When considering debt consolidation or financial services, researching customer experiences is crucial to making an informed decision. Priority Plus Financial, a company offering debt consolidation and personal loan services, has garnered mixed reviews across various platforms. This article explores Priority Plus Financial reviews to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting its services, customer feedback, and potential concerns to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your financial needs.
What Is Priority Plus Financial
Priority Plus Financial is a financial services company based in Costa Mesa, California, focusing primarily on debt consolidation and personal loans. According to their website, they aim to help consumers manage debt by offering solutions like debt consolidation loans and debt settlement programs. The company claims to provide tailored financial solutions to help clients achieve stability, often promoting lower interest rates and simplified payments. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, which suggests a level of legitimacy and commitment to addressing customer concerns.
However, customer experiences vary widely, with some praising the company’s professionalism and others raising red flags about its practices. Below, we dive into reviews from trusted platforms like the BBB, Trustpilot, Reddit, and Glassdoor to evaluate Priority Plus Financial’s reputation.
Priority Plus Financial Reviews Across Platforms
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Priority Plus Financial holds an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited since July 2020. The company has a 4.71/5 rating based on customer reviews, though it has faced three complaints in the last three years, one in the past year. Positive reviews often highlight the company’s responsive customer service and ability to simplify debt repayment. However, complaints include allegations of misleading marketing, such as mailers promising low-interest debt consolidation loans that lead to debt settlement programs instead. Customers have also reported issues with non-existent email addresses provided by representatives, raising concerns about communication reliability.
One BBB complaint noted that the company’s opt-out process does not require a Social Security number, countering claims from customers who encountered questionable phone prompts. Priority Plus Financial responded by stating they take opt-out requests seriously and audit systems to prevent further contact.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, Priority Plus Financial has a 4.5-star rating (TrustScore) based on 152 reviews, with many customers describing the service as “excellent.” Positive feedback often mentions friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide clear guidance during the debt consolidation process. For example, one reviewer praised the company for answering questions promptly and instilling confidence in their program. However, negative reviews are starkly critical, with some customers accusing the company of bait-and-switch tactics. One user claimed Priority Plus Financial advised ignoring creditors, which harmed their credit, and suggested that positive reviews might not be legitimate due to questionable business practices.
Reddit discussions, particularly on subreddits like r/Scams and r/debtfree, reveal significant skepticism about Priority Plus Financial. Users frequently report receiving mailers resembling official government documents, which advertise low-interest debt consolidation loans (e.g., 5.5% rates) but lead to debt settlement programs upon contact. One Redditor described being offered a loan only after six months of deposits into a Priority Plus account, calling the process misleading. Another user warned about the company’s association with third-party firms like Upscore, citing dropped calls and unfulfilled promises after sharing personal information. These posts suggest a pattern of aggressive marketing and potential misrepresentation.
Glassdoor
Employee reviews on Glassdoor provide insight into Priority Plus Financial’s internal operations, which may reflect on customer experiences. The company has a limited number of reviews (nine total), with some employees praising the work environment and others criticizing sales practices. Negative reviews mention high-pressure sales tactics, which could align with customer complaints about aggressive marketing. While Glassdoor reviews focus on employment, they suggest that the company’s sales-driven culture might contribute to the questionable tactics reported by customers.
Finder.com
A review from Finder.com offers a detailed analysis of Priority Plus Financial, noting its high BBB and Trustpilot ratings but cautioning about polarized customer experiences. Positive reviews often highlight specific representatives’ professionalism, while negative ones describe bait-and-switch tactics, such as mailers promising loans that lead to debt settlement offers. Finder.com emphasizes that Priority Plus Financial primarily offers debt settlement services rather than traditional loans, which may disappoint those expecting straightforward debt consolidation. The review advises working with transparent lenders for debt consolidation and certified companies for debt relief.
Pros and Cons of Priority Plus Financial
Pros
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BBB Accreditation and High Rating: An A+ rating and 4.71/5 from customer reviews indicate a level of trustworthiness and responsiveness.
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Positive Customer Experiences: Some clients report excellent customer service, with friendly and knowledgeable representatives helping them manage debt.
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Free Consultations: Priority Plus Financial offers no-obligation consultations, allowing potential customers to explore options without commitment.
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Quick Approval Process: Loan decisions are often provided within 24-48 hours, which can be appealing for those needing fast solutions.
Cons
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Questionable Marketing Practices: Multiple reviews across platforms cite misleading mailers that resemble government documents or promise loans that lead to debt settlement programs.
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Bait-and-Switch Allegations: Customers frequently report being offered debt settlement instead of the advertised debt consolidation loans, leading to distrust.
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Credit Impact Concerns: Debt settlement programs may involve stopping payments to creditors, potentially harming credit scores for up to seven years.
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Mixed Customer Service Feedback: While some praise the staff, others report unresponsiveness, aggressive sales tactics, and issues with communication.
Is Priority Plus Financial Legitimate
Priority Plus Financial appears to be a legitimate company, as evidenced by its BBB accreditation and long-standing operation since at least 2020. However, its practices raise significant concerns. The company’s marketing tactics, such as mailers resembling official documents, have drawn criticism for being misleading. Additionally, the focus on debt settlement over advertised debt consolidation loans has led to accusations of bait-and-switch tactics. While some customers report positive experiences, the negative feedback, particularly on Reddit and Trustpilot, suggests inconsistency in delivering promised services.
Lawsuits and complaints filed with the BBB and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) further highlight issues with transparency and customer outcomes. Some customers claim they ended up in worse financial situations after enrolling in the company’s programs, raising questions about its commitment to client welfare.
Alternatives to Priority Plus Financial
If you’re hesitant about Priority Plus Financial due to mixed reviews, consider these alternatives:
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Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agencies: Organizations affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer transparent debt management plans with lower fees.
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Trusted Lenders: For debt consolidation loans, companies like SoFi or LightStream provide clear terms and competitive rates, especially for those with good credit.
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Debt Settlement with Certifications: If debt settlement is your goal, choose companies accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) to ensure ethical practices.
Tips for Choosing a Debt Relief Company
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Research Thoroughly: Check reviews on multiple platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, and Reddit to gauge customer experiences.
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Verify Accreditation: Ensure the company is accredited by reputable organizations like the BBB or AFCC.
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Understand the Service: Clarify whether you’re signing up for a debt consolidation loan, debt settlement, or another program to avoid surprises.
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Read the Fine Print: Review loan agreements or program terms for hidden fees and potential credit impacts.
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Seek Free Consultations: Opt for companies offering no-obligation consultations to explore options without pressure.
Conclusion
Priority Plus Financial reviews paint a complex picture of a company with both satisfied customers and significant detractors. While it holds strong ratings on BBB and Trustpilot, concerns about misleading marketing, bait-and-switch tactics, and inconsistent customer service cannot be ignored. For those considering Priority Plus Financial, thorough research and caution are essential. Exploring alternatives like nonprofit credit counseling or reputable lenders may provide more transparent and reliable solutions for managing debt.
Before making any financial decision, consult with a trusted financial advisor and review all terms carefully. Share your experiences with Priority Plus Financial in the comments to help others make informed choices.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making decisions about debt consolidation or financial services.
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