National Debt Relief 2025 Review

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Key takeaways

National Debt Relief helps consumers negotiate unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.
The company has multiple accreditations and an average rating of 4.79/5.00 on Google, Trustpilot, and Consumer Affairs.
To qualify, consumers need at least $7,500 in unsecured debt, though the minimum may vary by state.

National Debt Relief is one of the most recognized debt relief companies in the United States. Established in New York City, it has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers settle unsecured debts – like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans – for less than they originally owed.

That said, debt settlement isn’t a quick fix. Before enrolling, take the time to decide if this approach is the right solution for your financial situation.

National Debt Relief at a glance

National Debt Relief is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the United States. It helps consumers negotiate unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills.

The company’s primary goal is to resolve consumer debt by negotiating directly with creditors. This option is generally best suited for people experiencing financial hardship who cannot keep up with minimum payments but want to avoid bankruptcy.

Settlement is not a quick fix. It can take two to four years to complete, and there are fees. National Debt Relief offers free consultations to ensure that settlement is the right option.

How does National Debt Relief work?

National Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to help consumers settle unsecured debts for less than they owe.

Free consultation

The process begins with a free, no-obligation consultation. During this call, the representative explains how settlement works, answers questions, and reviews the consumer’s financial situation. They assess whether debt settlement is the right option or if alternatives such as credit counseling or bankruptcy might be more appropriate.

Enrollment process

If the consumer decides to move forward, they enroll in the program and send money each month. The money is placed into an FDIC-insured escrow account controlled by the client but managed by National Debt Relief. Over time, these funds accumulate until there is enough to make lump-sum settlement offers.

The company negotiates with creditors to accept a lump-sum offer. If both the client and creditor agree, it pays the creditor, and the debt is settled. Settlements are typically reached within 48 months, depending on the amount of debt and the monthly payment.

Fees

National Debt Relief charges performance-based fees only after a settlement is reached and accepted by the client. Fees range from 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt, depending on state regulations and the size of the program. Importantly, there are no upfront fees. Clients only pay once the company successfully settles an account.

Risks of debt settlement

While debt settlement can help consumers resolve debt, there are risks:

Credit impact: Stopping payments to creditors can cause accounts to go into delinquency, leading to late fees, collection activity, and significant credit score drops.
Settlement not guaranteed: Creditors are not legally required to accept a settlement, though many do.
Tax consequences: Forgiven debt over $600 is considered taxable income by the IRS.
Potential legal action: Creditors may pursue lawsuits to recover unpaid debts before a settlement is reached.

National Debt Relief is best for

Not everyone qualifies for National Debt Relief. The company has specific requirements to ensure that clients are a good fit for debt settlement.

Types of debt settled

Debt settlement only works with unsecured debts, meaning debts that are not tied to collateral. Eligible debts include:

Credit cards
Personal loans
Lines of credit
Medical bills
Collections
Reposessions
Certain business debts
Some private student loans (case by case)

The company does not handle secured debts, such as mortgages, car loans, or home equity loans, because creditors can repossess or foreclose on the underlying asset. It also doesn’t handle federal student loans, child support, or back taxes.

Amount of debt

To qualify, consumers need at least $7,500 in unsecured debt (though the minimum may vary by state).

Where they operate

National Debt Relief is available to consumers in most U.S. states. It also offers its services in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. A few states restrict or regulate debt settlement programs differently, which can affect eligibility.

Financial hardship

Consumers should have trouble keeping up with minimum payments.

Pros and cons of National Debt Relief

Pros:

Free initial consultation
No upfront fees
Handles negotiations directly with creditors
Multiple accreditations
Plan based on the consumer’s budget
Long track record of achieving positive results

Cons:

No guarantee of success
Settled debt may be taxed as income
Collection calls and potential lawsuits can still occur
Not available in every state

Alternatives to debt settlement

While debt settlement can be a solution for some with overwhelming debt, it isn’t the only option. Other debt relief methods include:

DIY settlement: Individuals may negotiate directly with creditors to lower interest rates or secure a lump-sum settlement. This approach can help avoid fees but requires time, persistence, and negotiation skills.

