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DebtGuru

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5.7

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: May 25th, 2022

DebtGuru is a nonprofit consumer credit counseling organization that provides a debt management plan and free credit counseling services to help people consolidate their debt.

DebtGuru has a minimum debt requirement of $10,000.

Many customers receive debt relief without having to take out a consolidation loan or file for bankruptcy. DebtGuru's debt management program works with unsecured debt and does not require collateral. However, the company is not accredited with any consolidation organizations, aside from NIFE (National Institute of Financial Education). DebtGuru's program is legal, approved by creditors, and has helped thousands of families achieve financial freedom.

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The Good

  • DebtGuru's Process
  • Benefits of the Program
  • Low Interest Rates and Cost
  • Relationship With Creditors
  • Educational Resources
  • Accreditation

DebtGuru's Process

In order to achieve debt relief, DebtGuru works with a combination of free credit counseling and a debt management program. To start, potential clients can request a free, honest, and accurate evaluation of their unique financial situation. The company provides advice and claims to help assess the customer's finances within 15 minutes. DebtGuru works with customers to devise a plan to achieve financial freedom.

Clients can enjoy a free credit counseling session with a non-profit, certified, credit counseling professional. DebtGuru professionals will go through client spending habits and dive into their financial situation. 

The session will let you know if DebtGuru's debt management program is necessary, or if small changes in your financial habits can do the trick. 

DebtGuru's debt management plan works with creditors to decrease interest rates, late fees, and over-limit fees. The credit counseling process can actually help save 10 to 15 percent of your income.

If DebtGuru's debt management program fits your situation, it can reduce monthly debt payments, create a budget, and make sure payments are made on time. The company claims to help save their customers at least $10,000 in lower interest payments.

Benefits of the Program

Using online forms, customers can apply and get started with the debt management program the same day. Customers can consolidate debt through this program without having to take out a loan.

The debt management program can help reduce or eliminate interest rates, and reduce monthly payments by 25 to 50 percent. It can also help reduce or eliminate late and over-limit fees. With the program, customers can stop collection calls and creditor harassment.

Customers can choose how long they want to stay enrolled in the program, and can terminate the plan at any time. People get out of debt in one-third of the time with this program, and 95 percent of clients significantly reduce their interest rates.

Enrolling in DebtGuru's program can help you quickly become debt-free.

Low Interest Rates and Cost

DebtGuru offers low interest rates to help customers manage their debt. But, how much does DebtGuru cost to use? There is a monthly cost of anywhere from $15 to $39. The company can reportedly reduce your interest rates down to 0-15 percent. So your savings will depend on the monthly cost to interest ratio. For example, if you pay $20 per month to reduce your 18 percent interest rate loan down to 8 percent, that's well worth your money.

Relationship With Creditors

The company claims to have a great relationship with thousands of creditors. DebtGuru actually aims to work with creditors and not against them. Its positive relationship with creditors is what allows clients the ability to reduce interest rates, monthly payments, fees, and stop collection calls.

Educational Resources

While it is not necessarily required to offer debt articles and educational resources, it is a helpful addition to companies. Customers who want to learn more about consolidation and debt relief can explore DebtGuru's blog and debt articles for free.

Accreditation

DebtGuru is ISO 9001:2008 certified and is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. The National Institute For Financial Counseling Education also independently certifies DebtGuru’s counselors.

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The Bad

  • Limited Online Information
  • Few Consolidation Tools

Limited Online Information

The website lacks key information on fees, costs, and interest rates. While DebtGuru does a good job of explaining the monthly fee, the website really does not elaborate on potential fees included in the program. 

There is also limited information on cancellation fees or any additional fees. It is also unclear whether or not DebtGuru includes a money-back guarantee with its services, and if its debt management plan works in all states.

However, the cost of the program varies depending on individual financial situations. Potential clients are best served by meeting with DebtGuru for a free consultation to better understand costs.

Few Consolidation Tools

Though the website does provide debt articles and a financial blog, the company does not seem to offer a consolidation calculator of any kind. Additionally, the website does not provide any past consolidation examples-only past client testimonials.

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The Bottom Line

DebtGuru offers free credit counseling services and a debt management program that work together to help customers achieve debt relief. DebtGuru's debt management plan does help customers consolidate debt payments into one monthly payment which makes it easier to become debt-free.

When looking into debt relief programs, DebtGuru has a good track record of helping people achieve financial freedom. 

