Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer our most frequently asked questions regarding business debt, merchant cash advances and our debt settlement services.
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff for a no obligation, free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the questions business owners ask most about MCA debt settlement – including what sets SOS apart from other companies.
What is business debt settlement, and how does it work?
Business debt settlement is where we negotiate with creditors to reduce what they’re claiming you owe. When you default, creditors pile on extra fees — default fees, attorney fees, high interest — on top of the principal balance you actually borrowed. Our job is to negotiate those fees away and settle for the principal (the funds you actually received) or as close to it as possible.
Our average settlement is 56% of the total claimed debt. We then structure payment terms that fit your current cash flow. You want to pay your creditors back. We make it possible by getting them to accept what’s realistic instead of what’s unaffordable. The process takes 12-18 months. We handle everything: negotiations, legal filings, documentation.
How much do you charge, and when do I pay?
We don’t require any upfront retainer fee. Our service fee is 10-20% of your enrolled debt depending on case size (industry standard is 25-30%). Once you’re enrolled, we take immediate action. Your program payments are clearly outlined in our agreement and will reflect all the details of our original conversation.
Our fee isn’t frontloaded — it’s built into your weekly budget alongside the settlement funds. You pay as we work, not everything upfront. Unlike competitors who charge a 10% retainer before they start and then frontload their 25-30% fees, you can begin immediately without a massive cash outlay.
Will I save money even after paying your fees?
Yes. Our average settlement is 56% of the total claimed debt, and our fee is 10-20%. Here’s the math on $500K in debt:
– Settlement: $280K (56%)
– Our fee: $50K-$100K (10-20%)
– Total you pay: $330K-$380K
– Total you save: $120K-$170K
Even after our fees, you’re saving six figures.
Here’s what’s critical: Taking quick action before the creditor gains advantages is the best way to maximize your savings.. Creditors are aggressive — they will enforce liens, contact your customers, and pressure you into meeting their demands. The sooner SOS intervenes, the better your results.
With competitors you pay 10% retainer fee and 25% service fees before any interaction with your creditors. You’ve wasted time, money, and your best window for a favorable settlement.
Who actually handles my case — junior staff or experienced negotiators?
All clients have a designated qualified case manager with keen oversight by Cynthia, our Founder & Lead Negotiator. Cynthia has 15+ years of experience and is widely recognized as one of the top MCA debt negotiators in the industry.
She personally reviews strategy, approves settlements, and handles complex negotiations. You’re not getting junior staff learning on your case — you’re getting experienced case managers backed by the industry’s top negotiator ensuring your outcome.
How long does the process take, and what happens during that time?
Each case is different, and clear expectations will be established before enrolling in our program. Some cases are completed on day one with a simple call to the creditor. This is another advantage of the relationships we’ve built over the years.
More complex cases with multiple creditors typically take 12-18 months from start to finish. Throughout the process, we handle all creditor communication and negotiations. You’ll get regular updates on progress, settlement offers, and next steps. You focus on your business while we resolve the debt.
Can I still operate my business during the settlement process?
Yes. One of our primary goals is to keep our clients’ businesses operating.
Our function is to handle all creditor issues while you focus on your business.
Your weekly budget is structured around your actual cash flow — we don’t ask for payments you can’t afford. The goal is to resolve debt while keeping your business running, not drain you dry.
Many clients see improved cash flow during the process because daily MCA debits stop and you’re paying a manageable weekly amount instead.
What if my situation doesn't qualify for debt settlement?
There are times when debt settlement is not an option.
What sets SOS apart is that we offer a range of business debt solutions beyond traditional settlement — strategies most other companies can’t provide.
We’ll assess your situation honestly during your consultation. If settlement isn’t the right fit, we’ll explore other strategies including legal defense, restructuring, or unique funding solutions.
If bankruptcy makes more sense, we’ll tell you. We only recommend solutions that actually work for your specific situation.
Do I need to hire a separate attorney, or do you handle legal issues?
Some clients already have their own attorneys, and we work alongside them when needed. But most clients rely on our legal team, which specializes exclusively in MCA contract disputes.
Our specialized legal program provides legal representation in every US state and exclusively focuses on MCA contract disputes.
As an SOS client, there is a distinct financial benefit to our legal plan — saving thousands of dollars on retainer fees and hourly charges.
Unlike independent attorneys who charge $5K-$15K upfront and may not specialize in MCA debt, you get specialized legal representation included in our service with a one-time enrollment.
Do you work with all MCA lenders, or only certain ones?
Over 15 years in this business, SOS has worked with all MCA lenders.
We’ve negotiated with Cash Capital, Samson, Kalamata, National Funding, Byzfunder, QFS Capital, Everest Business Funding, OnDeck, Vox Funding, and dozens of others.
