Decide
Compare paths — without the noise.
DIY, counseling, settlement mills, and NewLeaf are different jobs. This map is educational — not legal advice, and not a score promise.
You always keep the right to dispute inaccurate information with the credit bureaus at no cost. NewLeaf does not replace that right.
| Axis | DIY | Counseling | Settlement mills | NewLeaf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | You pull reports and dispute yourself | Nonprofit / agency debt-management programs | Often for-profit settlement of unsecured debt | Supervised fintech SaaS: credit report tools, disputes, education, debt context — subscription, not % of settlement |
| Counseling model? | No | Yes — that is the model | Usually no — different product | No — NewLeaf is not credit counseling |
| Score / deletion promises | None (and shouldn’t claim any) | Should not promise score outcomes | Watch for aggressive outcome claims | None — process and credit-report truth only |
| Where work happens | Bureau sites, letters, spreadsheets | Agency process + creditor plans | Settlement firm / escrow-style flows | Client portal: report, disputes, education, debt context |
| Fees | Free (bureau disputes at no cost) | Program / agency fees vary | Often % of debt or savings — read contracts | Clear portal plans; we do not take a fee based on debt settled or saved |
| Settlement fee to provider | N/A | Program fees — not % of settlement typically | Often % of enrolled debt or savings | None — NewLeaf does not collect a fee based on debt settled or saved |
| Best when | You want full control and time | You want a counseling / DMP-style path | You are evaluating settlement (get independent advice) | You want a supervised map of your credit report + next steps without counseling claims |
What it is
- DIY
- You pull reports and dispute yourself
- Counseling
- Nonprofit / agency debt-management programs
- Settlement mills
- Often for-profit settlement of unsecured debt
- NewLeaf
- Supervised fintech SaaS: credit report tools, disputes, education, debt context — subscription, not % of settlement
Counseling model?
- DIY
- No
- Counseling
- Yes — that is the model
- Settlement mills
- Usually no — different product
- NewLeaf
- No — NewLeaf is not credit counseling
Score / deletion promises
- DIY
- None (and shouldn’t claim any)
- Counseling
- Should not promise score outcomes
- Settlement mills
- Watch for aggressive outcome claims
- NewLeaf
- None — process and credit-report truth only
Where work happens
- DIY
- Bureau sites, letters, spreadsheets
- Counseling
- Agency process + creditor plans
- Settlement mills
- Settlement firm / escrow-style flows
- NewLeaf
- Client portal: report, disputes, education, debt context
Fees
- DIY
- Free (bureau disputes at no cost)
- Counseling
- Program / agency fees vary
- Settlement mills
- Often % of debt or savings — read contracts
- NewLeaf
- Clear portal plans; we do not take a fee based on debt settled or saved
Settlement fee to provider
- DIY
- N/A
- Counseling
- Program fees — not % of settlement typically
- Settlement mills
- Often % of enrolled debt or savings
- NewLeaf
- None — NewLeaf does not collect a fee based on debt settled or saved
Best when
- DIY
- You want full control and time
- Counseling
- You want a counseling / DMP-style path
- Settlement mills
- You are evaluating settlement (get independent advice)
- NewLeaf
- You want a supervised map of your credit report + next steps without counseling claims
How we’re structured · plain English
Clear about what NewLeaf is — and isn’t.
FinTech SaaS
NewLeaf is a financial technology company. Subscription covers software to read your credit report, track disputes, log creditor communications, and learn your rights — plus live guidance 24/7.
Settlements
NewLeaf is not a debt settlement company and does not settle debts as your settlement provider. You can negotiate with creditors through the app when that path fits. Larger cases may be referred to independent partners — partners may charge their own fees. NewLeaf does not collect a fee based on the amount of debt settled or the amount saved.
Banking
NewLeaf is not a bank and does not take deposits. Any financing or banking services, when available, come from separate partners under their own terms.
$100 satisfaction
Paid programs include a $100 satisfaction guarantee / refund under the enrollment window in your Service Agreement. It does not promise score changes, deletions, or settlements.
Support · 24/7 channels
One call, one text, one email, or one click — support channels are available around the clock for billing questions and account help.
Ready when you are.
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