First Choice Credit Management review

How does First Choice Credit Management work?

First Choice Credit Management is a debt settlement company that negotiates with your creditors on your behalf. Like all debt settlement companies, it requires you to stop paying your bills and instead put that money into a trust account. But unlike most other services, it may also help you rebuild your credit at the end of the program, which may put you in a better financial position.

You can enroll with $4,000 of debt, and the debt settlement program lasts 24 to 48 months.

How much does it cost?

First Choice Credit Management charges enrollment fees, monthly fees and a settlement fee, which is a percentage of your enrolled debt. In most states, settlement fees are 25% and taken out of your monthly payment.

When I spoke to a customer service representative with an example debt of $6,000, she quoted me a monthly payment of around $175. This was based off waived enrollment and monthly fees — your monthly payment will vary based on your state and the amount of debt you have.

How much could I save with First Choice Credit Management?

Your total savings will depend on your creditors, but First Choice Credit Management states that its customers pay approximately 70% of their total debt — which means an average savings of 30%. It's not clear if this is before or after fees. Your debt counselor will be able to provide a more specific quote for your situation.

Is First Choice Credit Management legit?

Yes, First Choice Credit Management is a legit debt relief company. Its website is encrypted to keep your information safe, and its privacy policy covers the information it collects and shares.

It's also accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), which helps regulate the debt relief industry. But it isn't accredited by another industry organization, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Pros and cons

First Choice Credit Management accepts smaller amounts of debt — but this may mean lower savings overall.

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Name	Product	Costs	Requirements
Accredited Debt Relief		Charges and fees vary by the company you're ultimately connected with	Must be at least 18 years old and a legal US resident; additional terms may apply based on services and products used.	This A+ BBB-rated service offers free consultations to lower your monthly payments help you get out of debt faster.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data…
National Debt Relief		15–25% of total enrolled debt	Must have a legitimate financial hardship which is preventing the ability to pay creditors and a minimum of $7,500 in debt.	Get back on your feet with a top-rated company that works with multiple types of debt.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data…
Freedom Debt Relief		Monthly payment based on enrolled debt, no upfront fees	Must have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt, have a hardship is preventing the ability to pay creditors, and live in a serviced state.	Freedom Debt Relief works to help people with unmanageable, unsecured debt get back on their feet.	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data…

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First Choice Credit Management reviews and complaints

First Choice Credit Management earns solid ratings from its customers and only has a handful of complaints that have been resolved. Its reviewers praise the customer service, calling it helpful and caring.

What is First Choice Credit Management?

First Choice Credit Management has been in business for 11 years. It offers both debt settlement and credit repair. It also does business as Florida Debt Relief, but beyond that, there are no recent news stories or headlines — not bad for a debt settlement company.

How do I get started?

You can get started by calling First Choice Credit Management or by filling out its online form. A representative will reach out to you to discuss your current financial situation, your debt and your creditors.

I’ve signed up. What happens next?

A debt counselor will create a plan based on your debts. You will start putting monthly repayments into a savings account in your name, which will be drawn from when First Choice Credit Management reaches a settlement with a creditor. Keep in mind that you will need to stop paying your creditors and using your cards during the 24- to 48-month program. This could potentially put you at risk of collections and a lawsuit.

After you complete the program, First Choice Credit Management will work with you to start repairing your credit. It will dispute negative and derogatory info on your credit report, and may offer guidance to help you build your credit in other ways.

Before you sign up with First Choice Credit Management, consider comparing other debt relief options.