Freedom Debt Relief
Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.
About Freedom Debt Relief
Freedom Debt Relief is a nationwide debt relief company that provides debt settlement services and education. The company requires applicants to have at least $7,500 of unsecured debt. Its fees vary by location and range from 15% to 25%, depending on the state where the client lives and the amount of debt they enroll. Though user credit suffers in the short term, Freedom Debt Relief’s credit score impact study, which was updated in 2022, found that most customers saw credit score recovery in 36 to 45 months.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No fees until settlement reached, authorized by client
- Has resolved over $15 billion in debt in 20-plus years
- Works with high debt amounts
- Long-term credit recovery
Cons
- Fees up to 25% of settlement amount
- Short-term impact on credit
Bottom Line
Freedom Debt Relief is a good match for those with $7,500 or more in debt. Although its fees can range up to 25% of the settlement amount, fees are only collected when a settlement is authorized and a payment is made toward that settlement.
Featured Reviews
I’m so grateful to the staff of Freedom Debt Relief. It’s been a struggle at times, but it also has been a positive crossroad ... This is the best decision I have ever made for my...
Read full reviewI have had an excellent experience with FDR. They listened, got me where I needed to be, and stuck with me the entire time. It has been a journey worth taking. They are faster tha...
Read full reviewWhat is Freedom Debt Relief?
Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) specializes in debt resolution services, also known as debt negotiation and debt settlement, for those grappling with overwhelming debt. Having been in business since 2002, FDR touts a record of having resolved over $15 billion in debt and serving over 850,000 clients. It’s a Platinum member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators and part of the American Fair Credit Council.
If you have $7,500 or more in unsecured debt, FDR will work to help you negotiate a settlement with your creditors for as low as 50% of what you owe.
How does Freedom Debt Relief work?
To get started with Freedom Debt Relief, you must have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt — debt that is unattached to collateral, such as a house or car. If you qualify, you’ll talk with one of FDR’s consultants or get a debt evaluation through digital enrollment to get a plan that works for you.
FDR’s program length typically ranges from 24 to 48 months, and you can track your progress through the online dashboard 24/7. The company also offers an online evaluation tool to help you see if you qualify.
If a settlement is reached with a creditor, FDR will ask you to authorize the settlement and then charge a fee based on the settlement. It won’t charge until a settlement is reached and authorized by you. Keep in mind that not all creditors will let you settle.
How much does Freedom Debt Relief cost?
Freedom Debt Relief’s fees typically range from 15% to 25% of the settled debt. When you apply, a certified debt consultant will receive your case and you’ll get an exact percentage and a monthly cost. Fees vary depending on the state you live in and the amount of debt you enroll.
Legally, FDR can’t charge any upfront fees, so each charge is initiated after the company settles part of your debt. Users need to authorize a settlement before the company initiates any charges, so this fee should never be a surprise.
Freedom Debt Relief FAQ
How does Freedom Debt Relief affect your credit?
As with all debt relief and settlement programs, working with Freedom Debt Relief will likely negatively affect your credit in the short term. However, a Freedom Debt Relief program can help encourage positive credit habits, which over time could help improve your credit. The company conducted a study and reported that its customers’ credit improved significantly over 24 to 45 months.
Where is Freedom Debt Relief located?
Freedom Debt Relief has offices in Phoenix, Arizona, and San Mateo, California, but it serves customers across the country.
Is Freedom Debt Relief a debt settlement company?
Yes, Freedom Debt Relief’s program involves negotiating settlements with your creditors.
How long does Freedom Debt Relief affect your credit?
According to a study conducted by the company, customers of Freedom Debt Relief saw a significant dip in credit score in the beginning, with median scores of 497 at six months after enrollment, then saw a steady increase, with median scores reaching 604 at 24 months and 648 at 45 months. This study tracked the scores of customers between 2014 and 2018 with a median starting credit score of 650.
Does Freedom Debt Relief offer loans?
Freedom Debt Relief does offer debt consolidation loans. In the debt evaluation process, Freedom Debt Relief reviews other options that are available to the client aside from debt settlement, which may include loans, and may refer the client to an affiliated company, such as Achieve Personal Loans or Achieve Home Loans, for loan products.
Is Freedom Debt Relief legit?
Freedom Debt Relief is a reputable company with a proven track record. The company is a member of the American Fair Credit Council and a Platinum member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. If you have $7,500 or more in unsecured debt, Freedom Debt Relief may be able to help you.
While all debt relief services will likely cause a negative mark on your credit report, Freedom Debt Relief professionals can assist you in negotiating with creditors in a way you may not be able to do yourself. Although its fees may be high — as much as 25% of what you save on your debt — it still may cost you less than paying the debt in full.
Freedom Debt Relief Reviews
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,308,803 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2023
I called Freedom Debt Relief. At first, it was nerve-racking. But after I got done talking with their rep, it was exciting and I was ready to start. The program they set up for me was supposed to add around 22. But life happens so you have to change things around. They had me for 2025 and that should save me at a balance of 2 something. Ever since then, they settled a few things and I was able to get a few things done. I actually bought my first home this year because of Freedom so it's been a blessing.
Freedom's price is fair for what they've done, how they fixed things on my behalf and kept all the unnecessary calls off my back and the others' back as well. Most times you have other consumers trying to call and get some things paid off from them. But because I'm with Freedom Debt Relief, the other consumers can't call me. You're relaxed and you don't have to worry about, "Oh, my gosh. When's my next bill?" because you're paying on time with Freedom. Even if you have to skip a month that day, their team itself helps take care of you and relieve the stress off of you. It's almost like a big brother or a big sister.
I like the constant positive attitude of Freedom. Every time I had to call, I never got that judgy tone or that they woke up on the wrong side of the bed tone. They're always in like they had coffee or that first shot of the day. They're always in a great mood. That makes me excited about talking to them. I was referring my friends and family to them. Their website is easy to look at and they updated recently. It's easy to review what you've paid off and it gives you more drive to wanna pay things off earlier, if you're able to.

