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Debt help is a structured plan to pay off what you owe through one lower monthly payment, with the goal of becoming debt-free in a fixed timeframe. The two most common options are a debt relief program and a debt consolidation loan.
For people struggling to keep up with credit card minimums and other unsecured debt, a debt relief program is often the more affordable and accessible path: clients typically reduce their eligible monthly payments by 40% or more, and the average client saves $480 a month. Accredited Debt Relief has helped more than 1.3 million clients since 2011 and resolved more than $15 billion in unsecured debt.
Debt help is any structured program designed to ease the burden of unpaid debt — most often credit cards, personal loans, medical bills and other unsecured debt. Debt help works by lowering what you pay each month, shortening the time it takes to become debt-free, or both.
U.S. consumers carried $1.25 trillion in credit card debt as of Q1 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Q1 2026 Household Debt and Credit Report. The average APR on credit cards accruing interest reached 21.52% in Q1 2026 per the Federal Reserve's G.19 Consumer Credit release — a level that has pushed millions of households into looking for structured payoff plans.
Two solutions handle the bulk of cases for people with significant unsecured debt: a debt relief program and a debt consolidation loan. Accredited Debt Relief evaluates both and matches each client with the option that fits their situation, income and goals.
Both options simplify what you owe into one monthly payment, but they work very differently — and the math makes it clear which option is more cost-effective. The table below shows the differences, side by side.
| Feature | Debt Relief Program | Debt Consolidation Loan |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Works with your creditors to reduce your monthly payments and target your total debt | Replaces multiple balances with a single installment loan from a trusted lending partner |
| Typical Monthly Cost | Clients typically reduce eligible monthly payments by 40% or more. Average client saves $480 a month | Fixed monthly payment based on loan APR (4.9%–35.99%) and term (4–84 months) |
| Timeline to Debt-Free | 24 to 48 months for most clients | 4 to 84 months, depending on loan term |
| Credit Check Required | No credit check to qualify | Yes. The lowest APRs typically require strong credit |
| Fees | Success-based; no up-front fees | Origination fees of 1%–6% of the loan amount, plus interest over the life of the loan |
| Best For | $5,000+ in unsecured debt; struggling with minimum payments; looking for an accessible personalized plan; want lower monthly payments now | Strong credit profile; can comfortably cover existing minimums; want to simplify multiple payments into one; can qualify for a lower APR than current rates |
Debt consolidation loans can be a strong fit when the borrower qualifies for an APR meaningfully lower than what they're currently paying. For borrowers whose loan offers come in at higher rates — often because of credit history or income that's already stretched by current minimums — a debt relief program is usually the more affordable path. Accredited Debt Relief can match interested clients with debt consolidation loan options through our trusted partners. We can also evaluate whether a debt relief program would save more — the right answer depends on your numbers.
A debt relief program is typically a good fit for someone who:
If you're not sure where your debt falls, a free consultation with an IAPDA-certified debt specialist can walk you through what's eligible and what isn't.
1. Free Consultation — You'll speak with a certified debt specialist. They'll review your debt, income and monthly obligations and provide a personalized savings estimate. The consultation is free, confidential, no-judgment and won't affect your credit score.
2. Personalized Match — Your specialist evaluates whether a debt relief program is the best fit for your financial situation, or if you are eligible for a debt consolidation loan through one of our trusted partners. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all — every plan is tailored to your numbers.
3. Lower Monthly Payments — If you enroll in our debt relief program, we work with your creditors to reduce your monthly payments. Clients typically reduce their eligible monthly payments by 40% or more — our average client saves $480 a month.
4. Debt-Free in 24 to 48 Months — Most clients complete the program in 24 to 48 months — much faster than making minimum payments. You don't pay a dime in fees until we succeed on your behalf, and you start paying into your new plan.
Accredited Debt Relief is built around high standards — from customer support to program outcomes, we focus on delivering affordable, common-sense relief.
With Accredited Debt Relief, you don't pay a dime in fees until we succeed on your behalf and begin payment under new, more affordable terms.
Your free consultation and your personalized plan all spell out program length (24 to 48 months for most clients), eligible debt types, the minimum debt threshold ($5,000+ in unsecured debt), and what individual results depend on. Individual results vary, and a free evaluation shows you your specific estimated monthly savings.
