Full Review: Debt Wave Credit Counseling
Summary
DebtWave Credit Counseling offers credit counseling, financial education, and a debt management program for individuals looking to lower their debt by lowering their interest rates.
Positives
Positive Customer Reviews
The DebtWave Credit Counseling reviews are almost exclusively positive – the company is highly rated by customers. We reviewed customer reviews and here’s a summary of what we found:
- Interest Rates: Several reviewers report that DebtWave was able to lower the interest rates on their credit cards. Reduced interest rates are what allows these debt consolidation customers to pay off their debts quicker. A lower interest rate also typically results in a lower monthly payment.
- Increased Credit Score. Naturally, as you pay down your credit card debt, you should see a positive impact on your credit score, which is exactly what DebtWave customers mention in their reviews. A specific review mentions that they were able to get a mortgage after debt consolidation, and several customers say their credit score went to “very good” or even “excellent” after they completed the program.
- Customer Service. A smaller, but still significant number of reviews, address the excellent customer service they received from DebtWave. DebtWave reviews in 2019 specifically mention that mention credit counseling with Dawn was wonderful to work with.
Lower Interest Rates on Your Credit Card
DebtWave Credit Counseling claims that they are able to reduce the interest rates on your credit cards to 6.0-7.5% with their debt management program. The average credit card interest rate is currently about 19.2% This is a significant decrease in the interest rate consumers are paying, which means a small DebtWave payment plan. While these interest rates are low, other debt consolidation companies may be able to get similar, or even lower rates.
Negatives
Small Company
DebtWave Credit Counseling employees about 30 people. By comparison, Consolidated Credit and Freedom Debt Relief both have over 250 employees working to eliminate consumer debt. In some cases, working with a small company can mean a more personalized customer service experience. However, the larger a debt consolidation company is, the better and more relationships they typically have with big credit card companies. Larger companies have extensive debt management resources and work with over 1,000 banks and retailers. DebtWave does not disclose the number of creditors they work with or the names of companies they work closely with. Fewer employees may also correlate to a larger individual caseload for credit counseling.
Limited Availability
Debtwave Credit Counseling does not service the following four states: Kansas, Maryland, Idaho or New York. If you live in one of these states, we recommend reaching out to a nationwide debt management company, like Freedom Debt Relief.
Debtwave’s hours are a bit limited. The company operates on PST, and is available by phone from 6am to 6pm PST Monday through Thursday, and from 6am to 5pm PST on Fridays. Their Specialists are not available on the weekend.
Conclusion
Debtwave seems to be a very reputable company A+ Rated with the BBB and stellar client reviews. With a very strong history of almost 20 years in business. Debtwave’s DMP Plan will get you out of credit card debt within 3-5 years or less.
Debtwave currently counsels roughly about 2,000 clients per month and because of their smaller size you will get treated as a person and not just a number.. Keep in mind that typically all DMP companies are able to obtain the same savings, the amount of money you save doesn’t depend on the size of the company. This is a great starting point to get a free counseling session and have your options explained to you.
FAST FACTS
- Cancellation Policy: The program is voluntary as stated in their contract and puts no obligation upon clients; they may cancel any time.
- Minimum Debt to Enroll: Must have at least $5k in debt to sign up.
- Has the clout and experience to truly make creditors pay attention and settle
- Monthly Fee: Maximum of $49.
- Industry Accreditations: DebtWave Credit Counseling is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Certified and has Certified Credit Counselors.