Who We Are
The American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) is the leading national association of debt resolution companies. The AADR educates consumers and policymakers about debt resolution and its benefits, holds debt resolution companies to the highest standards, and protects and expands access to accredited debt resolution services nationwide.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate consumers and policymakers about debt resolution and its benefits, hold debt resolution companies to the highest industry standards, and protect and expand access to accredited debt resolution services nationwide.
Our Vision:
To ensure consumers in every state have access to high-quality accredited debt resolution services.
Debt resolution allows consumers in financial distress to resolve their unsecured debts. By working with an AADR accredited debt resolution company, individuals in severe financial hardship can settle their unsecured debts for a lower amount than what they owe and regain their financial footing. As consumers struggle with economic uncertainty, the debt resolution industry has become even more integral to the financial health of the American consumer.
AADR holds its member companies to the highest standards – going beyond already stringent federal regulations to protect consumers throughout their debt resolution programs. In addition, AADR accredited member companies undergo a robust audit by an independent auditor biennially. AADR accredited member companies never charge a fee for their services until a consumer’s debt has been successfully negotiated, and the consumer has agreed to and made a payment towards the settlement.
Our History
The AADR supports debt resolution companies by educating consumers and policymakers about debt resolution and its benefits as well as protecting and expanding access to accredited debt resolution services for consumers nationwide. The AADR also holds its member companies to the highest industry standards.
In April 2011,
the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), now known as AADR, was founded by a group of industry-leading companies who joined together to advance the goal of full compliance by the debt resolution industry with the stringent regulatory requirements of the Federal Trade Commission’s amended Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Today
The AFCC became the AADR in August of 2023 to more clearly communicate its mission and vision with policymakers, federal and state regulators, and consumers. The AADR’s name and refined mission provide additional transparency about what the industry does, how it works, the standards to which member companies adhere, and the benefits debt resolution offers consumers.
Over the past several years,
the debt resolution industry has grown and today better serves the needs of Americans overwhelmed with more unsecured debt than ever before. The AADR has already played a critical role in the industry by establishing new consumer protection standards for its member companies and has set accreditation standards beyond most federal and state requirements.
Debt resolution providers are essential in the modern economy, and it must be clear who we
are and what we do. We are not credit repair companies or businesses that issue short-term
loans; the AADR comprises companies that negotiate directly with a consumer’s unsecured creditors to reduce the amount they owe, allowing clients to get back to living more financially secure lives.
Uniting the Debt Resolution Industry
The AADR ensures that debt resolution services remain available and affordable to consumers. Consumers can confidently choose a debt settlement service provider by looking for the AADR accredited member logo.