Looking For A Reliable Debt Settlement Company?

Read our review of DebtShield

DebtShield review:

DebtShield is the latest debt settlement company to achieve "recommended" status by www.Debt-Tips.com.

There are several features of the DebtShield program that make them unique (and good to work with):

Unlike some debt settlement companies, Debt Shield spreads their program service fees out for the duration of the program. This can make your debt settlement a more manageable monthly expense than programs that require higher monthly fees during the first 12-24 months of your agreement. Sadly, this provides little motivation for these companies to continue working hard on your debts because they already collected all their money in the beginning.

After your initial consultation, you’ll receive a DVD that explains the program - and your responsibilities while enrolled in it. This is a great help for those who do not completely understand how debt settlement works. Lack of undertstanding what debt debt settlement can - and cannot - do for people is probably the biggest reason people complain. Knowing what you are getting into BEFORE you sign up is essential, and DebtShield does this well.

Debt Shield offers a "term guarantee". Which means they’ll cut your remaining monthly maintenance fees in half if you aren’t out of debt within the time frame they project for you. However, since most clients tend to "graduate" within 12 to 36 months, you should have plenty of time to settle your debts without problems. (For example, if a client has a projected term length of 30 months and still has unsettled debt after 30 months, the monthly fee will be cut in half from month 31 to the end of the client's program.)

Since customer service is often an issue with debt settlement, one of the best reasons to use DebtShield is that clients who experience a legitimate customer service issue during the first 180 days of their enrollment may request a prorated refund of their monthly maintenance fees, if the issue cannot be resolved. No other company we know of offers this type of written guarantee.

Of course, they couldn't offer a customer service guarantee if they didn't make it a priority to perform well for their customers, so this alone is a huge benefit!

Finally, you can leave their debt settlement program at any time. If you choose to do so, the entire balance of your savings account gets sent back to you. You do not have a long term commitment, so you are under no contractual obligation to stay if you decide the program is not right for you.

So, DebtShield is highly recommended!

Here is a summary of DebtShield:

Positives:
 ♦ Payment plan (escrow)
 ♦ Offer free consultation
 ♦ Very good customer service (winner of BBB of Greater Maryland’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics)

Negatives:
 ♦ Activation fee & monthly service fee
 ♦ Must have $10k or more in credit card debt

Overview:
 ♦ Company founded: 2004
 ♦ BBB report: DebtShield BBB report *
 ♦ Professional memberships: TASC (The Association of Settlement Companies)
 ♦ Info offered: Free debt analysis, free virtual consultation
 ♦ Fee Structure: One time activation fee & monthly service fee
 ♦ Website: DebtShield

 ♦ Our Rating:     Excellent

What People Are Saying About DebtShield: "Dear Debt Shield, THANK YOU Debt Shield from day one to the finalization of my last credit card settlement. You may share my story with others to give them hope. When this all began I had multiple credit cards which totaled over $78, 000.00 in debt. At that time I was overwhelmed by debt, unable to sleep, everyday brought more anxiety and fear of my future, unsure of what to do, unable to sleep and constantly unable to focus on anything but the mounting debt, the word depression doesn't adequately express the hopelessness of my emotions at that time. Debt Shield changed my life and my feeling of hopelessness. The first thing that occurred was Debt Shield gave me the hope, which if I followed the program there was a way out. I followed Debt Shield recommendations and the credit collector quit calling my workplace and stopped calling my home. I appreciated the Debt Shield email news of others making settlements which provided inspiration that one day one of my credit card debts would be settled. I still remember when Debt Shield sent me notification of my first credit card settlement and from that day I looked forward with anticipation of the next settlement. One by one each credit card settlement brought both a relief and additional hope. THANK YOU Debt Shield, one by one those credit card debts were settled. I never thought this day would come, to have paid off those credit debts and begin to start a savings account. As I stated in the beginning words do not often express the deep emotions felt by an individual. The word appreciation doesn't adequately express the gratitude of my emotions at this time, to each and every individual who has assisted in this effort, from the person who guided my initial signing up, to those who called and emailed me on follow up and client care and those who made contacts of settlement."    Thank you.    Charles G "I had been in a financial quagmire for over 20 years with over $25,000.00 in debt when I discovered Debt Shield. What a tremendous difference your company has made for me! It has taken a while, but your company has seen me through every step of the way. Many kudos to the Blue Team (especially Gail & Jontelle) who have made me a proud graduate of your program and helped me avoid declaring bankruptcy! I will be recommending your company to anyone who needs financial help. Your company has helped me so much more than I could ever possibly express!"    Gratefully yours,    Bridget H.

* BBB Note: some debt settlement companies get a low grade just because of the industry, despite being a top company. Make sure to also review the Customer History section to get an accurate view of the company's quality.