Dealing with overwhelming debt can feel hopeless, but there are options beyond bankruptcy or minimum monthly payments. One of the most well-known names in debt settlement is National Debt Relief (NDR)—a company that claims it can help reduce your total debt and get you back on your financial feet.
But is National Debt Relief legit? Does it really work? In this 2025 deep-dive review, we’ll explore how the program works, who it’s for, what it costs, and whether it’s the right solution for your financial situation.
What Is National Debt Relief?
National Debt Relief is a top-rated debt settlement company that helps consumers reduce unsecured debt—primarily credit card balances—by negotiating with creditors on their behalf. Founded in 2009, the company has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans settle more than $10 billion in debt.
It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating and is a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), which promotes ethical practices in the debt relief industry.
How National Debt Relief Works
National Debt Relief operates under a debt settlement model, which involves negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount owed.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
✅ Step 1: Free Consultation
You begin with a free, no-obligation phone consultation where a debt specialist reviews your financial situation and determines if you’re a good fit for the program.
💼 Step 2: Create a Personalized Plan
If you qualify, the company helps design a customized debt settlement plan, typically lasting 24–48 months, depending on your total debt and payment capability.
💳 Step 3: Stop Paying Creditors
You’ll stop making payments directly to creditors and instead make monthly deposits into a dedicated savings account that NDR controls.
📝 Step 4: Negotiation Begins
Once enough money accumulates, NDR negotiates with your creditors to settle debts for less than you owe—often 40–60% of the original amount.
💰 Step 5: Settle and Pay
When a settlement is reached, funds from your savings account are used to pay the creditor. You repeat the process until all enrolled debts are settled.
Types of Debt National Debt Relief Handles
National Debt Relief works with unsecured debts, such as:
- Credit card debt
- Personal loans
- Lines of credit
- Medical bills
- Business debts
- Certain private student loans
- Repossessions (non-auto)
⚠️ They do not handle: mortgages, auto loans, federal student loans, utility bills, or tax debt.
Who Qualifies for National Debt Relief?
You may qualify if you:
- Owe $7,500 or more in unsecured debt
- Are struggling to make monthly payments
- Have missed payments or are in collections
- Have a financial hardship (job loss, divorce, medical expenses, etc.)
If your credit is already damaged and you’re looking for a way out without filing bankruptcy, NDR could be a solid option.
National Debt Relief Fees
NDR operates on a “no upfront fee” model, meaning you only pay if they successfully settle your debt.
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Fees | $0 |
| Monthly Fees | $0 |
| Settlement Fees | 15%–25% of the enrolled debt (only after success) |
For example, if you enroll $20,000 in debt and NDR settles it for $12,000, you might pay around $3,000 in fees. That still brings your total repayment to $15,000—significantly less than the original debt.
National Debt Relief Reviews and Ratings
- Trustpilot: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 based on 30,000+ reviews)
- BBB Rating: A+ with thousands of positive reviews
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 on average
- Consumer Affairs: High satisfaction for service and support
Real Customer Testimonials:
“I was drowning in $35,000 of credit card debt. National Debt Relief helped me settle it for less than half. I finally feel in control again.” – James K.
“The process was clearly explained. The reps were kind, not judgmental. I paid off $18,000 in just two years.” – Monica T.
Pros and Cons of National Debt Relief
✅ Pros
- No upfront fees
- Reduces total amount owed (not just interest)
- Stops collection calls and harassment
- Transparent process with personal support
- Accredited by major industry groups
- Helps avoid bankruptcy
❌ Cons
- Only for unsecured debt
- Credit score may drop initially
- Not available in every state
- May be tax consequences on forgiven debt
- Requires discipline (no payments to creditors during program)
Is National Debt Relief Legit?
Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate and trustworthy company. It is:
- AFCC-accredited
- BBB-accredited with an A+ rating
- Operates under FTC guidelines
- Fully transparent with no upfront charges
They have helped hundreds of thousands of Americans resolve their debt safely and ethically.
National Debt Relief vs. Other Debt Solutions
| Debt Solution | Best For | Impact on Credit | Debt Reduction | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Debt Relief | $7,500+ unsecured debt | Negative short-term | 40–60% possible | 24–48 months |
| Debt Consolidation Loan | Good credit score | Neutral to positive | No reduction | 3–7 years |
| Credit Counseling | Budgeting help, small debts | Minimal impact | No reduction | Varies |
| Bankruptcy | Severe hardship | Major long-term impact | Significant (forced) | Immediate, 7–10 year impact |
How to Get Started with National Debt Relief
- Visit NationalDebtRelief.com
- Fill out the free consultation form
- Schedule a call with a debt specialist
- Discuss your options and potential monthly payment
- Enroll only if you feel confident in the plan
FAQs About National Debt Relief
❓ Does National Debt Relief affect your credit?
Yes, in the short term, your credit score may drop. However, settling your debts can lead to long-term credit recovery once debts are resolved.
❓ Is National Debt Relief free?
The consultation is free, and you only pay a fee after a successful settlement. No monthly or upfront costs.
❓ Will creditors stop calling?
Once enrolled, NDR handles communications and negotiations with your creditors, which reduces or stops collection calls.
❓ Is debt settlement the same as debt consolidation?
No. Debt settlement reduces the amount owed, while debt consolidation combines loans but doesn’t lower your total debt.
Final Verdict: Is National Debt Relief Worth It?
Yes—if you’re facing serious debt and need real relief.
National Debt Relief offers a legitimate, results-driven way to reduce unsecured debt without declaring bankruptcy. While it may negatively impact your credit in the short term, the program offers the long-term benefit of freedom from overwhelming debt.
With its no-upfront-fee model, personalized service, and strong reputation, NDR is one of the most trusted names in debt settlement today.
Ready to Regain Financial Freedom?
👉 Start with a FREE consultation at NationalDebtRelief.com
You could be debt-free in 24–48 months—and start fresh with your finances.