On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- Americor vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- Americor legitimacy and licensing
- How much Americor costs
- How the Americor program works
- Americor complaints and how to avoid problems
- Cancelling Americor and getting your money back
- The rules that protect you
- Who should look elsewhere
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Americor publishes its fee range, 14% to 29% of enrolled debt, and says completed clients save about 45% before fees over 24 to 48 months, but many people do not finish, and settlement means missed payments, credit damage and possible lawsuits. It is a legitimate debt relief company: Americor Funding, LLC is licensed in California, BBB accredited with an A+ rating since 2015, and charges no fee until a debt is settled, as federal rules require. Its record includes a December 2022 Colorado Attorney General settlement ($200,000 in refunds) over cross-lending by sister company Credit9 and unsigned agreements, plus 245 BBB and 158 CFPB complaints in the last three years. Consider it only after you have priced a free nonprofit credit counseling plan.
Your options
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Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling.
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Debt Relief Advocates This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with large unsecured debts they can no longer pay who have already ruled out credit counseling and want a quote from a smaller settlement firm.
- Company
- Americor Funding, LLC, doing business as Americor Financial, 18200 Von Karman Ave, 6th Floor, Irvine, CA; California DFPI CFL license 603K913 and CCFPL license 01-CCFPL-839989-34586081
- Fee
- 14% to 29% of enrolled debt, varying by state, charged only after you approve a settlement and a payment is made (October 2026)1
- Minimum debt
- More than $7,500 in unsecured debt, per its FAQ2
- Program length
- Typically 24 to 48 months (average 35 months for completers); first settlement on average 3 to 6 months after enrollment1
- Results it discloses
- Clients who make all deposits save about 40% to 50% of enrolled debt (average 45%) before fees1
- Saving rule
- You must save at least 25% of each enrolled debt before Americor makes a settlement offer1
- Loans
- Consolidation loans through sister company Credit9, made by Cross River Bank; example: $4,300 at 24.00% APR over 30 payments of $191.998
- Regulator action
- Colorado AG, December 14, 2022: $200,000 in refunds to 262 Colorado customers over Credit9 lending to Americor clients and unsigned agreements; two-year ban on new Colorado enrollments7
Pros
- Published fee range and no fee until a debt settles
- BBB A+ and accredited since 2015
- Lower $7,500 minimum than many rivals
- Option to move to a consolidation loan through Credit9
- Withdraw any time and get your account balance back, minus earned fees
Cons
- Top fee of 29% is higher than the 25% cap at some competitors
- 2022 Colorado Attorney General settlement over cross-lending and unsigned agreements
- 158 CFPB complaints in three years, led by services not delivered
- Program not available in every state
- Credit damage, possible lawsuits and taxes on forgiven debt
Best for: People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling.
Skip it if: You can still make your minimum payments, you need your credit score in the next few years, or you are already being sued by a creditor.
Americor vs. competitors
| Company | Fee | Minimum debt | Consolidation loans | BBB | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americor | 14% to 29% of enrolled debt | $7,500 | Yes, through sister company Credit9 | A+, accredited since 2015 | Visit site |
| National Debt Relief | Up to 25% of enrolled debt | Not published | Yes, through partner lenders | A+, accredited since 2013 | Visit site |
| Pacific Debt Relief | Not published; varies by state | $10,000 | Not published | A+, accredited since 2010 | Visit site |
| Freedom Debt Relief | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt | Not published | Visit site |
Debt relief companies we reviewed
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Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling. -
Debt Relief Advocates This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured debts they can no longer pay who have already ruled out credit counseling and want a quote from a smaller settlement firm. -
Freedom Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances they can't pay in full, who can make steady monthly deposits for 2 to 4 years and accept the credit damage. -
National Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances who are already behind, cannot qualify for a lower rate, and can afford a steady monthly deposit for two to four years. -
Cambridge Credit Counseling This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt at high rates who could repay in three to five years if interest were lower. -
Credit Associates BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $10,000 or more in credit card or medical debt they cannot repay, who are already behind and can stick with monthly deposits for two to four years. -
Pacific Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with more than $10,000 in credit card or other unsecured debt who can't keep up with minimum payments but can save a steady monthly amount for two to four years.
