CreditAssociates is a debt relief company that specializes in settling credit card debt. According to the company’s website, it has helped thousands of customers settle millions of dollars worth of debt. The company says the length of its debt settlement program depends on each client's financial situation, but that it can help most customers become debt-free in 24 to 36 months.

CreditAssociates offers only debt settlement, not other debt relief services such as debt consolidation or debt management plans. CreditAssociates customers set up a special savings account, where the customer makes monthly deposits. Eventually, once the account has enough money, the debt settlement company negotiates with each creditor to lower the client's debt amount.

Because CreditAssociates only offers debt settlement, it can only help with unsecured debts such as credit card debt and personal loans; the debt settlement company can’t help with secured debt like a mortgage, auto loan, or home equity loan.

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The Good

Free Consultations
Online Account Access
Accreditations
Performance-Based Fees

Free Consultations

CreditAssociates offers free consultations to help potential clients decide whether its debt settlement services are right for them. This is essential among reputable debt settlement companies and in fact, you should never work with a debt relief company that does not offer a free consultation with no strings attached.

Online Account Access

CreditAssociates customers can access their accounts online, giving them 24/7 access to information and resources. This is a nice feature in a debt relief company, because you will want to be kept up to date on the progress of your debt settlement case and what creditors still need to be dealt with.

Accreditations

CreditAssociates boasts accreditations from the American Fair Credit Council and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, two important organizations in the debt relief industry.

It also has a majority of 5-star reviews. One recent CreditAssociates review states that the company is "wonderful...to do business with", has "great customer service," and helped the client get back on their feet and establish their credit once again.

Performance-Based Fees

CreditAssociates doesn't charge clients any upfront fees. The company only charges a performance-based fee after it has negotiated, and the client has accepted, a settlement offer with one of the customer's creditors.

The company states throughout its website that this is a fixed fee rather than a percentage of the client's enrolled debt, but does not disclose the actual dollar amount of the fee.

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The Bad

State Availability
Limited Pricing Information
Must Demonstrate Financial Hardship

State Availability

CreditAssociates does not provide nationwide services. In the debt settlement industry, it is not uncommon to find companies that will service all 50 states. CreditAssociates mentions on its website that the following states are not serviced: Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maryland, Vermont, and Wyoming. However, it also mentions there are other states it does not service, and we don't know what these are.

Limited Pricing Information

According to the CreditAssociates website, the company doesn’t charge any upfront fees; it only charges a flat performance-based fee after the customer accepts and funds a settlement offer. However, CreditAssociates doesn’t detail how much that fee is.

CreditAssociates also does not disclose a minimum debt requirement. Some of its top competitors like National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief have minimum debt requirements of $7,500. We do not know if CreditAssociates has this same requirement, a higher requirement, or no requirement at all.

Must Demonstrate Financial Hardship

CreditAssociates customers must demonstrate financial hardship in order to use the company’s services. The company doesn’t provide details about this process on its website, except to say that customers must substantiate and prove their financial hardship.

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The Bottom Line

CreditAssociates provides debt relief to customers struggling with unsecured debt. The debt settlement company helps clients through debt negotiation over an average period of 24 to 36 months, only charging customers a flat performance-based fee after their debt has been settled.

The company has several important accreditations, including from the American Fair Credit Council and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. Additionally, the company offers 24/7 access to its online system, where customers can access helpful resources.

Although it doesn't offer details about its pricing on its website, potential customers can learn more through CreditAssociates' free consultations. If you're looking for a debt settlement program and you live in one of the states where CreditAssociates is available, the company is worth looking into.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.4

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328 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

66%

4 grade

19%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

Sentiment Criteria

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Verified Customer

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Shane

Considering that they’re going to save me about five grand and I don’t have to negotiate with creditors myself, I would say they are very trustworthy. They haven’t asked for anything beyond the information they would need to help pursue the settlement. They service they provide is top notch. They’ve worked with me every step of the way through each settlement. They let me know when they are ready to come to an agreement. It is clean cut and dry.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Martha

They were there at my time of need and extended their help. The woman who helped me was so willing to help and lifted my spirits. She really went out of her way. I am really grateful for credit associates. My experience has been nothing but good. If my friend were to ask me about them I would recommend them because they deserve nothing but the best.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous

I didn’t know what I was doing when I signed up except that I knew I wanted to get my credit cards paid off and they are doing the best they can with my difficult situation. I am senior with a fixed income and I am having a hard time keeping money in the bank for them. When they see there is not money in the account, they give you a call and give you come kind of help.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Vera Fabius, NY

Good company and secure. I trust they negotiate the best resolve with all my creditors. I received a call to call back which I did and as they were busy a return call was to come but did not. I wish I had better contact but I’m busy with granddaughter also so if calls are missed a voicing be left

3 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Michele Thomas

So far doing good. Y creditors have not been calling anymore. I suggest that if you can pay extra to do it and get your settlements out of the way. Put extra cash down whenever you can. They do what they promise and they will settle your debts.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Willie brown

Very mature and to the point, when we talk I everthing is clear and by the end of the conversation I know what to exspect and look forward for another account to be handle with the proper care from that I can appreciate their knowledge because I know iam getting one step closer to change my life and be back on track with good standards to live better without the fear of a high paying account .

