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National Debt Relief Reviews for 2023

Home » National Debt Relief Reviews for 2023

National Debt Relief Review, by industry expert
Reviews: National Debt Relief – see cost and complaints

National debt relief reviews from reputable sources online were analyzed, including positive and negative reviews. In addition, we checked regulatory agencies for complaints about National Debt Relief and verified their accreditations and licenses. The following National Debt Relief review shares the insights we’ve collected about this company to help you evaluate if they are the right choice to help you get out of debt.

As one of the largest debt settlement companies in the nation, National Debt Relief helps those struggling with overwhelming debt find a solution without resorting to bankruptcy, consolidation loans, or high-interest fees. And statistically, over 340 million Americans have some form of debt. In addition, one study shows  58% of Americans admit to intentionally defaulting on payments (such as loans). 

National Debt Relief can help you pay off or reduce your debt for less than what you owe if you’re struggling with medical bills, credit card bills, or other debt forms. They offer a performance-based debt settlement program that only charges fees after settlements occur. Performance-based debt negotiation programs offer consumers peace of mind knowing the company needs to perform before they can collect their service fees. 

This review will explain the National Debt Relief program in detail, including its pros and cons. We’ll highlight the cost of National Debt Relief and illustrate the company’s credentials (including positive and negative reviews). 

Without further ado, let’s dive in! 

Review National Debt Relief (NDR) Program PROS:

  • One of the largest debt negotiation companies in the nation that is also A+ Rated and Accredited by the BBB.
  • They are strictly regulated, being a licensed debt settlement company, so you don’t have to worry about them going out of business or scamming you. 
  • Fees only get charged after results are achieved. You do not have to worry about paying fees and not getting results. 
  • Become debt-free in three years or less with National Debt Relief. Monthly payments can be lower than the minimum monthly payments that your creditors will offer you directly. However, keep in mind creditors don’t get paid every month with National Debt Relief.
  • National Debt Relief has excellent consumer reviews on BBB. Its average customer review rating is 4.65/5, based on close to 2,000 reviews as of September 2023. 
  • There are no credit score requirements to qualify for National Debt Relief.

Review National Debt Relief Program CONS:

  • National Debt Relief is not a law firm and doesn’t provide clients with attorney representation. This can be a downside if creditors issue a credit card summons to a client while on the program because in many cases attorney representation may be required to help the customer get the best possible outcome. Learn more about attorney debt settlement programs. 
  • As explained on its BBB profile page, government action has been filed against National Debt Relief for violating Minnesota laws concerning debt settlement services. 
  • Charges 25% of total debt enrolled. If you enroll $50,000 in credit card debt, your fees will cost $12,500.
  • The National Debt Relief program will result in late marks and collection accounts on your credit report that can remain for seven years and there is a chance of getting sued by creditors. 
  • Your debt will increase before it gets settled due to your accounts becoming past due and late fees and interest continuing to accrue. If you cancel before the program settles your debt you could end up in worse financial shape. 
  • Credit scores can drop significantly if you sign up for National Debt Relief while still current on monthly payments. Debt settlement is not recommended for consumers who have the income to remain current on monthly payments. To avoid hurting your credit score consider using a debt consolidation loan before resorting to debt settlement. 
  • Credit cards cannot be used again after being enrolled in National Debt Relief.

Who should use national debt relief?

Consumers who are behind on monthly payments or who expect to fall behind on monthly payments in the near term could consider debt settlement services.

Are you concerned with hurting your credit score? You should know that debt settlement will hurt your credit score. You must become delinquent on payments until accounts are charged off and sold to third-party collection companies before settling them.

To avoid a negative impact on credit scores, consider alternatives to National Debt Relief – Review credit counseling and debt consolidation options.

Consumer credit counseling will consolidate credit cards into one lower payment with reduced interest rates. Your creditors continue to get paid monthly, resulting in less of a negative impact on credit scores compared to a settlement program.

Debt consolidation loans can help you pay off debt faster, reducing interest rates and consolidating monthly payments into one. Consider using a free online marketplace to compare loan rates, such as Credible, or even peer-to-peer lending options, such as Prosper Financial.

Is National Debt Relief Legitimate?

National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company based in New York. It is a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and has certified debt arbitrators through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). As such, customers can trust that they will be protected from scams or fraud while working with the company.

When it comes to verifying the legitimacy of a debt relief provider, an important factor to check on is whether or not the company is licensed to do business in your state for the service they are offering. If they offer debt consolidation, they should be a licensed lender. Debt settlement companies need to maintain a debt settlement or debt management license in every state they operate. National Debt Relief is licensed, bonded and insured. The company also is a licensed lender; NMLS #1250950.

In addition, National Debt Relief has been BBB accredited since 2013 and has an A+ rating. It also has excellent ratings on several third-party independent review sites, such as TrustPilot, with 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 36,000 reviews.

