You should always compare debt settlement companies before choosing one so you can get a few different perspectives on what you're best options are.
The fact is that the debt settlement industry is a saturated market and there are new players entering the market everyday.
So how do you know where to look for the most legitimate and established debt settlement companies? Well one very simple way is to begin your search through a debt matchmaker.
A debt matchmaker will provide you with only those companies that have established themselves in the debt repair industry and proven they can successfully negotiate a debt settlement.
If you attempt to locate a debt repair company by yourself you are risking choosing a company that is inexperienced or not as well leveraged as others in the industry.
Just because a company has a flashy website or you seem to recognize their name does not mean that they are the best at settling your debt.
Some companies will spend more on marketing than actually developing and improving their business.
They could be amateurs in the debt repair industry but yet convey the image that they are the top dogs.
The only way to ensure that you are dealing with legitimate companies is to go through a debt matchmaker.
Debt repair companies have to qualify in order to make a top matchmaker's list.
They have to be established, usually over 1 year, and also have to prove that they have been successful in settling people's debt.
The best debt settlement companies will be able to negotiate a settlement for 30 - 40% of your actually debt amount.
So if you owed $20,000, you could expect to pay $6,000 - $7,000 and then have the rest eliminated.
This will also have a minimal effect on your credit score.