Hi Marcus, it's wonderful to hear about your positive experience with us, and congratulations on buying your first home this year! It's great that you find our team's positive attitude and responsiveness to be such positive factors in your experience. Thank you for allowing us the honor of working with you!
Thanks for subscribing.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2023
The reps warned me right up front that I was gonna have to let my bills go on hold for a while and that it was gonna hurt my credit. My only concern is that I paid off all but one credit card and my credit report is still reflecting that these bills or still unpaid even though I paid them. I spoke to Freedom about it and they said I would have to contact the credit reporting agency and let them know what I was doing and who I was affiliated with, which is them, and let them know that I have proof. The only proof that I have is my dashboard that I get on to and it shows that I've made all the payments and that they're paid off. Freedom Debt Relief was easy to work with and their program was good. They're doing everything they said they would do. I've got to trust that they are because it shows that the bills are paid and I don't know any other way to check on it other than what they tell me.
There was one time that Freedom called me about a year after being in the deal with them. They said I’ve been good about my payments and they could offer a loan to pay off everything and be done with it, and then I just make one payment to Freedom Debt Relief. It was gonna cost me $800 a month and I was barely able to make the 400 a month that I was paying them. It's just like me paying the credit cards off myself because the interest that they would have charged for that was ridiculous. So, I opted out of it and I’ve just been making my payments every month.

