Questions people actually ask
Is debt settlement a scam?
The category has real companies and real predators in it. Warning signs: anyone guaranteeing a result, anyone charging fees before settling anything, anyone pressuring you to decide today. Federal rules bar settlement companies from collecting fees before they settle a debt. A company asking for money upfront is breaking that rule.
Will a program hurt my credit?
Yes. Debt settlement affects your credit, and that is not a small effect. Accounts go delinquent during negotiation and those marks stay on your report for years. The comparison that matters is against your alternative. Bankruptcy sits on a report 7 to 10 years. Paying minimums for decades protects your score and costs you tens of thousands.
Do I have to stop paying my cards?
Most programs work that way, and it is the part people are least prepared for. Creditors rarely negotiate on accounts in good standing. Stopping payment triggers late fees, collection calls, and credit damage. Anyone who glosses over this is not being straight with you. Ask directly before you enroll.
Can a creditor sue me?
Yes. A creditor can sue over an unpaid debt, and some do. A judgment can lead to wage garnishment in most states. Ignoring a summons is the worst response. Responding, even without a lawyer, changes the outcome more than anything else you do.
How much does a program cost?
Fees usually run as a percentage of enrolled debt. Federal rules bar charging you before a debt gets settled. Get the fee structure in writing before signing anything.
How long does it take?
Programs generally run 24 to 48 months. Larger balances take longer. No timeline is guaranteed, since creditors control whether they accept an offer.
Is this a loan?
No. We are not a lender and we do not offer loans. Debt settlement reduces what you owe. A consolidation loan replaces several debts with one new one. Those are different things and get confused constantly.
What happens to my information?
Nothing gets shared until you check the consent box on the results page and ask us to connect you. If you close the tab before that, your answers go nowhere. We send information to one partner. We do not sell it to lead exchanges or multiple buyers.
How is this free?
We earn a referral fee if you enroll with our partner. That fee comes from them. Your program costs the same either way.
Do you settle debt yourselves?
No. We are not a lender, creditor, debt collector, or law firm. We give you the numbers and make an introduction if you want one.