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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1-(949) 606-0075 Visit Site 1-(949) 606-0075

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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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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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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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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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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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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

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Verified Customer

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Kelvin

Instead of telling you part of the stuff, they need to me more straightforward when you first get into the program. They don’t tell you everything in the beginning. For example they only start paying if you have money in the back. Everything else is fine.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hello and thank you for the feedback. One of the most important details to remember is that we do not make payments to your lenders. The monthly amount you select is paid into your program account and those funds are used to satisfy the lenders. Without funds in that account, there would be nothing to pay the lenders but that changes after your initial deposit. It is important that our clients stay well informed and engaged with the program to ensure success. If ever you have questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to us and we will happily discuss any questions and concerns.

Oct. 21st, 2020

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Verified Customer

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William

I am spending a lot of money and I continue to have my phone ring from collectors. I have no idea what they are doing and how much they’ve spent. I haven’t seen much of anything.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi William - 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

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Verified Customer

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Rogelio

I feel like the price could have been lower, that they could have tried to negotiate lower. They are pretty up front and helpful through the whole process.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Rogelio - Thank you for the feedback

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Sally Riglos Wailuku, HI

Very slow to settle my accounts only 1 account was settled in a year?I even add my deposit every month and was thinking that faster, but the same

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Cecil prince Heber Springs, AR

Can no longer access my account. Customer ID and password no longer work. This has been a continual problem with the web site

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Cecil - Thanks for taking the time to reach out please feel welcome to give us a call 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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William

It would me nice if they would communicate with their clients on a regular basis instead of the client having to try to reach out to them.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi William - 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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Dennis Bowman

Every time I call them which is every other month, I get different answers to the same questions. It doesn't slow for much of a trust with then

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Dennis - 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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Mark Hampton

I'm guessing everything is going well but the confusion of the services are very unclear. I've paid in quite a bit with no visible results.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Mark. 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.

Oct. 21st, 2020

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Verified Customer

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Myrtle

In the year I’ve been with them I don’t think they’ve done anything. It is not working for me.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Myrtle - 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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Darrin

I have not had any communication from them about the status of communicating with creditors unless I reach out

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Darrin - Thank you for the feedback, communication is very important to us and would like the opportunity to get know where we can improve.

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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LLOYD Hall

do not stay in touch with you to let you know what is gping on with your account!!!

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Lloyd - 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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DENISE

OK COULD BE BETTER I WOULD APPRECIATE AN EMAIL BI-ANNUALLY SHOWING REMAINING accounts to be settled

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Denise-thanks for the feedback. Great suggestion!

Jan. 26th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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John

My feedback would be stay in touch with the customers as the progress is going on.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi John - 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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Emily Sherman

Was great. Hasn't been for awhile. I haven't. Heard from anyone in months.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Emily - 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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Anthony J. Di Bitonto

when I signed up, they missed an account that i now need to deal witth

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Anthony - thanks for taking the time to reach out, you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you like so we can discuss in further detail

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Richard

CreditAssociates should be more up front with the customers.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Richard - Thank you for the feedback you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you like, we would love to learn ways we can improve

Feb. 4th, 2021

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Verified Customer

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Rhoda

The one associate I worked with took a long time to get started with my stuff.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hello and thank you for sharing your concerns. While it may seem like it takes a fair amount of time to get everything setup, it is important that things are done correctly. We take the time to thoroughly review the process with you and compile a customized settlement strategy that meets your needs. Time spent in the beginning leads to success at the end and we strive for nothing less.

Oct. 21st, 2020

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Verified Customer

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Y. A. Theoret

Can not reach anyone to speak too about account changes.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Y.A. - 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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Melanie

They are slow to get accounts into the program

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Melanie - 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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Kimberly

I wish they'd keep you more informed of what's going on

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Kimberly - 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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Grace Turner

It's a much slower process than I expected.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Grace - 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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Paula Ervin

Okay but don't tell you what accounts there working.

4 years ago

Reply from CreditAssociates

Hi Paula - 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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anupam sumessur Washington, DC

As a leading industry associations, it lacks transparency. Fees were not disclosed to me at the onset.

2 years ago