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 debts, personal loans, or medical bills. 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.

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.

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

National Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reach a settlement.

5

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

6

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 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 unsecured 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.

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 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 debt who have recently experienced financial hardships such as divorce or job loss.

National Debt Relief covers most types of unsecured debts including: 

  • Credit Cards
  • Personal Loans
  • Lines of Credit
  • Medical Bills
  • Collections
  • Repossessions
  • Certain Business Debts
  • Certain Student Debts

Secured debts that are tied to an asset like your home or vehicle are not covered.

How Can I Sign Up for National Debt Relief?

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 their established relationships with over 10,000 creditors and their 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.

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.

Final Thoughts

National Debt Relief offers a viable path for those drowning in unsecured debt. It can get you out of debt fast and for less than you owe, but it’s not the best fit for everyone. Before you decide to go with National Debt Relief, make sure you understand how debt negotiations work and the consequences. If you are facing enduring hardships, have over $10,000 in unsecured debt, and need professional help, National Debt Relief may be your path to financial freedom.

About the author

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.