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National Debt Relief

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9.2

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: April 27th, 2026

National Debt Relief is one of the largest debt settlement companies in the nation. Its goal is to help clients re-establish financial stability and peace of mind in the least amount of time possible.

The company works hard to ensure a positive experience with proven results through education and individual customer care. It has a $7,500 minimum debt requirement.

National Debt Relief wants individuals to achieve freedom from financial debt by receiving debt reduction services and financial consultations so that they will stop drowning in debt and will continue to live debt-free.

Many debt relief customers frequently complain about always speaking to a different person every time they call in, causing some friction in the customer experience. Additionally, fees are relatively low (18 to 25 percent of total enrolled debt) but are slightly higher than the industry average.

The company has quite the record of settling debts between 30 to 50 percent less than what its clients owe.

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The Good

  • National Debt Relief Cost
  • Great Service and Settlement Program
  • Referrals For Debt Consolidation
  • Other Types of Debt
  • Industry Accreditations
  • Money-Back Guarantee
  • Availability
  • Additional Services

National Debt Relief Cost

Positive National Debt Relief reviews indicate that NDR has a low cost (18-25 percent of total debt) with no upfront fee, which is one of the reasons some customers love the company. National Debt Relief works with all unsecured debt and some cases of student loans. 

Many debt relief companies may not be able to help with student loan debt, so it's unique that National Debt Relief helps with this on a case-by-case basis.

If a customer enrolls $100,000 of debt in NDR's debt settlement program, the company can generally cut the debt by 50 percent, making your debt $50,000 instead of $100,000. If you add on the 18 to 25 percent cost for NDR's debt settlement services, you'll pay between $68,000 and $75,000.

Customers should be aware that cost is difficult to forecast because of the variables of each individual financial situation. To accurately measure cost, company employees must take into account the determination of the creditor, the customer's credit score, the amount of debt, and state laws governing percentages that can be charged.

Approximate cost is usually determined in a free, no-obligation consultation with a debt expert. By law, no debt settlement company can charge upfront fees. Instead, payment isn't required until after debt is settled. Most companies allow a monthly payment plan, as is the case with National Debt Relief.

Potential clients should take advantage of the free consultation to learn about specific cost information for their situation.

Great Service and Settlement Program

National Debt Relief offers great features including:

  • 18-25 percent fees (competitive within the industry)
  • Consultations with no fees attached
  • $7,500 minimum debt required (industry average)

Past National Debt Relief clients have indicated that they appreciate the transparency offered by the company, the speed of debt resolution, reasonable costs, and professional level of support. Additionally, some reviews from former National Debt Relief customers who had canceled their service mentioned receiving unexpected refunds.

One recent National Debt Relief review mentions that with the help of NDR, "two settlements have been reached which leaves only three more to go." NDR clearly offers an impressive settlement program for clients.

But how exactly does the National Debt Relief program work? The debt settlement program or settlement process is three-way; it involves the debtor (you), the settlement company, and the creditor or creditors.

With NDR, customers can expect to settle any type of unsecured debt (student loan debt, medical debt, credit card debt, etc.). Unsecured debt does not have any property attached to it as collateral (such as home loan debt or car loan debt).

It is important for customers to carefully monitor their credit score and credit report. Note that the nature of debt settlement will involve moderate to heavy penalties on your credit score.

Debt settlement companies generally have clients stop making payments so that the lenders become more willing to start debt negotiation. Stopping to make even minimum payments will affect your credit.

Instead, clients pay money into a savings account each month. The money in the account will be used in the settlement agreements with creditors. Once the debt is settled, the client's credit report will show that the debts were settled, not paid in full.

Many settlement companies, including National Debt Relief, do not provide credit repair or credit monitoring services.

Those considering a debt settlement program should be aware that loan forgiveness counts as taxable income. It's important to be prepared to pay taxes on forgiven debt when going through the process.

