ClearOne Advantage Debt Relief Review: Real Customer Feedback

5 min read . Jun 20, 2025

What Is ClearOne Advantage?

ClearOne Advantage is a debt settlement company established in 2008. Its primary focus is negotiating with creditors on behalf of consumers to reduce the amount owed on unsecured debts such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. The company is not a lender or a credit counseling agency; its role is limited to negotiating settlements to help clients pay less than their original debt balance.

How the Program Works

The ClearOne Advantage process generally follows these steps:

Free Consultation: Individuals begin with a consultation to review their financial situation and determine if they qualify for the program.
Personalized Plan: If eligible, a tailored debt relief plan is created, typically aimed at reducing both monthly payments and total debt.
Escrow Account: Clients make regular deposits into an FDIC-insured escrow account, which is used to fund settlements with creditors.
Negotiation: ClearOne negotiates with creditors to settle debts for less than the full amount. Clients are required to approve each proposed settlement.
Program Completion: After all debts are settled and paid, the client exits the program.

The duration of the program typically ranges from two to five years, though some clients may see their first settlements within a few months. The company states that, including fees, most clients pay less than 75% of their original enrolled debt, but individual results vary.

ClearOne Advantage reviews

Positive Aspects

Support from Staff: Many clients mention that representatives are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations throughout the process.
Transparency: The process, associated fees, and expectations are generally communicated in straightforward terms, which some clients find helpful in reducing uncertainty.
Enrollment Process: The step-by-step approach is often described as clear and manageable.
Online Portal: Clients have access to an online portal to track their progress and communicate with their support team.

Reported Concerns

Credit Score Impact: Participation in the program requires clients to stop making payments to creditors, which negatively affects credit scores. Missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and may remain on credit reports for years.
Delays and Legal Risks: Some clients report delays in reaching settlements, which can result in increased collection activity, late fees, and, in some cases, lawsuits from creditors.
Fees and Savings: While some clients report substantial savings, others feel that fees are high relative to the debt reduced. There are also occasional complaints about fees being charged before settlements are finalized.
Changing Payment Terms: Some clients note that their monthly payment amounts increased during the program, complicating budgeting.

Ratings Across Major Review Platforms

Platform	Average Rating	Noted Points
ConsumerAffairs	4.9/5	Staff, process, and transparency rated highly
Trustpilot	4.7–4.8/5	Positive feedback on support and clarity
BBB	3.7–4.0/5	Professionalism noted; some complaints about delays
Google Reviews	4.4/5	Helpful staff and clear communication
Yelp	1.3/5	Mixed; some cite flexibility, others high costs

Ratings vary by platform, with some showing high satisfaction and others highlighting unresolved issues.

How ClearOne Advantage Compares to Competitors

Company	Avg. Rating	Fees	Minimum Debt	BBB Rating
ClearOne Advantage	4.4/5	20–25%	$10,000	A+
New Era Debt Solutions	4.9/5	14–23%	$10,000	A+
TurboDebt	4.9/5	15–25%	$10,000	A+
Freedom Debt Relief	4.6/5	15–25%	$10,000	A+
Pacific Debt Relief	4.8/5	15–35%	$10,000	A+

While ClearOne Advantage is competitive in terms of customer service and transparency, some competitors offer lower fees or higher customer ratings.

Real Customer Experiences

Some clients report regaining financial control and reducing stress, citing lower monthly payments and clear guidance from representatives. Others mention that the online portal helps them stay informed about their progress.

However, not all experiences are positive. Some clients express frustration with slow settlements, unexpected payment increases, or feeling misinformed about the credit impact. These mixed reviews highlight the importance of understanding all aspects of the program before enrolling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

No upfront fees; payment required only after a settlement is reached
High marks for customer service and transparency
Customized payment plans and online tracking
Potential for debt reduction

Cons

Likely negative impact on credit score
The settlement process can be slow, sometimes resulting in legal action from creditors
Fees can be substantial and may reduce overall savings
Not all debts may be settled, and payment terms may change

Is ClearOne Advantage Right for You?

ClearOne Advantage may be an option for individuals with significant unsecured debt who are unable to keep up with payments. The program’s structure and support are cited as strengths, but there are notable risks, including credit score damage, potential delays, and legal action from creditors.

Before enrolling, it is advisable to compare ClearOne Advantage with other debt relief options, such as nonprofit credit counseling, debt management plans, or bankruptcy. Understanding the fees, process, and potential impact on your finances and credit is essential.

Conclusion

ClearOne Advantage offers a debt settlement program that has helped some clients reduce their unsecured debt and regain control of their finances. However, the program is not without drawbacks, including credit score implications and the possibility of legal action. Prospective clients should carefully weigh the pros and cons, review customer feedback, and consider consulting a financial counselor before making a decision. Making an informed choice is crucial for achieving long-term financial stability.