On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- ClearOne Advantage vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- ClearOne Advantage legitimacy and licensing
- ClearOne Advantage cost
- How the ClearOne program works
- Risks: credit, lawsuits and taxes
- ClearOne Advantage complaints
- The rules that protect you
- Who should skip ClearOne
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
ClearOne Advantage follows the federal ban on upfront fees and gets strong reviews on Trustpilot, but it does not post its fee percentage, and the CFPB logged 83 complaints in three years, most saying promised services were not delivered. It is a real debt settlement company, in business since 2008 according to the BBB, with offices in Tempe, Arizona and Baltimore, Maryland. Settlement can cut what you owe on unsecured debt, but it damages your credit, can lead to lawsuits, and forgiven debt may be taxed. Get the fee, the timeline and the risks in writing, and compare it with a nonprofit debt management plan first.
- What it is
- Debt settlement company; not a lender, loan broker, credit services organization or debt collector, per its own disclosure1
- Fee
- Not published on its site; charged only after a settlement is reached, you approve it and at least one payment is made1
- Program length
- 24 to 51 months for many clients, per the company1
- Debt it handles
- Unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans, some medical bills and collections; also small business debt1
- Who it suits
- The company says $10,000 or more in unsecured debt1
- Offices
- Tempe, AZ (410 N Scottsdale Rd) and Baltimore, MD3
- Licensing and memberships
- Registered with the California DFPI (01-CCFPL-1269219-3478532); accredited member of the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR)2
- Where your money sits
- Monthly deposits go into an FDIC insured dedicated account in your name, not to ClearOne2
Pros
- No fees until a debt is settled and you approve it
- Funds stay in an FDIC insured account in your name
- Strong Trustpilot rating from nearly 11,000 reviews
- Clear public warnings about credit damage, lawsuits and taxes
- Handles small business debt as well as personal debt
Cons
- Fee percentage is not published on its site
- Programs can run up to 51 months
- 83 CFPB complaints in three years, led by services not delivered
- Two BBB profiles with different grades (A+ and B-)
- Settlement hurts your credit and does not stop lawsuits
Best for: People with $10,000 or more in unsecured debt who are already behind, cannot qualify for a consolidation loan, and want to avoid bankruptcy.
Skip it if: You can still make your payments, qualify for a lower-rate loan, or need legal protection from a lawsuit right now.
ClearOne Advantage vs. competitors
| Company | Fee | Program length | Minimum debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearOne Advantage | Not published (NerdWallet reports 18% to 29% of enrolled debt) | 24 to 51 months | Suggests $10,000 or more |
| National Debt Relief | Up to 25% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months | Not published |
| Freedom Debt Relief | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months on average | Not published |
| Accredited Debt Relief | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months | Not published |
ClearOne Advantage pricing at a glance
ClearOne Advantage's own example: $26,000 of card debt, as shown October 20261
| Scenario | Monthly payment | Total paid | Time to resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum payments at 18% interest | $650 | $64,423 | 36+ years |
| ClearOne debt settlement example | $542 | $19,500 | 4 years |
ClearOne labels this an illustration, not a promise. It does not publish its fee percentage. NerdWallet's review lists a settlement fee of 18% to 29% of enrolled debt plus a $17 monthly account fee; confirm the exact fee in your contract. Results assume you finish the program and creditors agree to settle.
ClearOne Advantage, step by step
Free consultation
A Certified Debt Specialist reviews your income, budget and unsecured debts and builds a plan with one monthly deposit, which ClearOne says is typically up to 40% lower than your current payments.
Fund your dedicated account
You stop paying enrolled creditors and deposit money each month into an FDIC insured account in your name.
Negotiation
As money builds, ClearOne negotiates reduced payoffs. Creditors do not have to accept, and collection calls or lawsuits can continue.
You approve each settlement
ClearOne collects its fee only after a settlement is reached, you approve it and at least one payment is made.
Graduate or leave
Accounts settle one by one over about 24 to 51 months. You can leave the program and keep the money in your dedicated account.
ClearOne Advantage legitimacy and licensing
Yes, ClearOne Advantage is a real debt settlement company. Its site says it has helped clients since 2010, and the BBB lists a business start date of September 16, 2008. It has offices in Tempe, Arizona and Baltimore, Maryland, is registered with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and is an accredited member of the Association for Consumer Debt Relief.
The BBB shows two profiles. The Tempe listing is accredited with an A+ rating and 165 complaints in three years. A separate Baltimore listing for ClearOne Advantage, LLC is not accredited and carries a B- rating with 35 complaints. Check both before you enroll.
It is not a loan. ClearOne’s own disclosure says it is not a lender or loan broker. It does not pay your debts; it negotiates with your creditors while you save money in a separate account.
ClearOne Advantage cost
ClearOne does not post its fee percentage. Its site says fees and costs vary by situation and that you pay nothing until a settlement is reached, you approve it, and at least one payment is made toward it. NerdWallet’s review lists a settlement fee of 18% to 29% of the total debt you enroll, plus a $17 monthly account fee. Treat those numbers as a starting point and get your exact fee in writing.
On $25,000 of enrolled debt, a 25% fee would be $6,250 on top of what you pay creditors. ClearOne cites outside research finding that people who settled at least one account saved about $1,400 per account after fees, and its own example shows a $26,000 balance resolved for $19,500 over 4 years. Those are averages and illustrations, not promises.
How the ClearOne program works
After a free consultation, you stop paying the creditors you enroll and make one monthly deposit into an FDIC insured account in your name. When enough builds up, ClearOne offers your creditors a reduced payoff. You approve each settlement before any money moves. ClearOne says many clients finish in 24 to 51 months, with accounts settling at different times.