Americor pricing at a glance
Americor debt settlement costs, as listed October 20261
| Cost | Amount | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up fee | $0 | Not charged |
| Settlement fee | 14% to 29% of enrolled debt, varies by state | Only after you approve a settlement and at least one payment is made |
| Cancellation fee | $0 | Fees already earned on settled debts are kept |
| Dedicated account fees | Set by the third-party account provider | Monthly; not refunded if you withdraw |
| Example: $20,000 enrolled | $2,800 to $5,800 in Americor fees | Spread over the program as debts settle |
The $20,000 example is our arithmetic from the published 14% to 29% range, not an Americor quote. Settled amounts, missed-payment interest and late fees, and any tax on forgiven debt are on top of the fee.
Americor, step by step
Free evaluation
You call 888-211-2660 or fill out the online form; a debt consultant reviews your unsecured debt, income and budget, and Americor may run a soft credit pull.
Enroll and open a dedicated account
You sign the agreement and make one monthly deposit into an account you own, held by a third-party provider. You stop paying the enrolled creditors.
Save toward settlements
Once you have saved at least 25% of a given debt, Americor negotiates with that creditor. The first settlement usually comes 3 to 6 months in.
Approve each deal
You approve each settlement offer; the settlement and Americor's fee for that debt are paid from your account.
Optional Credit9 loan
After six months in the program, Americor says some clients can qualify for a Credit9 consolidation loan to pay off remaining creditors.
Finish or withdraw
You can withdraw at any time and get back the money in your account, minus fees already earned and third-party fees.
Americor legitimacy and licensing
Yes, Americor is a real, licensed company. Americor Funding, LLC is based at 18200 Von Karman Avenue in Irvine, California, holds California DFPI licenses, and has been BBB accredited since November 2015 with an A+ rating. It follows the federal rule that a Debt settlement. Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance as payment in full. Compare debt relief companies company cannot charge fees before it settles a debt, and it publishes its fee range, which many competitors do not.
Legit is not the same as low risk. In December 2022 the Colorado Attorney General announced a $200,000 settlement with Americor, its sister lender Credit9 and their shared owner. The state said Credit9 lent money to Americor clients after being warned that Colorado law bars that, and that some Americor agreements were unsigned. The companies were barred from enrolling new Colorado customers for two years. The CFPB also lists 158 complaints against Americor Funding from October 2023 to October 2026.
How much Americor costs
Americor charges no sign-up or cancellation fee. Its fee is 14% to 29% of the debt you enroll, and the rate varies by state. You pay it only after you approve a settlement and at least one payment is made to the creditor. On $20,000 of Enrolled debt. The total balance of the accounts you put into a settlement program, which most companies use to calculate their fee. Compare debt relief companies, that range works out to $2,800 to $5,800 over the program.
Americor says clients who make every deposit save about 45% of enrolled debt on average before fees. Subtract the fee and the real saving is smaller. You also pay monthly fees to the third-party Dedicated account. An account you own, held by a third party, where you save monthly deposits used to pay settlements and fees. Compare debt relief companies provider, interest and late fees keep building on unpaid accounts while you save, and the IRS may count forgiven debt over $600 as income unless you qualify for an exclusion such as insolvency.
How the Americor program works
After a free evaluation, you enroll unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans and medical bills, and you stop paying those creditors. Each month you deposit money into a dedicated account in your name. When you have saved at least 25% of a debt, Americor negotiates with that creditor, and you approve or reject each offer. Programs usually take 24 to 48 months, and the first settlement typically comes 3 to 6 months after you enroll.
Americor also says some programs may be offered through The Law Firm of Higbee & Associates, doing business as Advantage Law, so check which company’s name is on your agreement. After six months, some clients can apply for a consolidation loan from Credit9, which Cross River Bank funds; its sample loan is $4,300 at a 24% APR.
What customers say about Americor
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Knowledgeable, professional debt consultants
- Patient help during enrollment
- Clear explanations of how the program works
- Lower monthly payment than the minimums
Common complaints
- Fees larger or less clear than expected
- Settlements slower than promised
- Creditor lawsuits and collection calls during the program
- Credit score damage
- Little communication about account status
Americor complaints and how to avoid problems
Americor’s Trustpilot score is high, but complaint records tell a more mixed story. The top CFPB issue is that the company did not provide the services promised, followed by confusing or misleading marketing. Negative reviews describe slow settlements, fees that felt unclear, collection calls and lawsuits during the program, and a credit score drop. To lower your risk:
- Get the fee percentage for your state in writing before you sign.
