Freedom Debt Relief Review
GOBankingRates Score
-
Debt Relief Options
3.0
-
Costs
4.0
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Credit Score Impact
2.0
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Customer Service
5.0
Pros
- Get out of debt for less than you owe and in a shorter time period
- Make lower monthly payments
- Save on interest payments by getting rid of debt faster
Cons
- Debt settlement has a negative impact on credit scores
- Fees range from 15% to 25% of enrolled debt
- Only debt relief option offered is debt settlement
Freedom Debt Relief Overview
Freedom Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers pay off debt, including credit card, private student loan, personal loan and medical debt. The company’s programs typically last 24 to 48 months, and you could save a significant amount of money compared to what you owe.
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks. Debt settlement impacts credit scores negatively. Fees for these types of services are generally high, and Freedom Debt Relief is no different. The company charges between 15% and 25% of your enrolled debt to negotiate on your behalf.
Key Features
Here are some of the most important features to look into when you consider signing up for Freedom Debt Relief.
Debt Relief Options
Freedom Debt Relief only offers one option: debt settlement. This service involves encouraging you to make payments into a dedicated account rather than paying your lenders. As the balance grows, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates a settlement with each lender on your behalf.
Freedom Debt Relief helps its customers settle several types of debt, including the following:
- Credit card debt
- Private student loan debt
- Personal loan debt
- Medical debt
Although the company talks about debt consolidation on its website, it doesn’t offer the service directly. However, Freedom Debt Relief may refer you to a debt consolidation partner if you decline its debt settlement offer.
Costs
Freedom Debt Relief charges between 15% and 25% of your enrolled debt as a service fee. So if you enroll $10,000 in debt, you can expect to pay a fee between $1,500 and $2,500. This is typical of debt settlement companies.
Credit Score Impact
Debt settlement has a negative impact on credit scores. You won’t make payments to your lenders as you save up the money for your settlement. Chances are that your lenders will charge off your debt and sell it to collectors. Also, when you do settle your debt, it will show as settled on your credit report, meaning you paid less than you originally agreed to.
Customer Service
Freedom Debt Relief offers top-notch customer service. Freedom Debt Relief reviews from customers are generally positive on ConsumerAffairs (4.5 out of 5 stars) and Trustpilot (4.6 out of 5 stars).
The company’s support staff is available to assist current clients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
How Freedom Debt Relief Stands Out
Freedom Debt Relief stands out in comparison to debt settlement competitors by offering customers a refund of any overpayment following the settlement of debt.
Comparable Debt Relief Options
If you have decided on debt settlement but Freedom Debt Relief isn’t offering what you’re looking for, consider one of the following options.
New Era Debt Solutions
New Era Debt Solutions is a competitor that helps its customers settle their debt from credit cards and unsecured loans. The company charges between 14% and 23% of your enrolled debt.
CuraDebt
CuraDebt offers in-house debt settlement services similar to those offered by Freedom Debt Relief. However, unlike Freedom Debt Relief and many other debt relief options, the company offers tax debt relief.
How To Sign Up
If you’ve decided Freedom Debt Relief is for you, you can sign up in one of two ways:
- Online: Choose your debt amount and click “Continue” on the homepage of the company’s website. Follow the prompts to enroll online.
- Over the phone: Call 800-910-0065 to speak with a certified debt consultant.
Who Freedom Debt Relief Is Best For
Freedom Debt Relief is best for borrowers who:
- Are having a hard time meeting their monthly minimum payment obligations on their credit card debt
- Have made at least a couple of late credit card payments over the past year
- Have considered filing for bankruptcy as a way out of debt
The truth is that you should only consider debt settlement services like those offered by Freedom Debt Relief as a last resort. The impact these services have on credit scores can last for years following the successful settlement of your debts. Consider speaking with your lenders before you sign up for a debt settlement program.
Final Take
If you’re having a hard time making your monthly minimum payments and have exhausted your other options for getting out of debt, Freedom Debt Relief’s services might be a good option for you. The company’s debt settlement program may mean you pay significantly less than you owe, helping you put your debt behind you.
FAQ
Read on to find the answers to common questions about Freedom Debt Relief.- Is the Freedom Debt Relief program legitimate?
- Freedom Debt Relief offers a legitimate debt settlement program that has helped hundreds of thousands of people put their debt behind them. It has a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars and a rating of "excellent" on Trustpilot, based on reviews from over 39,000 users.
- How much does it cost to use Freedom Debt Relief?
- Freedom Debt Relief charges between 15% and 25% of the enrolled debt.
- How long does it take Freedom Debt Relief to work?
- Most Freedom Debt Relief debt settlement programs last from 24 to 48 months. However, your program may be shorter or longer, depending on the amount of debt you enroll.
- Does Freedom Debt Relief's debt settlement program hurt your credit?
- Debt settlement does have a negative impact on your credit score. This is because you won't be paying your lenders anything as you save money for the settlement. Moreover, once you settle your debts, they show as settled on your credit report, meaning you didn't pay in full as originally promised.
Information is accurate as of July 18, 2023.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
