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Pacific Debt Relief Review

If you’re ready to get out of debt, a debt settlement plan with Pacific Debt Relief may be worth exploring. You can begin with a free consultation and become debt free in as little as two years, depending on your situation.

Pacific Debt Inc.
Pacific Debt
3.6
Diverse service offering
Accredited member of AFCC and IAPDA
Low minimum debt requirement
Available in 29 states
No retainer fee is required
Must have at least $10,000 worth of eligible debt
Trustworthiness and stability
Must be several months behind on payments
Anna Baluch
Written by:Anna Baluch
Personal Finance Writer

Reviewed by: Carrie Pallardy, Freelance Writer and Editor

Fact Checked by: Thomas Brock, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Pacific Debt is a consumer debt relief company based in San Diego. Since its inception in 2002, it has settled more than $300 million in debt. The company’s debt relief program comes with no upfront fees and one low monthly payment. You may be able to say up to 50% on your debt balance. 

Pacific Debt is one of the best debt relief companies for people looking for a program with a proven track record and personal support from a debt specialist. 

Editor’s Note (Warning)

Debt settlement is not without risk. You may become delinquent on your account and incur fees from your creditors. The consequences of non-payment can negatively impact your credit score. It is also important to note that there’s no guarantee that a debt settlement company like Pacific Debt can resolve your debt for much less. In fact, some creditors may not negotiate with them at all. 

You can work on paying off your debt with over methods, such as debt snowball, debt avalanche, debt consolidation, credit counseling, and bankruptcy. 

Summarized Rating

Services and Solutions3
Costs and Fees4.3
Customer Experience3
Trustworthiness and Stability2.8
User Reviews4.7

This parameter considers service offering breadth, geographic reach, and minimum debt level requirements. Each of these features was evaluated using the five-point scoring system. Then, the various scores were aggregated and averaged to establish an overall services and solutions score.

Pacific has a slightly below average 3.0 for Services and Solutions. This reflects its fairly broad geographic presence, standard service offering, and relatively high minimum debt requirement.

What is Pacific Debt Relief?

Pacific Debt is a debt relief company that operates in 29 states and Washington, D.C. It works with customers who are seeking to reduce their consumer debt. The company offers strong customer support while helping to develop a plan to pay off your unsecured debt at a lower negotiated rate. 

Pacific Debt Relief Pros and Cons 

Before you pursue debt settlement with Pacific Debt, be sure to consider these benefits and drawbacks.

Pacific Debt Pros
Free consultation: You don’t have to pay to see if the program is right for you.
No upfront fees: The company does not charge upfront fees. The performance fees you will pay are based on your debt amount and state.
Personal attention: You’ll be assigned an account manger and  debt specialist.
Excellent reviews: Customers have a lot of positive things to say about the  company.
Referral program: If you refer someone, you’ll earn $200.
Pacific Debt Cons
Must have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt: If you have less than $10,000 in debt, Pacific Debt cannot help you.
Not available everywhere: Services are offered in 29 states and D.C.
No online client portal or mobile app: The company does not offer the convenience of an online portal or mobile app.

Types of Debt Covered By Pacific Debt Relief

Pacific Debt specializes in helping clients repay their unsecured debts. If you have a mortgage or a car loan, for example, the company can’t help you settle or pay it off. Through its debt settlement program, you can receive assistance with the following:

  • Credit card debt: Credit card debt is one of the most common types of debt. Pacific Debt may help you lower your principal balance, as well as any interest and late fees you have accrued.
  • Personal loans: Personal loans offer the flexibility of covering virtually any expense, but you might find it challenging to repay the loan. Pacific Debt can help you find some relief from your personal loan debt.  Payday loans: While payday loans can help you out when you need some cash to hold you over until your next paycheck , they come with sky-high interest rates that can make them difficult to repay. Payday loans qualify for debt settlement with Pacific Debt. 
  • Medical bills: Health insurance rarely covers all of your medical expenses. You may be dealing with high out-of-pocket expenses that turn into large medical bills. Pacific Debt can help you pay them off.

Pacific Debt Relief Service Features

  • Breadth of services offering: While Pacific Debt partners with other companies to offer home equity loans and debt consolidation loans, it focuses on debt settlement. To get started, you can request a free consultation with a debt specialist. During the consultation, you’ll learn more about the program and find out whether you qualify.
  • Geographic presence: As of 2022, Pacific Debt only offers its debt settlement services to residents in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company may expand its reach in the future.
  • Minimum debt: Pacific Debt’s program is designed for those who have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. If you only have a few thousand dollars in debt, you’ll want to consider an alternative. 
  • Average time for relief: Most Pacific Debt clients become debt-free in 24 to 48 months. This time frame is average in the industry.
  • Average relief amount: If you follow its program closely, you’ll likely pay off about 50% of your enrolled debt balances before fees. Keep in mind that this is not guaranteed. our savings will depend on your debt amount, debt type, creditors, and dedication. 

    Breadth of services offering

    Debt settlement with a free consultation, home equity loans, and debt consolidation loans

    Geographic presence

    29 states and Washington, D.C.