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Robert

They’re really on the ball. I think they are doing a good job. They answer all my questions exactly. I never have to wait for an answer. They always call me back. The service they provided is the exact service they said they would have. I’ve been in about a year and I’ve already had a few accounts close and a couple more are in the process.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Meijanti Chen

So far it was a pleasant one, I don't have to deal myself with bank creditors, to me it's a less stressful way of paying of my debt. I hope I can complete my payment even faster than 3 years as planned. Thank you for reaching out to me.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Connie Edery

They are very informative and the customer service department does a really good job explaining everything. I don't really no everything they pay it's been one year and I'm still getting credit calls and reports from creditors. I have reported them and uploaded my documents but when I call I can tell that no one has read them. That is the only complaint I have

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Sam Walker

The greatest thing by far is the feeling you have after speaking to staff who are supportive and helpful and never make you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your circumstances. They teach and support you at the same time excellent personalities by all support staff.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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So far so good. I can’t wait to finish but they have always been helpful and always answer my questions. Even though I have a little while to go with them, I do believe they are doing everything possible to resolve issues that customers like me are having. It is a good company. I trust them.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Valere

Keep up the good work. It is good. They are getting me a good value for my money. They have cut the interest rate down to save me more. They always respond positively and done everything they said they would. I have been a very good client. Every time I call, they accomplish something. It is as good as it gets.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Ingrid

The company and the people that work for the company are very professional and always nice and polite. They care about your hardships that people are having especially during Covid-19. They contact me constantly and update me on my status. They’ve helped me with negotiating with my creditors and lowering my payments with the credit card company.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jean

Everything I had except one account, they have bargained off. I am sure they will take care of that one two. Every time I call, they go through everything with me and take care of whatever my concerns are. I have told several people about them.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Linda Okino

It's been great working with them I've had 16 debit cards and I was 16 already settled nine credit cards and I've only been in the program going on nine months soon I will be debt-free thanks to Credit Association and to the team they were really good

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Thomas

I highly recommend Credit Associated to anyone who feels trapped or scared about their bills. They make it easy for someone like me who suffered a hard time to get things paid off without a hassle. They are clear and concise and to the point.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Maria

Everything is consolidated easily and they let you know the payment up front. I wish they had a more clear timeline as to when everything will happen but aside from that, it is a very good process. I know they have to work with creditors so it is not a black and white process. I never hesitate to call the and if I have a question, they don’t transfer me over to another associated, they know the answer.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Kimberly

I would recommend them to anybody who is in need of these services. I think is really great. I am very much satisfied with their services. Their customer service is excellent, even at the last minute they never hesitate to find a way to make it possible.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Mary L Richardson

When I didn't know which way to turn, CA was there with a confidence that it could be worked out. Being a fairly new widow, I was dealing with pain and confusion, I think they sensed it and were professional, kind

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Josefina Perez

They have been with my every step of of the way. They have answered every question question have and when I I ever I call they answer right back. They awesome. And all always on on call

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Stacie Torres

Good so far! I've been with the program for over a year now. My only concern is they need to communicate more with their clients. I'm always calling to ask/find out information. It would like to great a summary at least once a month.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Sandra

Very professional. If I have a question concerning my account, they are there to answer it. When I initially started the program, I thought I would be paying a certain amount every month but despite that I am on budget they call and ask me if I want to pay extra.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Patricia

Credit Associates should be more upfront about their fees. I was very surprised by it. It is quite expensive. It is a valuable service but they charge twenty five percent of the total debt amount settled. I’ve gotten mixed messages when I’ve called for customer service.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Patricia

With the nature of the business they do, they do it well. They are very good at explaining the whole process and answering questions. There are fees associated with it but they are upfront but it is not as much savings as you could have and there can be long stretches where you don’t hear from anybody.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous

They care about people are want to help you. They give people help when they thought they didn have any. The associates that answers the phone and talks to people are courteous and kind and understanding.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Diane

It seems like they are trying to solve what they can within a reasonable amount of time. I think they opted to pay more to get things settled quicker. I haven’t heard much of what is going, I would like an update on the settlemnets.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Terri Baker

Their flexibility. I like how I can call them and they answer my questions in a timely manner. They also work with you on payments. I also like that they text me when a new settlement comes in or they call.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lindsey

They've settled 2/3 of my accounts so far. The 3rd is taking awhile, and I have that collector now getting a lawyer and threatening to sue me. I've emailed credit associates multiple times and have sent them the threats and have never gotten any responses. At this point I just have to hope they are taking care of everything. Your credit will go down so you have to work to build it up. Overall it's been a good experience but it is stressful not hearing anything back now when things are getting scary.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Lindsey - We want our clients to stay informed and engaged throughout the program so If you have additional questions you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you like. You also have access to your client portal where we provide real-time updates to your program. Our success depends on your success so if ever you need anything, we are here for you.