Snowball method: Consumers pay off their smallest debts first, making minimum payments on their larger balances. As each debt is paid off, the freed-up money is rolled into the next debt, creating momentum and motivation to stay on track.

Debt management plan: Credit counseling agencies offer debt management plans (DMPs), which consolidate unsecured debts into a structured repayment schedule. Creditors may agree to lower interest rates or waive fees and accept a monthly payment from the agency.

Debt consolidation: Consolidation combines multiple debts into a new loan with a potentially lower interest rate. It may help simplify payments, but it does not reduce the total balance owed. Approval often depends on credit score and income.

Bankruptcy: As a last resort, bankruptcy can wipe out most unsecured debts and provide a financial reset. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common options for individuals. While bankruptcy provides relief, it also severely damages credit and may require giving up certain assets.

Is National Debt Relief reputable?

National Debt Relief is one of the most established companies in the debt settlement industry. It holds multiple accreditations and has decent reviews.

Customer experience and reviews

National Debt Relief has helped hundreds of thousands of clients. Across Google, Trustpilot, and Consumer Affairs, the company has thousands of reviews with an average rating of 4.79/5.00. Many reviews highlight successful debt reductions and professional support throughout the process.

As with most debt settlement programs, reviews also mention drawbacks such as credit score drops, the length of time required to see results, and fees. Overall, client satisfaction is generally positive, but experiences vary depending on expectations and financial circumstances.

Accreditations

National Debt Relief is an accredited member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), which sets industry standards for ethical debt settlement practices. It is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. The company requires that all of its debt arbitrators be accredited by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), showing its commitment to training and certification for its staff. These accreditations signal that National Debt Relief follows recognized guidelines and consumer protection standards in the debt relief industry.

Frequently asked questions

1. What credit score do you need to qualify for debt settlement?

National Debt Relief doesn’t require a minimum credit score. Consumers qualify based on financial hardship and the amount of unsecured debt rather than credit history. The program is designed for individuals who struggle to make monthly payments, regardless of their credit score.

2. What types of debt does National Debt Relief work with?

National Debt Relief works with unsecured debts, which do not have collateral. Eligible debts include credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, store cards, and certain private student loans. The company does not handle secured debts like mortgages or auto loans, nor does it cover federal student loans.

3. How much does National Debt Relief cost?

National Debt Relief charges 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt after a settlement is reached.

4. How long does it take National Debt Relief to settle?

Debt settlement typically takes up to 48 months. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the amount of debt enrolled, the speed at which clients can build funds in their dedicated account, and the creditor’s willingness to negotiate.

5. How much debt do you need to be eligible for National Debt Relief?

To qualify, consumers need at least $7,500 in unsecured debt, though the minimum may vary by state.

Bottom line

National Debt Relief offers a debt relief program to help consumers take control of their finances. They are a reputable company that has been around for years and has helped thousands of individuals.

While it can help consumers settle credit card and other unsecured debts, it is not suitable for everyone. Debt settlement is most effective for individuals with overwhelming debts who cannot afford to keep up with payments. If this is the case, National Debt Relief is an accredited company that can have your back.

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. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. 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.

10. 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 Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

12. 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.

13. 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. No minimum balance required. 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%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

14. 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.

15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

24. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. 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.

25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

26. 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 15, 2025. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

28. To apply for a Chime Card, Chime® Checking Account is required to apply.

29. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.

30. With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases.

31. Money added to Chime CardTM will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

32. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in January 2024 members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of Chime Card, between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. A credit score improvement is not guaranteed. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Activity on other credit accounts may also impact your score.

33. 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. Results may vary.

34. 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.

35. 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.

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

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

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

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. MyPay is only offered in select states

44. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.

45. Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your Chime account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade.

46. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

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.

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