Pacific Debt Relief Reviews and Ratings

Pacific Debt Relief company logo.

Debt can feel like a weight that never lifts. If you have fallen behind on credit cards or personal loans, you may want a clear way out. Most people who search Pacific Debt Relief reviews want one honest answer. Is this company a safe choice?

Pacific Debt Relief is a debt settlement company based in San Diego. It has helped people lower unsecured debt since 2002. This review covers how the program works, what it costs and what real customers say. It also explains the risks you must understand before you enroll.

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What debt settlement is and where Pacific Debt Relief fits

Debt settlement is one way to handle debt you cannot pay. A company like Pacific Debt Relief talks to your creditors for you. It asks them to accept less than the full balance. You pay one lower amount instead of the whole debt.

This is not the same as debt consolidation. Consolidation rolls your debts into one loan that you repay in full. It is not credit counseling either. A counselor lowers your interest while you still repay the full amount. And it is not bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a court process that wipes out or restructures debt.

Debt settlement has real trade-offs. You often stop paying creditors during the program. Your accounts fall behind, and your credit score drops. Creditors may call or even sue you. Forgiven debt can also count as taxable income. Pacific Debt Relief states these risks in its own disclosures.

What is Pacific Debt Relief?

Pacific Debt Relief homepage

Pacific Debt Relief is a debt settlement company. Kevin Landie founded it in 2002 in San Diego. The company has settled more than $500 million in debt for clients. It works only with unsecured debt.

Here are the key facts at a glance.

• Service type is debt settlement for unsecured debt.
• Founded in 2002 in San Diego, California.
• Headquarters at 750 B Street, Suite 1700, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Phone line for non-clients is (833) 865-2028.
• Debt types include credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, store cards, collections and business debts.
• Minimum debt to enroll is $10,000 in unsecured debt.
• Program length runs about 24 to 48 months.
• Fees run from 15 to 25 percent of enrolled debt.
• No upfront fees. You pay only after a settlement and your approval.
• BBB rating is A+, accredited since 2010.
• Trustpilot score is 4.7 out of 5 from more than 2,400 reviews.
• Certified by the IAPDA and a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution.

How the Pacific Debt Relief program works

The program runs in three main stages.

1. Free consultation. Pacific Debt Relief starts with a free call. A certified debt specialist reviews your debt, income and budget. They check if you qualify and estimate your savings. The call carries no fee and no obligation.
2. Enrollment and a dedicated savings account. You enroll your unsecured debts and open a separate savings account. Instead of paying creditors, you deposit money into this account each month. The funds build up over time. During this stage your accounts go past due, so your credit score takes a hit.
3. Negotiation and settlement. Pacific Debt Relief contacts each creditor and offers a lump sum from your savings account. The company settles one account at a time. It repeats this step until your enrolled debts are resolved.

Pacific Debt Relief program costs and fees

What you pay Pacific Debt Relief before and after fees

Pacific Debt Relief charges 15 to 25 percent of your enrolled debt. The exact rate depends on your balances and your state. The company also uses a dedicated, FDIC-insured account through a third-party processor. That account costs about $10 per month, plus a small one-time setup fee.

Here is the full cost picture. Clients who finish the program pay about 50 percent of their enrolled balance before fees. After fees, the total comes to roughly 65 to 85 percent of the balance. This runs over 24 to 48 months. The headline claim of cutting debt in half applies before fees, not after.

When you pay Pacific Debt Relief

Pacific Debt Relief charges no upfront fees. Federal rules ban debt settlement firms from collecting fees before a debt is settled. You pay only after a creditor agrees to a settlement and you approve it.

Pacific Debt Relief and tax on forgiven debt

Forgiven debt can count as income. If a creditor forgives more than $600 in a year, it may send you an IRS Form 1099-C. That amount may then be taxed. Some people qualify for the IRS insolvency exclusion. Talk to a tax professional before you enroll. Pacific Debt Relief also points clients to a tax advisor.

How Pacific Debt Relief affects your credit score

Debt settlement will likely hurt your credit. Your accounts fall behind while you save for settlements. Late marks and settled-for-less marks can stay on your report for seven years. Pacific Debt Relief says the program will “likely adversely affect your creditworthiness.” Expect limited access to new credit during and after the program.

Pacific Debt Relief outcomes and success rate

Pacific Debt Relief says it has settled more than $500 million in debt since 2002. It has worked with thousands of clients over two decades. Most programs run about 24 to 48 months, with an average near 42 months.

Results vary from person to person. Not every client finishes the program. People who stop their monthly deposits may leave with only some debts settled. Your savings depend on your creditors, your balances and your budget. Pacific Debt Relief does not promise a set result or timeline.

Pacific Debt Relief credentials and regulatory standing

Pacific Debt Relief licenses and registrations

Pacific Debt, Inc. operates under NMLS number 1250953. It is also registered with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The company has run in San Diego since 2002.

Pacific Debt Relief industry certifications

Pacific Debt Relief holds IAPDA certification. The International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators trains staff in debt negotiation. The company is also a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution, formerly the AFCC. These are industry groups, not government regulators.