- Ask which creditors on your list usually settle and which tend to sue.
- Check your dedicated account statements each month and approve settlements in writing.
- Keep any debt that has a lawsuit or judgment out of the program and talk to a lawyer.
- If something goes wrong, file with the CFPB and your state attorney general.
Cancelling Americor and getting your money back
You can leave the program at any time without a penalty. Americor says you get back all funds in your dedicated account except fees it has already earned on settled debts and fees paid to third-party providers, which are not returned. Ask the dedicated account provider how long a withdrawal takes, and resume payments or contact remaining creditors right away, since balances, interest and late fees will still be owed.
The rules that protect you
The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule bans debt settlement companies from collecting fees before they settle a debt, and it requires them to tell you how long the program will take, what it costs and the risks before you sign. Your dedicated account must be in your name, and you can withdraw from it at any time. Many states also license debt settlement companies; Americor is licensed by California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and says its program is not available in all states. Settled debt can be taxable under IRS rules, and settlement will hurt your credit while accounts go unpaid.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip debt settlement if you can still make your payments, since a nonprofit Debt management plan (DMP). A repayment plan set up by a credit counseling agency that consolidates payments and often lowers interest, while you repay the full balance. Compare debt relief companies lowers interest without missed payments. If you have mostly secured debt, federal student loans or tax debt, Americor’s program will not help with those. If you are already being sued, talk to a consumer attorney first. And if you expect to apply for a mortgage or car loan in the next couple of years, the late payments that come with settlement can make that harder.
Alternatives to Americor
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Nonprofit credit counseling
A debt management plan through an NFCC member agency can lower interest rates without missed payments or settlement fees, and the first session is usually free.
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Caps its fee at 25% of enrolled debt, below Americor's 29% top end, with a similar settlement program.
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Very few BBB and CFPB complaints for a settlement company, though it requires more than $10,000 of debt.
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Negotiate yourself
You can call creditors directly for a hardship plan or a lump-sum settlement and pay no fee at all.
Next steps
Americor reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is Americor a legitimate company?
Yes. Americor Funding, LLC is licensed in California, BBB accredited since 2015 with an A+ rating, and does not charge until a debt is settled. It did settle with the Colorado Attorney General in 2022, so read its agreement carefully.
How much does Americor charge?
Americor charges 14% to 29% of the debt you enroll, depending on your state, with no sign-up or cancellation fee. The fee for each debt is due only after you approve a settlement and a payment is made.
What is the minimum debt for Americor?
Its FAQ says you qualify if you live in a state it serves and have more than $7,500 of unsecured debt, such as credit cards, medical bills and personal loans.
Does Americor hurt your credit?
Yes, in most cases. You stop paying enrolled creditors while you save, so late payments and charge-offs show up on your credit report, and Americor's own disclosure says debt resolution will likely hurt your credit.
How long does the Americor program take?
Americor says completed programs usually take 24 to 48 months, 35 months on average, with the first settlement 3 to 6 months after enrolling.
What happened with Americor in Colorado?
In December 2022 the Colorado Attorney General secured $200,000 in refunds for 262 customers. The state said sister company Credit9 lent to Americor clients against Colorado law and some agreements were unsigned, and it barred new Colorado enrollments for two years.
Is Credit9 part of Americor?
Credit9 is Americor's sister lending company under the same owner. Its consolidation loans are made by Cross River Bank, and Americor says clients may qualify after six months in its program.
Can I cancel Americor at any time?
Yes. You can withdraw without a penalty and get back the money in your dedicated account, minus fees already earned on settled debts and third-party account fees.
Can creditors sue me while I'm in Americor?
Yes. Americor's disclosure says you may be subject to collections or lawsuits, and your balances can grow from interest and fees while you save.
Do I pay taxes on debt Americor settles?
Possibly. The IRS generally treats canceled debt as income, and creditors may send Form 1099-C. An insolvency exclusion may apply, so check with a tax professional.
Sources (10)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Americor: Debt relief program and fee disclosure (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Americor: Frequently asked questions (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Americor: About us (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Americor (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database, Americor Funding, LLC (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Americor reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Colorado Attorney General: $200,000 in refunds for Americor and Credit9 customers (Dec. 14, 2022) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Credit9: Consolidation loan disclosures (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: How to get out of debt (accessed October 12, 2026)
- IRS: Topic 431, Canceled debt, is it taxable or not? (accessed October 12, 2026)
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