Find Financial Relief with ClearOne Advantage: An In-Depth Review

Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

ClearOne Advantage offers debt settlement services aimed at helping individuals negotiate with creditors to pay off debt for less than the owed amount.
The company tailors debt relief plans to each client’s unique financial situation, providing personalized support throughout the process.
While ClearOne Advantage can help reduce the total debt owed, clients should consider the fees involved and the potential impact on their credit score.

Are you struggling with credit card debt and need professional assistance getting out? Look no further than ClearOne Advantage. ClearOne has helped thousands of clients with their credit card debts since it was established in 2008. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the company, its services, and how their debt relief works so that you can decide if they are a good fit for you.

What is ClearOne Advantage?

ClearOne Advantage is a debt guidance and settlement company founded by Tomas Gordon in 2008 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. It is certified by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA) and is recognized for its expertise in debt relief guidance. Its teams of experienced professionals are dedicated to their clients’ successes and create plans tailored to their clients’ unique financial situations. The company’s mission is not just about reducing debts but also about empowering customers through education and guidance. To qualify for their debt consultation services, you must have a minimum of $10,000 in unsecured debts like credit card debt. ClearOne Advantage is unable to help with secured debts auto or mortgage.

The Best for Credit Card Debt

“Clear One helped me take away the burden of the incredible stress I was going through. In a relatively short time, they took my case, negotiated with the sharks called credit card companies and gave me an easy monthly payment to finally get out of debt. I’m very grateful and fully recommend Clear One to anyone who is going through credit card debt.” Betty Smith

Why choose ClearOne Advantage?

ClearOne Advantage has helped thousands of clients settle their credit card debts. They have proven themselves to be a reputable, and trustworthy company with a 8,000+ excellent rating on Trustpilot. With ClearOne you are never on your own. They have a dedicated team of experienced professionals to help support you every step of the way. The company provides online resources, guidance, and assistance so that you not only become but stay debt-free. Their online resources include budgeting tools, articles, and a comprehensive debt guide. Lastly, they do not charge any start-up fees. You never pay anything until your debts are settled to your satisfaction.

Are you struggling with credit card debt?

Learn how you can negotiate your debt and pay it off!

How does ClearOne Advantage work?

Navigating through debt can be daunting, but ClearOne Advantage simplifies the process into four manageable steps. Here’s how their approach works:

Step 1: Free consultation with a certified representative

Call and tell ClearOne about your situation. You’ll be paired with a Certified Debt Specialist who will evaluate your financial situation to determine the best solution for you. They will then create a personalized debt relief plan to fit your budget and financial circumstances.

Step 2: Enroll in a personalized debt settlement plan

Review and approve your customized debt settlement plan. The plan is based on your initial consultation, addresses your specific debts, and fits your budget so that you can save money. Not every client has the same needs, so ClearOne Advantage always creates a new plan that is affordable for you and will get you out of debt in a reasonable time if you stick with it.

Step 3: Make lower monthly payments

Once you approve your plan, you’ll start making monthly payments into an escrow account and stop paying your creditors. These monthly payments are typically less than what you’re currently paying your creditors making the plan more affordable and increasing your cash flow.

Step 4: Negotiations begin

As funds accumulate, ClearOne works to resolve your debt. When you have sufficient funds, ClearOne will negotiate with your creditors to settle your debts for less than what you owe. Since you’ve stopped paying them, they have an incentive to settle. ClearOne’s expert negotiators have years of experience and are highly skilled at settling debts for large savings in a short amount of time.

Who’s eligible for ClearOne Advantage?

Qualification requirements:

Clients must have a minimum of $10,000 in unsecured debt like credit card debt. This does not include auto or mortgage.
No minimum credit score or history required
No income requirements
No job status requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen or resident
Must be at least 18 years old

Who is ClearOne Advantage best for?

ClearOne Advantage’s guidance and consultation services are an excellent choice for anyone struggling with significant credit card bills or other unsecured debt. This program is particularly beneficial for those seeking to avoid the severe consequences of bankruptcy.

Before enrolling, it is crucial to ensure that you can afford to make the required monthly payments, as commitment to the program is essential for success. For ClearOne Advantage to be effective, you must be dedicated to getting out of debt. This involves establishing a realistic budget, avoiding unnecessary purchases, stopping impulse buying, and creating an emergency savings account to cover unexpected expenses.

ClearOne Advantage emphasizes a personalized approach to debt settlement, offering expert guidance every step of the way. Their team works closely with clients to negotiate and reduce debt, helping them regain financial stability. If you are looking for a comprehensive and supportive solution to your debt problems, ClearOne Advantage could be the answer you need to move towards a more secure financial future.

