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Picture this: you've got a bunch of debts hanging over your head, like credit card balances, student loans, and maybe even a car payment or two. It's like juggling flaming torches while walking on a tightrope. Stressful, right? That's where debt consolidation swoops in, to help your finances feel a little less like being in the circus.
Debt consolidation is essentially rolling all your debts into one easy-to-manage account. Instead of keeping track of multiple payments with different interest rates, due dates, and creditor phone numbers, you bundle them up into a single, more manageable monthly payment. You borrow enough money to pay off all your existing debts, then focus on repaying just that one loan.
Thursday, April 24th
In operation since 2008, National Debt Relief has been dedicated to helping individuals manage and overcome their debt burdens. They operate on a results-based model, only charging fees once they've successfully negotiated settlements with creditors on behalf of their clients.
You control the account funding
National Debt Relief doesn't consolidate your debts with a loan. Instead, they set up an FDIC-insured trust account in your name, and you have control over the funds deposited there. They'll work with your creditors to negotiate a smaller repayment amount: usually an average savings of about 45% before their fees.
Fees based on results
So, how does that work? At National Debt Relief, they only earn a fee if they deliver results. First, they need to receive a settlement offer from your creditor. Then, you need to approve the settlement. Finally, at least one payment towards the settlement must be made to the creditor. Only after these steps are completed will they charge a fee to your dedicated account. Until all these conditions are met, there's no fee for their service.
A few criteria you'll need to meet
Do you qualify for NDR's debt relief program? You'll need to have unsecured debt of at least $7,500, be several months behind on payments, and be facing a financial crisis (job loss, unexpected medical bills, death of a spouse). That's because they need to demonstrate to your creditors that you're facing financial hardship, and convince them that they're better off settling for a lower repayment amount. Otherwise, it would be in your creditors' best interest to just keep hounding you for the payments.
Can negotiate credit card debt and much more
But, the good news is that National Debt Relief can work with most types of creditors. Credit cards are the most common type of debt they can negotiate, but the list also includes veterinarian bills over $500, unsecured personal loans, abandoned timeshares, back rent (if you're not residing there currently), and many others.
Compelling case studies
We invite you to read through some of the client stories featured on the NDR website. It'll give you a sense of the types of people that have benefitted from the debt solutions offered here. Take Andrea, for example. She's a primary care physician with over $50,000 in debt. She enrolled in the debt management services at NDR for 53 months, and with a monthly payment of $684 she was able to save over $15,000. With traditional debt consolidation loans, she likely would have paid over $61,149; minimum credit card payments would have cost her over $180K. But instead, she paid a total of $36,293 over a little more than four years. Obviously this is no quick fix solution, but debt consolidation never is.
"A+” and accreditation from the BBB
National Debt Relief continues to have an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Although there were over 100 complaints filed there in the year leading up to our evaluation, they all received an appropriate, timely response. And, fortunately (?), most of them related to unwanted calls and messages after submitting an inquiry (par for the course with most debt consolidation services) and not about anything with the service itself.
5 stars from over 33,000 clients
And, jumping over to Trustpilot as an example, people give an enthusiastic recommendation for NDR, to the tune of more than 33,000 five-star ratings and an average of 4.7 stars. We really like the way one client put it in a comment shortly prior to this review: "Fears ease as the program progresses. The settlements that have come through so far has [sic] me seeing the hard work going on behind the scenes.” That client encouraged others to keep their NDR account balance at a level that can easily be used for negotiations, so that the experts on the team can keep working hard at reducing the total owed.
#1 option for reducing your debts and saving money
Why settle for simply consolidating your debts through a loan (and paying longer in the long run) when you have the opportunity to significantly reduce or even eliminate them altogether? If the prospect of long-term savings and breaking free from overwhelming debt appeals to you, National Debt Relief should be your top choice. With a track record of helping thousands of individuals in similar situations, their dedicated advisors specialize in securing lower monthly payments and can get you started on your journey toward debt freedom. Continuing to earn our highest recommendation, National Debt Relief stands out as the premier option for debt consolidation through effective negotiation.
