Accredited Debt Relief: Compassionate & Streamlined Debt Consolidation
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Updated: February 22nd, 2024
Are you facing difficulties in enjoying your daily life due to the accumulation of debt? We understand how overwhelming and life-altering debt can be. However, Accredited Debt Relief may be able to help you with that, as they're a company that provides assistance in managing or reducing your debt to a great extent. Established in 2011 and based in San Diego, California, they're a reputable debt relief firm that helps consumers achieve financial well-being through services like debt settlement services, among others. They offer new clients free consultations, and boast some great results for their clients. Could they be a valuable asset in helping you achieve your goal of becoming debt-free?
In this review, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Accredited Debt Relief. We will take a look at their services and explain their process. Additionally, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this provider to help you determine if they are the right match for your needs. Furthermore, we will analyze the feedback from their clients to give you a better understanding of their reputation. Keep reading to learn how they can assist you in alleviating your debt.
Pros
Cons
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Quick Stats
Accredited Debt Relief at a Glance
Accredited Debt Relief (ADR) is a division of Beyond Finances, LLC. and is, in fact, Beyond Finance's DBA (doing business as) name. They are committed to assisting clients to achieve financial stability. With many years of experience in debt consolidation, they provide customized solutions and expert guidance throughout your financial wellness journey. They boast that they have served over 300,000 clients with a cumulative amount of over $1 billion in debt with their dedicated team of over 1,000 employees. They strive to uphold the compassionate values that color everything they do, and thus provide educational content, therapy sessions, community spaces, and other resources to help clients confidently navigate their financial challenges.
They offer debt consolidation services tailored to your budget, with a free consultation and success-based fees. They also offer transparent consolidation options with loan amounts between $1,000 and $100,000, with variable APRs. Their debt consolidation programs typically last 24-48 months, but no specific outcome is guaranteed, as with any such relief program. Also, generally speaking, the use of a debt consolidation program may impact your credit score temporarily, and some clients have faced collections or lawsuits. Keep in mind, too, that their services are only available in 34 states and Washington DC, and are not available in Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
They have a positive reputation in the industry, and have received such awards as the Five-Star Rating award from Best Company USA in 2022. Both ADR and Beyond Finances are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), and the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC). They are also members of the Consumer Debt Relief Initiative (CDRI).
Types of Debt Addressed by Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief helps you settle some unsecured debts that you may have, which are the types of debt that are not secured by collateral. This means that you can't address your home mortgage or car loan with them.
They specifically offer assistance in negotiating debt settlement for credit card debt, unpaid or past-due medical bills, personal loans, and department store credit debt. It's important to keep in mind that every situation is unique, and you should speak with a professional to determine which of your debts can be addressed. ADR can potentially lower the amount you owe and enable you to pay it off for less than what you currently owe. Usually, they will collaborate with you if you have unsecured debts of at least $10,000.
The Service Offerings at Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief provides a range of debt relief services, assisting individuals in managing multiple debt obligations efficiently. Depending on your needs, their services may include:
- Debt settlement: They negotiate on your behalf for reduced lump sum payments directly with creditors to eliminate debts efficiently
- Debt consolidation: They can lessen your financial burden by combining multiple debts into one monthly payment while offering customized solutions to lower monthly payments and interest. These solutions can simplify your finances and reduce interest costs. They may include:
- Debt consolidation loans: You would obtain a loan to pay off existing debts, focusing on one monthly payment
- Credit card balance transfers: You would move existing credit card debts onto a new card with a lower or 0% interest rate
- Debt consolidation services: This is their proprietary program for combining debts in one recurring payment that fits your monthly budget, aiming to lower your overall payments by 40% or more. This likely has internal criteria to assess suitability
- Bankruptcy alternatives: They help explore your bankruptcy options and educate you through the process. They provide you with non-bankruptcy solutions such as debt management plans and debt consolidation to avoid the negative impacts of bankruptcy
ADR discusses the benefits and drawbacks of credit counseling but states that they are not such an agency. They also mention debt refinancing on their website, but it is unclear if they offer that service. Generally speaking, it is best to contact them directly to inquire which services they may be able to offer to you.
The Costs & Programs of Accredited Debt Relief
Accredited Debt Relief's fees are contingent on the amount of debt you enroll and the success of their negotiation efforts on your behalf. You can inquire about the fees and costs you'd be responsible for by requesting a quote. The consolidation loan options provided by their affiliates range from $1,000 to $100,000, with Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) ranging from 4.9% to 35.99%. The origination fees range from 1% to 6% of the amount financed, and the loan terms range from 4 to 84 months.
A typical personal loan example they provide involves a 4.95% origination fee, a 48-month repayment term, and an interest rate of 18.00%. The total cost of the loan in their example, including interest plus origination fee, would be $10,917.72 on a loan amount of $23,760, with the total payments made equal to $33,501.60. Their fees for debt consolidation programs are usually 25% and are success-based. On average, their debt consolidation programs range from 24-48 months in duration. The fees may vary by state, and they may charge between 15% and 25% of the total debt amount enrolled in a program. The fee percentage range falls within the industry average.