Pacific Debt Relief BBB standing

Pacific Debt Relief holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It has been accredited since 2010. BBB customer reviews average about 4.87 out of 5. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recorded no complaints about the company in 2024.

What customers say about Pacific Debt Relief

Trustpilot reviews

Pacific Debt Relief Trustpilot rating of 4.8 stars.

Pacific Debt Relief earns 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot from more than 2,400 reviews. About 95 percent of reviewers gave it four stars or more. Happy clients praise clear communication and helpful staff. The company also replies to negative reviews and offers to fix problems.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews

On the BBB, customer reviews average near 4.87 out of 5. The A+ grade reflects how the company handles complaints, not a lack of them. Common complaints across debt settlement firms involve fees, timelines and credit reporting. Pacific Debt Relief responds to its complaints on the platform.

Pacific Debt Relief on Reddit reviews

On Reddit, people often debate the credit score hit. Some users call Pacific Debt Relief one of the more reputable firms they researched. Others remind readers that the credit damage is real, though temporary. On BestCompany, the company also scores about 4.8 from more than 2,300 reviews.

Pacific Debt Relief pros and cons

Pros

• More than 20 years in business, which is long for this industry.
• A+ BBB rating, accredited since 2010.
• Strong Trustpilot score of 4.7 from more than 2,400 reviews.
• No upfront fees. You pay only after a settlement.
• Free consultation with no obligation.
• Covers many unsecured debt types in one program.
• IAPDA-certified staff trained in debt negotiation.

Cons

• Enrollment will likely lower your credit score.
• Total cost with fees reaches 65 to 85 percent of your balance.
• Not every client completes the program.
• Forgiven debt may be taxed as income.
• Creditors may still call or sue during the program.
• A minimum of $10,000 in debt is required.
• Service is not available in every state.

Who Pacific Debt Relief is best for

• Fits people who have already fallen behind on unsecured debt.
• Works best when minimum payments no longer feel possible.
• Ideal for candidates with at least $10,000 in credit card, medical, or personal loan debt.
• Requires a commitment to steady monthly deposits for two to four years.

Who should avoid Pacific Debt Relief

• People with mostly secured debt, like a mortgage or car loan.
• Anyone who needs good credit soon, as the program harms credit scores.
• Individuals who can afford a nonprofit debt management plan.
• Residents in states the company does not serve.

Pacific Debt Relief vs National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief is the closest competitor. Both firms settle unsecured debt and charge fees only after a settlement. Here is how they compare.

• Fees are similar. Both charge about 15 to 25 percent of enrolled debt.
• Minimum debt differs. National Debt Relief starts at $7,500, while Pacific Debt Relief starts at $10,000.
• BBB ratings match. Both hold an A+ grade.
• Trustpilot scores are close. Both sit near 4.7 out of 5.
• Tenure favors Pacific Debt Relief, which has run since 2002.

For most people, the choice comes down to minimum debt, state coverage and support style. If your debt is under $10,000, National Debt Relief may be the only fit.

Is Pacific Debt Relief legitimate?

Yes, Pacific Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company. It has operated since 2002 and holds an A+ BBB rating. It is registered with the NMLS and the state of California. The CFPB logged no complaints against it in 2024. Its IAPDA certification and industry membership point to trained, accountable staff. The company also states its main risks up front, which is a good sign in this field.

Pacific Debt Relief review verdict

Pacific Debt Relief is a solid, long-running debt settlement company. Its program can help the right person become debt free in two to four years. Still, the full cost reaches 65 to 85 percent of your balance after fees. The credit score hit is real and can last for years. So weigh the savings against the impact on your credit before you commit.

If you live in an eligible state and owe at least $10,000 in unsecured debt, the next step is simple. Check your free Pacific Debt Relief savings estimate today and see how much you could save with no obligation. Compare your options side by side, then move forward with confidence.

Pacific Debt Relief frequently asked questions

Can you cancel Pacific Debt Relief and get your money back?

Yes. You can leave the program at any time. Your savings account is FDIC-insured and stays under your control, so you can withdraw any funds not yet used for a settlement.

Is Pacific Debt Relief available in my state?

Not everywhere. Pacific Debt Relief serves many states, but availability can change. Confirm your eligibility on the free consultation call before you enroll.

Will Pacific Debt Relief hurt my credit score?

Most likely, yes. Your accounts fall behind while you save for settlements. Negative marks can stay on your report for up to seven years.

How long does the Pacific Debt Relief program take?

Most programs run 24 to 48 months. The average is close to 42 months, though results vary.

What is the minimum debt to enroll with Pacific Debt Relief?

You need at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans do not qualify.

Disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial or tax advice. Debt settlement will likely lower your credit score. Forgiven debt may be taxed as income, so consult a licensed tax professional before you enroll. Not all clients complete the program, and results vary. Pacific Debt Relief does not guarantee a set savings amount or timeline. Services are not available in all states. Consider other options like nonprofit credit counseling, debt consolidation and bankruptcy before you decide.