
That consistency across categories — not one standout feature — is what earned Freedom Debt Relief the highest overall score in our evaluation. If you want the most balanced, well-rounded option across every criterion we evaluate, Freedom is our top overall pick.
Relief Guardian's Takeaways
Biggest Strength: Balanced performance across every category we evaluate — no single weak spot.
Biggest Trade-Off: Team-based servicing rather than one dedicated case manager, and legal-partner service in some states.
Best Fit: Consumers with $20,000+ across multiple creditors who want the largest, most established provider.
Compare Before You Enroll: Also compare National Debt Relief if scale and a bankruptcy referral option matter to you, or Pacific Debt Relief if you’d rather have one dedicated case manager throughout.
Think Freedom Debt Relief Might Be Right for You?
Check your eligibility with a free, no-obligation consultation.
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