First Advantage Debt Relief Review: Pick a Better Option
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Our verdict
Skip this “referral service” that only passes your information on to third parties willing to pay.
First Advantage pretends to be a debt relief company, but it’s not. When you read the fine print, you’ll see that it gathers your information and sells it to third-party providers, some of which may offer debt settlement services, consolidation loans or other financial products. If you need any of these services, you’re better off applying directly rather than risk your information falling into the wrong hands.
Best for: We can’t recommend this service because it appears to only send your information to companies you could easily contact directly, and it has no customer reviews.
The pros and cons listed are based on debt settlement in general, since First Advantage isn’t a debt relief provider.
Pros
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Could settle your debts for less than you owe
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Typically no fees until debt is settled
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Private student loans may be eligible for settlement
Cons
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Damage to credit score
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Fees up to 25%
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No guarantee creditors will settle
Is First Advantage legit?
First Advantage may not be a scam exactly, but it has no customer reviews, its website is just the bare bones and it clearly misrepresents what it actually does.
For example, it uses language like “we” will help you get out of debt, and “this is our specialty,” or “our certified debt specialists are able to negotiate and settle your debt for less than you owe.” But it doesn’t actually provide any of these services — it merely sells your info to companies that do.
How First Advantage compares to other providers
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Where First Advantage falls short
The worst thing about First Advantage is its complete lack of honesty. It pretends to be a debt relief provider, but it’s not. It sends your information to any third party that’s willing to pay a referral fee. This practice opens you up to excessive solicitation and, possibly, scams.
Some of its “partner lenders” include National Debt Relief, TurboDebt, JG Wentworth, Freedom Debt Relief, Clearone Advantage and others. If debt settlement is an option you’re considering, why not go directly to the source and skip the middleman?
What makes First Advantage shine?
There’s nothing we can find of redeeming value from this so-called service. It doesn’t even explain the debt settlement process, which seems like the least it could do.
How much can I save?
Most debt settlement companies advertise that you can save up to 50% of your enrolled debt. However, that estimate is only a best-case scenario and is not typical for most customers. It also doesn’t reflect any fees charged, which could be as much as 25%.
How much does it cost?
The cost for debt relief is typically between 15% and 25% of your total enrolled debt. For example, if your enrolled debt is $30,000, your fee is $4,500 to $7,500. And that’s regardless of how much your debt is settled for.
Will First Advantage hurt my credit?
Yes. Simply by applying through the First Advantage website, you are giving authorization for the company to “…obtain my credit profile from any consumer reporting agency…” That inquiry alone can lower your credit score.
Furthermore, if you decide to proceed with a debt settlement program, your credit is also impacted, as these types of programs require you to stop making your monthly debt payments.
First Advantage details
Note: The details provided below are typical of most debt relief companies that you may be connected with, but exact details can vary by provider.
| Free quote or consultation | Yes |
| Services | Debt settlement |
| Minimum Debt | $10,000 |
| Average turnaround | 24 to 48 months |
| Fees | 15% to 25% |
| Types of debt | Credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, lines of credit, some personal loans |
| Accreditations | None |
| Direct or third-party negotiations | Varies by provider |
| State availability | May not be available in all states |
Before you sign up with a debt relief company
Debt relief companies typically charge a percentage of a customer’s debt or a monthly program fee for their services. And not all companies are transparent about these costs or drawbacks that can negatively affect your credit score. Depending on the company you work with, you might pay other fees for third-party settlement services or setting up new accounts, which can leave you in a worse situation than when you signed up.
Consider alternatives before signing up with a debt relief company:
- Payment extensions. Companies you owe may be willing to extend your payment due date or put you on a longer payment plan if you ask.
- Nonprofit credit counseling. Look for free debt-management help from nonprofit organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
- Debt settlement. If you can manage to pay a portion of the bill, offer the collection agency a one-time payment as a settlement. Collection agencies are often willing to accept a lower payment on your debt to close the account.
First Advantage contact info
| Phone number | 302-281-2570 |
| Customer service hours | Not listed |
| info@firstadvantage.io | |
| X, formerly Twitter | N/A |
| N/A |
How to qualify for First Advantage
There’s no criteria to qualify for First Advantage — because it’s only passing on your info — but debt relief providers typically require the following:
- At least $10,000 in debt
- Have unsecured debts
- Live in a state the provider services
How the debt settlement process works
Most debt settlement programs work like this:
- You’ll start with a free initial consultation.
- If you enroll, you’ll be told to stop making your monthly debt payments and instead make payments to a dedicated savings account.
- The provider will attempt to negotiate with your creditors.
- If creditors agree to a settlement, the provider will make payments out of your account.
Keep in mind that some or all of your creditors may refuse to settle your debts for less than you owe. There is no guarantee that you’ll save money, and you could end up owing more than you started with.
First Advantage reviews and complaints
We couldn’t find any First Advantage reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. (There is a company of the same name on both sites, but it’s a firm that handles background checks.)
In fact, the only review we found at all was a YouTube video. The reviewer walks you through the First Advantage website and initial application and concludes that the company is merely a service that sells your information to debt relief companies and other third-party financial service providers.
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | N/A |
| BBB customer reviews | No reviews |
| Trustpilot Score | First Advantage does not have any Trustpilot reviews. |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 11 July 2025 |
What do people on Reddit say?
Risks of debt settlement
Before you enroll in a debt settlement program, be sure to consider these potential risks.
- Credit damage. Generally, these programs can cause a significant drop in your credit score.
- More debt. When you stop making your payments, you’ll accrue additional interest and fees.
- No guarantee. It’s possible that some or all of your creditors will refuse to settle, leaving you in even worse shape than you were before.
- Lawsuits. Some creditors may choose to take you to court for nonpayment.
- Taxes. It’s possible you’ll have to pay income tax on the money you save when settling your debts.
Your reviews
Lacey Finder
Writer
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