TurboDebt is one of the newest options on our list of debt consolidation options. Opening its doors in 2020, they're the fastest-growing debt relief company we found, with over $15 billion in settled debt and over 500,000 enrolled clients nationwide.
Partner with major players
The first thing you need to understand about TurboDebt is that they're not a debt consolidation company in the traditional sense. Instead of offering you a debt relief program that they've developed in house, they partner with major debt consolidation companies who specialize in those programs. With a variety of companies and programs in their arsenal, they can refer you to the right company and program that makes the most sense for your particular financial needs.
Getting started is easy
Getting started with TurboDebt is easy. Simply use the slider on the page to show how much debt you currently have, and press Continue. The next page will ask whether you're currently paying on your debt. Depending on these answers, you also may be asked whether you have any unpaid taxes or unfiled tax returns. At this point TurboDebt determines whether you might quality for debt relief. If so, enter your contact information and they'll reach out for your free initial consultation.
Free consultation
When TurboDebt contacts you, they'll want to know your unique financial situation. Their credit counselors are friendly, and they walk you through a number of simple questions. How much debt do you have? What types of debt does it include? Are you current on your payments? What is your income? All of these factors help them identify the right partner and program that can best meet your needs.
Types of debt
There are essentially 2 kinds of debt people can have: secured debt vs unsecured debt.
Thinking bankruptcy? Think again.
Sometimes, desperate people think bankruptcy could be a solution to their financial situation. TurboDebt does not provide bankruptcy services, although they may be able to recommend a local bankruptcy attorney in your area. But that should really be your last resort. For example, in bankruptcy you may be required to sell many of your assets to pay off your creditors. You'll take a big hit on your credit score, and your bankruptcy can follow you for up to 10 years - making it hard to get a house, a car, or even a job. You also may be required to meet with the people you owe money to, and live under a court-ordered budget for up to 5 years. And that's just for starters. Compared to this, a program where you could be debt-free at the end is absolutely worth pursuing.
Approximate savings
How much can you save with TurboDebt? That's a great question, and is different for every person. If you're able to stay with the program and get all of your debt settled, TurboDebt claims a savings of 46% before fees (or a net savings of 25% once their fees are factored in). Many of their clients become debt-free in 24-48 months. Of course, your specific savings and timeframe will vary based on your financial situation; the TurboDebt credit counselor you talk to should be able to help with an accurate assessment.
Positive customer reviews
One of the best things we like about TurboDebt is their customer satisfaction. First off, in a relatively short time they've earned an impressive A- rating from the BBB. Secondly, they have a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot with over 7,500 5-star reviews, and a 4.8 rating with over 2,000 reviews on their Google business page. That may be why they're the fastest growing debt relief service today. Finally, the customer comments we've seen about their service are very positive. From fee transparency and friendly credit counselors, to positive experiences - such as one customer who went from being $84,000 in credit card debt to being debt free in just 8 months - people have a lot of good things to say about TurboDebt.
High rating
Although they're a relative new player in this space, TurboDebt has a lot of good things going for it. Their website is intuitive and easy to use. In less than a minute you can step through their questions to determine whether you're eligible for debt relief. Their initial call is free, and their credit counselors are knowledgeable and friendly while they get to know you and your financial needs. They have a strong reputation with the BBB, and thousands of customers who praise their service. If you're looking for help with your debt situation, TurboDebt stands ready to help and they receive one of our highest ratings.
CuraDebt operates with a client-centric approach to debt resolution, having served nationwide since 2000. They specialize in direct negotiation with creditors to secure substantial savings for their clients, typically ranging from 40 to 60 percent. Unlike some debt consolidation options that are restricted solely to credit card debt, CuraDebt can help you with credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, collections and repossessions, business debts, IRS debt and back taxes.
