Rescue One Financial Customer Reviews

• Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews
• Positive Reviews
• Negative Reviews
• Comparison of Review Sources
• How This Report Helps Customers and Readers
• Recommendations for Rescue One Financial
• Best Alternative Companies

Rescue One Financial is a debt relief company based in Irvine, California, operating since 2010. Founded by brothers Jared and Josh Mitchell, the company specializes in debt settlement, debt consolidation, credit counseling, and other financial services aimed at helping individuals manage unsecured debt, such as credit card balances, personal loans, and medical bills. The company partners with third-party providers, including Freedom Debt Relief, to negotiate settlements with creditors on behalf of clients. Rescue One Financial is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, is a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), and employs International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA)-certified consultants. They claim to have enrolled over $3.3 billion in debt and emphasize no upfront fees, charging only after settlements are reached.

Company Website: rescueonefinancial.com

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

This rating is derived from a weighted average of customer reviews across multiple platforms, considering the volume and recency of reviews, alongside accreditations and reported issues. High customer service praise is tempered by concerns about transparency and fees.

Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews

Positive Reviews

• Exceptional Customer Service: Across Trustpilot, BBB, and Birdeye, customers frequently praise individual consultants for their professionalism, patience, and ability to explain complex financial terms. For example, a Birdeye review highlighted a consultant reducing a client’s monthly payments from $1,600 to $700, projecting debt freedom in under four years.

• Effective Debt Reduction: Many clients report substantial savings, with settlements reducing debt by significant percentages. Reviews on Trustpilot emphasize peace of mind and financial relief after enrolling in programs.

• Responsive Support: Clients value quick responses to inquiries and ongoing guidance, particularly from named consultants like Abigael Donoga and Kristan Baura, noted for their dedication.

• No Upfront Fees: The company’s policy of charging only after settlements is a major draw, as noted on their website and in reviews on SuperMoney.

Negative Reviews

• High Fees: Fees ranging from 18-35% of enrolled debt are a common complaint, with BestDebtCompanys.com noting that these are above the industry average of 15-25%. For example, a $40,000 debt could incur up to $15,750 in fees.

• Misleading Marketing: Some customers, particularly on BestCompany.com, report receiving “prequalified loan” mailers only to be denied and offered debt settlement instead. This “bait-and-switch” tactic is criticized as deceptive.

• Lack of Process Transparency: Reviews on TryAscend.com highlight that most feedback focuses on initial consultations rather than the settlement process, leaving uncertainty about long-term outcomes.

• Poor Communication: A minority of reviews on Crixeo and Glassdoor mention difficulties reaching representatives or receiving conflicting information from consultants, undermining trust.

Comparison of Review Sources

The following table compares key review platforms based on the latest available data:

Analysis: Trustpilot and BBB offer the largest and most reliable datasets, with high ratings reflecting customer satisfaction with initial consultations. Google Reviews’ perfect score is less informative due to its focus on early interactions. BestCompany.com’s low rating stands out but is based on fewer reviews, suggesting it may not fully represent the broader customer experience. SuperMoney and Birdeye reinforce positive sentiment but lack the depth of Trustpilot. Negative feedback across Crixeo and BestCompany.com highlights consistent issues with fees and marketing, warranting caution.

How This Report Helps Customers and Readers

As a potential customer, this analysis equips you with a balanced view of Rescue One Financial’s strengths and weaknesses. The high customer service ratings and no-upfront-fee policy make it a compelling option if you’re overwhelmed by unsecured debt and value personalized support. However, the high fees and potential for misleading marketing mean you should approach with caution. By comparing multiple review sources, this report helps you avoid relying on skewed or incomplete feedback, ensuring you make an informed decision. Understanding that most reviews reflect early interactions rather than settlement outcomes encourages you to ask detailed questions about the full process before enrolling.

Recommendations for Customers:

• Ask for Clarity: Request a detailed breakdown of fees (expect 18-35% of enrolled debt) and the settlement process timeline (typically 24-48 months). Confirm whether third-party providers like Freedom Debt Relief will handle negotiations.

• Verify Marketing Claims: If you receive a “prequalified loan” offer, confirm eligibility upfront to avoid being redirected to debt settlement.

• Compare Alternatives: Get quotes from at least two other debt relief companies to compare fees, services, and transparency.

• Check State Eligibility: Ensure Rescue One operates in your state, as services are unavailable in some areas (not publicly listed).

• Read Contracts Carefully: Review terms for any money-back guarantees or cancellation policies before signing.

Recommendations for Rescue One Financial

To enhance its reputation and customer trust, Rescue One Financial should consider the following:

What to Improve:

• Transparency in Marketing: Cease using “prequalified loan” mailers that mislead customers into expecting loans when debt settlement is the primary offering. Clearly advertise debt settlement services upfront.

• Fee Structure: Lower fees to align with industry averages (15-25%) or offer tiered pricing based on debt amounts to attract cost-conscious clients.

• Process Disclosure: Provide detailed public information about the settlement process, including expected timelines and third-party involvement, to reduce uncertainty.

• Customer Communication: Address complaints about inconsistent information by improving consultant training and ensuring unified messaging.

What to Do:

• Enhance Review Collection: Encourage reviews after settlements are completed, not just after initial calls, to reflect the full customer experience.

• Expand Educational Resources: Offer free webinars or guides on debt management to build trust and demonstrate expertise.

• Strengthen Online Presence: Regularly update the website with case studies and testimonials showcasing successful settlements.

What Not to Do:

• Avoid Overpromising: Do not guarantee specific savings or outcomes, as this can lead to dissatisfaction if results vary.

• Don’t Ignore Complaints: Promptly address negative reviews on platforms like Crixeo with actionable resolutions to show commitment to customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Services:

• Invest in technology for a client portal where customers can track settlement progress in real-time.

• Offer flexible payment plans for fees to ease the financial burden on clients.

• Expand in-house services to reduce reliance on third-party providers, improving control over outcomes.

Best Alternative Companies

If Rescue One Financial’s fees or marketing practices concern you, consider these reputable alternatives:

• Freedom Debt Relief: A leading debt settlement provider with a 4.7/5 rating from over 15,300 reviews, known for compassionate service and lower fees (15-25%).

• Pacific Debt Relief: Offers transparent pricing and strong customer support, with a focus on credit card and personal loan debt. Highly rated for clear communication.

• National Debt Relief: Accredited by AFCC and BBB, with competitive fees and a robust client portal for tracking progress. Known for handling a wide range of debts.