TheMoneyCraze

5 picks · editor's ranking

Best Debt Relief Companies of 2026

"Debt relief" covers very different services. Nonprofit credit counseling helps you repay what you owe, often at lower interest rates. Debt settlement tries to get creditors to accept less — at a real cost to your credit.

For most people, a free session with a nonprofit counselor is the best first step. Settlement can make sense for large unsecured debts you genuinely can't repay, when bankruptcy isn't the right fit.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026

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Our picks at a glance

PickBest forFeesAction
1GreenPath Financial WellnessBest nonprofit optionFree counseling; modest DMP feesVisit site — GreenPath Financial Wellness (opens in a new tab)
2Money Management InternationalBest for housing and bankruptcy helpFree counseling; modest DMP feesVisit site — Money Management International (opens in a new tab)
3Accredited Debt ReliefBest settlement for smaller debts15%–25% of enrolled debtVisit site — Accredited Debt Relief (opens in a new tab)
4National Debt ReliefBest for large balancesUp to 25% of enrolled debtVisit site — National Debt Relief (opens in a new tab)
5Freedom Debt ReliefLongest track record15%–25% of enrolled debtVisit site — Freedom Debt Relief (opens in a new tab)
#1Best nonprofit option

GreenPath Financial Wellness

Nonprofit credit counseling agency

Best for: Nonprofit debt management plans

Free counseling and debt management plans that can cut interest rates.

Minimum debt
—
Program length
DMPs typically 3–5 years
Availability
Nationwide
  • Nonprofit
  • Free consultation
  • NFCC member
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Free counseling session
  • Can negotiate lower card interest rates
  • One monthly payment
  • Enrolled cards are usually closed
  • Doesn't reduce what you owe

Fees

Free counseling; modest DMP fees

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#2Best for housing and bankruptcy help

Money Management International

Nonprofit credit counseling agency

Best for: Counseling plus housing and bankruptcy education

Counseling, housing support and bankruptcy courses in one place.

Minimum debt
—
Program length
DMPs typically 3–5 years
Availability
Nationwide
  • Nonprofit
  • Free consultation
  • NFCC member
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Free counseling
  • Housing and bankruptcy services under one roof
  • Long track record
  • Doesn't reduce what you owe

Fees

Free counseling; modest DMP fees

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#3Best settlement for smaller debts

Accredited Debt Relief

Debt settlement company

Best for: Lower debt minimums, all 50 states

A $5,000 minimum and availability in all 50 states.

Minimum debt
$5,000
Program length
24–48 months
Availability
All 50 states + DC
  • Free consultation
  • No upfront fees
  • All 50 states
Show pros & cons
  • Lower $5,000 minimum
  • Available nationwide
  • No upfront fees
  • Can seriously damage your credit
  • Fees up to 25%

Fees

15%–25% of enrolled debt

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#4Best for large balances

National Debt Relief

Debt settlement company

Best for: Large unsecured balances

One of the largest settlement firms, with no fees until a debt is settled.

Minimum debt
$7,500
Program length
24–48 months
Availability
45 states + DC
  • Free consultation
  • No upfront fees
Show pros & cons
  • No fees until a debt is settled
  • Free consultation
  • Industry-accredited (AADR, IAPDA)
  • Can seriously damage your credit
  • $7,500 minimum
  • Not available in every state

Fees

Up to 25% of enrolled debt

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

#5Longest track record

Freedom Debt Relief

Debt settlement company

Best for: An established settlement program

A long-running settlement program with accreditation.

Minimum debt
$7,500
Program length
24–48 months
Availability
39 states + DC
  • Free consultation
  • No upfront fees
Show pros & cons
  • Long track record
  • No upfront fees
  • Accredited by ACDR
  • Can seriously damage your credit
  • Not available in many states
  • $7,500 minimum

Fees

15%–25% of enrolled debt

Visit site — Freedom Debt Relief (opens in a new tab)

Official site · not a sponsored link

Reviewed Oct 23, 2026

Debt settlement can seriously damage your credit, may lead to collection activity or lawsuits while accounts are unpaid, and forgiven debt may be taxable. Results aren't guaranteed. By law, settlement companies can't charge fees until they settle a debt. Consider nonprofit credit counseling first.

How we compare providers

Our methodology

We review each provider's published terms and compare them on what matters most. Rankings are editorial: partners can't pay for a better position, and any sponsored link is labelled. Terms change, so every entry shows the date it was last reviewed.

01

Cost

Fees as a share of enrolled debt, or counseling and plan fees.

02

Credit impact

How each approach affects your credit while you're enrolled.

03

Eligibility

Minimum debt, types of debt accepted and state availability.

04

Accountability

Nonprofit status, industry accreditation and fee transparency.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Does debt settlement hurt my credit?

Yes, usually significantly. Programs typically have you stop paying creditors while money builds up for settlements, so accounts go delinquent.

Is forgiven debt taxable?

Often, yes. Canceled debt of $600 or more is generally reported to the IRS and may count as income, unless an exclusion such as insolvency applies.

Can a debt relief company charge me upfront?

No. Under federal rules, for-profit debt settlement companies can't collect fees until they've settled at least one of your debts and you've made a payment under that settlement.

Keep comparing

Best Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies of 2026Compare all providers

Before you decide

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