The challenge for the settlement company is to weigh the debtors present and future financial situation against the patience and requirements of the creditors. The fact that NDR is generally providing quality customer service while navigating the testy relationship between the creditors and debtors is significant.

Those with credit card debt, medical debt, and unsecured loan debt will find that NDR understands how to get ahead of creditors.

Referrals For Debt Consolidation

There are two debt solutions in the debt relief industry: debt settlement and debt consolidation. Sometimes a debt consolidation program is really a debt management program. In these programs, a debt counselor helps clients create a repayment plan and stick to it. A repayment plan may include a strategy like finding ways to save more money or increasing your monthly payment toward one or several debts to reduce the amount owed faster.

If National Debt Relief discovers that its settlement services aren't right for you, NDR will refer you to Liberty Lending for a debt consolidation loan.

The difference between a good debt settlement program and debt consolidation loans is that a consolidation loan will weigh less heavily on your credit report because you pay the debt in full while debt settlement will aim to settle your debts at a fraction of the total money owed (sometimes as low as 30 percent of your total enrolled debt).

For debt consolidation, the company puts all of your debts into one monthly payment and tries to negotiate lower interest rates with debtors, making it easier for you to track and pay your fees.

This tactic of handling debt is also referred to as a debt management plan or debt management program. These terms are more accurate because most consolidation companies help with debt management and do not offer consolidation loans to their clients. Debt management programs also offer clients counseling services which can help them avoid future debt problems and minimize unexpected financial hardship.

However, some people are in too much debt to use debt consolidation programs; this is the reason for debt settlement plans. If you decide to settle your debt instead of figuring out a payment plan, National Debt Relief is a good option.

The debt settlement fees from National Debt Relief (at 25 percent) are slightly higher than typical fees in the industry, but if the National Debt Relief program can get your fees down below 18 percent (a low among industry fees), you should consider using its debt settlement services.

In your search for the right debt management company, be sure to give lower fees a high priority. However, it is important to take into account how much NDR can lower the total debt from your creditors.

Creditors have been known to settle with debt settlement companies for around 30 percent of the total debt amount. To figure out how much this will cost the debtor total, you must add the company’s fees (around 18 percent) to the debt settlement amount (between 30 and 50 percent). This means the customer will likely pay around 50 to 70 percent of the total debt amount.

Because National Debt Relief refers clients whose financial situations are better suited to consolidation, potential clients can trust National Debt Relief to put their interests before its business interests.

Other Types of Debt

National Debt Relief focuses on helping customers in trouble with unsecured debt creditors, like credit card companies, but also some forms of debt as well, including private student loan debt, which is rare in this industry.

Many debt relief companies work solely with customers with unsecured debt. Additionally, the company claims to offer debt consolidation services (which do require higher credit scores), another rare occurrence in the debt relief industry.

Once NDR identifies a customer's type of debt and verifies that it can help with that specific problem, the customer will open a special savings account in their name. Instead of paying your creditors, you will deposit your money into this private savings account. These funds are then used to pay the settlement.

Industry Accreditations

Another great part about National Debt Relief's service is their industry accreditations with the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). National Debt Relief is also compliant with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

These accreditations help legitimize the organization and ensure debt settlement companies follow consumer-friendly best practices.

Money-Back Guarantee

A money-back guarantee is a must-have in the debt settlement industry. National Debt Relief offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Companies offer money-back guarantees and take preventative measures in order to lessen the risk you take.

The fact that debt relief companies rarely guarantee a time or price range for settlement negotiation makes customers a bit hesitant.

To combat this, most debt arbitrators will check your credit report and ask for income information in order to ensure more accurate rates.

Availability

National Debt Relief's debt settlement and debt consolidation services are available in 41 states and territories, a higher availability than most debt relief companies. The company is not available in Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, or West Virginia.

Additional Services

National Debt Relief provides additional services for those customers who would be better served by not using debt settlement. Some customers would prefer debt consolidation, bankruptcy, credit counseling, or simple financial education services. Of course, if one can get out of debt on their own, one should try to do so.

