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National Debt Relief

Debt Relief You Deserve

National Debt Relief helps consumers resolve unsecured debt within 24 to 48 months.

Allison Martin

Written by  Allison Martin   Banks

Chase Clements

Edited by  Chase Clements   McClatchy Commerce

Published on May 30, 2024. Updated August 13, 2024

7 min. read

Year established

CEO

Headquarters

2009

Alex Kleyner

New York City, NY (financial district)

Year established

2009

CEO

Alex Kleyner

Headquarters

New York City, NY (financial district)

Details

Clients served

More than 500,000

Covered debts

Unsecured only and select student loans

Services

Debt counseling, debt settlement

Professional affiliations

American Association for Debt Resolution, US Chamber of Commerce

Timeline

24 to 48 months

BBB-accredited

Yes; A+ rating

Does consumer debt saddle you down? If you’ve tried paying down those pesky balances on your own but haven’t had much luck, don’t throw in the towel just yet. The team of experienced professionals at National Debt Relief may be able to assist through a program designed to help you eliminate your debt for much less than you owe in as soon as 24 to 48 months.

About National Debt Relief

Established in 2008, National Debt Relief is a leading provider of debt relief solutions nationwide. To date, the firm has helped more than 100,000 families escape debt bondage and get back on track financially.

National Debt Relief is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and boasts an A+ rating. It is also a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution and the US Chamber of Commerce.

What Kind of Debts Can National Debt Relief Help You With?

Not all debts are eligible for assistance through National Debt Relief – only unsecured debts can be included in a program. Here’s a detailed list:

  • Bank loans, installment loans and other personal loans
  • Business debts (tied to closed entities)
  • Collection accounts associated with bank-related fees
  • Credit cards (including major credit cards, gas cards and department store cards)
  • Deficiency balances associated with repossessions
  • Lines of credit
  • Medical bills
  • Judgments exceeding six months (with adequate documentation)
  • Delinquent veterinary bills
  • Past-due cell phone accounts
  • Rental balances (for rentals you no longer occupy)

Student loans are handled on a case-by-case basis. So, you’ll need to inquire to determine their eligibility for inclusion into a debt relief program.

Services Provided by National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief specializes in providing customized debt relief solutions to its customers.

Debt Counseling

When you reach out for help, a member of the team will assess your debt load and credit profile and get a feel for your financial situation. Based on their findings, they will recommend the best course of action, which could be enrolling in its debt relief program. More on this shortly.

Settlement Services

National Debt Relief specializes in debt settlement services through its signature debt relief program. The team works with your creditors to reach settlement offers that allow you to pay off your debt for far less than you owe in a fraction of the time that you’d spend resolving it on your own.

The Process of Working with National Debt Relief

If you decide to work with National Debt Relief, here’s what to expect.

Client Consultation

The first step of the process is a free consultation with a representative from National Debt Relief to discuss your situation. You’ll provide details about your debt load, income, and financial background that will be used to determine if debt settlement makes sense for you.

Debt Analysis

If you decide to move forward, National Debt Relief will examine your debts more closely to identify those eligible for inclusion in the program. A team member will review your finances again to determine how much you can comfortably afford to allocate to monthly debt payments.

Debt Plan and Resolution

The final step is to enroll in a debt relief program. It’s free to start, and you’ll begin making the agreed-upon monthly payments into a Dedicated Account. Once it reaches a certain amount, National Debt Relief will begin reaching out to your creditors to negotiate settlement offers.

National Debt Relief pays the creditor directly from the Dedicated Account each time a resolution is reached. It also collects between 15 and 25 percent of the total enrolled debt to compensate for services rendered.

The Pros and Cons of Using National Debt Relief

Working with National Debt Relief can help you achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later. However, there are major drawbacks to consider before moving forward.

The Pros of National Debt Relief

  • Reduced debt load: If the team successfully negotiates settlements with your creditors, you’ll reduce your debt load and save a sizable amount in interest.
  • Accelerated debt payoff: National Debt Relief aims to help you get out of debt sooner than you would by making minimum monthly payments.
  • One monthly payment: Instead of paying your creditors directly, you’ll make a single, affordable payment into a Dedicated Account each month.

The Cons of National Debt Relief

  • Limitations and fees: National Debt Relief can only negotiate unsecured debts, and you’ll pay fees as settlement offers are reached.
  • Negative credit score impact: Creditors are more likely to entertain settlement offers on delinquent accounts, but failing to make payments also means your credit score will suffer.
  • No guarantees: Creditors aren’t obligated to accept settlement offers, so unsuccessful negotiation attempts could mean more bad news for your credit and overall financial health.

What Are Reviews Saying About National Debt Relief?

  • BBB-rating: A+
  • Trustpilot rating: 4.7/5
  • National Debt Relief: 4.9/5

“I’m a new customer and I’ve had a really good experience with National Debt Relief so far. I give them an A+ because they got me into low monthly payments I can afford.”

– BBB review by Mark B.

“I was surprised at how quickly National Debt Relief got to work on my debt. I was overwhelmed by all my bills, and my husband was facing serious medical challenges. I called because I was having a tough time making ends meet, and they were polite and helpful. They’ve taken two accounts off my hands so far and are working on more on my behalf. Thanks for your help, National Debt Relief.”