Accredited Debt Relief has helped more than 1.3 million clients since 2011. We've resolved more than $15 billion in unsecured debt over those 15 years. Our 2,200+ U.S.-based employees have built one of the most trusted track records in the debt relief and consolidation industry.
In a 2025 survey of over 2,000 Accredited Debt Relief graduates, 92% said their payments were affordable and reported a 42% average improvement in financial habits. 8 in 10 said they would recommend the program to a friend or family member.
The questions people ask most often about debt help — answered directly and without jargon.
What Makes Accredited Debt Relief Different Than Other Debt Relief Companies?
Award-winning customer care sets Accredited Debt Relief apart from other debt relief providers. Our empathy-forward development program, led by IAPDA and AFC-Certified trainers, helps clients feel heard and motivated during their debt-free journey. And the awards reflect that investment in human-to-human connection: Accredited Debt Relief earned two 2026 Gold Stevie Awards, including Customer Service Department of the Year for the second straight year, plus Best in Biz, Business Intelligence Group honors and three ConsumerAffairs Buyer's Choice Awards. Accredited Debt Relief clients also have access to financial wellness tools, group financial therapy sessions with Certified Financial Therapists and a private online community of other clients. Accredited Debt Relief also holds a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating from more than 10,000 client reviews and an A+ BBB rating. We've helped over 1.3 million clients and counting.
How Does Debt Relief Work?
A debt relief program works with your creditors to reduce your monthly payments and target your total debt. In practice, it's dead simple: you make one structured monthly deposit, and Accredited Debt Relief handles the rest. Most clients become debt-free in as little as 24 to 48 months.
How Long Does Debt Relief Take?
Most Accredited Debt Relief clients complete the program in 24 to 48 months. The exact timeline depends on the amount of debt enrolled and the monthly deposit you can comfortably make. By comparison, paying only the minimum on credit cards at the Q1 2026 average APR of 21.52% can take well over a decade to pay off the same balance.
Is Debt Consolidation or Debt Relief Better for Credit Card Debt?
Debt consolidation loans tend to be better for borrowers with strong credit who can qualify for a lower APR than they're currently paying. Debt relief programs tend to be more affordable for people struggling with minimum payments or who can't qualify for loan rates that would actually save them money. Accredited Debt Relief evaluates both options for every client during the free consultation.
How Much Can I Save With a Debt Relief Program?
Clients typically reduce their eligible monthly payments by 40% or more, with our average client saving $480 a month. Your actual savings depends on your debt amount, the types of debt enrolled, your state of residence and your specific creditors. A free consultation will show you a personalized savings estimate.
How Much Does a Debt Relief Program Cost?
You don't pay a dime in fees until we succeed on your behalf. Fees vary by state, but are usually between 15% and 25% of your total enrolled debt, and are success-based.
Can I Get Debt Help if I'm Already Behind on Payments or in Collections?
Yep. Falling behind doesn't disqualify you — many clients come to us already in collections. Certain collection accounts are eligible for the program. The free consultation is the fastest way to find out where your specific accounts stand.
What's the Minimum Debt to Qualify for a Debt Relief Program?
Accredited Debt Relief's program is designed for people with $5,000 or more in unsecured debt. The most commonly enrolled debt types are credit cards, personal loans, medical debt and certain private student loans.
Is Accredited Debt Relief Legitimate?
Accredited Debt Relief has been operating since 2011, holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has helped more than 1.3 million clients. Our specialists are IAPDA-certified, and the company is a member of the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR). All Accredited Debt Relief staff members benefit from guidance by Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)-certified trainers, too.
Will I Have to Talk to My Creditors Myself?
Nope! Once you enroll, we work with your creditors on your behalf. Our award-winning Client Success Team handles the stressful stuff, so you can focus on your financial wellness.
When you enroll in the Accredited Debt Relief program, you get:
Bright days are ahead, and one call can change everything. A free consultation with a certified debt specialist won't affect your credit score and will show you exactly what you'd save with the option that fits you best. No pressure, no obligation — just answers. Available in all 50 states.
Get a Free ConsultationOr call 800-497-1965 · accrediteddebtrelief.com/debt-help/
No upfront fees · 100% success-based · Free consultation.
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Sources:Based on median client savings. Savings amounts are calculated based on self-reported payments or tradeline minimums minus estimated program payment. Individual results vary. A free evaluation will show you your estimated monthly savings.
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