If a customer needs help deciding whether bankruptcy is a good option (and whether to file chapter 7 or chapter 13), National Debt Relief will counsel customers on the right path forward.

The company also provides extensive financial education services to help you stay on your feet after you get out of debt.

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The Bad

  • Short Time in Business
  • No Permanently Assigned Representative
  • Few Additional Services

Short Time in Business

One concern with National Debt Relief is that they have only been in business since 2009. While this is not a major problem, it is shorter than many competitors. For example, Freedom Debt Relief has been in business for over 20 years.

Additionally, the company has only been offering in-house debt settlement services since 2017, so you might not be able to deal with as many debt settlements experts at NDR as opposed to other debt settlement companies (the same goes for the company's debt consolidation services).

Usually, when customers approach the debt settlement program, it is with reluctance, poor credit scores, and few assets; this means that those with high credit card bills or medical bills are risking their credit scores on a company with lower experience than other debt relief companies.

However, those in risk of bankruptcy are still better off with NDR, as credit scores usually bounce back faster following debt settlement as opposed to the increase of credit score following bankruptcy.

No Permanently Assigned Representative

National Debt Relief does not have one representative assigned to each individual client's case. This can be frustrating for those who call in to talk about their situation with creditors or to view case information because they will often talk to a new representative each time.

Not every customer has the same type of debt or financial situation; one customer might have high student loan debt while another might have credit card debt. This can cost both the debt settlement company and the client time and cause frustration.

Independent of whether you have student loan or credit card debt, not having an assigned representative or a credit counselor can make the whole process harder to handle.

Because debt collectors are constantly harassing you, it's always good to have someone familiar to talk to about your situation. You are also more likely to get sincere customer service from companies that offer assigned reps. Every debt relief company should assign a personal rep.

Few Additional Services

The company's disclaimer states that it does not make payments to creditors, provide tax, bankruptcy, or legal advice. Some debt relief companies (both debt settlement and debt consolidation companies) provide such services in addition to the debt relief services offered. For example, if you are overwhelmed by secured debt, National Debt Relief's services may not be available to you.

Additionally, NDR does not offer credit repair services. Such financial and legal services can be extremely useful, as debt settlement will result in a lower credit score and has been known to prompt the occasional lawsuit against the debtor.

However the specialization in debt settlement is especially valuable for clients because it means that the company focuses its energy on offering quality negotiation services.

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The Bottom Line

There are many settlement companies to choose from. National Debt Relief is a good option for those looking to obtain relief from credit card debt and even student loans because it can negotiate a settlement that is 30 to 50 percent lower than the total debt owed. We encourage those who may benefit from this to take advantage of their free consultation. Be aware of the effects of the debt settlement process on your credit score and credit report. However, if you're considering filing for bankruptcy, debt settlement can be a good alternative.

The debt settlement company didn't start negotiating credit card, medical, or unsecured debt in-house until 2017 (this means NDR might not have as much debt experience as other settlement companies).

Customers with bad credit scores due to high credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured loans such as personal loans will find National Debt Relief helpful. Customers should note that a lower credit score is a likely outcome with settlement services and should carefully weigh the benefits of debt settlement with the negatives of a lower credit score.

Customers should know that National Debt Relief typically charges its clients 18 to 25 percent of the total amount of money owed for its settlement services. Before committing to National Debt Relief's debt solutions, customers should ask for specific cost information during their free consultation.

We recommend customers consider National Debt Relief as an alternative to bankruptcy because of its strong history of negotiating good settlements for its clients.

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Star Rating

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4.8

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4,097 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

83%

4 grade

10%

3 grade

3%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

3%

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Jeanne Fleming

They are an actual honest firm that helps people. They don’t scam you. They do what they say they’re going to do and they are lifesaver. I can’t recommend them enough if you’re in financial difficulty call them they help, truly help. I’m very grateful.

