Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Debt-Relief · CA

Rating: 4.4/5

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) logo

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.

Official Website

https://www.achieve.com

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.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

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

Areas to Consider

  • !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

Verdict Summary

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) works best for consumers who value one of the most experienced debt settlement companies with $18b+ settled since 2 and can accept the tradeoff of cfpb ordered $20m restitution plus $5m civil penalty in 2019 for misleading cons. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

✗Credit Monitoring
✗All Three Bureaus
✗Goodwill Letters
✗Cease Desist Letters
✓Debt Validation
✓Credit Education
✗Identity Theft Protection
✗Score Tracking
✓Mobile App
✓Online Portal
✗Personal Advisor
✗Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Before signing up with any Debt Relief provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Match these decision factors against Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)'s profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Debt Relief providers.

Category

Debt Relief

Service scope

11 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • ●
    Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • ●
    Complexity priority: Consider Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)'s stated strengths (One of the most experienced debt settlement companies with $18B+ settled since 2002, providing de...) against your specific credit situation.
  • ●
    Timeline priority: Debt Relief typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • ●
    Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • ●
    Alternatives: Compare against all Debt Relief providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details: Contact provider for current pricing and guarantee details.
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: [{'name': 'Debt Resolution Program', 'price': 0, 'features': ['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']}]
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) offer?

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) offers 11 services including 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, and 6 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) best suited for?

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)'s profile signals suggest it may fit: 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. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)?

Key strengths: 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. Areas to consider: 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.

How does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) compare to similar companies?

In the Debt Relief category, comparable providers include Family Credit Management Services, Accredited Debt Relief, American Debt Relief. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) operate?

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) serves customers in 1 states including California. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) cost?

Listed pricing for Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief): monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Debt Relief consumers in California. It does not confirm that Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection: California Attorney General Consumer Protection

Credit and debt help rules in California

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in California: Legal (max $300)

Usury cap: 10% for personal/consumer loans (Article XV, CA Constitution); payday loans capped at $15 per $100

Complaint resources

State references

California regulates payday loans at a maximum of $300 with a $45 fee cap. The DFPI oversees all consumer lending and enforces the California Consumer Financial Protection Law. Consumers have strong rights under the state's comprehensive lending regulations, including the ability to file complaints online with the DFPI.

Similar Companies ⓘ

Comparable Debt Relief providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

Family Credit Management Services logo

Family Credit Management Services

Nonprofit credit counseling agency offering debt management plans, debt settlement, and a proprietary DualTrack hybrid program for consumers with unsecured debt.

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Nonprofit organization with 30+ years of operating history — not a for-profit consolidation firm

Accredited Debt Relief logo

Accredited Debt Relief

Accredited Debt Relief helps consumers consolidate debt and reduce monthly payments through personalized financial relief options, claiming to have assisted ...

Rating 4.9/5

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Notable: Success-based fee model—company only gets paid after achieving a solution for clients

American Debt Relief logo

American Debt Relief

American Debt Relief is a Plano, TX debt settlement firm that negotiates with creditors to reduce unsecured balances, charging 22–25% of enrolled debt only a...

Rating 4.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Performance-only fee model — 22–25% of enrolled debt charged per settlement, nothing until client approves

American Profit Recovery logo

American Profit Recovery

American Profit Recovery (APR) is a Farmington Hills, MI-based third-party debt collection agency. BBB A+ rated (not accredited). Specializes in medical, den...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: High Google review rating (4.9 stars from 3,805 reviews) with recent positive testimonials praising staff professionalism

Americor logo

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...

Rating 4.9/5

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Notable: No upfront fees or sign-up charges—fees only collected after settlement approval

Beyond Finance logo

Beyond Finance

Beyond Finance offers debt settlement and consolidation services designed to reduce monthly payments and help consumers exit debt faster through personalized...

Rating 4.9/5

Read review →

Notable: Claims to reduce monthly payments by 40% or more on enrolled debt

Citizens Debt Relief logo

Citizens Debt Relief

Citizens Debt Relief is an Irvine, CA-based debt settlement firm. BBB A+ accredited. IAPDA member. 1,536 Google reviews. Fee-after-settlement model.

Rating 4.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Advertises no upfront fees, which aligns with FTC regulations against advance-fee debt relief

ClearOne Advantage logo

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 Tru...

Rating 4.8/5

Read review →

Notable: BBB A+ accredited since November 2024, demonstrating commitment to complaint resolution standards

Related Questions

Quick Summary

Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) — Debt Relief in CA.

Overall rating: 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). Fee...

Visit Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)

Next Steps

  1. Compare Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief)'s licensing before committing.
  4. Visit Achieve (Freedom Debt Relief) once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Debt Relief providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Installment Loan
A loan you repay in fixed monthly payments over a set period — typically 12 to 60 months. Each payment covers part of the principal plus interest. Personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans are all installment loans.
Why it matters: Installment loans are the most common way Americans borrow money. Unlike revolving credit (credit cards), installment loans have a clear end date and predictable payments. Making on-time installment payments builds yo...
Example: You borrow $5,000 as a personal installment loan at 12% APR for 36 months. Your fixed monthly payment is $166. After 36 payments totaling $5,978, the loan is paid off. You paid $978 in interest but built 36 months of positive payment his...
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.
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.
Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.