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National Debt Relief Reviews

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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.

Pros
  • Free consultation with debt coach
  • Free debt relief quote
  • Numerous accreditations
Cons
  • Will need to pay percentage of debt enrolled

Featured Reviews

Burke, VA
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Albert was very friendly, understanding and very knowledgeable about how the process works. Filled out application and was approved in no time at all. Albert walked me through the...

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Sebastian, FL
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My experience with the National Debt Relief representatives has been nothing but positive. The reps have all been upbeat and clear in their verbal and email communications and I a...

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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

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

  1. Visit National Debt Relief’s website and click “Apply.” Fill out a short questionnaire about your financial situation.
  2. Have a free consultation with a debt specialist.
  3. Review and approve your personalized debt relief plan.
  4. 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.

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National Debt Relief Reviews

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    Reviewed Feb. 17, 2026

    My credit card bills were building up. I went past my budget. I was trying to nip it in the butt before it got bad. I sought out National Debt Relief's services. They really tailored the monthly payments to something that's more manageable to help me pay off the debt as where some of the other places that I tried calling were outright putting me in almost a really high range of paying off the debt. Enrolling to their debt consolidation program was fairly simple. It included verifying some of the credit cards once they got my personal information so they can keep track of what all I was trying to get rid of.

    What stood out with my experience was the ease of access of making payments and seeing how far along my progress is going. That was one of the bigger interactions with them that I definitely enjoyed. As far as customer support, I received a call from them one or two times because I would forget to move money from savings to checking, and I didn't get charged. One of the calls was checking up on me and making sure I'm not going through any hard times or any other financial struggles, just to see if my monthly payment was still good. The quality of service is great, especially with them being as transparent. I also had access to most of the information they told me on the phone through their website.

    Since I'm debt-free now, I don't feel like I have a financial burden right now. If I had a friend who was looking for debt relief or asking about it, I'd definitely say to go for National Debt Relief because they try to keep your best interest in mind and tailor the payment process to suit you and not put you in such a financial strain. Also, their people were easy to talk to. They walked me through the process and made it sound like it wasn't gonna be a harder time on me. It was definitely excellent.

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      Reviewed Sept. 27, 2025

      I looked National Debt Relief up. I was desperate after all the debt and COVID. We had that break from debt. The burden of $96,000 in student loans had been weighing on me significantly, especially after the COVID-related financial pauses lifted and reality sank in once more. The mounting interest accumulated to about $90 to $100 a month and was simply too much for me to handle alone; this situation persisted since I started dealing with the debt back in 2010. With my parents unable to assist, I decided to take charge and found National Debt Relief after some dedicated searching.

      Initially, I harbored some doubts about the program, but my interaction with their customer service was fantastic. I spoke to representatives twice, each time engaging in 45-minute discussions to have all my queries thoroughly answered. I joined in February 2023, and they set me up on a payment plan. Knowing that this would impact my credit, especially given my parents were co-signers, I went in fully aware—and prepared them for the implications.

      Though facing the typical flow of delinquency letters was intimidating, I followed the plan strategically laid out by the team at National Debt Relief. Their advice to cease loan payments was challenging, however, following through allowed NDR lawyers to negotiate directly with creditors on my behalf. My part was to maintain a consistent bank balance for the automatic payments taken bi-weekly. With their help, all three creditors were settled.

      The communication throughout the process was excellent; the representatives were accommodating, patient, and unfailingly supportive. This underrated kind of customer care encouraged me whenever I had concerns or repeated questions. Completing the program in just 2.5 years and managing to send an extra $5,000 down to expedite ending my agreement was deeply gratifying. They reimbursed me at the end because I was over $300 in payments.

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      Reviewed May 17, 2025

      After trying for years on my own to get on top of credit card debt acquired in hard times, I decided to seek help before I got behind. I was circling the drain just making the minimum payments and maybe a little extra when I rarely could but I knew before long it was going to catch me and I'd start to miss payment or even default all together. My credit suffered due to the maxed out cards so getting a loan just wasn't an option. I researched debt consolidation and found National Debt Relief. They are accredited on the Better Business Bureau and had great reviews so I gave it a shot. I filled out the short form on their website and got a call from their representative, David. He was so very understanding and gave me all of my options and every tiny detail about each.