6 days ago

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Brenda Alvarado

I have had a great deal of relief,I started 2 months ago omg so worth it I never had a hard time paying my bills until I had to get another car!! It took me down!!! Didn't have enough to buy food I'm too old for the stress in and out of the hospital I owe 10,000 and thank God I made the call to these guys ,it took a great amount of relief off of me thank you I appreciate you guys so much!! Debt relief saved me I honestly mean that!!

1 week ago

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Rebecca Ackerman

They make me feel like I'm really being looked after because they let me decide what works for me. The first negotiation was recently made and for a tremendous amount taken off with plenty of my built up savings to help pay off the smaller amount. With their guidance I also learn ways of saving money better and budgeting with alternative offers for monthly payments and banks.

1 week ago

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James Firimonte

I’m new to this. Everything is going great so far, and I had a debt settlement that I approved. The NDR team is great in answering all your questions and or concerns. I just wish that I started long ago.

5 days ago

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Marissa Soto

From day one, National Debt Relief was understanding and supportive regarding my debt. They have shown compassion and made this process easy and secure. I couldn't ask for more!

1 week ago

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Tammy Griffin

I was in a place that I didn’t think I could ever get out of and National debt relief has been here from the start they go above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of . The customer service has been amazing and very professional. !

1 week ago

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Alma Phifer

I am very much pleased with the way National Debt Relief is helping me get out of debt. I have been enrolled in the program for a little over 6 months and they have made remarkable progress with my debt relief. I have already received settlement from one of my creditors. I appreciate the help I am receiving

1 week ago

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Lynette Bingham

The relief I have experienced is priceless. Knowing that someone "has my back" has helped so much! There is light at the end of the tunnel! The service we've received is friendly, professional and non- judgemental. Thank you National Debt Relief!!

1 week ago

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Lisa M.

I cannot say enough good things about this company! I was referred by a friend, and I made the phone call that very day. Super helpful customer service, and Fernando was the kindest soul answering all my questions so patiently. Fast forward two weeks, and I have already had my first debt settled! I’ve spoken with Fernando a few times and emailed with him and spoken to Kevin once. Could not ask for better customer service from a company. Don’t be afraid - make the call today and start your journey to being debt free!

2 weeks ago

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Rigoberto Pupo

Los agentes de national debt relief son muy amables y me han explicado paso a paso todo el proceso para lograr liberarme de mis dudas, muchas gracias.

6 days ago

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Melissa Huska

This company is amazing. I’m fairly new, but the customer service every time is the best! Very quick and knowledge and helpful and puts my mind at ease!

1 week ago

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Christopher J Kelly

What's not to like ...... Always there to call Never any confusion or mis info If I could have pd more would have been quicker ....... That's it mostly the time ..... On me ..... Love these folks all good people

1 week ago Edited April 20, 2026

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Royal Butterfly

National Debt Relief went to work right away to resolve my debt. In two weeks, I received an offer. I am glad I chose this company to assist me handling my creditors. I don't think they would have settled so quickly.

1 week ago

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Pamela Duran

They work hard to get all creditors to agree to a settlement offer. They managed to all but 3 of them to settle immediately. The rest took a bit longer but in the end they also agreed to the settlement offer.

1 week ago

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Mike Hurder

Despite all my angst and complaints and finger-pointing, NDR's Success team stood with me, tookit on the chin, and eventually, when I let them, showed me I was wrong. I've been with NDR for less than a month. They've already made a deal with one creditor. Color me satisfied.

2 weeks ago

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Izabel Anguiano Las Cruces, New Mexico

El mejor servicio vía telefónica, los operadores siempre son muy serviciales, agradables, responden a todas mis dudas y explican súper bien todo

1 day ago

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Tyson Ledgerwood Tempe, Arizona

They helped organize and set up a settlement schedule to not just pay down debt but settle with the vendors to get the best rate to settle.