    Minimum debt required

    $10,000

    Average time for relief

    24 o 48 months

    Average relief amount

    50% of enrolled debts before fees

Pacific Debt Relief Costs and Fees 

  • Fees: While Pacific Debt doesn’t charge any upfront fees, you will pay performance fees of 15% to 25% of your enrolled debt amount. Where you live and how much debt you have will determine your exact fees.
  • Cancellation policy: Pacific Debt doesn’t mention anything about a cancellation policy on its website. You might want to ask about it during the consultation so you understand what will happen if you decide to terminate the program. 
  • Money back guarantee policy: Some debt settlement companies promote a money-back guarantee that usually states you won't be charged until your debt is settled. Pacific Debt doesn’t advertise one.

    Upfront fees

    None

    Settlement/performance fees

    15% to 25% of total debt enrolled

    Other fees

    None

    Cancellation policy

    Not disclosed

    Money back guarantee policy

    None

Pacific Debt Relief Application Process

Pacific Debt makes it easy for consumers to apply for its debt relief program. 

  1. Click on the “Get Started” button to begin your free consultation. 
  2. Next, you will share how much debt you have.
  3. Pacific Debt will then ask if you are behind on your payments by 30 days, more than 60 days, nor not at all. 
  4. Then, you will enter your state of residence.
  5. Finally, you will fill out your first and last name, phone number, and email address. Submit your information, and a Pacific Debt representative will be in touch. 

Pacific Debt Relief Customer Experience

  • Website extensiveness and usability: Pacific Debt has an informative website with clear information about its program and the states it services. There’s also a “Get Started” button that begins the consultation process. However, there is no online client portal. 
  • Expanded call center support: You can reach Pacific Debt’s customer service line at  (877) 959-6945 at any time Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm PST and Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm PST. 
  • Multi-channel support: In addition to phone support, Pacific Debt can be reached via email at  inquiries@pacificdebt.com. You may also reach out to the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. In addition, you can check out its blog articles and use its debt calculator to find out how long it may take you to pay off your debt.
  • Mobile technology: From a technology perspective, Pacific Debt is a bit behind. It does not offer a mobile app like other debt relief companies. 

Pacific Debt Relief Trustworthiness and Stability 

  • Years in business:  Founded in 2002, the company has provided debt settlement services for 20 years. 
  • Customers serviced/ebt managed:  Since its debut in 2002, Pacific Debt has settled over $300 million in unsecured debt for thousands of clients.
  • Accreditations/certifications: Pacific Debt is proud of its accreditations and certifications from the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), which are both reputable in the debt relief industry. 

    Years in business

    20

    Customers serviced/ebt managed

    More than $300 million for thousands of customers

    Accreditations/certifications

    American Fair Credit Council and certified with the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA)


Pacific Debt Relief User Reviews 

If you search the internet for reviews on Pacific Debt, you’ll find many positive remarks from current and former clients. The company has earned 4.9 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot as well as an A+ rating with 4.91 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company also has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs

In addition, US News and World Reports and Bankrate ranked Pacific Debt as one of “The Best Debt Settlement Companies of 2020.” Most of the online reviews praise Pacific Debt for its  friendly, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental debt specialists who genuinely care about client success. They state that the debt specialists are always available to answer questions and address concerns. 

Of course, there are a few negative reviews.  A few of them warn prospective clients of high pressure sales and scare tactics. Some also mention difficulty with canceling the program and delays in response times. To avoid these issues, make sure you understand how the program works, what you’ll be charged for it, and how you can cancel in advance.  

Pacific Debt Relief Compared to Other Companies


Pacific Debt Relief

New Era Debt Solutions

Freedom Debt Relief

Minimum debt required

$10,000

Not disclosed

$7,500

Fees

15% to 25% of enrolled debt

14% to 23% of enrolled debt

18% to 25% of enrolled debt

Cancellation policy

Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Can cancel at any time without penalty 

Money back guarantee policy

None

None

None

Average relief amount

50% on enrolled debt balances  before fees 

52.23% on enrolled debt amounts before fees

20% to 35% after fees

 

Final Thoughts 

If you have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt and are struggling to pay it off, debt settlement from Pacific Debt might make sense. This is particularly true if you’re more focused on getting rid of your debt than on improving your credit score. You also have the option to work with a debt relief provider that does offer an online portal or mobile app. 

Anna Baluch

Written by: Anna Baluch

Personal Finance Writer

Freelance copywriter who enjoys writing for large publications as well as startups, small to medium sized businesses.

More about me
Carrie Pallardy

Reviewed by: Carrie Pallardy

Freelance Writer and Editor

Carrie Pallardy has six years of experienceas as a dedicated freelance writer and editor. She covers a wide variety of topics, including personal finance, insurance, and cybersecurity. Carrie has written for Investopedia, Policygenius, and more.

More about me
Thomas Brock

Fact checked by: Thomas Brock

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Thomas is a well-rounded financial professional, with over 20 years of experience in investments, corporate finance, and accounting. He currently oversees the investment operation for a $4 billion super-regional insurance carrier, maintaining a dynamic investment policy designed to preserve capital, enhance...

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