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Last updated: May 2026How we rate

Debt Settlement Program ComparisonCompare

Reduce what you owe. Significant credit impact.

Debt settlement involves stopping payments to creditors while a settlement company negotiates reduced balances. It typically resolves debt for 40-60% of original balance but damages credit substantially (50-150+ point drop), stays on credit report for 7 years, and may trigger lawsuits during the negotiation period. Use only when bankruptcy is the alternative.

Are you eligible for a better rate?

1
Alpha Lending logo
Best for Overall pick
Alpha Lending539 reviews by Trustpilot
Apply online in minutes

Editorial review of Alpha Lending is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 5.99%–24.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
7.6
Good
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More Details:

APR

5.99%–24.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

2
Beta Financial logo
Best for Lowest APR
Beta Financial951 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Beta Financial is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 6.24%–24.49% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
7.8
Good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

6.24%–24.49% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

600+ credit

3
Gamma Bank logo
Best for Fast funding
Gamma Bank1,363 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Gamma Bank is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 6.49%–23.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
8.0
Very good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

6.49%–23.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

620+ credit

4
Delta CU logo
Best for Bad credit
Delta CU1,775 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Delta CU is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 6.74%–23.49% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
8.2
Very good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

6.74%–23.49% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

640+ credit

5
Epsilon Direct logo
Best for Large loans
Epsilon Direct2,187 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Epsilon Direct is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 6.99%–22.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
8.4
Very good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

6.99%–22.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

6
Zeta Capital logo
Best for Customer service
Zeta Capital2,599 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Zeta Capital is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 7.24%–22.49% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
8.6
Very good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

7.24%–22.49% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

600+ credit

7
Eta Lending logo
Best for Soft credit pull
Eta Lending3,011 reviews by Trustpilot
Apply online in minutes

Editorial review of Eta Lending is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 7.49%–21.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
8.8
Very good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

7.49%–21.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

620+ credit

8
Theta Loans logo
Best for No origination fee
Theta Loans3,423 reviews by Trustpilot
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Editorial review of Theta Loans is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 7.74%–21.49% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
9.0
Excellent
See my rate
More Details:

APR

7.74%–21.49% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

640+ credit

9
Iota Mortgage logo
Best for Repeat borrowers
Iota Mortgage3,835 reviews by Trustpilot
Apply online in minutes

Editorial review of Iota Mortgage is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 7.99%–20.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
7.6
Good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

7.99%–20.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

10
Kappa Trust logo
Best for Branch network
Kappa Trust4,247 reviews by Trustpilot
Apply online in minutes

Editorial review of Kappa Trust is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 8.24%–20.49% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
7.8
Good
See my rate
More Details:

APR

8.24%–20.49% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

600+ credit

Our Top Choice

Most Popular on comparebankloans
Alpha Lending logo
Best for Overall pick
Alpha Lending539 reviews by Trustpilot
Apply online in minutes

Editorial review of Alpha Lending is in progress. Final scoring and methodology notes ship with the next content release.

  • APR: 5.99%–24.99% APR
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000
7.6
Good
See my rate

Frequently asked questions

  • How does debt settlement work?
    You stop paying creditors. The settlement company waits until accounts are seriously delinquent (4-6+ months), then negotiates a reduced lump-sum payoff. You pay the settlement company monthly into an escrow; they pay creditors from escrow as settlements are reached.
  • What's the cost?
    Settlement companies typically charge 15-25% of enrolled debt as fees. Plus the IRS treats forgiven debt over $600 as taxable income (1099-C). Plus your credit takes a major hit. Net 'savings' is often much smaller than advertised.
  • Is debt settlement better than bankruptcy?
    Sometimes. Chapter 7 wipes most unsecured debt in 3-4 months with a faster credit recovery. Chapter 13 restructures debt over 3-5 years. Settlement is typically slower (24-48 months) and may not resolve all debts. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney before committing to settlement.
  • Can creditors sue me during settlement?
    Yes. Once you stop paying, creditors can sue, win a judgment, and garnish wages. Reputable settlement companies factor this risk into their strategy, but it's a real consideration.