3 days ago

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Donna Salim

They are very easy to work with and answer your questions at any time. They keep you up to date on everything! A very reputable company to work with!

1 week ago

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Augustus Lonardi

I finally decided to go with National Debt Relief and I am very glad. Within two weeks they have already settled one of my credit card debts. The settled amount was excellent!

2 weeks ago

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Kristie Daniels

National Debt Relief is really doing a great wonderful job with getting things in order. Customer service representatives are very polite, respectful, patient and very informative. 5 stars from me

3 weeks ago

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PeggyA Winegarden

They helped get my total debt down and made it easier to afford the payment. I have already got a better deal than I had with JG Wentworth. I am so glad I have National Debt Relief helping me. Thank you National for such quick and affordable service.

1 month ago

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Bitsy

I have only been with National Debt Relief for 2 months and they have done so much more than the other company did in 9 months. They handle all accounts efficiently and have already settled with one. They keep in touch with me and are easily contacted. If you are looking for help this is the company to choose.

1 month ago

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George Henry

I had the pleasure of speaking with Leanna a few days ago, and I was about to cancel my account with NDR because my monthly payment was just too high for me. She worked with me and lowered my payment to a reasonable amount. I'm retired and living on 1 check a month. She was GREAT!!! Thanks Leanna.

1 month ago

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Judy Jones

I am very pleased in the handling of my account with National Debt Relief. They have lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, my first debt has been accepted for payoff so I am excited about getting resolution to my debt problem. They are doing a great job and I feel very secure working with them.

1 month ago

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Terri Bowman

I like the fact that's it's costing me way less to settle my financial crisis to go through you. But I am confused about a recent settlement agreement that was a little more than an agreement I had already made with the same place a couple months ago or so????

1 month ago

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Celeste

I'm very satisfied so far with my accomplishments. National Debt Relief help me got my bills payment lower and negotiate in my behalf. When I wasn't able to make a payment that following month do to my employment changes they work with me. I can continue, with all that saying; I only have good things to say and I highly recommend NDR

1 month ago

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Cynthia guillory

I like that you are a great company that helps people like me manage and get out of debt. My early retirement due to myself and husband cause a lost of income. Unable to meet all our debt living on Social Security. What I did not like was an upper management introducing me to a loan company. I did not feel it was to my best interest to move over laterally because you do business with them. I declined the offer.

2 months ago

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Darlyne Petrovit

I didn’t think there was any end in sight with my high interest credit cards and my high debt and I seen an ad for national debt relief and decided to make a phone call and I’m here to tell you that was the best phone call I’ve ever made in my life in 2 1/2 years. I will be debt free and I am looking forward to that so much thank you for all of your help and getting me into this program, I recommend recommended to anyone.

2 months ago

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Amy Chismarick Tampa, Florida

Didn't have me feeling embarrassed and very polite and friendly and seems decent for contacting debt companies.

3 days ago

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Leza Turner

What I really liked and appreciated was the above and beyond customer service and help that I have received.

4 days ago

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Terri Hill

They stay in contact with you and work quickly to obtain settlements. They explain the program very well.

5 days ago

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Sonia Van Welde

Excellent customer service with everyone I spoke with and they found a perfect solution to fit my financial situation.

5 days ago

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Jolene

I like the way the debts are slowly getting resolved. The customer service reps have been nice and answered my questions when I have spoke to them.

1 week ago

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Sharon L

They were happy to help me. Reduced one of my bills by over 4000.00 dollars. Still waiting on my other two. Every bit helps and they helped me out of a difficult situation.

2 weeks ago

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Micki Watson

Each customer service representative i have spoken with wants to make sure I have an understanding of my next steps in the program. I really appreciate that.

3 weeks ago

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Constance Greenfield

I really appreciate the help it means so much to you he was very caring about helping me with my debt, I am very happy about it, thank you for your amazing support

4 weeks ago

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Paul Nielsen

All of the representatives are very easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and thorough with their help. It makes the whole process super easy when you have such great people willing to help you.

