Questions People Ask Us Most

Harbor Relief is an independent consumer matching and referral platform. We help people explore potential ways to manage their debt, ask a few questions about their situation and, when possible, connect them with a participating third-party provider.

No. Harbor Relief does not lend money, settle debts, negotiate with creditors or collect debt payments. Participating third-party providers are responsible for their own products and programs, eligibility or approval decisions, terms and services.

Debt consolidation generally involves using a new loan to combine or pay off multiple existing debts. For qualifying borrowers, this may simplify monthly payments and could potentially lower the interest rate being paid. Eligibility, rates and loan terms are determined by the participating provider and depend on the consumer’s financial profile.

Debt relief is a broad term that can include programs designed to help consumers manage or resolve qualifying debts. Debt settlement is one type of debt relief in which a provider may work with an enrolled consumer to negotiate with creditors in an effort to resolve eligible debts for less than the amounts owed. These programs are not appropriate for everyone, and results are not guaranteed.

Common types of debt may include credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, collections and other qualifying unsecured debts. Mortgages, auto loans, federal student loans, tax debt, child support, alimony, court fines and most secured debts are generally outside our focus. Available options depend on the participating provider, debt type, credit profile, state and individual circumstances.

Debt consolidation generally uses new credit to combine or pay off existing debts, which the consumer then repays under the terms of the new loan.

Debt relief programs generally take a different approach and may involve working to resolve qualifying unsecured debts rather than replacing them with a new loan. Each option has different eligibility requirements, costs, risks and potential effects on credit..

Completing Harbor Relief’s initial questionnaire does not by itself affect your credit.

If you choose to continue with a participating provider, that provider may have its own review process, which could include a credit inquiry in some circumstances. The provider should explain its process and any potential effects before you decide whether to continue.

Yes. Some debt relief approaches, including debt settlement, may negatively affect your credit. Collection activity may continue, creditors or collectors may pursue legal action, and balances may continue to increase because of interest or fees. A participating provider should explain potential credit effects before you enroll.

No. Harbor Relief does not guarantee a particular savings amount, approval, settlement result, timeline or outcome. Results depend on factors such as the consumer’s situation, the debts involved, creditors and the participating provider.

Timing varies depending on the approach, the amount and type of debt, the consumer’s financial situation and the participating provider. Some options may involve a new loan, while others may involve a program that takes place over time. A provider can explain the expected timeline for any option you are considering.

Harbor Relief reviews the information you provide to help identify potential options that may fit your situation. If there may be a match, we can connect you with a participating third party provider who can review your situation and explain available options, eligibility, costs, risks and next steps.

No. Submitting information through Harbor Relief does not enroll you in a program, constitute a loan application or guarantee eligibility or approval. You decide whether you want to continue after speaking with a participating provider.

Harbor Relief asks for a few basic details about your debt and financial situation, such as the amount and type of debt you are trying to manage, your estimated credit profile and whether you have a steady source of income. Rough estimates are fine for the initial questionnaire.

No. Harbor Relief is not a government program and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any government agency.