National Debt Relief Review: Does Debt Settlement Work?

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Key takeaways

National Debt Relief helps consumers with overwhelming credit card debt break free. Their financial experts assist with negotiating and settling debts for less than owed.
Consumers are given a personalized debt relief plan based on their unique situation. If they stick to the plan, they will be debt-free in 24 to 48 months.
The average customer saves 50% on their debts and only pays if the process is successful. There are no upfront fees and no obligation.

The deeper you sink into debt, the harder it is to get out. If you find yourself struggling to make minimum payments and have over $10,000 in unsecured debts, debt relief may be the ticket. Since 2009, National Debt Relief has been a beacon of hope for those drowning in debt. With a track record of reducing clients’ debts by an average of 23% (after fees) and a roster of over 550,000 satisfied customers, their effectiveness is evident. Let’s dig deeper into National Debt Relief and determine if it’s the best solution for you.

What is National Debt Relief?

National Debt Relief is a top-rated debt settlement company that assists people in negotiating and settling their debts for less than what they owe. It’s designed for consumers who find themselves overwhelmed with unsecured debt, such as credit card debt. National Debt Relief is an active accredited member of the American Association for Debt Resolution, is Platinum Accredited through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. Since 2009 the company has helped more than 550,000 people get out of debt.

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How does National Debt Relief work?

Debt settlement process

National Debt Relief works to reestablish your financial stability and peace of mind in the shortest time possible through debt settlement. This process reduces your monthly payments, boosts your cash flow, and focuses on becoming debt-free as quickly as possible.

Call for a free no-obligation consultation and discuss debt relief options with experts.

National Debt Relief creates an affordable plan for your financial situation.

You make a payment each month into a secured savings account.

National Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reach a settlement.

Once an agreement is reached, your creditors are paid from your secured savings.

Get out of debt within 24-48 months.

National Debt Relief’s experts will assess your unique situation and create a personalized plan for you. With debt settlement, you stop paying your creditors and instead, you deposit monthly payments into a designated savings account. As your funds build up, National Debt Relief will contact your creditors and negotiate a reduced balance. Since your creditor is no longer being paid, they are more likely to agree to a reduced amount rather than risk receiving nothing at all. Once an agreement is reached, you authorize National Debt Relief to settle your debts with the funds from your savings account. By adhering to the plan, most people can eliminate their debts within 12-48 months.

To qualify for National Debt Relief you must:

Be able to make monthly payments
Owe more than $10,000 in credit card debt
Face a genuine financial hardship that makes it challenging to meet debt obligations.

Due to varying state regulations, National Debt Relief is not available in Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia.

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I Saved over 50%

“I was quite skeptical of the claims made by National Debt Relief, but I have to say they kept every single promise they made to me. Astonished by how quickly my debts were settled and for less than HALF of what I owed. They saved my butt. Honest and competent.”

SCOTTIE

Cost and fees

National Debt Relief does not charge anything until your debt is settled to your satisfaction, allowing you to walk away at any time without payment. They impose no sign-up fees, cancellation fees, or obligations. The fee they charge is performance-based and ranges from 15% to 25% of your enrolled debt. Which is similar to what other debt relief companies charge. You pay nothing if they don’t settle your debt. Besides their fee, you might owe taxes on forgiven debt over $600. However, you can potentially waive these taxes by proving insolvency. It’s best to consult a tax professional first to understand your options.

Average savings

You can expect to save a significant percentage of your enrolled debt when you work with National Debt Relief, though the exact savings vary based on individual negotiations and specific debt amounts. National Debt Relief reports that their average clients save more than $20,000 in total debt and the average negotiation rate stands at 50%. That means the average person saves 50% on their debts (excluding National Debt Relief’s fees).

Time frame

Most people are able to get out of debt within 24-48 months. The exact timeline depends on your total debt amount and ability to fund your settlement account. The quicker you can save, the faster you can get out of debt. While two to four years may seem long, it can take up to twenty years to be debt-free if you only make minimum payments on your credit card debt.

Who is National Debt Relief best for?

If you have a substantial amount of unsecured credit card debt, struggle to make minimum payments, and are seeking an alternative to bankruptcy, National Debt Relief is a good choice for you. It works best for individuals with over $10,000 in credit card debt who have recently experienced financial hardships such as divorce or job loss.

Signing up for National Debt Relief is easy. Visit their website or call 800-287-1591 to schedule your free consultation. A debt counselor will then assess your financial situation and present debt relief options to you. After agreeing on a personalized debt relief plan that fits your budget and your goals, you’ll open a savings account and begin making monthly deposits.

Helpful, Transparent, & Fast

“Three debt settlements within the first four months! This has exceeded my expectations and increased my confidence in the program. I have only good things to say about NDR, glad I signed up.”

Karen S.

Will National Debt Relief affect my credit?

