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About CreditAssociates
CreditAssociates is a debt settlement company that helps consumers lower and repay unsecured debts, including credit card, medical and business debt. Founded in 2007, the company operates in 45 states and Washington, D.C. It does not work with clients in Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and Wyoming. CreditAssociates is a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), which sets best practice standards for debt settlement companies.
Pros & Cons
- Money-back guarantee
- Spanish-speaking reps available
- AFCC accredited member
- Not available in all states
- Not for secured debts
Featured Reviews
“My experience with CreditAssociates has been great and I can't complain about anything. The reps explained to me before things happened. They let me know where I'm at and they do...
Read full review“Cindy, the rep, was awesome. I love her. Working with CreditAssociates has taken a lot of stress off me. I’m a lot more comfortable with my finances than where I was at. I'm able...
Read full reviewWhat is CreditAssociates?
Based in Texas, CreditAssociates offers a variety of services, from personal consultations to full-service negotiation with creditors on behalf of clients. It works with unsecured debts, such as credit card debt and medical bills, as well as business and corporate debts. In addition, it provides educational resources, including budgeting tips, credit score improvement tools and other helpful information geared toward helping clients stay financially fit after they have achieved their goals.
It specializes in negotiating with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce unsecured debt balances and interest rates and even eliminate late fees and other charges. The goal is to get clients out of debt quickly, though depending on your debt load, it can take 24 to 48 months to be completely debt-free.
How does CreditAssociates work?
Once you are a client of CreditAssociates for debt settlement, you will stop paying the unsecured debts that you enroll in the program. Instead, you will pay a monthly amount to a special-purpose savings account through CreditAssociates. You remain in control of your savings account, but this is what will give the company the ability to negotiate a lower debt bill and pay off the negotiated amount.
CreditAssociate’s negotiation team negotiates with your original balance in mind, helping you avoid any late fees during the process. Debt settlement helps customers eliminate overwhelming debt, but the process can damage your credit score.
Not all debts are eligible for enrollment in the program. Some debts will require your active involvement, since some creditors, like Chase, Discover, American Express and Macy’s, will not always work with debt settlement companies directly.
It can take six months to see your first debt negotiated and settled.
CreditAssociates products and services
CreditAssociates offers debt settlement, which is a strategy to negotiate down client debt. It works with unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and business debt. It does not work with secured debts, such as mortgages and vehicle debts.
To get a better idea if debt settlement is the right choice for you and how much you could save, request a free debt consultation. CreditAssociates says that clients who complete the program and pay off all of their debts save an average of 55% before fees and 30% after CreditAssociates’ fees.
CreditAssociates fees
CreditAssociates does not charge any advance fees. Instead, you pay a 15% to 25% fee for the debt settled through the debt settlement program.
For canceled debts over $600, you will receive a Form 1099-C from the financial institution that forgave your debt. Your tax preparer will tell you if you need to include it in your taxes and how to do so.
CreditAssociates FAQ
Does CreditAssociates have a money-back guarantee?
CreditAssociates mentions that it cannot guarantee results because it cannot force a creditor to accept a settlement. However, the company offers a money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with the results.
Do I need a hardship to use CreditAssociates?
The program is designed for people who are experiencing financial hardship. The company will need to prove that you cannot afford your bills but are willing to work toward debt resolution.
Will using CreditAssociates hurt my credit score?
Debt settlement programs require clients to stop paying creditors while the company negotiates debt resolution. The process can help you get out of debt, but it will also hurt your credit score.
Is CreditAssociates legit?
CreditAssociates is a legitimate, professionally accredited company that has helped many clients settle debts. It develops a customized plan for each client and charges no upfront fees — you only pay once your debt is resolved. You can get started by setting up a free consultation to go over your debt situation. CreditAssociates has a money-back guarantee and says clients get results in as little as 24 months.
CreditAssociates Reviews
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CreditAssociates Company Information
- Company Name:
- CreditAssociates
- Website:
- www.creditassociates.com
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