National Debt Relief (www.nationaldebtrelief.com) is one of the largest and most recognized debt relief companies in the U.S. They offer debt settlement services to help consumers negotiate their unsecured debts, particularly credit card balances, personal loans, and medical bills. National Debt Relief has a solid reputation overall, but it’s not the best choice for everyone… especially if you’re looking for a provider with no upfront fees or more personalized customer service.
#1 Rated Debt Relief Company in 2025?Looking for the #1 Rated Debt Relief & Settlement Company in 2025? Before you make your decision, we strongly recommend reading our review of New Era Debt Solutions. With no upfront fees and stellar customer feedback, it remains our top pick this year.
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Company’s Snapshot
- Official Name: National Debt Relief, LLC
- Official Website: www.nationaldebtrelief.com
- Phone: (888) 979-9765
- Headquarters: 180 Maiden Lane, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10038
- Service Available in: All states except CT, OR, VT, WA, and West Virginia
- Founded: 2009
Legitimacy, Ratings & Reviews
National Debt Relief is a well-established, legitimate debt settlement provider. It’s a member of the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).
- BBB Rating: A+ (4.75/5 – 4,548 reviews)
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 (9,112 reviews)
- TrustPilot Reviews: 4.8/5 (31,000+ reviews)
- Certifications: AFCC, IAPDA
- Combined Reviews: 44,660+
- Average Rating: 4.72/5
National Debt Relief has thousands of great reviews across multiple platforms. Still, based on our analysis, New Era Debt Solutions scored higher in customer service, transparency, and personalized support. They’re also one of the few top-rated providers that charge no upfront fees.
Services Offered by National Debt Relief
- Debt Settlement: The core service: negotiating to reduce the amount owed on unsecured debts.
- Debt Consolidation Guidance: Referrals to consolidation loan partners (note: they do not issue loans themselves).
- Credit Counseling: Basic education and budgeting support offered to some clients.
- Debt Management Advice: Advice on how to avoid future debt cycles and rebuild financial habits.
Pros 👍:
- High Satisfaction Ratings: Over 30,000 5-star reviews on TrustPilot alone.
- No Upfront Fees: Fees are only charged after debts are successfully settled.
- Wide Reach: Available in nearly all states (with a few exceptions).
- Large, Reputable Brand: One of the most established names in the industry.
Cons 👎:
- Not the Cheapest: Their fees range from 15% to 25%, which is industry standard but not the lowest.
- May Recommend Loans: Some users report being referred to high-interest consolidation loans, not ideal for consumers in financial distress.
- Less Personalized Service: As a larger company, customer service may feel less personal than smaller firms like New Era.
Debt Types They Can Help With
According to their website, National Debt Relief helps with the following types of unsecured debt:
- Credit Card Debt
- Medical Bills
- Personal Loans
- Lines of Credit
- Collections and Charge-Offs
- Business Debts (if personally guaranteed)
- Certain Private Student Loans
They do not help with mortgages, auto loans, utility bills, federal student loans, or tax debt.
Final Thoughts
National Debt Relief is one of the most trusted names in the debt relief industry and has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans reduce or eliminate unsecured debt. But if you’re looking for a smaller, more personalized firm with the highest client satisfaction, and no upfront fees, then New Era Debt Solutions is our #1 choice in 2025.
👉 See if you qualify with New Era 👉 Read Our New Era Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About National Debt Relief
1. Is National Debt Relief legit?
Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate company and one of the largest debt settlement providers in the U.S. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (A+ rating) and are members of both the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). With over 30,000 5-star reviews on TrustPilot, they’ve built a strong track record of helping clients settle debt successfully.
2. What types of debt can National Debt Relief help with?
They specialize in unsecured debts, which means they can help with:
- Credit card debt
- Medical bills
- Personal loans
- Collections and charge-offs
- Lines of credit
- Some private student loans
- Business debts (if personally guaranteed)
They do not handle secured debts like mortgages or auto loans, nor can they assist with federal student loans or tax debt.
3. Does National Debt Relief charge any upfront fees?
No. Like other reputable companies, National Debt Relief only charges a fee once a settlement has been reached and accepted by you. This is in compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. Their fees typically range from 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt amount, which is standard in the industry.
4. Will enrolling affect my credit score?
Yes, it might,but not forever. Debt settlement typically requires you to stop making payments on your enrolled debts, which can lead to delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus. This can lower your credit score in the short term. That said, once your debts are settled and paid, many clients begin rebuilding their credit over time. If you’re current on payments and want to protect your score, consider a DMP (Debt Management Plan) instead.
5. How long does the debt settlement process take with National Debt Relief?
Most people complete the program within 24 to 48 months. Your timeline depends on your total enrolled debt, how much you can pay into your settlement account each month, and how quickly creditors agree to settle. A rep will give you a custom estimate during your free consultation.
6. What happens if a creditor refuses to settle?
Most major creditors are open to settlement, especially if you’ve already fallen behind on payments. However, it’s true that some creditors may initially resist. In those cases, National’s negotiators will continue communicating and may revisit offers over time. You always have the option to remove any debt from the program if you’re unhappy with the progress.
7. Can I still use my credit cards during the program?
No. All enrolled credit card accounts are closed once you start the program. This helps prevent you from taking on new debt while trying to settle old ones. You may keep one credit card (not enrolled in the program) for emergencies or travel, but you must use it responsibly.
8. Do they offer debt consolidation loans?
Not directly. National Debt Relief is not a lender and does not issue personal loans. However, some clients may be referred to third-party loan providers as an alternative solution. Be cautious: consolidation loans can be useful in some cases, but only if you qualify for a low interest rate. If your credit score is low, the loan terms might not be favorable.
9. How do I qualify for National Debt Relief?
You’ll generally need:
- At least $7,500 to $10,000 in unsecured debt
- Two or more accounts in delinquency or hardship
- The ability to make monthly deposits into a settlement account
Their specialists will evaluate your situation during a free consultation to determine if you’re a good fit.
10. What if I change my mind or can’t finish the program?
You can cancel at any time. There are no cancellation fees, and you won’t owe any settlement fees if no settlements were reached. If you stop making monthly deposits, creditors may resume collections, so it’s best to speak with a counselor before exiting.
11. Can I negotiate with creditors myself instead of using National?
Yes, absolutely. DIY debt settlement is possible, and many people have done it successfully. However, it requires time, negotiation skills, and emotional resilience. Hiring a professional like National Debt Relief can often result in faster settlements and larger reductions, plus you won’t have to deal with creditor calls or legal threats directly.
12. Is National Debt Relief better than a nonprofit credit counseling agency?
It depends on your situation. Nonprofit agencies (like Trinity or ACCC) usually offer Debt Management Plans, which don’t reduce your debt but can lower interest rates. National, on the other hand, negotiates to reduce the total principal you owe. If you’re current on payments, a nonprofit may be better. But if you’re already behind, National or New Era Debt Solutions might provide faster, deeper relief.
Amine is an entrepreneur, investor and financial writer that covers the US economy, inflation, alternative investments, cryptocurrencies and more. He has been involved in the space for over a decade.
