National Debt Relief Review: Is It Worth It in 2024?
National Debt Relief is one of the most searched debt settlement companies in the country. If you are buried in credit card debt or medical bills, you have probably seen their ads. But does the company actually deliver?
This review covers everything you need to know. We looked at their fees, accreditations, customer reviews, program details, and how they compare to other options. The goal is to give you a clear picture so you can decide if this company is right for your situation.
[AFFILIATE-LINK: National Debt Relief – free consultation]
National Debt Relief at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Accreditations | AFCC, IAPDA |
| Minimum Debt | $7,500 |
| Fees | 18% to 25% of enrolled debt |
| Program Length | 24 to 48 months |
| Debt Types Handled | Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, business debt |
| States Served | Most states (not all) |
What Is National Debt Relief?
National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company based in New York. It was founded in 2009 and has grown to become one of the largest in the industry. The company helps people who owe large amounts of unsecured debt and cannot keep up with payments.
National Debt Relief works by having you save money in a dedicated account instead of paying creditors. Once enough funds accumulate, its negotiators contact creditors and try to settle the debt for less than you owe. You only pay the company fee after a settlement is completed.
The company is accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). These are the two main industry oversight bodies. AFCC members agree to ethical standards and are audited regularly.
Is National Debt Relief Legit?
Yes. National Debt Relief is a legitimate company with a long track record. Here is the evidence:
- A+ BBB Rating: The Better Business Bureau gives National Debt Relief an A+ rating. That means few unresolved complaints relative to their business volume.
- AFCC Membership: The American Fair Credit Council requires members to follow strict ethical guidelines. Members cannot charge upfront fees and must provide written program agreements.
- IAPDA Certified: The IAPDA trains and certifies debt arbitrators. National Debt Relief’s negotiators hold this certification.
- 15+ years in business: The company has been operating since 2009 and has settled billions in debt for clients.
- Transparent fee structure: Fees are only charged after a settlement is reached — never upfront.
No company can guarantee a specific result, and National Debt Relief is no exception. But their track record and accreditations put them in the top tier of settlement companies. See our full Best Debt Settlement Companies list for comparison.
How National Debt Relief Works
Step 1: Free Consultation
The process starts with a free phone consultation. A debt advisor reviews your financial situation. They look at how much you owe, what types of debt you have, and whether you qualify for the program.
Step 2: Enrollment
If you qualify, you enroll the eligible accounts. National Debt Relief requires a minimum of $7,500 in unsecured debt. Eligible debts include credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. Secured debts like mortgages or auto loans are not eligible.
Before you go further: If your credit is still fair, a personal loan may let you consolidate high-interest debt at a lower rate. Check rates at BorrowMoney.us — free, no impact on your score.
Step 3: Dedicated Savings Account
You open a dedicated savings account. Each month, you deposit an agreed-upon amount. You do not pay creditors during this time. Late fees and interest will accumulate, and creditors may call.
Step 4: Negotiation
Once enough money builds up, National Debt Relief contacts your creditors. Negotiators work to settle debts for less than the full balance. Most settlements happen in the second half of the program timeline.
Step 5: Settlement and Fees
When a creditor agrees to a settlement, you approve it. The funds are used to pay the creditor. National Debt Relief then collects its fee — 18% to 25% of the enrolled debt amount for that account.
Step 6: Completion
Once all enrolled accounts are settled, the program ends. Your credit score can begin to recover from that point.
Who National Debt Relief Is For
National Debt Relief is a good fit for people who:
- Have $7,500 or more in credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans
- Are already behind on payments or at risk of defaulting
- Cannot afford minimum payments and are not seeing the balance go down
- Want to avoid bankruptcy but need significant debt relief
- Can set aside $200 to $400+ per month into a savings account
National Debt Relief is not ideal for people with steady income who can still make payments. In that case, a nonprofit debt management plan may be better. It is also not right for people with secured debt like car loans or mortgages.
If you are unsure whether settlement or bankruptcy is a better fit, read Debt Settlement vs. Bankruptcy.