Grateful for ClearOne

“I’m glad there’s company’s out there like COA. They got me out of the hole I was in because of my own making. From the beginning they explained how the plan was going to work in ways that is easy to understand and that it fit my pocket book. i would recommend them to anyone that was in the same boat as I was.” Raymond Huttemann

Pros and cons of ClearOne Advantage

As with everything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to settling debt with ClearOne Advantage.

Pros

Save money: ClearOne Advantage negotiates with creditors to reduce the overall amount of debt owed, which can lead to significant savings for clients.
Lower payments: They often help clients achieve lower monthly payments compared to what they were paying before.
Expertise: The company provides access to experienced debt counselors who can offer personalized advice and strategies.
Educational resources: Clients can benefit from financial education resources and tools to better manage their finances.
Single monthly payment: Instead of managing multiple debt payments, clients make one consolidated payment to ClearOne Advantage, which then distributes funds to creditors.
No upfront fees: ClearOne Advantage typically charges fees based on the amount of debt settled, meaning clients do not pay upfront costs.
Alternative to bankruptcy: For those struggling with significant debt, using a debt settlement service can be a preferable alternative to declaring bankruptcy, which has long-term negative effects on credit.

Cons

Impact on credit score: Debt settlement can negatively affect credit scores, as accounts may go delinquent during negotiations.
Costs and fees: The fees charged upon successful settlement can be significant, typically a percentage of the debt reduced. Forgiven debt may be considered taxable income.
Not all debts are covered: Only unsecured debts (e.g., credit cards, medical bills) and not secured debts (e.g., mortgages, auto loans) are applicable.
No guarantees: There is no guarantee that creditors will accept a reduced amount.
Time-consuming process: The process can take several years, requiring patience and consistent payments from the client.
Potential for increased debt: While accounts are being negotiated, they will continue to accrue interest and late fees.

ClearOne Advantage can be a viable option for individuals struggling with substantial unsecured debt, offering professional assistance and the potential for significant debt reduction. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against potential downsides, such as the impact on credit scores and the costs involved. Prospective clients should thoroughly research and consider their financial situation before engaging with any debt relief service.

Is ClearOne Advantage legit?

Yes, ClearOne Advantage is a legitimate debt relief company. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received an A+ rating, indicating a strong track record of customer service and reliability. The company has been in business since 2008 and has helped numerous clients negotiate and settle their unsecured debts. ClearOne Advantage operates within the guidelines set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and adheres to industry best practices. However, as with any financial service, it’s important for potential clients to conduct their own research, read customer reviews, and understand the terms and potential impacts of debt settlement before committing to the service.

Bottom line

Anyone struggling financially and considering debt settlement should explore ClearOne Advantage. This company provides professional guidance and support to help you achieve a more stable financial future. ClearOne Advantage breaks down the debt relief process into clear, manageable steps, ensuring that clients understand each phase. They take the time to create personalized plans tailored to your unique financial situation, providing a customized approach that addresses your specific needs. Through their expert negotiation services, ClearOne Advantage works with creditors to reduce the amount of debt you owe, helping you navigate the complex journey out of debt. Their goal is to guide you toward a brighter and more stable financial future.

For those facing financial difficulties, knowing that options like ClearOne Advantage exist can offer significant comfort and hope. With their experience and dedication, they strive to make the path to financial recovery as smooth and effective as possible.

Click here to see if you qualify.

ClearOne Advantage Disclosures:

ClearOne Advantage, LLC is a debt settlement company, not a lender, loan broker, creditor, credit services organization, or debt collector. ClearOne Advantage, LLC does not assume or pay any debts; receive, hold or control funds belonging to consumers; or provide bankruptcy, legal, accounting or tax advice. You should review full program terms and conditions before enrolling. To the extent that any aspect of the debt settlement services relies on or results in the consumer’s failure to make timely payments to the consumer’s creditors or debt collectors, the use of the debt settlement services: (1) Will likely adversely affect the consumer’s creditworthiness; (2) May result in the consumer being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money the consumer owes due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Not available in all states. Some third-party fees may apply. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 12-03822.

ClearOne Advantage is not a credit services organization and we do not make any claims regarding improvement of a consumer’s credit scores. Entering into a debt settlement program could adversely affect your credit score.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

7. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

8. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

9. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

10. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

11. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

12. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

13. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

14. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

16. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

17. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

18. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

19. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

21. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

22. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

23. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

24. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

25. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

26. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

27. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

28. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

29. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

30. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

31. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

32. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

33. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

34. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

35. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

36. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

37. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

38. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

Find Financial Relief with ClearOne Advantage: An In-Depth Review

Key takeaways

Jump to: