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National Debt Relief Reviews

4.9
58,749 reviews
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By: Rachael Monson
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Edited by: Amanda Futrell
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Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

About National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the U.S. Founded in 2009, National Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reduce how much you owe on unsecured debts such as credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, private student loans and collections. It offers personalized plans to help you resolve debt, along with support from dedicated debt specialists.

Pros
  • Free consultation with debt coach
  • Free debt relief quote
  • Numerous accreditations
  • Professional and responsive customer support
  • Easy enrollment process
Cons
  • Fees can reduce overall savings
  • Not available in all states

Helpful Reviews

Burke, VA
Verified purchase
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
Verified purchase
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, helping people resolve unsecured debt.

Most debt settlement plans 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 45 states, Washington, D.C., and select U.S. territories.

National Debt Relief at a glance

How National Debt Relief works

National Debt Relief doesn’t assume your debt or make payments directly to creditors. Instead, it negotiates with creditors to reduce unsecured debts so you pay less than the full balance. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

  1. The process begins with a free consultation to review your financial situation and available options.
  2. After you approve a personalized plan, National Debt Relief’s experts work to secure settlements on your behalf.
  3. You’ll make monthly deposits into a dedicated account to pay for 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 aren’t guaranteed.

During the debt settlement process, your credit score will likely decrease. Many debt settlement programs require you to stop making payments to creditors while negotiations are underway, which can lead to missed-payment marks, delinquent accounts and collections activity appearing on your credit report.

However, some consumers see debt settlement as an alternative to bankruptcy and may be able to rebuild their credit over time after completing the program and paying off enrolled debts.

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.

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. Schedule 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

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.

In addition to debt settlement, National Debt Relief offers free tools and resources to support financial management, including budget-planning 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, which is typical for the debt settlement industry. 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.

How National Debt Relief affects your 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 reported on 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. National Debt Relief recommends speaking with a tax professional before filing to determine whether you’ll owe taxes on any settled accounts.

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 doesn’t 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 doesn’t guarantee results or assume your debt.

How long does National Debt Relief take?

National Debt Relief states that it typically takes 24 to 48 months to pay off enrolled debt.

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’ll 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 National Debt Relief 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.

How does National Debt Relief compare to bankruptcy?

Debt settlement through National Debt Relief is not as severe as bankruptcy, but it still has an impact on your credit score. Bankruptcy has the potential to eliminate more debt, but it has longer-lasting consequences on your credit.

What states is National Debt Relief not available in?

National Debt Relief is not available in Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin.

Still have questions?

Is National Debt Relief legit?

Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company. The company has agents certified through the IAPDA and is an accredited member of the ACDR. National Debt Relief was also selected as a Buyer’s Choice Award winner by ConsumerAffairs.

National Debt Relief is one of the largest debt settlement providers in the U.S. and has helped thousands of consumers resolve unsecured debt. It offers free consultations and debt relief quotes, and you won’t pay up-front costs or sign-up fees.

While National Debt Relief is a legitimate company, debt settlement still comes with risks. Settling debt can affect your credit score. Some creditors may refuse to negotiate. Consumers should carefully review program details and compare all debt relief options before enrolling.

National Debt Relief Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about National Debt Relief?
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    Review featured by National Debt Relief
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingOnline & App

    Reviewed May 2, 2026

    National Debt Relief got me out of my debt. I love the program. The signup process was very easy. They had the knowledge of everything they offered. I was good to go onto the site from the app from my phone and look at everything that was going on, what was paid off, and what was left to be paid off. It was simple. I called and asked regarding one situation, but they were straight to the point and handled it with no issues. I now don't have to work two jobs.

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    Review featured by National Debt Relief
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed April 23, 2026

    Excellent customer service, well-experienced, and trained. They listen to my problems of my credit debt and I feel like I was in good hands. And I have told people about the company, and I know my situation will be taken care of no more debt.

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    Review featured by National Debt Relief
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    Customer ServiceStaffBilling

    Reviewed April 15, 2026

    I was pleased with the expediency of National Debt Relief in making settlements with my three credit cards. It took exactly a year, which was great that they made settlements with all of them. The enrollment process was lengthy, but needed to be known. They asked me about what my monthly pay was and then all my outgoing payments to see what I could afford to make the payment. At one point toward the end, I had some money in the bank, and I knew I wasn't going to need it because I only had one credit card left. What I had in the bank was more than what I needed. So, I asked them if they could discontinue pulling out my withdrawal, and they did. It was good.

    Every time I called National Debt Relief, the reps were very kind, respectful, and patient. They made a plan to pay off in monthly payments but I told them that I had the money in the bank and to just pay them off in one payment. They accommodated me because I wanted to get it done. So, they were very accommodating and pleasant. They congratulated me in an email. It was a wonderful experience. I'm very pleased with it.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffBilling

    Reviewed April 18, 2026

    My brother referred me to National Debt Relief. He looked up all of the companies and decided that National Debt Relief would be the best for me. The guy I talked to was very knowledgeable. He was very nice and considerate as well. We talked for a very long time before he signed me up and he explained everything in detail. It was a very pleasant conversation. They gave me an online site and I had difficulties navigating those websites, so I mostly relied on phone calls. I would call them when I had some questions and they would always answer me.

