National Debt Relief Reviews
- 4,825,261 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

+1 more
About National Debt Relief
National Debt Relief is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the U.S. It negotiates with creditors to reduce how much clients owe. It reports helping over 550,000 people since 2009 and focuses on unsecured debt like credit cards, personal loans and medical bills over $7,500. Services include personalized plans and support from dedicated debt specialists.
- Free consultation with debt coach
- Free debt relief quote
- Numerous accreditations
- Will need to pay percentage of debt enrolled
Featured Reviews
What is National Debt Relief?
National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company founded in 2009 and based in New York. It works on behalf of clients to negotiate lower payoff amounts with creditors, aiming to help people resolve unsecured debt and get closer to financial independence.
According to its website, most programs are completed in 24 to 48 months, depending on the amount of debt and how quickly clients can fund settlement offers. Its debt specialists are certified through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and the company follows standards set by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR).
National Debt Relief is available in 46 states, Washington, D.C., and select U.S. territories. As of October 2025, it has a strong 4.9-star rating on ConsumerAffairs with over 58,000 reviews.
» RELATED: Debt settlement vs. bankruptcy
National Debt Relief at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of debt covered |
|
| Settlement fee | 15% to 25% of total enrolled debt |
| Account fee | No upfront fees; fees are only charged after a settlement is paid |
| Time to settle debt | Typically 24 to 48 months |
| How to qualify | Owe more than $7,500 in unsecured debt; show financial hardship and make monthly deposits into savings account |
| Availability |
|
How does National Debt Relief work?
National Debt Relief doesn’t assume your debt or make payments directly to creditors. Instead, it negotiates with creditors to reduce unsecured debts to settle for less than the full balance. The process begins with a free consultation to review your financial situation and available options. After you approve a personalized plan, National Debt Relief’s experts work to secure settlements on your behalf. You’ll fund a dedicated account to make payments toward these settlements.
Savings vary by client and depend on completing the program by settling enrolled debts. National Debt Relief states that those who finish the program typically save about 25% after fees over two to four years, but results are not guaranteed.
Not all debts qualify for settlement, and some clients may not complete the program due to financial challenges. There may also be tax consequences, and settling debt can impact your credit score.
How to sign up for National Debt Relief
- Visit National Debt Relief’s website and click “Apply.” Fill out a short questionnaire about your financial situation.
- Have a free consultation with a debt specialist.
- Review and approve your personalized debt relief plan.
- Start making payments into your dedicated savings account to fund settlements.
National Debt Relief requirements
To qualify for National Debt Relief, you must:
- Be able to make a monthly payment into a settlement fund
- Owe more than $7,500 in unsecured debt
- Be going through a financial crisis with no quick end in sight (such as recent job loss, divorce, death of a spouse or unexpected hospital or medical bills)
How National Debt Relief affects taxes
Like with other debt settlement companies, using National Debt Relief can affect your taxes. When a creditor forgives part of your debt, the IRS typically treats the forgiven amount as taxable income. For example, if you settle a $10,000 debt for $6,000, the remaining $4,000 may be considered taxable income and be reported on a Form 1099-C.
You can sometimes avoid paying taxes on forgiven debt if you qualify as insolvent, meaning your total debts exceed your total assets. The IRS provides Form 982 for this exception. National Debt Relief advises clients to speak with a tax professional before filing to understand whether they’ll owe taxes on any settled accounts.
National Debt Relief services
National Debt Relief’s primary service is debt settlement assistance. It helps clients settle unsecured debts such as credit card debt, medical bills and personal loans by negotiating with creditors. National Debt Relief states its debt specialists have worked with over 10,000 creditors to secure these agreements.
In addition to debt settlement, National Debt Relief offers free tools and resources to support financial management, including budget planner worksheets, a debt calculator and consultations with debt specialists. The initial consultation is free and intended to help you determine if you are a good candidate for debt settlement services.
National Debt Relief costs
National Debt Relief’s initial consultation and quote are free. If you enroll and the company successfully settles your debt, you’ll pay a fee equal to 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt. There are no upfront costs or sign-up fees; you only pay after a settlement is reached. The exact cost depends on your total debt amount and the terms of your program.
» READ MORE: Debt settlement pros and cons
National Debt Relief FAQ
Can National Debt Relief hurt my credit score?
Yes, National Debt Relief can affect your credit score. Debt settlement often lowers credit scores because missed or late payments may be reported during the process. This is common in debt settlement but is usually seen as a better alternative to bankruptcy. National Debt Relief does not provide credit repair, counseling or advice on improving credit scores.
What are the risks of using National Debt Relief?
Debt settlement can lower your credit score, especially if accounts become delinquent during the process. Interest and fees may continue to accrue until a settlement is reached, and not all creditors may agree to negotiate. National Debt Relief warns that settled debts may be considered taxable income and does not guarantee results or assume your debt.
How long does National Debt Relief take?
National Debt Relief states that it typically takes 12 to 48 months to pay off enrolled debt. It will ultimately come down to how quickly you’re able to save to pay for settlements.
What types of debt can National Debt Relief help with?
National Debt Relief assists with unsecured debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans and some other unsecured debt types. It doesn’t handle secured debts, like mortgages or car loans, and it doesn’t cover certain student debts.
Can National Debt Relief stop creditor calls?
No, National Debt Relief can’t directly stop debt collection calls. Some creditors may call less once negotiations start, but it’s up to the collector. You can stop calls yourself by sending a written cease-communication letter.
Will I owe taxes on forgiven debt?
In most cases, yes, you will owe taxes on balances forgiven by debt settlement companies, including National Debt Relief. The lender who forgives your debt will send you a Form 1099-C.
Exceptions are sometimes made for those who qualify as insolvent — meaning those who have debts exceeding their total assets. To qualify for this exemption, you must fill out IRS Form 982.
Does NDR charge upfront fees?
No, there are no upfront fees with National Debt Relief. You won’t pay until a settlement is reached. Once that happens, you’ll pay a fee equal to 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt.
Is National Debt Relief legit?
Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement provider. It’s accredited by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief, and its debt specialists are certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.
As of October 2025, it has more than 58,000 reviews on ConsumerAffairs, with an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. Reviewers often describe the process as transparent and report that staff were professional and accessible. The company won multiple awards in our 2025 Buyer’s Choice Awards.
National Debt Relief may be a good choice for people struggling with at least $7,500 in unsecured debt who can make monthly payments into a savings account while the company negotiates with creditors.
National Debt Relief Reviews
Filter by Rating
- (50,683)
- (5,503)
- (1,359)
- (594)
- (492)
Popular Mentions
- 4,825,261 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,825,261 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
National Debt Relief Company Information
- Social media:
- Company Name:
- National Debt Relief
- Company Type:
- Private
- Year Founded:
- 2009
- Address:
- 180 Maiden Lane, 30th Floor
- City:
- New York
- State/Province:
- NY
- Postal Code:
- 10038
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.nationaldebtrelief.com
Media



