CountryWide Debt Relief Reviews
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About CountryWide Debt Relief
CountryWide Debt Relief helps consumers manage unsecured debt (e.g., credit cards and personal loans) through consolidation and settlement programs. It offers personalized plans based on your financial situation, often combining debts into a single monthly payment or negotiating with creditors to reduce balances. The company offers free consultations and structures programs to help clients pay off debt over time rather than using a fixed, upfront price. It advertises over 30 years of experience in debt relief.
- Free initial consultations
- Good credit not required for debt consolidation program
- Fees apply only if a debt is settled
- For-profit company
- $10,000 credit card debt minimum to apply
- Not available in all U.S. states
Helpful Reviews
What is CountryWide Debt Relief?
CountryWide Debt Relief is a for-profit company based in Irvine, Calif., that helps consumers manage unsecured debt. Its services focus on debt settlement and consolidation options, depending on a customer’s financial situation and eligibility.
The company works with common forms of unsecured debt, including credit cards, personal loans and medical bills. In some cases, it may also connect customers with lending partners for consolidation loans, though availability varies by state and qualifications.
How does CountryWide Debt Relief work?
CountryWide Debt Relief generally works through the following process:
- Complete a free consultation: You speak with a company representative about your debts, income and overall financial situation to see whether you qualify for a program.
- Review your options: CountryWide evaluates your unsecured debts and determines whether debt settlement or another relief option may be a fit.
- Enroll in a program: If you move forward with settlement, you begin making monthly program payments based on your budget and enrolled debt amount.
- Let the company negotiate with creditors: CountryWide works to reduce what you owe by negotiating settlements on eligible accounts.
- Pay off settled debts over time: As settlements are reached, funds from your program payments go toward resolving those accounts.
Program timelines vary, but CountryWide offers payment plans ranging from one to five years (12 to 60 months).
How much does CountryWide Debt Relief cost?
Your total out-of-pocket cost with CountryWide depends on how much debt you enroll and how much is successfully settled. Based on the company’s website, costs are structured as follows:
- Monthly program payments (settlement): You deposit at least 1.5% of your total debt or $250 per month (whichever is greater) into a dedicated account. These funds are eventually used to pay creditors and fees.
- Debt settlement fees: Typically, fees are 15% to 30% of enrolled debt, but they’re only charged after a debt is successfully settled. Fees are pulled from your dedicated account, not paid upfront or billed separately.
- No upfront fees: You don’t pay a separate fee to enroll in the settlement program.
If you pursue debt consolidation through a lending partner instead of settlement, you’ll pay interest (APR typically 5.99% to 35.89%) instead of settlement fees. Terms and total costs depend on your loan agreement.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Minimum debt requirement: You will need to have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt to qualify for a program.
- Indirect costs: You may have a credit score impact or have to pay taxes on forgiven debt.
- What you’ll save (settlement): The company says clients who complete the program may save about 25% to 30% on average (including fees).
Do we recommend CountryWide Debt Relief?
We recommend CountryWide Debt Relief for its performance-based fee structure and defined program requirements. The company does not charge upfront fees and typically collects 15% to 30% of enrolled debt only after a settlement is reached, with payments made through a structured monthly program (at least 1.5% of total debt or $250).
CountryWide says customers who complete the program may save about 25% to 30% overall (including fees), though results vary. Its debt settlement program is designed for consumers with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt who can commit to a multiyear repayment plan.
FAQ
Where is CountryWide Debt Relief available?
CountryWide Debt Relief does not publish a fixed list of serviced states but indicates that it is not available in all U.S. states. Availability may vary depending on state regulations, and some services or referrals may not be offered in all locations.
Is CountryWide Debt Relief legit?
Yes, CountryWide Debt Relief is a legitimate company. CountryWide Debt Relief is a for-profit debt settlement company that follows standard industry practices, such as charging fees only after a successful settlement, in line with Federal Trade Commission rules. It is affiliated with industry groups like the American Fair Credit Council and is listed with the Better Business Bureau.
Does debt relief hurt your credit?
Yes, debt settlement programs typically lower your credit score, especially in the short term. Most programs require you to stop paying creditors while they negotiate, which can lead to late payments, collections and a lower credit score. Over time, your credit may recover as debts are settled and paid off, but the initial impact can be significant.
CountryWide Debt Relief Reviews
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Reviewed Jan. 28, 2026
Anything you're told about being able to negotiate your debt down is a lie. Been with them several years, paying monthly legal fees, only for them to accomplish absolutely nothing. Still the same amount owed as when I started. 0/10, would not recommend.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2025
I have been paying them over 2 years for 2 creditors. One they said was settled and the other they had not reached a settlement yet. Told me it takes 1-3 months to reach a settlement. It’s been 2 Years!!! So they keep taking my payment without a settlement agreement saying it’s going to my “savings” for the next settlement. So one is paid off but my payment does not go down??? This experience has been shady and I’m beyond frustrated!
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Reviewed Nov. 25, 2020
I had a lot of debt that I couldn’t afford. I looked up CountryWide. When I spoke to their customer service, it was pretty great and I didn't have any problems. Any questions I had, they answered. After enrollment, I always gave my payments on time.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2020
CountryWide contacted me and they were telling me about the plan that they had and how much debt I was in. At first, asked them how I would know that it's legit and how my money is not gonna just get taken. So, they gave me a website I could look at. I did a little bit of digging and then, I called them back. I was able to work with them. I was a single mom at the time I was going to do it so I told the rep what was in my budget and what I could afford and what I couldn’t. She was very personal and could relate to my story. At first, they said it was 200 bucks and I couldn’t afford that. I told them I could afford maybe 150 and they said that we could do 138 something. It was perfect. Once I agreed over the phone and they sent me the contract, I signed it off. Everything was straightforward and the rep understood where I was coming from.
It was a 24-month program and they were taking about 143 a month from each paycheck. So, I was getting paid at one point every week and then, it changed to every other week. They told me they settled with this one company for a said amount and once I get it to that amount, we would be able to pay it off. Every time something was paid off, they would tell me. They were very helpful and I felt very comfortable with the process. If I had any questions or if I need to change something, they're always a phone call away. So, they were very approachable and professional. I never had any incidents of extra money being pulled out. When I did an overpayment, I got money back.
CountryWide is the way to go when it comes to consolidating your debts. They are very considerate of any personal issues or any financial hardships that you're going through. Working with this program helped me build my credit back up and I was approved for a loan about a few weeks ago. My credit score is at 640 right now. So, it's average.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2020
Over three years ago, I had a lot of credit card bills, and they were too hard to manage. I did an internet search and checked out the reviews. I called, spoke to someone and made my decision. I spoke to someone when I initially set it up then I made an account online on CountryWide's site and I made payments every month. I felt comfortable, and I’m good about everything. It was easy to set up and smooth along the way. Instead of having to worry about paying each debt off, their program made it easy to consolidate it into one monthly payment. It took a lot of stress away and it helped me pay back those all of those debts within three and a half years or so. It was worth it. I came out debt-free, so overall, it was a success. Now, I have a better credit score, and that's a big deal. I was able to buy a house recently.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2020
Countrywide was local to me and they had some good online reviews. Their customer service initially was fantastic because they got me to join. Once I joined, they got my payments, but their communication was nonexistent and I didn't hear from somebody for a couple of years. I needed to build up a certain amount of funds before they could reach settlement with one of the creditors. They would take fees and not even tell me why. I would have to check my account and see the fee or I'd receive a letter in the mail. They didn't communicate well via email, text, or throughout the process until they've settled something or until I contacted them.
I completed the program sometime over this last summer. Again, I needed to contact them because I had extra funds that needed to get returned to me. They were really slow about getting the funds back to me as well. They gave me a letter at the end stating that it was completed and I have not heard from any creditors. There were two that were past the statute of limitations to collect, so those are still hanging out on my credit report. It seems that as soon as that statute of limitations date was reached, they just took their fee and said, "Oh, we don't need to settle this unless we hear from you within 72 hours." Legally, these companies cannot come after me further, but they're still open.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2020
They helped us to consolidate and they did everything decently and in order to relieve our problem. All you had to do is call them on the phone when you wanna talk to them. They were respectful and helpful. I was very happy with them. They did a good job. We were satisfied because it took out the pressure off of us.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020
The process with CountryWide was very easy. They contacted me via email. In case I didn't reply, they would always send another email or give me a call. They were on top of what they were doing. The cost was something I could afford at the time and then the quality was very good. I couldn't be any happier.
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020
I had two outstanding debts and CountryWide wanted to go to court over it. They structured a payment plan for me. I gave my information to the rep and they plugged it all in and took care of it. The experience has been very good. My debt has been handled, so I'm happy. CountryWide is there for me and I appreciate it.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2020
I had a good experience with CountryWide. I needed the service because I had several accounts that were in collection. I'm happy with the way they handled the situation except the first people that were assigned to my account were not very responsive. There was a couple of times where I did have to escalate. Finally, my account was designated to another person towards the end and followed up very quickly to my request. She was great at closing everything and following up. She was wonderful. She helped with everything. I was happy with the service. Any questions I had, I would call or send an email and they would respond. Everything's been paid and they helped me with that as well. My accounts have been settled. I don't have people harassing me. I was very happy with how everything turned out once I've started getting the assistance that I needed and the responses that I needed.
CountryWide Debt Relief Company Information
- Company Name:
- CountryWide Debt Relief
- Company Type:
- Private
- Address:
- 1504 Brookhollow Drive, Suite 117
- City:
- Santa Ana
- State/Province:
- CA
- Postal Code:
- 92705
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.cwdebtrelief.com