– Trustpilot review by Cynthia L.

“I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the representatives at National Debt Relief. They were all upbeat, honest, and communicated effectively on the phone and by email. I definitely recommend the services to anyone struggling to get out of debt.”

– ConsumerAffairs review by Eric

Comparing National Debt Relief to Competitors

A quick online search of debt relief companies often leads to a simple conclusion – there are many to choose from. So, how do you know which is best, and how does National Debt Relief stack up against the competition?

For starters, the debt relief company boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and it’s accredited, which means you can have some peace of mind knowing it’s a reputable entity. Not all competitors can say that they are as highly ranked, even if leadership has gone the extra mile to secure BBB accreditation.

National Debt Relief is a bit light on the services offered end, though. You’ll find debt counseling and debt settlement in its arsenal, but debt management plans and bankruptcy counseling aren’t featured. These are services highly sought after by distressed consumers saddled down by debt.

Regarding its fees, National Debt Relief charges between 15 and 25 percent of the total enrolled amount as settlement offers are reached. This range is on par with what you’ll find in the industry, although other debt relief companies could charge slightly less or a bit more.

How National Debt Relief Stands Out

National Debt Relief prides itself on transparency. You won’t be left in the dark about what the firm offers, eligibility guidelines or what fees to expect. This information is all outlined on the frequently asked questions page, and there’s a toll-free number to call if you need additional information.

Customer satisfaction is another selling point. As many of the online reviews indicate, past and current clients have been more than pleased with the results achieved when working with National Debt Relief.

The absence of upfront fees is also a plus of doing business with National Debt Relief. You can consult with a team member and discuss your financial situation without forking over a dime of your hard-earned money. Should you decide to enroll in the debt relief program, you won’t pay until the debts are settled.

Even better, there is only one out-of-pocket expense while enrolled in the program—the monthly payments made to the Dedicated Account.

What You Should Know Before Choosing National Debt Relief

To recap the specifics of working with National Debt Relief, here’s what you should know:

  • Fees: As previously mentioned, when balances are settled, you’ll pay a fee between 15 percent and 25 percent of your total enrolled debt.
  • Eligibility: Only unsecured debts can be a part of the debt relief program, and you’ll generally need at least $7,500 to be eligible for a plan.
  • Credit impact: Missed payments will affect your credit score, and your credit cards will typically be closed.
  • Potential cost savings: Most clients save roughly 50 percent (minus debt settlement fees) on their outstanding balances.
  • Timeline: The average customer completes the program in 24 to 48 months, but your timeline could vary depending on your situation.
  • Tax consequences: If more than $600 in debt is forgiven, you’ll receive a 1099-C form that must be disclosed on your tax return.

How to Get Started with National Debt Relief

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of National Debt Relief and decided it was the best move to begin resolving your debts, it’s time to move forward. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how to do so:

  • Step 1. Request a free consultation. Contact NDR for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your debt situation to ensure the program is the right fit for you.
  • Step 2: Share the details. Write down the specifics of the unsecured debts you wish to enroll in the debt management program.
  • Step 3: Receive a personalized plan. Work with a National Debt Relief team member to create a plan tailored to your unique needs and financial goals.
  • Step 4: Enroll in the debt relief program. Finalize the plan details and enroll by setting up an FDIC-insured Dedicated account.
  • Step 5: Start making monthly payments. Make the agreed-upon monthly deposit to the Dedicated Account.
  • Step 6: Begin negotiations. As the funds in the Dedicated Account accumulate, National Debt Relief will begin negotiations with your creditors.
  • Step 7: Settle your debts. If you agree with the settlement offers, National Debt Relief uses funds from your Dedicated Account to pay the creditors directly. You are also charged a fee for their services from this same account.

FAQs About National Debt Relief

Is The National Debt Relief Program Legitimate?

National Debt Relief is a key player in the debt settlement industry. It’s accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. The firm also holds memberships with the American Association for Debt Resolution and the US Chamber of Commerce.
Regarding the debt settlement program, positive reviews throughout the web indicate high levels of success and satisfaction amongst past and current customers. It’s worth doing your research before moving forward, though, to ensure it’s a good fit for you.

What Is the Downside of National Debt Relief?

There are a few key drawbacks of debt settlement through National Debt Relief. You’ll pay a fee for its services as debts are settled, and there are no guarantees you’ll get the results you want, as creditors aren’t obligated to negotiate. Furthermore, your credit score will take a hit when you stop making payments to creditors. And if more than $600 is forgiven, it must be reported on your federal return at tax time.

Is It a Good Idea to Get Debt Relief?

It depends on your unique financial situation.
Debt relief may be a good idea if you’re struggling with substantial unsecured debt and seeking an alternative to bankruptcy. National Debt Relief offers a way to potentially lower the total amount of debt you owe. That said, you must weigh the benefits against the impact on your credit score and financial health to determine if this approach is ideal or if you should explore alternatives to resolve your debt.

Allison Martin

Allison Martin

Author Banks

Allison Martin is a personal finance enthusiast and a passionate entrepreneur. With over a decade of experience, Allison has made a name for herself as a syndicated financial writer. Her articles are published in leading publications, like Banks.com, Bankrate, The Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, and Investopedia.

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