National Debt Relief Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A+ BBB rating with few unresolved complaints | Fees of 18-25% reduce total savings |
| AFCC and IAPDA accredited | Credit score drops significantly during the program |
| No upfront fees — pay only after settlement | Minimum $7,500 in debt required |
| Free consultation with no obligation | Not available in all states |
| Works with credit cards, medical bills, personal loans | Creditors may still call and could sue |
| 15+ years in business (founded 2009) | Forgiven debt may be taxable income |
| Online client dashboard to track progress | Program takes 24 to 48 months |
[AFFILIATE-LINK: Freedom Debt Relief – free consultation]
National Debt Relief Fees
The fee is 18% to 25% of the enrolled debt amount. The exact percentage depends on the state you live in and how much debt you have enrolled.
Here is an example:
- You enroll $20,000 in debt
- National Debt Relief settles it for $10,000 (50% savings)
- The fee is 20% of $20,000 = $4,000
- You pay a total of $14,000 instead of $20,000
- Your savings: $6,000 before taxes
This is a simplified example. Real results vary. Some settlements may be higher or lower. You should also factor in any tax liability on forgiven amounts over $600.
National Debt Relief vs. Competitors
| Company | Founded | Fees | Min. Debt | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Debt Relief | 2009 | 18-25% | $7,500 | AFCC, IAPDA |
| Freedom Debt Relief | 2002 | 18-25% | $7,500 | AFCC |
| CuraDebt | 2000 | 18-20% | $5,000 | AFCC, IAPDA |
| Pacific Debt Relief | 2002 | 15-25% | $10,000 | AFCC |
National Debt Relief competes well on reputation and accreditations. CuraDebt has a lower minimum and slightly lower fees. Freedom Debt Relief has a longer track record. See the Freedom Debt Relief Review and CuraDebt Review for more details.
Not sure this is the right move? A personal loan could consolidate what you owe at a fixed rate — sometimes cheaper than settlement fees. 50KLoans.com offers up to $50,000, even with imperfect credit.
What Customers Say
Based on user reviews across multiple platforms, National Debt Relief receives positive marks for:
- Clear communication during the program
- Responsive customer support
- Noticeable debt reduction results
Common complaints include:
- Credit score drops during the program (expected, not a surprise)
- Creditor calls and collection notices while in the program
- Longer-than-expected timelines for some accounts
Most negative reviews are from people who did not fully understand what they were signing up for. The process does hurt credit, and creditors do continue collection efforts during the program. These are not flaws — they are normal parts of how settlement works.
Does Debt Settlement Hurt Your Credit?
Yes. When you stop paying creditors, your credit score will drop. The longer you are in the program, the more late payments pile up on your record. Settled accounts also show as “settled for less than full balance” on your credit report, which is negative.
That said, the damage is temporary. Once the program ends and debts are settled, you can begin rebuilding. Many people see credit score improvement within 1 to 2 years after completing the program.
Read more: Does Debt Settlement Hurt Your Credit.
Is National Debt Relief Right for You?
National Debt Relief is a strong option if you have significant unsecured debt and cannot keep up with payments. The company is legitimate, accredited, and has a long track record.
The downsides — credit damage, fees, and the time it takes — are real. But if the alternative is bankruptcy or years of minimum payments that never reduce the balance, settlement may be the better choice.
The best first step is to take their free consultation. There is no obligation, and you will get a clear picture of whether the program makes sense for your situation.
[AFFILIATE-LINK: National Debt Relief – free consultation]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum debt for National Debt Relief?
The minimum is $7,500 in unsecured debt. Eligible debt types include credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.
How long does National Debt Relief take?
Most programs take 24 to 48 months depending on how much debt you have and how fast you can save.
Does National Debt Relief affect your credit score?
Yes. Your score will drop significantly during the program because you stop making payments to creditors. This is expected and part of the process.
What fees does National Debt Relief charge?
Fees are 18% to 25% of enrolled debt, charged only after each settlement is completed. There are no upfront fees.
Is National Debt Relief accredited?
Yes. The company is accredited by the AFCC (American Fair Credit Council) and the IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators).