National Debt Relief review 2026

National Debt Relief (NDR) is a leading debt settlement company that's helped over 1.2 million people negotiate lower balances since its founding in 2009.

We like that NDR only asks clients to have $7,500 in unsecured debt to qualify, compared to some competitors who require $10,000. It also has a reputation for excellent customer service, with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and high user ratings on Trustpilot.

National Debt Relief tries to negotiate with your creditors to reduce the total amount you owe. It claims customers save an average of about 45% of their enrolled debt before paying its fees. To be eligible, you must have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt and already be behind on your payments.

Here's how it works:

• You'll receive a free consultation with one of NDR's specialists, who will review your options, conduct a soft credit inquiry and provide an estimate of how much you could save and how much NDR's services will likely cost.
• If you move forward, you will start depositing payments into an escrow account that NDR opens at a third-party bank. Based on the schedule you work out, payments may be bi-weekly, monthly or semi-monthly.
• NDR will then contact your creditors to negotiate settlements. According to the company, the first settlement offer usually comes four to six months after enrollment and clients who meet their obligations usually complete the program in 24 to 48 months.

Like most debt relief companies, National Debt Relief only works with unsecured debt, such as credit cards, personal loans, medical bills and private student loans. It cannot negotiate secured debts, like auto loans or mortgages, or help with tax debt.

In return for lowering your balances, National Debt Relief charges a settlement fee ranging from 15% to 25% of the debt you enrolled in the program. If you enrolled $20,000 of debt, your settlement fee could range from $3,000 to $5,000.

The percentage you ultimately pay on a settled debt is largely influenced by state regulations, as well as the amount of debt you owe, the age of the debt and other factors.

Clients must deposit funds in an escrow account that NDR uses to pay creditors. There is a one-time setup fee of $9 for your account and a monthly maintenance charge of $9.85.

Before signing up for a debt settlement service, consider the benefits and drawbacks.

National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company that has helped more than 1.2 million clients reduce their balances since 2009. It's a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution and has received positive customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs.

National Debt Relief also received an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, which bases its grades on public reviews and complaints, as well as other information it can obtain about a business.

Using any debt settlement service carries risks, including damage to your credit score and potential legal action by creditors who choose not to settle.

National Debt Relief vs. Americor

Both National Debt Relief and Americor receive positive customer reviews, operate in most (though not all) states and have a minimum debt requirement of $7,500.

NDR charges a settlement fee ranging from 15% to 25% of your total enrolled debt, while Americor states that its fee ranges from 14% to 29%.

Americor offers debt consolidation loans through an affiliated partner. If you successfully complete six months of your debt settlement program, you may qualify for a consolidation loan to pay off your creditors in one lump sum and improve your credit score faster.

National Debt Relief vs. Pacific Debt Relief

Pacific Debt Relief and National Debt Relief have similar fee structures and both receive praise from customers on Trustpilot.

Pacific Debt Relief reports its services are available in all states but Oregon, while NDR is currently not available in Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin.

The real difference may come down to how much you owe: Pacific Debt Relief has a $10,000 debt minimum for enrollment, compared to $7,500 with NDR.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to deliver high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make informed financial decisions. Every debt relief review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of debt settlement products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content independently of our commercial team and any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on maintaining high journalistic standards and ethics.

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