Debt settlement can initially hurt your credit score. For the program to work, you have to stop paying your creditors. Since your payment history accounts for 35% of your score, consecutive missed payments will drag your score down. Late payments remain on your report for up to seven years but their impact will lessen over time. If you’ve already missed payments and your credit score has already taken a hit, this might not be a big deal. Additionally, settled debts are reported as “settled for less than the full amount” on credit reports, which can further hurt your score. On the other hand, if the alternative is bankruptcy, a few missed payments, and a settled debt is the better option. Your score should start to improve as soon as you begin paying off your debt.

National Debt Relief vs. other options

Debt management

Debt management involves working with a credit counseling agency to create a repayment plan. This process might involve negotiating with creditors for lower interest rates or consolidating payments. A significant advantage is that it’s less damaging to credit scores compared to debt settlement, although it typically takes longer to become debt-free.

DIY debt settlement

This approach requires you to negotiate directly with creditors to settle debts. It’s cost-effective but demands time, effort, and negotiation skills. National Debt Relief’s advantage lies in its established relationships with over 10,000 creditors and its expertise as professional negotiators.

Debt consolidation

Debt consolidation is when you combine multiple debts into one. The process usually involves taking out a new loan at a lower interest rate, though some people opt for a 0% APR credit card. By consolidating debt, you lower your interest rate, saving money, and with only one bill to pay, the likelihood of missing a payment decreases. However, this approach doesn’t reduce the total debt owed and relies on obtaining a loan with a lower interest rate to be effective.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy offers a fresh start for anyone with overwhelming debt, but it comes with severe long-term impacts on credit and is generally considered a last resort. Bankruptcy listings stay on your credit report for seven to ten years, significantly damaging your score. This can make qualifying for new credit cards or loans more challenging in the future. Always discuss your options with a professional before you choose bankruptcy.

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A Life Changing Decision

“They helped me get from under a combined 1200$ a month of loans and credit card debt. Reaching out to them was a life-changing decision. I was able to afford much-needed medical work and the stress of half my income going literally nowhere was taken off of me.”

Skylar P.

Pros and Cons of National Debt Relief

Pros

Significant savings: National Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reduce the total amount of debt owed, potentially saving clients a substantial amount of money.
Debt consolidation: They offer a simplified repayment plan by consolidating multiple debts into a single monthly payment.
Professional negotiation:
Experienced negotiators: The company employs experienced debt negotiators who may achieve better settlement terms than individuals could on their own.
Clear process: The debt relief program is structured and provides a clear roadmap for clients to become debt-free, usually within 24-48 months.
Account management: Clients have access to an online portal to monitor the progress of their debt settlement program.
Industry standards: National Debt Relief is accredited by organizations such as the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), indicating adherence to industry standards and ethical practices.
Performance-based fees: The company does not charge any upfront fees and only earns its fees after successfully settling debts, aligning their incentives with the client’s success.

Cons

Negative credit score effects: Enrolling in a debt settlement program can negatively impact a client’s credit score, as accounts may go into default before settlements are reached.
Fees: While there are no upfront fees, the company charges fees typically ranging from 15% to 25% of the settled debt amount, which can be significant.
Debt collection actions: There is a risk that creditors may take legal action to collect debts, including lawsuits, which could lead to wage garnishments or other legal consequences.
Not all debts qualify: The program is designed for unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Secured debts like mortgages and auto loans are not eligible.
Potential tax implications: The amount of debt forgiven through settlement may be considered taxable income by the IRS, potentially leading to a tax liability for the client.

National Debt Relief can provide substantial benefits for individuals struggling with credit card debt by negotiating significant reductions in the amount owed and offering a structured repayment plan. However, the process involves risks such as negative credit impacts, potential legal actions, and service fees. Clients should carefully consider these factors and ensure they fully understand the terms and potential consequences before enrolling in a debt relief program. Consulting with a financial advisor or credit counselor may also be beneficial in making an informed decision.

Bottom line

National Debt Relief offers a viable path for those drowning in credit card debt, providing an opportunity to reduce what you owe and achieve financial stability faster than other methods. By leveraging professional negotiation skills, the company can settle debts for less than the original amounts owed, offering significant savings and a clear plan for becoming debt-free within a few years. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Debt settlement can negatively impact your credit score, and the process may involve enduring collection calls and potential legal actions from creditors.

Before opting for National Debt Relief, it’s essential to understand how debt negotiations work and the potential consequences fully. The program is best suited for individuals facing prolonged financial hardships with over $10,000 in credit card debt. Those who enroll should be prepared for the impact on their credit and the commitment required to complete the program successfully.

Moreover, it’s important to consider the service fees, which can range from 15% to 25% of the settled debt, and the potential tax implications of forgiven debt. For many, the benefits of professional help and structured debt reduction outweigh the downsides, making National Debt Relief a path to financial freedom. However, it’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor or credit counselor to explore all options and ensure this solution aligns with your financial goals and situation.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

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5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

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8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

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11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

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13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

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25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

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Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

National Debt Relief Review: Does Debt Settlement Work?

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