1 month ago

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Ryanleslie Woods

The whole process was explained very comprehensive, which then made it easier to trust National Debt Relief and their partners. I'm already getting credit card balances cleared up. It feels great to know they have your back.

1 month ago

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Debra Gotchet

This National Debt Relief program is amazing. Chris G. did my intake and was smart and a whip and extremely knowledgeable. He was able to answer all my questions. I started my journey with them on February 4th. The have already settled one of my debts. Settling for 60% less than what I owed. I highly recommend them if your inn need.

2 months ago

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Larry Heard

National debt relief is the best I'm very impress on how fast they resolve one of my debt so soon I am very excited and this company is like A1 status in my book so if you looking for a place to help you get rid of debt national debt relief is the place hands down thank you 😁

2 months ago

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Gerald Mack

I like the fact that they can eliminate a nice percentage of the overall debt. What I don't like is the every other week withdrawal because every few months I get hit with 3 payments in a month which really cuts me short for that month financially.

2 months ago

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Libby Shults

Even though I've just started on my journey, I'm extremely excited for two settlements already. I'm totally satisfied with my results so far and absolutely recommend this to anyone struggling with debt. I feel like I can finally breathe.

2 months ago

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Erica Roberts

I was drowning in debt, and they were amazing at helping me find a solution to pay off my debt without filing for bankruptcy. I feel like I can breathe again with a manageable monthly payment compared to what I was paying to all of my creditors.

2 months ago

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Sharon Ridlon

It's a shame to have to do this but better than bankruptcy. It tarnishes your credit for a bit but leaves you with the ability to rebuild it when it's done. Also to survive better and know you tried to repay some of what's owed making a better trusting future. Like most I wish it could be done faster but knowing the better outcome helps to get through it all. They handle all of it with any help needed and creates a better outcome to your needs during the process. I have 3yrs 8mo's to pay which is so much better than 13 or more yrs without help.

3 months ago

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Tracy Keller

I started with National Debt Relief over a year ago. At that time, I felt beaten and without hope. They have been diligently working with me and encouraging me to not give up. Thanks to National Debt Relief, they have helped me to SETTLE two accounts already! Thank you National Debt Relief for your continued support and encouragement. I would recommend National Debt Relief to ANYONE in my situation, that feels hopeless. They are always there for me. I'm glad I had the courage to contact them for help!!!

3 months ago

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Debbie Egitto

I made the first contact with NDR. They did not solicit their services to me. The initial meeting was very informative and let me exactly what to expect. They have done an excellent job of negotiating a payoff amount and setting up payment arrangements. They take a specific amount of money from my bank account with my authorization each pay. As it accumulates they call the debtor and negotiate a payment plan and a decrease in the amount owed. So far, I am very pleased with the information I receive and the service I get.

3 months ago

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Donella Kenyon

With national debt relief, I have been able to just work. And live my life freely with no anxiety. And no stress, I have to say, thank you. So much for everything you guys have done for me. And is doing for me, it has been a great pleasure. Being your customer and I just want to say that in the future. If I ever need this kind of help again I definitely will be calling you again if anyone is ever in their lives where they just feel so overwhelmed. And so burdened about life itself, I hope that they reach out to you guys too. Thank you for allowing me to live life. Stress-free.

3 months ago

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Kylee Ochoa

I was on the fence about filing for bankruptcy until I found NDR. Their program is so affordable and their customer service is amazing. They were able to get me a monthly payment that I could afford and they have started making settlements with several of my creditors. My credit was like 250 and it had been gradually moving up only being 6 months into the program.

3 months ago

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Regina Boyd Budd, Illinois

They are good. I didn't understand what to expect but, they helped me to understand. Helped alot!

1 day ago

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mammakhan2@yahoo.com Palmdale, California

I'm not a 100% sure . I have bill collectors still calling & my credit scores are still dropping

4 days ago