Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

4.4/5

Achieve (formerly Freedom Debt Relief / Freedom Financial Network) is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the US, based in San Mateo, CA. BBB A+ accredited. CFPB: $20M restitution + $5M penalty (2019). Fees 15-25% of enrolled debt.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

From Free/mo BBB: A+ Free Consultation Visit Website

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) Review

Achieve, formerly operating as Freedom Debt Relief and Freedom Financial Network, is one of the largest and most established debt settlement companies in the United States. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company has settled over $18 billion in consumer debt since inception. Achieve operates under multiple brand names including Freedom Debt Relief (debt settlement), Achieve Personal Loans (lending), and Achieve Resolution (settlement), creating an integrated debt relief ecosystem. The company employs approximately 2,800 people and serves consumers across most US states.

Achieve's primary service is debt settlement: negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance owed on unsecured debts including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and private student loans. The process typically involves clients stopping payments to creditors, accumulating funds in a dedicated escrow account managed by a third-party custodian, and having Achieve's negotiation team pursue settlements. Fees are 15-25% of enrolled debt, charged only after successful settlement per FTC regulation. The company offers free initial consultations and provides an online dashboard for tracking program progress. Minimum debt enrollment is typically $7,500.

Achieve's regulatory history is notable. In 2019, the CFPB ordered Freedom Debt Relief to pay $20 million in consumer restitution plus a $5 million civil penalty for misleading consumers about fees, settlement timelines, and the impact on credit scores. Prior enforcement actions include a 2010 Better Business Bureau complaint spike, a 2017 class action settlement, and various state-level regulatory actions totaling over $42 million in combined penalties and restitution since 2009. Despite this history, the company currently maintains a BBB A+ rating with 127 complaints closed in the last three years, showing a 70% decline in complaint volume since 2020 -- suggesting operational improvements.

In the debt relief market, consumers should compare Achieve against both settlement competitors and alternative approaches. National Debt Relief (BBB A+, 4.74/5 from 5,500+ BBB reviews) offers comparable settlement services with fewer regulatory actions. ClearOne Advantage and TurboDebt provide competing settlement programs. However, consumers should first evaluate whether debt settlement is truly necessary. Debt consolidation loans from credit unions or online lenders combine debts at lower interest without credit damage. Credit counseling through nonprofit NFCC-member agencies offers free budgeting guidance and can enroll consumers in debt management plans at reduced interest rates. Credit monitoring services track credit health during any repayment strategy. A debt payoff calculator can help consumers model whether settlement, consolidation, or accelerated direct repayment is most cost-effective for their specific situation. Consolidating high-interest balances into a single installment loan with a fixed rate can reduce total interest paid and simplify monthly budgeting.

Services & Features

Debt settlement and creditor negotiation for unsecured debts

Free debt evaluation and financial hardship consultation

Dedicated escrow account setup through third-party custodian

Online dashboard for settlement progress tracking

Credit card debt relief

Medical debt negotiation

Personal loan debt settlement

Private student loan debt negotiation

Achieve Personal Loans (consolidation lending arm)

Post-settlement credit recovery guidance

Customer support via phone, chat, and email

Feature Checklist

Credit Education

Identity Theft Protection

Score Tracking

Mobile App

Online Portal

Personal Advisor

Pricing Plans

Debt Resolution Program

Free /mo

Free debt evaluation and consultation
Creditor negotiation and debt settlement
Dedicated escrow account setup
Online dashboard for progress tracking
Performance-based fees — no upfront costs
Available for $7,500+ in unsecured debt

Get Started

Pros & Cons

Pros

One of the most experienced debt settlement companies with $18B+ settled since 2002, providing deep creditor negotiation expertise
BBB A+ rating with declining complaint volume (70% reduction since 2020) suggests operational improvements
FTC-regulated fee-after-settlement model means no upfront costs before results are delivered
Integrated ecosystem including settlement, personal loans, and financial tools under one brand
Free initial consultation with personalized debt evaluation and program recommendations
Online dashboard for real-time tracking of settlement progress and account balances
Minimum enrollment of $7,500 ensures the program is suitable for the debt level

Cons

CFPB ordered $20M restitution plus $5M civil penalty in 2019 for misleading consumers about fees and timelines
$42M+ in total enforcement actions since 2009 across federal and state regulators
Fees of 15-25% of enrolled debt can represent thousands to tens of thousands of dollars on large balances
Debt settlement requires stopping creditor payments, causing serious and lasting credit score damage
Some creditors may refuse to negotiate and pursue lawsuits during the settlement period
Forgiven debt may be taxable as income, creating an unexpected tax liability
Program typically takes 24-48 months to complete, during which consumers are in financial limbo

Rating Breakdown

Value

5.0

Effectiveness

3.8

Customer Service

5.0

Transparency

3.5

Ease of Use

4.8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) legitimate?