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Gerald McMurray

I should have filed bankruptcy and been done with it. Now over a year later we still have two outstanding credit card debts, that they have yet to resolve. I will be paying Credit Associates $485.00 a month for another three years, and my credit score will not go up for several more months. I am not very happy with our choice of using this plan to alleviate our credit card debt.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Gerald - We want our clients to stay informed and engaged throughout the program so If you have additional questions you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you like. You also have access to your client portal where we provide real-time updates to your program. Our success depends on your success so if ever you need anything, we are here for you.

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous

Great customer service along with the fact that they have already removed one debt and almost finished with second debt.All representatives have been friendly and patient with me and have answered all of my questions to my satisfaction.I would and have recommended the company to friends.Happy with the results so far

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Shawn

Creditassociates has been working very diligently with me to help me with dealing with my debts. They’re very helpful for me. They’re very attentive and listen to my needs.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lora

It's been excellent so far. I was nervous at first unless a settlement was made. I felt a little more comfortable after that and I was able to access my account and follow up.

4 years ago

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23320

Very polite. But. You never hear from them. The only way you know what the status is on your acct. like who's being paid, how much or for opinions on who should get paid next. I also their fee for a particular co must be paid before they pay the settlement Amt. also the settlement amt ends up being the same as. You start with good credit then not until they add on int charges and fees and charge it off then they arrange settlement of half of that number not half of the original acct

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Thanks for reaching out. Keep in mind that the duration of the program is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable spending monthly. If you would like to expedite your program at any time, you are welcome and encouraged to do so. We want you to complete the program as fast as you are able so please, give us a call and we can discuss a more rapid process

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Jonathan Shewell

It is more expensive than I thought it should be. If I had just stopped paying the credit card companies and not gone to Credit Associates I could have saved a lot of money. The Credit companies reached out directly to me to settle for less than Credit Associates wound up costing me by a major factor. Would not use them again if I knew what I do now

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Jonathan - Thank you for the feedback, we are saddened to hear that your experience was not to satisfaction, If you have any questions you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you like.

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Vickie

With everything they’ve done, they’ve fully alerted me on it. It has taken a lot of stress and worry of me. They do a really good job and work with companies to take care of my credit.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Lisa

Definitely recommend credit associates. They were able to put me at ease with my credit and assured me they could sort it out. I really appreciate that they were able to get me a lower rate than what the collection company was offering.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Ben

When something changes, they send me an email but it would be nice to get a text because I am too busy to read emails. When I do talk to them, they patiently answer question and make it understood what is going on.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Pamela

I really couldn’t pay my debt any other way. I don’t feel judged by them and they make the payment plan according to my ability to pay it. I am going to get out of debt this way.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Angelique

So far they’ve gotten my debt almost completed and answered all my questions whenever I needed them, they have helped tremendously. I would highly recommend credit associates.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Steven

Everything has been really good. I am very pleased in how they handled everything. They have negotiated very good. They are constantly in contact with me and keep me updated on everything.

4 years ago

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Angela

Credit Associated have made it very easy. They’ve been very helpful, friendly, and efficient at every stage. I’ve been very pleased. They’ve been top notch. They have negotiated well for me.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Nancy Geesey

Super good, it has been rough with all the phone calls from the creditors. They are persistent. My credit score has taken a really bad falling out so that part sucks. I know in the end, 4 more years, it will be a bit better but right now it's a rough going. I'm putting my trust in them and I am looking for the light at the end of my tunnel.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Mike B

Liberating. Finally able to tackle crushing debt after creditors raised interest rates. Consolidation loan had actually added to my debt after fees and similar interest rate.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Tama

They took care of researching my problems and worked out a budget for me. I would recommend them to anybody who has a credit problem because they will give you a way of managing your credit.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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James

When they send out a settlement stated they could be cleared who it is because I am stull missing some credit card numbers but other than that they have don’t a pretty good job and seem pretty concerned about my situation and have good advice. Hopefully is all work out in the end.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Anonymous

Everybody is wonderful. When I call customer service, they are wonderful and I interact with a real person. They send everything by email monthly. I would like to get hard copied too.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Dennis DeSario Wappingers Falls, NY

They are right on things, get things done, try hard to make things go as smooth as possible, which is a plus, ease my mind, take a load off my shoulders.

3 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Theresa

I wasn't too happy with the customer service because I don't know what they've done. They're not doing the things that supposed to be doing. They are delaying everything. It is a very slow process. I could probably do it myself.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Theresa - Thanks for reaching out. Keep in mind that the duration of the program is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable spending monthly. If you would like to expedite your program at any time, you are welcome and encouraged to do so. We want you to complete the program as fast as you are able so please, give us a call and we can discuss a more rapid process

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Tamesha

Customer support is nice and convenient. Initially I didn’t understand the portion of the debt I was actually paying off, they should make it clear, but I am actually getting my debt paid off.

4 years ago

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Julie

They’re helping me but my creditors are still calling me because they did not get a hold of them to say they were working with us. They are doing fine but I am paying them twenty five percent to take care of me and they didn’t get a hold of everybody.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Julie - thanks for taking the time to reach out. The creditors do have the right to continue these efforts but that is not a bad thing. This means the accounts are aging properly and you are on track. if you have any other concerns, we are here for you.

Feb. 4th, 2021