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4.7

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18 Reviews

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P Neill Union City, CA

Used them twice. Once in 2009 paid off job and 2013 when family couldn't pay back when I helped them. Last one took 7 years $7G owed. Finished last payment yesterday 😊 What a relief!!! Professional, helpful, understanding staff. Must give Big Thanks to Justin who is absolutely marvelous. Please do use them and get the worry and stress off your mind with just one bill a month. Your credit actually gets better too. Won't go to anyone else. Now I'm saving. Thanks Debtguru!!!! PJ

4 years ago

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Elsie D Dickerson

I'm very thankful for Debt Guru/American Credit Foundation. They did just what they advertised. They delivered just like they said they would; from my initial telephone call all the way to the very end. I was assigned a counselor that assured me that she get my interest rate lowered on a credit card bill from 19.9% to 1.9%. She did just that. In the beginning I had a $15,000 plus balance, that would have taken me 30 years to pay by making only the minimum payment each month. In just a few years I have a zero balance. Debt Guru is an awesome company. I highly recommend them for debt relief.

7 years ago

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Linda Cornelous-Fisher

I have been on this program twice before. I was so pleased with the service that I recently referred 3 people. One from Chicago, Arizona and Decatur IL. each one of these persons were in dire straights at the time I spoke with them. They have since let me know just how wonderful ACF is and it was a god send. I will continue to be a spokes person for ACF. Not every company can be trusted now a day. Thanks to all of ACF staff.

7 years ago

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Stephanie Saint Paul, MN

ACF has been very helpful in helping me manage and pay down my debt so much faster than I could have done alone! I admit, coming onto the program felt challenging: there were a couple of bumps on the front end, and I'm Type A x 1000, so giving others control of my financial situation was very nerve wracking! The team at ACF handled my constant inquiries like professionals and reassured me when things felt tricky. I've tracked things on my end every month and with this program, I have seen my debt decrease exponentially faster than I was able to do on my own. It took years for me to create my financial problems and it will take a few more to see that zero balance. But now, I at least see an end in sight whereas before, I couldn't imagine being debt free.

7 years ago

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Laura Bird San Jose, CA

Credit card debt overwhelmed us. Husband lost job, and was in school. I heard the radio add and responded to it. With in a few short months our credit rating started going up, credit card debt amounts where finally going down. We can now see the end of our Credit Card Debt. It has been a blessing to work with ACF. Their service and attention to us and our needs has been amazing! I would and have recommended ACF to those that need financial help. Thank you!!

7 years ago

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Tiffany Christensen Salt Lake City, UT

Debt Guru! I love you! The best part of their customer service is the prompt replies and professional correspondence. I can tell they are trying to do whatever will help me the most come so I can be financially free. I can't recommend them enough and I tell all of my real and facebook friends about them!

7 years ago

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Lynnae Mount Olive, AL

We can't express enough gratitude and appreciation we have for this company! We can't believe how much our lives have changed because of their help! They are consistent, cooperative, friendly and professional! Thank you DebtGuru!

7 years ago

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Robin Aubrey Provo, UT

Everyone there has been great to work with. They've been really response to any questions I've had along the way. This service has been a life saver, helping me out when I didn't know where to begin. I would highley recommend their service to any one who is struggling with getting their debt under control and does not wish to file bankruptcy.

7 years ago

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Aubrey

The people that handle my account are always so helpful and always answer all my questions. They make sure I'm aware of any options available and handle everything with a professional attitude! I recommended all my friends to use this service! It was a lifesaver!

7 years ago

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Marlene Preissner Enfield, CT

We were very pleased with the excellent service provided through this company. All of the accounts we had consolidated were approved and taken care of with one monthly payment. We would highly recommend them to all.

7 years ago

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L Turner Avon, IN

Good service. Helped me out with credit issues I had. I had a foreclosure from a bad loan and my credit score was horrible. I was able to not only repair my credit, but I was also able to get a new house and car. My score went from low 200s to now over 600 and climbing.

2 years ago Edited July 6, 2022

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Kay Westlake Seattle, WA

My experience has been nothing but positive with Debt Guru. Adam, my counselor, was great. I was able to work with Adam to get my debt under control and eventually paid off. I am very pleased. Thanks!!

7 years ago

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Kathy Jackson

These guys are GREAT! I was lost until they gave me hope! I could not have done it without their help!

7 years ago

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sylvia c villarreal

I really want to thank Debt Guru for helping me . I could not had do this without your help.

7 years ago

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Wendy C. Cisco, TX

We were very satisfied with the service you gave us. Thank you.

6 years ago

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Brittany Norfolk, VA

The website lacked certain information that I felt was needed it took a while getting back to me nothing was really resolved to my liking

2 years ago

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Charly Z. Miami, FL

Very good consultant people but the lack of online access makes me feel uncomfortable

7 years ago

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Cindy Lang Louisville, CO

Things got handled very quickly and professional

7 years ago