      He reviewed all my debt that was eligible and even went over every aspect of my budget down to every dollar I typically spend in a month to make sure the consolidation payment would fit and not put me back in a bind. The call was lengthy, about 2 hours, but it was start to finish on the entire process. It saved me nearly $700 a month now and $63,000 in the end of what I would have paid in debt/interest on my own. And I'll be done with all of it within 4 years instead of 50! I started out feeling terrible for asking for help but by the time everything was set I knew it was a solid choice and he made me feel comfortable and confident in it. I highly recommend this company to anyone that is struggling in today's economy and trying to get by under the weight of non-secured debt.

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      Reviewed April 13, 2025

      My previous situation seemed bleak, and with my husband not contributing solutions, I felt it was solely up to me to find a way out. I came across National Debt Relief through TV advertisements and online searches, and ultimately decided to dive in as my own efforts weren't yielding results. The introduction to their program was impressive—everything was simplified for me, which made understanding the entire process and how it functions much easier. While the process isn't immediate - my credit did see a severe drop initially - recovery began as I worked through the debts. It's important to be cautious and remain patient, keeping realistic expectations, as it can take considerable time to see improvements.

      One key component of the program is stopping the incessant growth of debt due to interest. It might impact one's credit due to late payments being recorded, but being forewarned that it doesn’t happen overnight helped me manage my expectations. I enrolled several accounts into the program, worked with a designated bank, and set up monthly payments. Despite some side costs, it saved me thousands and made what would have taken decades on my own happen in significantly less time. The website was really super helpful and customer support exceeded expectations. Whether I reached out via email or another method, my inquiries—regarding payments or other aspects—were uniformly addressed rapidly, often within the same day. One compassionate team member especially left a lasting impression with their exceptional attentiveness and understanding.

      Everything was manageable within a two-year window as I managed to pay my debts earlier than projected by utilizing a personal financial settlement. Looking back, those steps were pivotal against the background of choosing between alternative financial struggles, such as bankruptcy. Without a doubt, I'd recommend National Debt Relief for those teetering on the financial edge. The program resolves issues transparently, allowing individuals a structured path away from bankruptcy without irreparable life impact. Although credit takes a short-term hit, the upward trajectory afterward keeps hope alive. My credit score, already on the mend, assures me that choosing them was a wise, lifesaving step.

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      Reviewed Feb. 28, 2025

      I decided to try National Debt Relief after I hearing about it from my girlfriend because I had accumulated more debts and creditors while working with a different company. National Debt Relief helped me pay off those additional debts, and looking back, I wish I had found them sooner. My overall experience with them was very positive.

      As a first-time customer, the enrollment process was a breeze. The team was welcoming, down-to-earth, and truly understood my situation. They provided clear answers to my questions and offered a thorough introduction to the process, making it easy to onboard. The program itself is seamless, and I wish everyone knew about this. If there was a possible way for everyone in America to be debt-free and NDR to take care of everyone's debt, people should sign up with them. I believe it could help many others become debt-free due to their knowledgeable and friendly team.

      National Debt Relief covers a wide range of creditors, and their efficiency blew me away. I managed to pay off two accounts in half the estimated time, and I was left with funds that were automatically reimbursed to me. The entire experience was outstanding, and using their online portal to track my progress made everything even more convenient. I could quickly log in to see my payment status and overall debt without needing to make phone calls.

      This experience has reinforced my trust in financial institutions and made me aware that some groups genuinely want to help people. NDR is the easiest program to get on board with and they're gonna help you out. They know what they're talking about and you're probably gonna finish your program sooner than you expect. I would strongly urge anybody to use them.

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      Reviewed Feb. 10, 2026

      I had to give a star just to get started. I would NOT seek help from the National Debt Relief and get a loan to settle your debt somewhere else. I started out with the national debt reliefs year ago. NDR told me I would be out of debt in four years. If I went with their program I did everything they told me to do after a year. The NDR offered me a loan by a company called reach which could pay off the remaining creditors and would prevent any creditors from taking me to court. I felt like I had to do it because I was on the verge of going to court for one of the creditors.

