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. They have a strong track record of reducing clients’ debts by an average of 23% after fees. With over 550,000 happy customers, their success is clear.
Let’s dig deeper into National Debt Relief and determine if it’s the best solution for you.
Jump to:
- What is National Debt Relief?
- National Debt Relief in a nutshell
- How does National Debt Relief work?
- Who is National Debt Relief best for?
- How much does National Debt Relief cost?
- How can I sign up for National Debt Relief?
- Will National Debt Relief affect my credit?
- National Debt Relief vs Freedom Debt Relief
- National Debt Relief vs. other options
- National Debt Relief ratings and reviews
- Bottom line
What is National Debt Relief?
National Debt Relief is a top-rated debt settlement company. They assist 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. It 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 over 550,000 people get out of debt.
National Debt Relief in a nutshell
Minimum debt required | $10,000 |
Types of eligible debt | Unsecured debts including credit card bills, personal loans, medical bills, lines of credit, private student loans, certain business debts, collections, repossessions, and some past-due utility bills |
Settlement fee | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt |
Additional fees | Unsecured debts, including credit card bills, personal loans, medical bills, lines of credit, private student loans, certain business debts, collections, repossessions, and some past-due utility bills |
Time frame | 24 to 48 months |
Average savings | 50% on debts before fees |
State availability | Not available in Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, or West Virginia |
Credentials | $9 set-up fee $9.85 monthly maintenance fee |
How does National Debt Relief work?
Debt settlement process
National Debt Relief helps you regain your financial stability and peace of mind quickly through debt settlement. This process reduces your monthly payments and boosts your cash flow. The goal is to become 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. 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.
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.
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.”
SCOTTIEAverage savings
You can expect to save a significant percentage of your enrolled debt when you work with National Debt Relief. The exact savings vary based on individual negotiations and specific debt amounts. National Debt Relief reports that their clients save more than $20,000 in total debt on average. 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 can get out of debt within 24-48 months. The exact timeline depends on your total amount owed and your 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 people with over $10,000 in credit card debt. Especially those who have recently experienced financial hardships such as divorce or job loss.
Debt settlement with National Debt Relief can potentially provide significant savings. The process does come with risks. Make sure you’re comfortable with the potential consequences before enrolling in a debt relief program.
Pros and cons of National Debt Relief
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Free initial consultation
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Free debt relief quote
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Potentially significant savings
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Numerous accreditations
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Experienced debt negotiators
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Clear process
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Fee is performance-based
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Provide additional services
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Negative impact on credit score
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Fees add up
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Not all debts qualify
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Potential tax implications
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No guarantee of success
How much does National Debt Relief cost?
National Debt Relief charges a fee of 25% of your enrolled debt. Some states cap this fee at 15%.
Let’s say you have $20,000 in credit card debt. Your creditors agree to settle for $10,000 and forgive the rest. You’ll pay National Debt Relief a settlement fee of $5,000 and your creditors $10,000. In total, you’ll pay $15,000.
In addition to the settlement fee, National Debt Relief has a $9 setup fee. You will also pay a $9.89 monthly fee for your savings account.
While the service isn’t free, you may save money compared to paying off the full debt balance with interest.
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. This 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.
Want to build your credit but not sure how to start?
National Debt Relief vs Freedom Debt Relief
National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief are two of the largest debt settlement companies in the United States. They offer similar services to help consumers reduce unsecured debt. National Debt Relief specializes in negotiating with creditors to settle debt for less. Freedom Debt Relief emphasizes credit card debt and debt consolidation. Both charge settlement fees of 15% to 25% of the enrolled debts.
Freedom Debt Relief’s minimum required debt is $7,500, while National Debt Relief prefers $10,000. National Debt Relief is available in more states. It has positive reviews and is considered a top performer in the industry.
One perk Freedom Debt Relief offers is that it refunds customers who don’t save. On the other hand, it has faced legal scrutiny in the past. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has successfully sued them in the past.
Break free from debt and transform your life!
Get a free savings estimate and see how quickly you can be debt-free.


National Debt Relief vs. other options
Debt management
Debt management involves working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency to create a repayment plan. This process might involve negotiating with creditors for lower interest rates, waiving fees, or consolidating payments. A significant advantage is that it’s less damaging to your credit, compared to debt settlement. Though 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. With only one bill to pay, the likelihood of missing a payment decreases. 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. It is generally considered a last resort since it comes with severe long-term impacts on credit. 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.National Debt Relief ratings and reviews
National Debt Relief generally receives positive reviews from clients who appreciate the company’s professionalism, transparency, and customer support. It holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is a 3x Award Winner for the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Experience with Staff, and Best for Transparency on Consumer Affairs.
The company is accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). It has been in business for over 15 years and has helped over 500,000 clients resolve over $10 billion in debt.
On Trustpilot, National Debt Relief has earned thousands of 5-star reviews, with customers praising its effectiveness in reducing debt. It ranks 4.9 out of 5.0 on Consumer Affairs. A few negative reviews mention the impact on credit scores and the length of the program. Overall, it’s well-regarded as a trustworthy debt relief provider.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is National Debt Relief worth it?
National Debt Relief can be worth it if you’re overwhelmed by unsecured debt and looking for a structured way to reduce what you owe. It may save you money compared to paying off the full balance, but it’s not right for everyone. The program works best if you’re behind on payments and willing to commit to a multi-year plan.
2. Is National Debt Relief a scam?
National Debt Relief is not a scam. It’s a reputable company that’s been in business for over a decade and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and the American Fair Credit Council. Thousands of customers have successfully settled their debts through the program.
3. Does National Debt Relief hurt your credit?
Enrolling in National Debt Relief will initially hurt your credit. That’s because the program often requires you to stop making payments on your debts, which leads to missed payments on your credit report. Settling a debt for less than you owe will also hurt your score. Once you’re debt-free, you can take steps to rebuild your credit.
4. Do I get my money back if I cancel National Debt Relief?
If you cancel National Debt Relief before any debts are settled, you can usually get your money back from the dedicated account where your payments are held. If settlements have already occurred, the company will collect its fee. That portion is non-refundable. It’s best to contact customer service to understand what you’re entitled to based on your status.
5. Is National Debt Relief legitimate?
Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company. It’s been in business since 2009, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and is a member of respected industry organizations like the American Fair Credit Council. While results vary, many people have successfully used the service to reduce debt and regain financial control.
Bottom line
National Debt Relief offers a viable path for those drowning in credit card debt. It provides an opportunity to reduce what you owe and achieve financial stability faster than other methods. Through professional negotiation, the company can settle debts for less than the original amounts owed. It is possible to achieve significant savings and become debt-free within a few years. While settlement has clear benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Debt settlement can negatively impact your credit score. The process may involve enduring collection calls and potential legal actions from creditors.
Before opting for National Debt Relief, take the time to understand how debt negotiation works and the potential consequences. The program is best suited for people facing prolonged financial hardships with over $10,000 in credit card debt. Your credit score will temporarily decrease, but you can rebuild it. You will have to pay a settlement fee of 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt. You may have to pay taxes on forgiven debt. Consult with a financial advisor or credit counselor to explore all options and ensure this solution aligns with your financial situation.
For many, the benefits of professional help and structured debt reduction outweigh the downsides. National Debt Relief can be a path to financial freedom.