Important Considerations
Amber wasn’t sure who to trust with her debt. After months of stress and Reddit research, she took the leap into finding a debt relief company that worked for her financial situation. Here’s how Freedom Debt Relief measured up to the competition.
- Freedom Debt Relief helps negotiate down unsecured debt, offering a structured settlement plan over 24–48 months.
- The AFCC accredits the company and holds an A+ rating with the BBB.
- Freedom Debt Relief’s program can help reduce debt, but it may also harm your credit when you first start the program.
Watch Now: Freedom Debt Relief Review 2025
Amber’s Story: Finding Hope in a Financial Mess
Amber is in her early 30’s, and balancing multiple part-time jobs after leaving a toxic corporate role. Her credit card balances reached $38,000, covering rent, groceries, and car repairs. While she couldn’t stay in her corporate role, she was starting to feel like she was just barely surviving. On Reddit, she saw others in the same situation, with users sharing how medical bills sent them into a debt spiral, or how credit card interest rates were keeping them in a never-ending cycle of debt. Amber, feeling overwhelmed and skeptical of scams, kept seeing advertisements for Freedom Debt Relief. She finally decided to give their consultation a try.
How Does Freedom Debt Relief Work?
Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) is a debt settlement company that negotiates with your creditors to settle your debts for less than you owe. After enrolling, you’ll stop making payments to creditors and instead deposit funds into a dedicated account. Once enough money is saved, FDR begins negotiating lump-sum settlements with creditors. Freedom Debt Relief claims that customers typically complete the program in 24 to 48 months.
Amber learned there were no upfront fees. FDR only collects a fee (15% to 25% of the enrolled debt) after creating a settlement agreement. According to the BBB, FDR holds an A+ rating, and they’re accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC).
Freedom Debt Relief BBB and Reddit Reviews
One of Amber’s biggest fears was being left in the dark after signing up for a consultation or getting unclear directions. However, Reddit reviews gave her confidence. Forum goers claimed Freedom’s representatives were respectful, responsive, and clear about expectations.
Freedom Debt Relief agents explain the risks upfront and are not there to be pushy. During your consultation, you should feel welcome to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable before signing anything. If you feel like you’re in a sales pitch, you should hang up and try another service, or agent.
Pros and Cons of Freedom Debt Relief
Positive Aspects
- A+ BBB rating and AFCC accreditation
- No fees unless a settlement is reached
- Real people on Reddit praise the honesty and supportiveness of the reps
- Suitable for large amounts of unsecured debt
Negative Aspects
- Your credit score will likely see an initial drop as part of the non-payment strategy
- Collection calls and potential lawsuits may still occur during the process
- Some Reddit users report it took 6+ months to see their first settlement
- Doesn’t cover all types of debt (e.g., student loans, secured loans)
Is Freedom Debt Relief Legit?
Yes, Freedom Debt Relief is a legitimate company with thousands of customers and two decades of experience. They are certified by the AFCC and maintain an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. That said, it’s not a magic bullet. You will need patience, consistency, and a willingness to deal with temporary credit damage. Weigh the pros and cons of your situation and decide whether the service is a calculated risk worth taking.
Compare Debt Relief Options
Considering Debt Consolidation
Amber briefly considered consolidation loans as a debt relief option, especially since she didn’t want to damage her credit further. But with her score already down to the low 600s due to her existing debt load and payment history, she wasn’t able to get approved for consolidation loans big enough to cover her outstanding debts. For those with stronger credit, companies like LightStream, SoFi, or Discover may offer a more appealing route. For Amber’s credit situation, a structured settlement was more realistic than refinancing her existing debt with a debt consolidation loan.
In Conclusion: Why Freedom Debt Relief Is Worth Considering
This isn’t a decision that you should take lightly. Ultimately, consider your outstanding debt, your realistic ability to repay it, how long it will take to pay off, and the value of your initial consultation. You should leave the consultation feeling confident, and your questions should be answered before you decide to move forward. If the consultation makes you uncomfortable, consider another debt relief company.
If you’re looking for other options, our picks for the top debt relief companies include Achieve, Accredited Debt Relief, and National Debt Relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Freedom Debt Relief.
Yes. The American Fair Credit Council accredits it and holds an A+ BBB rating. They’ve helped over 850,000 clients since 2002.
You stop paying creditors and instead save money in a dedicated account. Freedom negotiates lump-sum settlements once you’ve saved enough.
Yes. Missing payments as part of the strategy will likely lower your credit score in the short term.
They work with unsecured debts, such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. They do not cover student loans or secured debts.
Most people complete the program within 24 to 48 months, depending on the amount of debt and their savings rate.