Yes. Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) is a registered company headquartered in San Mateo, CA, founded in 2002. They hold a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are BBB-accredited.

How much does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) cost?

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Founded: 2002
Headquarters: San Mateo, CA
Employees: 1001-5000
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: Yes
Certifications: BBB A+ rating, accredited Formerly Freedom Debt Relief / Freedom Financial Network CFPB: $20M restitution + $5M civil penalty (2019) $42M+ total enforcement penalties/restitution since 2009 $18B+ in consumer debt settled since inception ~2,800 employees 127 BBB complaints in last 3 years (declining 70% since 2020)
Starting Price: Free/mo
Setup Fee: None
Free Consultation: Yes
Money-Back Guarantee: No

Visit Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

+1 800-655-6303 1820 Gateway Dr Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94404

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) is the 800-pound gorilla of debt settlement with $18B+ settled and 2,800 employees. The BBB A+ rating and declining complaint volume are positive trends. However, the $42M+ enforcement history cannot be ignored -- consumers should demand written fee disclosures and realistic timeline estimates before enrolling. Compare against National Debt Relief (cleaner regulatory record, comparable results) and always evaluate whether nonprofit credit counseling or a consolidation loan could achieve the same goal without credit damage. Best for consumers with $15K+ unsecured debt who have exhausted lower-impact options.

CFPB Transparency Report

Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Issues Resolved: 90%
Timely Responses: 95%

Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-04-05

Best For

Consumers with $7,500+ in unsecured debt who are already in financial hardship and behind on payments
Individuals who have explored and been declined for debt consolidation loans and cannot afford nonprofit DMP payments
Those willing to accept 24-48 months of credit damage as a trade-off for potentially significant debt reduction
Consumers who value a large, experienced settlement provider with deep creditor relationships over smaller firms

Updated 2026-04-05

Similar Companies

National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief is a debt settlement and consolidation company helping consumers resolve credit card debt through negotiated settlements, with A+ BBB accreditation and over 1.3 million clients served.

4.9/5

Free BBB: A+

Best for: Consumers with $20,000+ in unsecured credit card debt who can afford reduced monthly payments and have already struggled with standard repayment, People willing to tolerate temporary credit score damage (2-3 years) in exchange for reduced total debt liability and faster payoff than minimum payments

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ClearOne Advantage

ClearOne Advantage is a Baltimore-based debt settlement company founded in 2008. BBB A+ accredited since November 2024. Fees 18-29% of enrolled debt. 4.8 Trustpilot stars. 120 CFPB complaints. 4.5 Google rating from 4,907 reviews.

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Free BBB: A+

Best for: Consumers with $10,000+ in unsecured debt who are already behind on payments and in financial hardship, Those who have been declined for debt consolidation loans and cannot afford nonprofit DMP monthly payments

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Americor

Americor is an Irvine, CA-based fintech debt relief company founded in 2009, offering debt settlement and consolidation through sister company Credit9. BBB A+ rated with 13,700+ Google reviews at 4.8 stars. Inc. 5000 honoree.

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Free BBB: A+

Best for: Consumers with $10,000+ in unsecured debt (credit cards, medical, personal loans) seeking negotiated settlements at 40-60% of original balances, Those who cannot qualify for traditional debt consolidation loans and want to avoid bankruptcy

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Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

How Loans Work

Default — Loan Default

When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.

Why it matters

Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.

Example

You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.

Example

A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.

Why it matters

Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

Example

A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.

Garnishment — Wage Garnishment

A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.

Why it matters

Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.

Example

You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.

Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)

A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.

Why it matters

Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.

Example

You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.

Debt & Recovery

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)

A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.

Example

You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)

A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.

Why it matters

Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.

Example

You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.

Charge-Off

When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.

Why it matters

A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.

Example

You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).

Collections — Debt Collections

When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.

Why it matters

Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.

Example

An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.

Debt Consolidation

Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.

Why it matters

Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.

Example

You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.

Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation

Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.

Why it matters

Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.

Example

You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.

DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio

The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.

Why it matters

Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.

Example

You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.

Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)

A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.

Why it matters

Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.

Example

A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.

Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.

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