About National Debt Relief

Legal Name: National Debt Relief LLC

Who Owns National Debt Relief? Alex Kleyner is the CEO and Co-founder

Industry: Financial Service

Address: 180 Maiden Lane, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10038, US

Website:https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/

Phone: +1-800-300-9550

Licensed? Yes, for debt settlement, and debt management

Where is National Debt Relief Available? National Debt Relief has its headquartered in New York. However, it only serves some states due to varying state regulations. 

Certifications and Accreditations: It has IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators) accreditations for all of its arbitrators. It also has an AFCC (American Fair Credit Council) membership.

What is National Debt Relief?

National Debt Relief is an expert in debt negotiation, helping consumers reduce their debt through settlements with third-party collection agencies. Keep in mind though, settlements won’t happen until accounts are with a third-party collection agency, usually after missing payments for 4-6 months.  

How does National Debt Relief Work?

National Debt Relief works by negotiating with third-party collection agencies on your behalf. National Debt Relief has customers make a single monthly payment into a special savings account, while creditors are past due. Eventually, the debts get sold to third-party collection agencies and creditors are more willing to settle. This program results in clients paying around 70-80% in total, including all fees, interest, and payments.

 If you’re ready to take control of your debt and reduce it by 30% after fees, National Debt Relief might be right for you. Reach out to the company for a free consultation and explain your situation. The company rep will explain all possible debt relief options. They will then create a customized, affordable payment plan in which you fund an account from which settlements are paid. 

To enroll in National Debt Relief’s program, you must:

  • Owe more than $10,000
  • Be able to make monthly payments into a settlement fund
  • Have defaulted for several months
  • Be experiencing a financial crisis with little hope for a reprieve soon

National Debt Relief works with customers who owe between $10,000 and $100,000 in unsecured debt, including personal loans, credit card debt, and medical bills. However, the company does not work with secured debts, such as mortgages or auto loans, or with certain types of unsecured debts, including IRS debt and federal student loans.

The company’s debt settlement program typically takes 24-48 months. During this time, customers make payments into a settlement fund, and National Debt Relief negotiates with collection agencies to reach agreements for reduced payoffs.

Here is how the debt settlement process works at National Debt Relief:

  1. Contact the company for a free consultation. Explain your situation and discover the available debt relief options at no obligation.
  2. National Debt Relief will then create an affordable plan customized for you, from the company’s wide range of products. 
  3. The company will reach out to your collection agencies to negotiate loan settlements, allowing you to get out of debt as quickly as 48 months. 
  4. One by one each of your debts will get negotiated down, settled and paid.

What Type of Accounts Qualify for the National Debt Relief Program?

National Debt Relief works with consumers with at least $10,000 and up to $100,000 in unsecured debt from personal loans. The debt settlement company also negotiates with major credit card issuers and banks daily to help reduce their clients’ debts. Types of accounts qualifying for the National Debt Relief program include:

  • Personal loans
  • Credit cards
  • Lines of credit 
  • Medical bills
  • Collections
  • Business debts
  • Repossessions
  • Certain student debts.

Is National Debt Relief Licensed?

National Debt Relief is fully licensed to offer debt relief and management services throughout the United States. To operate as a legal debt settlement company, National Debt Relief must obtain licenses in each state where it provides services and adhere to all state and federal laws governing the debt settlement industry. The company’s commitment to operating ethically and legally is demonstrated through the obtaining of its licenses, providing customers with the assurance that they are working with a reputable company.

Is National Debt Relief Accredited?

Yes, National Debt Relief is accredited by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). The AFCC is a trade association that represents the debt settlement industry and promotes ethical business practices and consumer protection. As an AFCC member, National Debt Relief is required to follow a strict code of conduct and adhere to the organization’s standards for fair and responsible debt settlement practices. Likewise, by having IAPDA-certified debt arbitrators on staff, National Debt Relief demonstrates its commitment to providing high-quality, professional debt settlement services to its customers.

National Debt Relief Program Pros

  • Easy to join, with no upfront fees 
  • Conducts a soft credit pull that won’t hurt your credit score. 
  • Solid reputation; BBB accredited with an A+ rating and  member of the American Fair Credit Council. 
  • The company offers free, no-obligation consultations. You only commit to paying their service fees after agreeing on a working solution.
  • Personalized payment plans according to individual situations. 
  • Many debt types can qualify for relief: credit cards, unsecured personal loans, certain student debts, medical bills, business debts, etc.
  • A single monthly payment to National Debt Relief, and if you have more than one lender, the debt relief company will negotiate and settle with them separately.
  • Reduced monthly payments, allowing you to plan your finances accordingly. 

National Debt Relief Cons

The drawbacks of the National Debt Relief program include:

  • It can hurt your credit. Since third-party collection agencies are motivated to settle a debt only as a last resort, your accounts’ payment status may already be late or will become past due as you make payments to the debt relief company. Debt settlement with National Relief and similar companies can cause your credit score to drop, but not as much as a bankruptcy. In addition, late marks and collections will go on your credit report.
  • Creditors are under no obligation to settle.
  • There is no guarantee on the settlement amount; you may receive a smaller discount than what you expected or no discount at all.
  • Potential to get sued. The longer you allow the debt to go unpaid, the greater the risk of being sued by creditors. 
  • Limited to certain kinds of debt: unsecured loans, business debts, certain student debts, collections, credit cards, and medical bills.  
  • It can take 24-48 months, which can be long for some people. 

