Best Debt Settlement Companies - How to choose the best out of the lot?
There are many Debt Settlement companies in USA. But only a few are good ones. Now, how can you find the best out of the lot which can effectively get you out of debt? Here are some basic checklists that can help you to select the best debt settlement company among many.
Accreditations from reputed Associations and Agencies
The first and the foremost criteria of best debt settlement companies are its Accreditations. If a company is listed with good accreditation associations/agencies like BBB, TASC, USOBA, D&B etc then the company is considered to have reached a benchmark standard in the industry.
There are many accreditation agencies which rank settlement companies in accordance with their reputation in the market. For example, BBB gives rating to debt settlement companies. Rating to a settlement company is given on the basis of the complaints received against it and the number of complaints resolved by the company.
Does the Debt Settlement Company has certified and qualified (IAPDA) professionals?
Debt Settlement process needs special skills and technical know-how to negotiate effectively with the creditors or collection agencies. IAPDA certified professionals have the proper and clear understanding of the legalities associated with settlement. Thus, they are better equipped to help you out of the debt situation with better results.
Does the Debt Settlement company offer Bankruptcy assistance if Debt Settlement is not viable?
A Debt Settlement Company or law firm offering bankruptcy assistance is likely to consider your financial distress more effectively. It’ll not enforce debt settlement program on you if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and would most likely help you to file bankruptcy.
Where does the settlement company ask you to put your settlement money?
If a settlement company asks you to deposit your money to such an account that is controlled by them then be cautious. Settlement money is most secured in your personal account or in a third party trust account.
Does the company give insurance and bond of safety of your personal information?
Personal information (Social Security Number, Credit Card Account Number, etc.) are needed to be shared by the client with the settlement company they are enrolling it. So, before signing the agreement with the company ask for a guaranteed bond declaring safety of your personal information.









I am hoping through personal experience(good) that perhaps someone could recommend a reputable Debt Consolidation Company… I was going to sign with ABC Debt but freaked out when I read the “F” grade at the BBB
I am getting really desperate
I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH SDSWEST. THEY HAVE COLLECTED $6000 FROM ME AND HAVE DONE VERY LITTLE FOR IT. THEY HAVE VERY BAD COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS AND I AM GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED. THEY NEVER RESPOND TO MY INQUIRIES AND ITS LIKE PULLING TEETH TO GET THEM TO DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. THEY HAVE NOT MADE A SETTLEMENTS FOR ME AND HAVE GIVEN ME BAD LEGAL ADVISE WHICH HAS NOW RESULTED IN A COURT HEARING SET FOR 31 MAR. THEY CLAIM I STILL OWE THEM OVER $2000 BUT I AM READY TO END THE AGREEMENT WITH THEM. CAN I RECOVER SOME OF MY $6000?
There is an interesting article from the president of The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC) to the BBB about their grading process at http://www.tascsite.org/educenter.php?id=4. Don’t let the BBB grade scare you off…just do your homework.
I was so impressed that I signed up with Kesterson’s organization (Debt Settlement America). I know that it’s going to affect my credit rating, but it’s also going to save my financial life.