Who is the Best Structured Settlement Buyer?  If you've received a structured settlement from a legal case or insurance claim but need access to those funds now, you're not the first. A structured settlement provides guaranteed periodic payments, often from a personal injury case, workers' compensation claim, or similar settlement.
Stone Street Capital (a secret subsidiary of JG Wentworth) might look friendly on the surface, but don't let that fool you - this structured settlement buyer is far more interested in getting your signature than offering a fair deal. They've been around since 1989, so you'd think experience would lead to trust, but what stands out most is their aggressive, sales-first approach and a history peppered with troubling stories. If you're looking for a structured settlement buyer who'll put your best interests first, you'll want to keep reading before picking up the phone.
A cute but concerning first impression
Stone Street Capital's website tries to be friendly with cartoon cows and casual language, but this approachable veneer masks some concerning practices. While they do provide basic information about structured settlements, their educational content is overshadowed by pushy sales tactics. Their catchphrase "you keep every penny you get from us" is technically true but misleading - it distracts from the fact that you'll be losing a significant portion of your future payments in the deal.
Consulting financial advisors only vaguely suggested
And, although Stone Street Capital technically discloses their use of discount rates (which means paying less than the full value of future payments), they place this crucial information on less prominent parts of their website. If you weren't already informed about structured settlement buyers, you might be led to believe that there's an actual possibility of coming out ahead when entering into a lump sum deal. While they do mention that court approval is required and suggest consulting financial advisors, these important protections feel like afterthoughts compared to their heavy emphasis on quick cash and emotional appeals.
High pressure tactics
We also dislike how aggressively Stone Street Capital's website funnels visitors toward sales calls through multiple "Get My Free Quote" buttons and a prominent phone number. These "free quotes" actually serve as consent forms allowing them to contact you via texts and calls - which you'll definitely want to think twice about. Their BBB page reveals complaints about excessive contact, with one customer reporting "5 to 7 calls a day."
A troubling history of predatory practices
Stone Street Capital has been involved in some seriously questionable dealings, especially involving cash for lottery prizes. Back in the late 90s, they played a role in a high-profile, tragic case involving aggressive pursuit of lottery winner Billy Bob Harrell, who later died by suicide. According to news reports, after Harrell's death, Stone Street Capital's lump sum payout to him mysteriously vanished. This left his family not only grieving his loss but also dealing with financial complications, as they were unable to locate or access the money that Stone Street had supposedly provided. And, in 2015, Stone Street Capital faced legal trouble for allegedly forging documents in a lottery winner's case to purchase more payments than the winner wanted to sell.
Not much to see at the BBB - and what little there is, isn't pretty
While Stone Street Capital has an "A+" grade on the Better Business Bureau, their listing is bereft of positive customer reviews. All we found there were two complaints about missing payments and aggravating sales calls. Elsewhere on the internet, we found just a handful of positive reviews for Stone Street Capital, but these were brief, contained over-the-top praise of sales associates, and offered no details about structured settlement deals.
Pushy tactics + troubling track record = avoid this company
If you're considering Stone Street Capital as your structured settlement buyer, you deserve the straight story: this company is more interested in getting your signature than giving you a fair deal. Their educational content is overshadowed by relentless sales pitches and a website designed to funnel you straight to a sales call. The fine print is easy to miss, especially if you're new to the world of structured settlement buyers. Worse, Stone Street Capital has racked up complaints about aggressive contact, missing payments, and even some shady history involving forged documents and questionable lottery deals. At the end of the day, Stone Street Capital looks much more like a company trying to exploit you than a reputable, trustworthy partner. Our final recommendation: avoid Stone Street Capital and look elsewhere for a structured settlement buyer who puts your interests first.
Continued from above...
If you've received a structured settlement from a legal case or insurance claim but need access to those funds now, you're not the first. A structured settlement provides guaranteed periodic payments, often from a personal injury case, workers' compensation claim, or similar settlement.
While these regular payments offer financial security, life sometimes throws unexpected challenges your way - medical bills, education costs, or a down payment on a home might require immediate access to larger sums of money. Finding a reputable structured settlement buyer could be the solution - but it's crucial to understand both the benefits and risks before making this significant financial decision. It's not all it's cracked up to be by the commercials.
Before you consider selling your structured settlement to a buyer, understand that you're trading future security for immediate cash - and usually at a significant discount. When you sell your payments, you'll typically receive 50-80% of their future value, depending on factors like interest rates and payment schedules. It's essential to carefully evaluate whether the immediate need justifies the long-term financial impact.
Industry standard discount rates - the percentage deducted from your future payments to determine your immediate cash payout - typically range from 9% to 18%, though some buyers may offer rates outside this range. The actual rate you receive depends on various factors including the total value of your settlement, payment schedule, and current market conditions. Be wary of rates significantly higher than 18%, as these could indicate predatory practices. Similarly, extremely low rates that seem "too good to be true" may mask hidden fees or unfavorable terms. Always request a detailed breakdown of how the discount rate is calculated and its impact on your final payout.
The sales process itself requires careful navigation. First, you'll need court approval, required by state laws protecting settlement recipients. Additionally, you'll want to know about the aggressive nature of the structured settlement buying industry. Once you request a quote, your contact information may be shared among multiple buyers - leading to an onslaught of calls and mailings that can continue for years, even if you're on the Do Not Call registry. Be prepared to firmly decline unwanted solicitations and file complaints with the Better Business Bureau if necessary.
When evaluating structured settlement buyers online, consider these crucial factors:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most reputable structured settlement buyers available. We hope our research helps you find the best service to meet your immediate financial needs while protecting your long-term interests.
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