Does National Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit?

National Debt Relief doesn’t ruin your credit. However, the debt settlement process can cause a small credit hit. A large part of the  programs involves ceasing payments to lenders. Debt settlement programs may negatively impact your credit score depending on your situation and whether you’ve already missed payments to the lender. 

Does the National Debt Relief Debt Settlement Program Work?

National Debt Relief has helped over 400,000 people get out of debt and has cleared over $1 billion of unsecured debt. The amount of money you can save with their debt settlement program will vary based on several factors and individual circumstances. However, most people save 30-50% off of the original debt amount. These savings are typically realized even after accounting for the debt settlement program fee. 

How Much Does National Debt Relief Cost?

National Debt Relief charges fees for its debt settlement services. The exact cost of the program will depend on the specifics of the customer’s financial situation and the amount of debt they seek to settle. In general, they charge  a percentage of the total amount of debt settled, with the percentage decreasing as more debts are settled. Customers should expect to pay fees of around 20-25% of the total debt settled. In addition to the percentage fee, National Debt Relief may also charge additional fees for certain services. Customers can expect to pay a one-time enrollment fee, as well as monthly fees for ongoing service.

It is important to note that while National Debt Relief’s fees may seem high, they are often significantly less than the total amount of debt that customers can settle through the program. Customers who complete the program can typically expect to reduce their enrolled debt by 30% after fees, which can result in significant savings compared to the original debt amount. Customers should carefully consider the costs and benefits of National Debt Relief’s program before enrolling.

Reviews on National Debt Relief at BBB

National Debt Relief has 4.59 out of 5 stars from over 1,580 customer reviews at the BBB. National Debt Relief is also A+ rated by the BBB. The common theme among the reviews on National Debt Relief at BBB include:

  • Professionalism and good customer service
  • Reliable services
  • Easy process.

There are 243 complaints against National Debt Relief listed at the BBB as of March 21st, 2023. There is also government action issued against the company. The details of the government action against the company include: “On 6/01/2021, National Debt Relief, LLC was ordered to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $5,000 to the State of Minnesota by the Minnesota Dept. of Commerce for violations of Minnesota Statutes concerning debt settlement services. The company also agreed to cease and desist from violating any laws, rules, or orders related to the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the Commissioner of Commerce under Minnesota Statute Chapters 332A, 332B, and 45.” Source: BBB, National Debt Relief, 03/21/2023

The common theme among the complaints about National Debt Relief include: 

  • Billing and collection issues – many of which  appear to be misunderstandings between the company and its customers, and have been resolved.
  • Problems with product/ service. 

Compare National Debt Relief vs. other similar companies in the industry.

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Is National Debt Relief BBB Accredited?

Yes, National Debt Relief is BBB accredited with an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau. BBB accreditation is a voluntary process that businesses can choose to go through to demonstrate their commitment to meeting certain standards of trust and transparency.  

Independent consumer review website Trustpilot gives National Debt Relief an excellent rating, with 4.7 out of 5 stars, and nearly 36,000 customer reviews. 

National Debt Relief Yelp Review

National Debt Relief has 1.5 out of 5 stars out of approximately 100 customer reviews on Yelp. This shows that National Debt Relief has received mixed reviews on Yelp, with some customers reporting positive experiences while others have had negative experiences. However, it is important to note that Yelp reviews can be subjective and may not necessarily reflect the overall quality of the company. 

How to Cancel National Debt Relief

To cancel your contract with National Debt Relief,

  1. Find the Notice of Cancelation form in the Debt Relief Agreement
  2. Sign and date the Cancelation Form 
  3. Fax the Cancellation Form to 1-866-460-5541. Alternatively, scan and email the cancellation form to service@nationaldebtrelief.com.
  4. Confirm your cancellation requests by calling the office at 888-660-7427. 

Is National Debt Relief Right for You?

National Debt Relief is a licensed, legitimate debt settlement company with over 400,000 satisfied customers and $1 billion of unsecured debt cleared. Though limited to certain debt types, National Debt Relief is a strong solution to help you manage your debt, especially if you’re behind payments on your unsecured debt.

Disclosure:

NoMoreCreditCards.com does its best to provide factual and truthful information aimed at helping the public by giving honest debt relief, settlement, and consolidation reviews. Always do your research, and do not rely solely on the information provided in this review. We are not responsible for the results of any program you choose to join. Check multiple sources for reviews, including your state’s AG office, FTC, and BBB. Reviews about National Debt Relief on Yelp and Reddit may also be helpful.  If you are an associate at National Debt Relief, please email us at Info@NoMoreCreditCards.com if you believe any of the information in this review needs to be revised. Provide proof of your claim, and corrections about National Debt Relief will be made to this review.

 

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