Lower your debts by having them renegotiated
This is not a loan program, and CuraDebt is actually a law firm. So, instead of making individual monthly payments to creditors, CuraDebt devises a personalized plan where you deposit a portion of your funds into an account. Over time, as the account accumulates funds, CuraDebt leverages these resources to negotiate debt reduction agreements with creditors on your behalf, expediting the debt elimination process. Through meticulous negotiation efforts, CuraDebt aims to significantly diminish your total debt burden. For instance, if you owe $800 to Capital One, CuraDebt may negotiate a reduced settlement of $300, resulting in you paying only the negotiated amount. You are regularly updated on negotiation offers, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding your debt consolidation journey. Upon acceptance of a negotiated offer, funds are promptly disbursed to the respective creditor, making your debt repayment efficient and almost automated. (You don't have to trust yourself to make the payments from a loan, for example.)
Lower debt now...
CuraDebt's debt settlement process focuses on addressing outstanding debts without adversely impacting your credit score. Because delinquency can harm your creditworthiness, CuraDebt's approach prioritizes resolving debt concerns first before focusing on credit score improvement. Unlike bankruptcy, debt settlement offers a temporary solution to debt challenges, with each settled account being updated accordingly on credit reports.
...improved credit score later
Upon program completion, you'll be referred to a credit restoration program, funded by CuraDebt for 3-6 months, aimed at enhancing your credit profile. This law firm specializes in maximizing credit restoration efforts, enabling you to build a positive credit history post-program completion. By demonstrating responsible financial behavior and maintaining good creditworthiness, you can eventually access new loans and credit opportunities.
Fees of 20% or less
What does it cost to use this debt consolidation service? CuraDebt doesn't come out and disclose those numbers, but they do guarantee that their fees will be the lowest in the industry. Our research shows you can expect to pay 20% or less of your total enrolled debt as a fee for their services. You won't pay anything upfront or as a monthly service charge.
Not available to residents of all 50 states
Be aware that CuraDebt's services aren't available nationwide, and they don't make it easy to know right away if your state is included in their service area. But, lucky for you, we've done the legwork, and we can tell you that CuraDebt is probably not available to residents of these locations: CT, HI, ID, KS, LA, ME, NH, NV, OR, SC, TN, UT, VT, and WV.
Continues to have a great reputation
CuraDebt continues to have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau: something we always love to see, and just 10 complaints filed with the BBB over the last 3 years. Better yet, most of the third-party resources we considered beyond the BBB (like Trustpilot and other places that CuraDebt's clients have gone to leave feedback) show hundreds of 4- and 5-star reviews for this debt resolution service.
Real settlement letters on display
Want to see for yourself? One of our favorite features at CuraDebt is the ability to see actual settlement letters. In last year's examples, one Discover credit cardholder got a negotiated payment of $1,152.75 on a balance of $3,842.49, an AmEx cardholder paid $912 on a balance of $3,645.10, and a Verizon Wireless customer paid $1,377.67 on a balance of $3,251.28. So, it's easy to see that even if you're paying a 20% fee, you've still got the potential to save a lot by letting CuraDebt do the negotiating for you.
You'll definitely save money here
While CuraDebt isn't a debt consolidation service in the traditional sense, the impact is similar: you can get ahead of your ever-mounting debts and be done with them once and for all. The big difference is that you're saving on the total you're paying off, not just taking out a loan at a lower interest rate than, say, your credit cards and replacing one debt with another. We're all about saving money in the short- and long-term, and CuraDebt can absolutely help you do that. We give CuraDebt one of our highest recommendations.
Have you ever wished that financial institutions would look at your whole picture and not just your credit score? Or to point out that yes, you have a good job, so yes, you can be trusted with a debt consolidation loan even though you're still building your credit history?
Revolutionizes lending
That's where Upstart comes in. Founded by former Google employees, Upstart revolutionizes lending. They consider your educational background, field of study, and work history, in order to connect you to the right partners within its vetted network of banks and credit unions. What a novel concept! No wonder there are more than 2.9 million customers with over $34 billion in loans on the Upstart platform.
Effortless application process, rapid funding
A standout feature of Upstart is its lightning-fast application procedure. Once you've provided essential details such as your name, address, income, employment, and educational background, Upstart conducts a "soft" credit check to verify that information. Within minutes of applying, you should have multiple loan offers to consider, and upon acceptance, funds can be deposited into your bank account as soon as the next business day.
Borrow up to $50K
Upstart offers debt consolidation loans in 48 states, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with varying loan limits based on state regulations. As you review loan offers, attention should be paid to any origination fees, which can range from 0% to 8%, depending on your state's regulations. Those fees are rolled into the APR, but they'll be deducted from the loan proceeds before you get the funds deposited. Thankfully, Upstart permits early repayments and extra payments.
Key eligibility requirements to note
While qualifying for a debt consolidation loan through Upstart is simple, there are some basic criteria you'll have to meet. Those include a minimum FICO or Vantage score of 580 (or 620 in select states), with any bankruptcies or delinquent accounts potentially affecting your eligibility. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, earn a minimum annual income of $12,000, maintain a personal bank account at a US financial institution, and demonstrate stable employment or a regular income source. Finally, you'll have to live anywhere but Iowa or West Virginia, as those two states aren't currently within Upstart's service area.
Acclaimed by over 40,000 clients
With an "A+" BBB rating and accreditation, Upstart upholds an impeccable reputation. Client reviews on platforms like Trustpilot reiterate this sentiment, with over 40,000 five-star ratings. While a few negative comments turn up here and there, they often stem from borrowers not fully comprehending their loan terms. Many clients offer three cheers for Upstart because of its fast funding process and user-friendly interface, with some completing the entire borrowing process via their mobile devices.
An outstanding choice for debt consolidation loans
Upstart emerges as a premier option for those seeking debt consolidation loans. It provides the simplest route to connect with lenders offering competitive rates and terms, backed by the satisfaction of thousands of clients. With its streamlined application, fast funding process, and glowing reviews, Upstart earns a very high rating.
SoFi, short for Social Finance, was founded in 2011 by Mike Cagney, Dan Macklin, James Finnigan, and Ian Brady. Initially focused on student loan refinancing, it has since expanded to offer a range of financial products, including personal loans, mortgages, and investment services. The company has grown rapidly, attracting millions of members and becoming a prominent player in the fintech industry.
Over 2 million clients and $50B in loans
Looking to wrangle your debt with a personal loan? SoFi could be your ticket to financial freedom. With a massive two million members and a jaw-dropping $50 billion in funded loans, SoFi has cemented its reputation as a heavyweight in the financial world.
Debt consolidation made easy
While SoFi's personal loans could be used for any old expense, they're perfectly suitable for consolidating debt. These loans can range from $5,000 to $100,000. With repayment terms stretching from 2 to 7 years, you can breathe a little easier knowing you have some flexibility. Plus, most loans get funded either the same day or next day. Just be sure to read the fine print, as there could be origination fees of up to 7% (despite assurances we read elsewhere on the site).
Perks for penny-pinchers
One nifty perk SoFi offers is the chance to lower your interest rate. Sign up for autopay and enjoy a cool 0.25% APR discount. And if you set up direct deposit to your SoFi account, you could snag an extra half-percentage point off your interest rate.
Rave reviews from borrowers
SoFi wears its "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau with pride and can point to over 7,000 five-star ratings on Trustpilot. While a few complaints have surfaced, they've been handled with care, and most are unrelated to loan products or anything related to debt consolidation.
A contender worth considering
For those eyeing debt consolidation, SoFi presents a compelling choice, with convenience and borrower protections on offer. They may not have the absolute best rates and terms, but their dedication to customer satisfaction and innovative features make them a lender worth a second look. If you're on the hunt for a financial lifeline to help you consolidate your debt, SoFi might just be the answer you've been searching for.
When it comes to tackling high-interest debt consolidation, SuperMoney wants to be your superhero. For more than 10 years, this platform has referred thousands of people to trusted lenders with over $10 billion in financing requests. You'll be able to see extensive reviews of every financial institution that SuperMoney partners with (some of which we've evaluated separately on our list), giving you that peace of mind that whichever route you take for your loan, you'll be in good hands.