      Secondly you also receive multiple automated calls from Matthew for updates to your account and when you call a representative has no idea what’s going on. They’re worthless. I was roped into a payoff by a bank that NDR recommended. Now I have a payment for the next seven years with a high interest rates the program which they told me my credit score would be fixed ARE liars. Don’t go with the national debt relief, find other ways or I’m even considering bankruptcy at this point because I am close to retirement.

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      Response from National Debt Relief
      Thank you for taking the time to detail your concerns.

      To assist you better, a client success team member will contact you directly to discuss your account details in more depth and work together towards a resolution. You can always reach out to us directly for immediate support. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we appreciate your patience while we resolve these issues for you.

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      Reviewed Feb. 10, 2026

      I liked that everything is explained in a very clear manner. I know that I can count on them if I have any question when I call them and the will be as clear as possible. I recommend National Debt Relief to everybody.

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      Reviewed Feb. 10, 2026

      As soon as I started to make the debt relief I needed, it was a very safe feeling knowing I needed this to help me out if my debts! Pedro was very good at taking me thru the process! He answered every question where I understood the process! I'm very happy to have done this finally!!!

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      Reviewed Feb. 8, 2026

      I enrolled with NDR last year in June time frame, I was instructed not to make any payments to any of my creditors for the next 90days to be delinquent. I was 150,000 in debt with credit cards and a personal loan, which I then heard about NDR will help relief the debts, which they negotiated to some point. I agreed to make 791 bi weekly payments to NDR and I was relieved at one point when I was able to get a hold of my finances to get a little bit of breathing room to make ends meet. Not understanding NDR has jurisdiction in some states, but not territories to negotiate personal loans that may affect you with a lawsuit, that NDR does not represent you on the terms set forth by the civic case lawsuit. NDR representative contacted me to agree on the terms which went from 23,000 to 53,000 was shocking! They did not relief my debt they increased my debt!

      Thinking the payment will come out of my savings account and wanted me to increase my allotment a thousand dollars more, which in no way can I afford that, she also mention with agreement, after 6 months of payments, NDR will re-negotiate to have the debt reduced. Nowhere in this conversation did she mention I was going to pay this monthly fee!. I received an email with the attachment of stipulated settlement from the lawyers and civil court with the terms and to read and sign and send the signed copy to the lawyer via UPS and upload the signed document to NDR which i did. (DUMB!) within the week i get another call from Mary discussing my personal loan and the terms of 650 a month to the lawyer. I then pose the question would NDR be making payments to the lawyer? she indicated i would have to pay this on my own and terms to repay could be 72 months!

      I was deeply trouble with this arrangement and felt I was mislead with how this program will make things better for me. It just added more stress to my financial situation and pray no other lawsuits come my way. Another thing is I needed some representation, so I requested for PRO-SE to assist with legal aspect to respond to letters served by the lawyer and civil court within 20 days in which I had ZERO help on this, so I took matters in my hands to respond. They were charging me 200 dollars for this request, but explained to them I did not get the help I needed, so my account was not charged according the Mary the NDR representative.

      I Hated the fact that I have been speaking to different NDR representatives, which frustrates me to repeat myself. It will be more efficient if one person can handle each case and thoroughly explaining line for line. I am deeply disappointed with how this all ended up, I felt I was wrongfully misguided and taken advantage of to make matters worse for me. I felt I was scammed! I wouldn't recommend this program to people outside of the 50 states. It may have worked for some, but others like me, I have to suffer the consequences to find other ways to pay off this debt and get out of the program as soon as possible. Because I'm 63 years old, I felt they took advantage of my age as easy prey.. pray for me please..

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      Response from National Debt Relief
      Hello,
      Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any inconvenience. A member of our out client success team will be giving you a call as soon as possible to discuss this further.
      Sincerely,

      National Debt Relief

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      Reviewed Feb. 7, 2026

      I was very impressed with the signing up process with the Certified Debt Specialist, Nicholas **. He was very knowledgeable, informative, and thorough with his customer service quality. He was extremely patient and caring when answering my many questions and concerns.

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        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

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