Secured debts such as mortgages and auto loans, and federal student loans, generally cannot be enrolled.
What customers say about ClearOne Advantage
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Knowledgeable, patient advisors who explain the program
- Clear expectations set at the start
- Less stress once there is a plan
- One monthly deposit instead of many bills
Common complaints
- Promised services not delivered or settlements slower than expected
- Fees higher or less clear than expected
- Hard to get straight answers on account status
- Creditor lawsuits and collection calls during the program
Risks: credit, lawsuits and taxes
- Credit damage. Accounts go past due while you save, and settled accounts show on your credit report. ClearOne says the program will likely hurt your creditworthiness.
- Lawsuits. Creditors can keep calling and can sue you during the program. ClearOne says it does not provide legal advice.
- More owed at first. Late fees and interest keep adding up until a debt settles.
- Taxes. Forgiven debt may count as taxable income. The FTC warns about this, and ClearOne suggests talking with a tax professional.
- Dropping out. If you leave early, you keep the money in your dedicated account, but unsettled debts may be larger than when you started.
ClearOne Advantage complaints
The CFPB complaint database lists 83 complaints against ClearOne Advantage, LLC from October 12, 2023 to October 12, 2026, and 146 all time. The leading issues were that the company didn’t provide services promised (36), charged upfront or unexpected fees (15), and made unauthorized withdrawals or charges (9). The two BBB profiles together list 200 complaints in three years.
Trustpilot tells a different story: 4.8 out of 5 from 10,956 reviews, with praise for advisors who explain the program. The negative reviews there focus on slow settlements, unclear account status and fees. ClearOne’s client app has a 1.4 rating from 16 App Store ratings.
To protect yourself, ask for the fee as a percentage and a dollar estimate, the expected settlement order, and what happens if a creditor sues.
The rules that protect you
The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule bans debt relief companies that sell by phone from charging any fee before they settle a debt and you make a payment under that settlement. The FTC also says the dedicated account must be in your name, you are entitled to the interest, and you can withdraw your money at any time without penalty.
Many states license or register debt settlement companies; ClearOne lists a California DFPI registration and says it is not available in all states. If a company asks for money upfront, guarantees a result or pressures you to sign that day, walk away. You can file complaints with the CFPB, the FTC and your state attorney general.
Who should skip ClearOne
Skip debt settlement if you can still pay your bills, if you qualify for a debt consolidation loan at a lower rate, if most of your debt is secured, or if a creditor is already suing you and you need a lawyer. A nonprofit credit counselor can review a debt management plan at little or no cost, and bankruptcy may make more sense for very large debts. Talk with a bankruptcy attorney before you choose.
Alternatives to ClearOne Advantage
- Nonprofit credit counseling (debt management plan) The FTC points to nonprofit counselors first; a debt management plan repays the full balance at lower interest without the credit damage and lawsuit risk of settlement.
- Negotiate with creditors yourself Free; ClearOne itself says DIY settlement can save on fees if you can handle the calls and paperwork.
- National Debt Relief Publishes its fee (up to 25% of enrolled debt) and a shorter typical program. Read review
- Freedom Debt Relief Publishes a 15% to 25% fee range and a fee refund policy if settlements cost more than the enrolled debt. Read review
ClearOne Advantage reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is ClearOne Advantage a loan company?
No. ClearOne Advantage is a debt settlement company. It does not lend you money; it negotiates with your creditors to accept less than you owe while you save in a dedicated account.
Is ClearOne Advantage legit or a scam?
It is a real company registered with the California DFPI and accredited by the ACDR, with an A+ BBB rating on its Tempe profile. It still carries the normal risks of debt settlement, and the CFPB logged 83 complaints in three years.
How much does ClearOne Advantage charge?
ClearOne does not publish its fee percentage. NerdWallet reports 18% to 29% of enrolled debt plus a $17 monthly account fee. ClearOne charges nothing until a settlement is reached, you approve it and at least one payment is made.
How long does the ClearOne program take?
ClearOne says many clients complete the program in 24 to 51 months. Timing depends on how much you enroll, your monthly deposit and how creditors respond.
Will ClearOne Advantage hurt my credit?
Yes, in most cases. ClearOne itself warns that the program will likely hurt your creditworthiness: enrolled accounts usually go past due before they settle, and settled accounts show up on your credit report.
Can I be sued while in ClearOne's program?
Yes. Creditors can still try to collect and may sue. ClearOne does not provide legal advice, so talk with a lawyer if you are served.
Do I have to pay taxes on settled debt?
Possibly. Forgiven debt can count as taxable income, though IRS exceptions such as insolvency may apply. Ask a tax professional.
What is the minimum debt for ClearOne?
ClearOne says debt settlement may fit if you have $10,000 or more in unsecured debt. It reviews your full budget before enrolling you.
Can I cancel ClearOne Advantage?
Yes. Under FTC rules the money in your dedicated account is yours and you can withdraw it any time without penalty.
Where is ClearOne Advantage located?
ClearOne lists offices in Tempe, Arizona and Baltimore, Maryland. Its accredited BBB profile is at 410 N Scottsdale Rd in Tempe.
Sources (10)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- ClearOne Advantage: Debt settlement (program, fees disclosure, example, FAQs) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- ClearOne Advantage: How it works (accessed October 12, 2026)
- ClearOne Advantage: About us (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: ClearOne Advantage, Tempe, AZ (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: ClearOne Advantage, LLC, Baltimore, MD (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: ClearOne Advantage reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database, ClearOne Advantage, LLC (accessed October 12, 2026)
- NerdWallet: ClearOne Advantage debt settlement review (fee range) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: How to get out of debt (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Apple App Store: ClearOne Advantage app (accessed October 12, 2026)
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