They won't sell your info to other parties
At SuperMoney, your privacy takes center stage. The personal details you provide in the quick online application, such as employment status and credit score, are used exclusively to match you with suitable lenders. Unlike some competitors, SuperMoney pledges not to hawk your information to third-party marketers, sparing you from an inbox flooded with unwanted offers.
Personal loans to consolidate up to $100K in debt
Debt consolidation through SuperMoney will come in the form of a personal loan. So, be aware that you'll have to be disciplined enough to use the loan proceeds for paying off those debts (and not for going on a shopping spree!). The lenders in their network offer funding of up to $100,000. As with any other debt consolidation option, your rate and terms will be impacted by your credit score, overall debt amount, and your personal situation (such as employment).
Loans as low as $500
One advantage worth mentioning: SuperMoney offers loans as low as $500. Some of the debt consolidation services we evaluated require a minimum unsecured debt of $10,000. If you're struggling but not quite to that amount, SuperMoney could be the perfect way to borrow only what you need to consolidate your debt, instead of getting in over your head with more money than you actually require.
Lots of compliments from clients
While we weren't able to find a Better Business Bureau listing for SuperMoney, more than 400 people have gone to Trustpilot to offer praises for this referral platform. Users say that it made it incredibly easy to compare multiple loan offers with a single application, and that there weren't any issues getting connected with the funding they needed.
Great way to consolidate debt
SuperMoney is a solid option for debt consolidation, if you've got the self-control to use the personal loan funds to pay off your creditors. The platform's intuitive interface, detailed lender insights, and steadfast commitment to privacy make it a standout in the financial services arena. While the terms of your loan ultimately hinge on your chosen lender and unique financial profile, SuperMoney serves as a trustworthy launching pad for your journey. We give this service a solid rating.
Happy Money (formerly known as Payoff) has been on a noble quest since its inception in 2009: to rescue ordinary folks from the clutches of high-interest credit card debt and guide them toward financial stability. Teaming up with various banks and credit unions, such as MSUFCU, Veridian, and Alliant, they've facilitated over $6 billion in debt consolidation loans for a whopping 300,000 clients.
Personal loans specifically for consolidating credit card debt
Happy Money has a laser-like focus on consolidating credit card debt: the personal loans they offer (ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, spanning 2-5 years) are intended for that purpose, and they can even send your loan proceeds directly to the credit card companies (so that you won't be tempted to use the money in some other way). However, if you've got non-credit card debt that you're looking to consolidate, you may need to jump through a few extra hoops for Happy Money to approve your application.
Criteria to meet
Overall, here are the criteria you'll need to meet in order to get a debt consolidation loan through Happy Money:
They'll also peek at your debt-to-income ratio and overall credit utilization.
Good interest rates compared to credit cards
Happy Money offers some pretty enticing interest rates at our last check. They also include an origination fee of 1.5%-5.5%, shaved off the loan proceeds. Still, compare that to your average credit card rates, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Funds to the bank or to your credit card companies, you decide
Start by checking your rate with a quick two-minute online questionnaire. It won't ding your credit score. Even better, they give you the option to receive offers from related companies, rather than forcing them upon you. Once you've accepted a particular set of loan terms and completed the full application, expect your funds within 3-6 business days if you opt to have them deposited to your bank account or reflected on your credit card balance within 30 days. And, if there's a surplus between what it takes Happy Money to pay off your credit cards and your loan amount, you'll have that deposited to your bank account too.
Strong reputation
Happy Money can proudly claim an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Though some discrepancies were noted in advertised ratings, deeper investigation revealed them to be minor (people in Great Britain saying Happy Money had cheated them, but since Happy Money only operates in the US, those customers had been defrauded by someone else as part of a scam). Customer feedback generally sings praises of an easy process and an absence of unpleasant surprises.
