In a Nutshell
pros
- Very transparent about how it works
- Transparent fee structure
- Multiple contact channels
cons
- Minimum $7,500 unsecured debt to qualify
- No debt consolidation loans
- Negotiation can damage your credit score
Why Go with Guardian Debt Relief
There are many good reasons to go with Guardian, but the number one reason is probably its transparency. While many debt consolidation companies stand behind lots of complicated terms and hidden fees, Guardian Debt Relief is completely upfront about what it does and how much it charges for its services.
What’s Offered
While Guardian Debt Relief can help advise you on your options, the main thing it specializes in is debt negotiation. This means it negotiates with your creditors to get your debts reduced, bringing you instant relief.
Your debt relief program involves a 5-step process:
-
Enrollment in the program. Fill out a form to get a free financial analysis and speak to a debt specialist. If you are approved, you move on to step 2.
-
Monthly payments. Your debt specialist will design a monthly payment program to suit your budget.
-
Informing your creditors. Your debt specialist will inform your creditors that you are enrolled in a debt relief program.
-
Debt negotiations. Once you have enough funds in your account, your debt specialist will negotiate a debt reduction with your creditors.
-
Program completion. One by one, your accounts will be settled.
Highlights
As discussed, Guardian Debt Relief is very open and transparent about how the process works. On its website, it offers full details about what to expect, such as fees and program duration.
Here are the main highlights:
-
Free consultation at start of process
-
No upfront fees and no charges until your debt has been successfully reduced
-
Fee is 20% of the amount saved from your debt
-
Dedicated debt specialist who stays with you through the entire process
-
Monthly payments are deposited into a secure personal trust account with Global Client Solutions, an FDIC-insured bank that acts a middle-man between you and your creditors
-
Online client portal allows you to track your debt relief progress in real time
-
Guardian’s debt negotiators typically settle accounts for 40-60% of the original debt, meaning you pay 40 to 60 cents on the dollar owed
-
Programs typically take 24-48 months to complete
Types of Debt Covered
To qualify for a Guardian program, you must meet several minimum qualifying requirements. These include:
-
At least $7,500 in total debt
-
Debt must be unsecured, e.g. credit card bills, utility bills, medical bills, private student loan debt
-
You must be able to make monthly payments (according to the monthly amount and payment duration set during your consultation with a dedicated debt negotiator)
-
You must be able to demonstrate financial hardships (i.e. you are unable to pay off your debts after purchasing all other monthly essentials, such as food, rent/mortgage, and utility bills).
Site Security
From what we can see, the Guardian Debt Relief service and website are secure to use. Guardian is a member of the American Fair Credit Council and the Better Business Bureau, where is has a perfect A+ rating. When you use Guardian Debt Relief’s services, your monthly payments are deposited with Global Client Solutions, an FDIC-insured financial institution with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
Help & Support
Overall, Guardian Debt Relief has solid customer feedback ratings. It enjoys a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating based on mostly excellent reviews and only the occasional bad review. To schedule a call with a debt specialist, fill out a request on the Guardian Debt Relief website or call (888) 986-9939 during business hours.
Physical Address
Lifeline Debt Relief, d/b/a Guardian Debt Relief
PO Box 3501
New York, NY, 10008