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The Advantages of Accredited Debt Relief
- Free debt consultation: ADR initially evaluates your financial situation and recommends appropriate solutions, all without charging a fee. This allows you the peace of mind of learning about the company's services and asking questions without any financial commitment
- No upfront fees: They stand out for not requiring upfront fees, ensuring you only pay if they successfully reduce your overall debt balance
- Negotiation success: The company claims to have helped thousands of people reduce their debt significantly, with some online reports claiming they reduced debts by up to 45-50%, excluding fees, often through negotiating more favorable terms or securing lump-sum settlements with creditors
- Stellar credentials and reputation: Accredited Debt Relief boasts an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They also are accredited by the AADR and AFCC, and are members of CDRI. These credentials, along with their overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, indicate a great standing and reputation in the industry
- Quicker debt repayment: The debt settlement program not only aims for a more affordable monthly payment but a faster process, and most clients reportedly complete the program within 24 to 48 months
Why You Might Not Choose Accredited Debt Relief
- Minimum debt requirement: You must have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt to qualify for the program, and they only list a few types of debt that they work on their website
- Limited state availability: Their services are not available in 16 states, currently, including New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and so on
- Costly fee structure: The fee for their debt settlement program is based on your total enrolled debts at the start of the program, not on the amount you save, and can be as high as 25% of the total outstanding debt balance
- Credit damage: Depositing funds into a dedicated savings account instead of making payments to creditors can result in credit score damage, potentially impacting your creditworthiness. That being said, this is the case with any such debt relief program
The Customer Experience at Accredited Debt Relief
They receive overwhelmingly positive customer reviews online, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. They hold a 4.9 out of 5 review score on Trustpilot, and a 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews. They have a BBB rating of A+ and carry a similarly high review score of 4.86 out of 5 there, but with a moderate amount of complaints.
Positive feedback
Most reviewers seemed to have positive experiences with Accredited Debt Relief, using the reviews to express gratitude for the assistance given during challenging financial times. Many commended specific representatives by name for their professionalism, clear communication, and ability to make the process smooth and informative. Enrollees found the overall enrollment process straightforward and easy, praising representatives for their patience, knowledge, and assistance during the enrollment phase. Customer service also received positive remarks, with individuals appreciating their general helpfulness and knowledge.
Very little is said by customers about specific consolidation or settlement steps and results. However, they all mostly agreed about the representatives' professionalism, expertise, and thorough engagement, which left enrollees feeling supported and optimistic about their journey toward becoming debt-free.
Critical feedback
On the other hand, some individuals reported negative experiences with ADR, citing concerns about pushy and repetitive sales calls even after expressing a lack of interest in their services. A few reported difficulties stopping those unwanted calls, and some felt pressured by salespersons who used fear tactics during discussions about debt consolidation options. Additionally, there were complaints about the company using different area codes to reach potential clients, which some found deceptive. A few customers also complained of financial discrepancies, lack of transparency, and poor customer service. While some negative reviews highlighted challenges with communication and tactics used by sales representatives, it's essential to note that negative experiences can vary, and individual perspectives may differ.
The company replies to all customer complaints on the BBB, and their replies are professional and to the point. They often apologize for any inconvenience and state that they have resolved the issue, often by confirming that the person's information has been added to their no-contact list. Their replies showcase that the company wants to uphold a high level of satisfaction.
Accredited Debt Relief Customer Service
Accredited Debt Relief customer support is available seven days a week, though most methods are not accessible 24 hours a day. They may be reached on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 11 PM EST, and on weekends from 8 AM to 10 PM EST; keep in mind that those times may vary. However, Beyond Finance's live chat support is available 24/7.
You may call their support team at 800-497-1965 or 800-282-7186, or email them at [email protected] or [email protected]. If it's after hours or you need quick answers, you can refer to their online Knowledge Hub, which has many helpful articles. You can also mail your general inquiries to:
P.O. Box 660442
Dallas, Texas 75266-0442
Final Thoughts
Accredited Debt Relief, under Beyond Finances, LLC, helps clients achieve financial stability. They offer a free consultation, success-based fees, and debt relief services, including debt settlement and consolidation. ADR is known for their negotiation success, faster debt repayment programs, and positive customer reviews. They present as an excellent option for your debt consolidation needs.
However, you should keep in mind that ADR requires a minimum debt of $10,000, may not be available in your state, and that their fees can be as high as 25%.Their customers have praised the company's professionalism, expertise, and support, but some have reported pushy sales calls, pressure tactics, and communication problems. Overall, Accredited Debt Relief is a reputable option for managing and reducing debt, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use their services.
If you're thinking of utilizing Accredited Debt Relief's services, start by reaching out for a personalized consultation and making sure to address any specific concerns you have. If you need more clarity after that, don't hesitate to explore other options! Read about the top debt relief companies to find the best match for your individual needs. Remember, too, that we have additional resources like our company comparison tool, as well as helpful articles in our debt relief blog, to support you. With careful research and the right guidance, you can confidently take steps towards a brighter outlook for your finances.
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