SOS will settle any unsecured business debt, including vendor debt and business credit card debt.
If you have debt with smaller or newer lenders we haven’t worked with, we’ll still negotiate — our relationships and expertise apply across all MCA companies.
How do I know you're credible and not a scam?
This is a smart question — there are a lot of scams in the debt relief industry.
Here’s how you can verify SOS Debt Solutions is legitimate:
Track Record:
– Over 15 years in business
– 850+ business owners helped
– $47M+ in debt settled
– 4.7 Trustpilot rating with verified reviews
– BBB Accredited Business with A+ rating
Transparency:
– We don’t guarantee specific settlement amounts or promise to eliminate all debt
– We’ll tell you upfront if settlement isn’t the right fit for your situation
– Our agreements clearly outline fees, timeline, and expectations
– You can verify our testimonials (many clients mention Cynthia by name)
Third-Party Verification:
– Check our BBB profile and customer reviews
– Review our Trustpilot ratings (real verified clients)
– Ask for references if needed
We’re also transparent about what we can and can’t do. If a company promises to eliminate 100% of your debt with no effort, run. If they ask for large upfront fees before doing anything, run. We operate on results, not promises.
Real Business Owners. Real Results.
Don’t take our word for it — here’s what business owners say after we help them resolve their MCA debt.
Business Owners Helped
In MCA Debt Settled
Trustpilot Rating
Cynthia and her team were incredible. They stopped the daily debits and secured a settlement that allowed me to keep my business running. They guided me through every step, and I’m truly grateful for their knowledge, support, and professionalism.
SOS Debt Solutions is amazing! They helped me stop daily debits, resolve multiple debts, and negotiate manageable settlements that kept my business running. Knowledgeable, understanding, and genuinely committed to client success — I’ll always rely on them when I need help.
Having Cynthia and SOS in my corner made all the difference. They stopped three lawsuits and negotiated settlements I could actually afford. Their strategic approach is effective, and the legal team they coordinate with is highly experienced. Communication was consistent and responsive throughout the entire process. If you're under serious pressure, this is the team you want on your side.
SOS Debt Solutions saved my business. After getting into $430K of MCA debt, Cynthia and her team negotiated it down to $140K. They restructured my monthly payments so I could stay open and profitable again.
Cynthia and her team have helped put my fears and worries at bay while fighting for my integrity during one of the toughest times as a business order. I recommend ten times over
SOS has literally saved our business and our lives. I don’t know where we would be without Cynthia. First class service, always available, very knowledgeable and experienced. We are so glad we found them!
SOS Debt Solutions has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me! Cynthia and her team made it easy for me to focus on onsite work while she worked on resolving my debt. So grateful that I got to see it through on the other side. I highly recommend her and her team!!!
Words can’t Explain’ SOS ‘ You’re the best ‘ you’re my hero. Please keep saving our Souls from these predators. Jb
I can't even begin to give Bill and his team enough stars. 5? Not enough--they deserve 10! They took the time to understand my company's issues and worked diligently to help resolve them. Bill's kindness was more than anyone could ever ask for. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
SOS has literally saved our business and our lives. I don’t know where we would be without Cynthia. First class service, always available, very knowledgeable and experienced. We are so glad we found them!
Best company ever they helped me with major issues and because of them I got everything fixed best ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From Andy
SOS Debt Solutions is amazing! They do exactly as they say they will do. Keep you updated in a timely manner. Explain everything so it's understandable. Extremely nice people. Very knowledgeable in this business. Sympathetic and understanding of financial situations and very willing to help. This company and it representatives are not in it just for the money. They want to help the client succeed and handle business at the same time. We will forever use them when in need of their assistance.
Trustworthy, knowledgeable and compassionate team! This was exactly what we needed during a very difficult time. Thank you Cynthia and Bill for being a class act. Your service and hard work representing small businesses is great appreciated!
Cynthia and Bill are really great and explaining how and what can be done to help you. Unfortunately I did a Merchant cash advance and I HIGHY URGE ANYONE TO NOT GET THEM! In any event they are really great at helping and prices are VERY fair to us as a business. I really would recommend them for anyone facing these Merchant A holes and what they can do with your business and basically try to put you out of business. Cynthia and Bill help stop all that!
Cynthia and Bill are lifesavers. They are genuine people trying to help others at a difficult time in business. Cynthia knew immediately how to handle my situation and the exact people to contact to get the deal finalized. I will be forever grateful.
Cynthia really helped me during a difficult period financially. She was professional, empathetic, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her services. She will advocate for you.
Cynthia is the best!! 100 recommend there services they are so human and try to understand and have a heartfelt connection inorder to help in the best way possible.
Bill and Cynthia did a great job. And was very helpful in getting my debt re-negotiated. I strongly recommend them