    I'm now paid off. I got out of that awful debt I got myself into and I've learned a great lesson from it. National Debt Relief made the process so much easier for me. If I knew somebody that needed them, I would definitely recommend them. Going that far in credit card debt without doing something about it, that was my biggest draw. I learned to stop overspending on the most part. I do not own a credit card now and I never will own a credit card again. I decided to put $100 a month aside in a debit card and use that for whatever I want. If I don't have money in it to buy what I want, I wait till I can build it back up. That's the only way I could figure out that I could buy what I want and still not take it out of the household money. I'm responsible for all these bills I got, so I need to be more smart about it.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffBillingEase of UseLoan Process

      Reviewed April 17, 2026

      National Debt Relief was easy to get into, easy to use, and if you got with the right customer service rep, they are knowledgeable. The application process was a little long and outdrawn, but it went smoothly. NDR contacted me and it took a couple of hours. Some of the reps were very helpful and knowledgeable while some of them weren't. Also, some of them were hard to understand on the phone. Their English wasn't the greatest. Some of them spoke super fast and I couldn't understand them so I had to tell them to slow down and repeat it, and they would get upset with me. But the ones I could understand and worked with me were very knowledgeable.

      Towards the very end of it right when the government shutdown happened in October, I called to see if I could stop payments for a month or two. The person I dealt with said, "Yeah, that's no problem." I figured it would be put on the back end of my loan. Right after I started paying it back, they said, "You owe us 600-some dollars." NDR didn't explain that well. And when I was paying it off, I made that a point on everything. But that was the only negative that I had about the whole thing. The person that helped me right at the very end was willing to work with me. I paid it off a year in advance. Go for it.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceRefunds & PayoutsStaffBilling

      Reviewed March 13, 2026

      I had a good experience with National Debt Relief. I just got my credit cards paid off. Every time I called, they answered my questions. They were very helpful whenever I needed something, or when I didn't understand or didn't understand what they were saying. They explained things to me, made things very clear, and it was very helpful. Overall, their customer support was good. I never had anyone being rude or disrespectful. If I didn't understand something, if I needed to explain what I thought they said to me, they let me say it and figure it out in my head. They were very patient with me.

      Working with NDR impacted my life because I was able to pay my credit card debt. A couple of ladies that I talked to were very nice. Once I paid everything off, she said, "I better not see your name on here again. I better not see your name on here no more." She congratulated me for graduating, and it was very nice. I have recommended NDR to other people. I'm glad that they worked it out with me to pay what I could pay. I just made sure I paid everything on time. I never missed a payment.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffBillingRates

      Reviewed March 1, 2026

      National Debt Relief has actually changed my life. I recently had to move unexpectedly. My bills were piling up due to the high interest rate. The timing of your call to me was absolutely a godsend. I was on the phone with Frank for probably two hours. He went over every single detail step-by-step! I’ve never been so impressed with a simple phone call that made so much sense to me enough to sign up with National Debt Relief to get my credit cards and bills in order. We worked out a monthly payment plan that was absolutely perfect for my payday schedule. I’m 100% confident that this will completely change my life.

      I’m a liver transplant. Patient and I have a lot to worry about just keeping myself alive let alone having to worry about paying off my debts before the end of my life, thank you again for having such a nice company and excellent customer service and the gentleman that helped me was an absolute genius and mathematician on the information he gave me. I also told him if he ever needed to make a commercial call me. I’ll be more than happy to represent your company. Thank you again. Suzanne.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceCoveragePunctuality & SpeedStaffBilling

      Reviewed Feb. 28, 2026

      I chose National Debt Relief to get rid of all my credit cards. That way, I could concentrate on my house bills. It was a high payment. I could barely make it with my household expenses. That was just for me in the house. I had two credit cards that lingered, a Target and a Premier Bankcard. That's why I went on. At first, it was, “Okay. This is what I see. This is the ones that I have that I can't pay.” NDR ran everything. They contacted everybody quickly. I was able to make a payment and send it to them, which helped. Every time I called to check how much longer I had, which ones fell off, and if I had any added on, NDR was always right on it. They never placed me on hold. They help me right then. I would call, and they would go over it. I would write it down. I would review it against what I saw in my bill book.

      I now don't have any worries. I just have household bills. I have my cashback credit card. And I have the very first credit card that I got a gazillion years ago. I was able to buy a new car because I didn't have the money to pay $5,500 to my old car. I'm now in a car that is just 10 years old. Insurance is low. And I don't even have my license plate yet for it. My payments to NDR ended not even two months ago. I have told a couple of people about NDR. It's easier. They do all the work. I don't have to worry about the payment. It just comes out. I just have to budget it into my expense account each month and know that amount will come out regardless right away.

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      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed May 13, 2026

      Troy ** is the person who helped me. He is very knowledgeable and has a really nice personality. He is definitely a people person. He answered all my questions, making me feel comfortable in making my decision to do debt relief.

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      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed May 13, 2026

      NDR is driven to provide a high level of service and get their clients debt free as expeditious as possible. They are labor focused in resolving their clients' debt situation. NDR keeps you well informed. They provide an excellent app tracking tool. When in contact they are courteous and professional.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed May 13, 2026

      Steve was great with answering and explaining the answers to all of my questions. Even when I would ask for further clarification. Answering them with more than one example. Even explaining those examples which he used to answer.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer Service

      Reviewed May 12, 2026

      So far we are satisfied with them. Just want the calls to stop. They say they eventually will. I am sure hoping that they leave us alone. My phone never stops. Will be thankful when everyone is finished calling especially Regional Finance.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed May 12, 2026

      I have had a great experience with NDR. They have been very successful in settling up my debt relief. I would definitely use them again, if I ever need them in the future. Thank you, NDR. I would refer them to other people who are experiencing the same issues I had.

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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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