ACDR Accreditation

Upholding the Highest Standards in the Debt Relief Industry

At the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR), accreditation is a commitment to excellence, ethics, and accountability in every aspect of debt relief.

 
 

Our accreditation program exists to help ensure that consumers can trust ACDR members to deliver transparent, compliant, and results-driven services.

We go beyond minimum regulatory requirements to establish the gold standard of expectations for the industry.

 

What Accreditation Means

Accreditation by ACDR signifies that a company:

Only companies that meet—and continue to uphold—ACDR’s rigorous standards may represent themselves as accredited providers.

  • Has undergone a rigorous review of its operations, business practices, and consumer policies

  • Attests they fully comply with all applicable FTC regulations and relevant state laws.

  • Commits to transparent fee structures, clear communication, and fair client treatment

  • Participates in semi-annual third-party audits to verify ongoing compliance

Standards Committee

The ACDR Standards Committee oversees the development, implementation, and enforcement of the association’s standards.

This Committee is responsible for:

Compliance

Reviewing member compliance with ACDR’s standards

Integrity

Upholding the integrity of the accreditation process through regular evaluations and impartial oversight

Ethical

Investigating potential member violations and consumer complaints

The Committee includes industry experts and legal professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest level of trust within the debt relief space.

Code of Ethics

ACDR members must adhere to a comprehensive
Code of Ethics, which includes but is not limited to:

  • No upfront fees

    Members may only charge fees after a settlement is accepted and at least one payment is made by the consumer.

  • Full transparency

    Members must disclose expected timelines, estimated costs, and program limitations in plain language.

  • Client-first practices

    Members must act in the best interest of the consumer, offering clear advice and maintaining open lines of communication.

  • Compliance with all laws

    Members must fully comply with FTC regulations, Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) provisions, and all applicable state laws.

  • Data protection

    Members must take appropriate measures to protect consumers’ financial and personal information.

  • Members who fail to uphold this Code are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of accreditation.

 

Why It Matters?

ACDR accreditation provides peace of mind to consumers, demonstrating that the provider they’re working with is committed to ethical conduct, compliance, and meaningful financial outcomes.

For policymakers and regulators, it reinforces the industry’s ability to self-regulate and support consumers responsibly.

 
 

Looking to Join ACDR?

Accreditation is a prerequisite for membership.

If your company is committed to transparency, compliance, and consumer-first practices, we invite you to apply.