Hi Terry, thank you for reviewing your experience. Thank you so much for trusting us and taking the time to share your experience. We pride ourselves on being transparent and supporting our clients every step of the way. Thank you again, we wish you nothing but success in your future.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2022
FDR was a lifesaver for me. I was $16,000.00 in debt and engaged to get married. I didn’t want my future husband to have to worry about my debts. That was my responsibility. I had a good job but I had a lot of medical issues which involved deductible. Even though I was paying my credit cards I wasn’t getting anywhere because of the high interest I was paying. So I called FDR to see what they were about. They were so nice and understanding. They walked me through the process and I decided to let them help me. The biggest issue I had was that none of my accounts were behind but I would pay say $300.00 on a card and only a $100.00 went toward knocking my bill down. I was barely making it and not getting anywhere. So I agree to commit to a 4 year plan.
My accounts had to go to past due status and I started to get those calls which I hated. I am not a bad person so I wrote a letter to each of my creditors and gave them FDR information and it stopped. I paid my payment faithfully for 4 years. They handled everything else. They will work with you if you have an issue and they support you and show you where you're at each month. I would highly recommend them if you're over your head and struggling. Pick up the phone and start your new life. I have learned how to manage the cards I have. I don’t spend more than I can afford when I wanted new furniture or lawnmower. I only buy something if it was interest free for 48, 24, 18 months and I always pay over the amount due as it helps knock the bill down faster.
Word of advice. Paying the minimum is what will get you in trouble again. For example I bought a new washer & dryer on a holiday weekend. It was $2000. Minimum payment $39.00. Interest free 18 months. I pay $200 and it will be paid off in 10 months. None of those extra interest charges and always pay early. Never late. You can have a credit card but be responsible. I always ask myself, "Do I need it or do I want it." I can’t thank the FDR family enough for all their help and support. Because I had no one I could borrow money from. I don’t come from a rich family just ordinary people and I didn’t want them knowing I got myself in a pickle. So if you're that person who is overwhelmed and the burden is getting too heavy to carry alone call FDR. Your shoulders will feel lighter.

Hi Mary Kay,
First of all, WOW!! Your response is amazing and so powerful, congratulations on your fresh start. Thank you for choosing Freedom Debt Relief and congratulations again, on your success!
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2022
In order to keep my divorce civil, I did not ask my ex-husband for financial support. All of a sudden I had piles of bills for which I alone was responsible. I was able to pay the minimum amount due each month, but it left me with no money. The worst part? I was never going to get out of debt by paying the minimum! My bank account was depleted but the amounts due on my credit cards were stagnant. It was maddening and there was nothing more I could do. I had gotten a job that paid $30K more than my previous job and still, I couldn’t make a dent in my debt. I felt hopeless and afraid that I would never be able to financially recover or stand on my own two feet.
I did some research and found Freedom Debt Relief online. FDR had great ratings and so many success stories that I decided to look into it. I had tried “debt consolidation” once before, in my 20s and it was a joke. FDR seemed different but I was still skeptical after some due diligence on my part, I called FDR. The person I spoke to answered my questions and explained how Freedom Debt Relief’s program worked for 45 minutes ~ FDR was 100% transparent from day one. I was accepted into the program and decided to commit ~ it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
3.5 years later, after sticking to the program & making my deposits on time I am about to graduate with my $20,000 debt completely paid!!! FDR provides a service that, in my opinion, is invaluable. Yes, it took hard work and commitment on my part. No, it wasn’t always easy, but FDR was there every step of the way; always available to answer questions and offer guidance. If you are serious about settling your debts and committed to the process I promise you, Freedom Debt Relief will help you achieve your goals. I am forever grateful.

Jana, thank you for sharing your experience with us. It as an honor to be your partner in your journey towards a better financial future. We wish you nothing but continued success in your future!
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2022
I say that because I wasn't completely prepared for what was about to happen to my already shaky credit score. I was making minimum payments, not even making a dent in any of my credit cards, kept going downhill from there. Getting loans to cover "a couple of cards" only to get behind on other ones. Got to the point of living paycheck to paycheck with no relief in sight. Finally, after not being able to get another loan, looked at Freedom Debt. They will go through all your accounts, add up all the debt that you have and give you a dollar amount that you will need to pay per month. You will stop paying all debt that you added to this program and wait for the fun part. Now you start getting all the missed payment notices, then come the annoying phones calls from creditors.
You start seeing your credit score tanking and now you're really screwed (at least for a few years) cause no one is gonna give you any kind of credit. Stick it through, don't be dumb and get into any more debt, and in a few years you start seeing some improvement. But wait, there's more!! Now you start paying off a few here and there, then come the tax papers from said creditors. It's funny cause no one really tells you about this part. They send you a few emails where you can click on different stories, one of them being these forms (1099 I believe) they don't really make a big deal of them. But they are!
They count as extra income so they need to be added to your taxes. For some not a big deal, for me, it sucked. It was the difference in paying or getting a refund. So another thing to be careful of. They say that it's rare, but for me, every creditor sent me one. At the end of everything, though, I stuck it through and it's in the rearview mirror. Not living paycheck to paycheck anymore and definitely hoping to never do this again!! Hahaha! TLDR: stick it through till the end, don't get any new debt. Plan will work. Don't stick it through, keep getting more credit cards. Don't even bother doing this.

Hello Antonio, thank you for your feedback. We understand that there are negative impact that come from our program such as the possibility of receiving 1099-c forms, which are sent out by your creditors. As well as the negative impact to your credit, you should see your credit improve as your accounts are resolved. If you compare our fees to the overall savings of your program, our clients still have obtain significant savings. We encourage you to contact customer services to address any questions you may have about your program.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023
They have been nothing but professional even when you may feel overwhelmed with all that you have going on. They do the work and they treat you like a true human being, they will be the ones to get your debt taken care of while also helping you get back on track.

Hi Melody, thank you for this review! We agree - just stick to your monthly deposits and we take care of the rest! Thank you for being consistent and the best part of Freedom Debt Relief.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023
Great experience. The staff are amazing. The help they provide is a life time change I would recommend to everyone. The budget they put you in fits perfectly with your lifestyle. It’s not an extreme amount but it will definitely get you out of your debt. Once you’re debt-free it’s like living life again. This is my second time around using Freedom Debt.

Hi Yahaira, it is great to hear that your monthly deposit has still allowed you to live comfortably! We are happy to be able to help guide you through this process again!
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023
I began this journey with my bills all at current status, none were late. But the problem with that is that every month I was left with about $200.00 (est) clean, which is nothing. I looked at what I was paying for interest and knew, I could be the best customer ever, but I was never going to pay off these balances, then I saw an advertisement on Freedom Debt Relief, I weighed everything out, talk to the best associate with Freedom debt relief and this will be my 1st month, but so far, with the help of their very very knowledgeable representative, I feel great in my decision to go with Freedom Debt Relief.

Hi Helen, thank you for sharing your review! We are so happy to hear that you are pleased with our services and wish you nothing but continued success.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023
At this point in my Freedom from that debt, I'm very happy. I'm almost finished!!! Thank you for enabling me to get rid of the debt. The end of this journey will be a fresh start for me. I can't wait. Thanks again for giving me that fresh start. If I can do it, You can do it. Give it a try.

Hi Estelle, thank you so much for this wonderful review, it makes us so happy to hear that you are happy with our service. We are looking forward to helping you achieve financial freedom and want to thank you for trusting us.
Reviewed Sept. 15, 2023
Yes I rate your company as A very good company to deal with if you have debt to resolve. That's why I am with this company because of word of mouth. I am very very glad I'm with them...So give this company a call if you are facing debt like I was..I sleep and feel so much better that I made this move..So try them out folks. And no I was given anything for saying this....

Hi Cynthia, it is great to hear that we have been able to meet your needs! Please let us know how we can continue to support you in your journey to financial freedom!
Freedom Debt Relief Company Information
- Social media:
- Company Name:
- Freedom Debt Relief
- Company Type:
- Private
- Year Founded:
- 2002
- Address:
- PO Box 2330
- City:
- Phoenix
- State/Province:
- AZ
- Postal Code:
- 85002-2330
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.freedomdebtrelief.com