Excellent for credit card debt consolidation
Happy Money's personal loans shine brightest when it comes to credit card debt consolidation. With lower-than-average interest rates, reasonable fees, and consistently satisfied customers, they're a solid choice for tackling that mountain of debt. If credit card consolidation isn't your goal, you might want to look elsewhere, but otherwise you can consider this review a hearty endorsement of Happy Money.
Since its establishment in 1998, LendingTree has been at the forefront of online financial referral services. They specialize in connecting everyday consumers with various financing options, spanning from loans to credit cards and small business funding. Through their vast network of trusted partners, LendingTree links you with up to five lenders keen on helping you achieve your financial objectives, including debt consolidation through personal loans.
An expansive hub for lender research
LendingTree stands out from platforms offering limited lender selections by offering a broad network of financial partners. Transparency is a top priority here, with detailed information provided about each partner's background and customer feedback. This transparency provides valuable reassurance, especially when considering lenders that might be unfamiliar to you (and even if you just use LendingTree to research financial institutions).
It all boils down to your lender choice
The rates and terms you're offered ultimately depend on the lender you select. Curious about the loan amounts and interest rates available? As you'd anticipate, that varies based on factors like your credit history, income, and borrowing needs. Generally, LendingTree's partners can fund loans up to $50,000, with interest rates determined by individual lenders. Specific offers are only revealed upon application.
A simple application process
Getting started with LendingTree is a walk in the park. Just specify the amount you want to borrow for debt consolidation and your desired timeframe for receiving the funds, from "ASAP" to "just browsing." Then, provide some basic details like your birthdate, credit score range, annual income, and address. LendingTree will verify your identity using this information, potentially requesting the last four digits of your SSN for a soft credit check if needed.
Receive offers from up to 5 lending partners
Once your identity is confirmed, you'll unlock offers from lenders within LendingTree's network eager to provide you with a debt consolidation loan. Take your time to compare these offers thoroughly before moving forward with a full application to your chosen financial institution.
Positive reviews marred by unwanted communication
Despite maintaining an "A+" BBB rating and earning thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot, LendingTree has faced criticism for bombarding users with excessive unwanted communications after they submit an inquiry. While this issue isn't unique to LendingTree, it's something to bear in mind if you're "allergic” to spam.
Solid resource despite marketing nuisances
Despite this drawback, LendingTree remains a dependable choice for those in search of loans for paying off high-interest credit cards and other debts. While the nuisance of third-party marketing detracts from its overall rating, LendingTree earns a respectable score for its extensive, well-researched lending network and user-friendly platform.
Upstart Disclosure
(1) Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa. The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in Ohio is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
(3) The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 5-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 22.00% and 60 monthly payments of $25.03 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $15,018 including a $600 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 5-year rates offered in the last 1 month. There is no downpayment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved.
(4) If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law.
With debt consolidation, you get to hit the reset button on your finances, giving you a fresh start with a simpler repayment plan. Plus, personal loans often come with lower interest rates than credit cards, which can save you some serious cash in the long run.
Before continuing, let's clear up some terminology confusion. Debt consolidation, debt restructuring, and debt management might sound like they're cut from the same financial cloth, but they each have their own distinct flavors.
Debt consolidation is all about streamlining multiple debts into one manageable payment, usually through a loan or balance transfer. Debt restructuring, on the other hand, involves renegotiating the terms of your debts with creditors to make them more manageable. This could mean extending the repayment period, reducing interest rates, or even forgiving a portion of the debt. And then there's debt management, which is like having a wise old sage by your side, guiding you through the treacherous forest of debt. Debt management plans, often offered by credit counseling agencies, could potentially help you organize your finances, create a budget, and negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates or fees.
Where should you turn for the right debt consolidation for your unique financial situation? Great question. Here are some criteria you can use to sort through today's most popular options:
Debt doesn't have to be a four-letter word. With the right tools (like the insights in our reviews and rankings at Top Consumer Reviews), you can get all the information you need about the most popular sources of debt consolidation today, in order to wrangle your debts into submission and reclaim control of your financial future.
Select any 2 Debt Consolidation Companies to compare them head to head