Debt Relief review

National Debt Relief review

Name: National Debt Relief review
Item: National Debt Relief
Rating: 9
Author: ChoosyOwl

Best for a published fee cap

New York-based debt settlement company that caps its fee as a share of enrolled debt. People with large unsecured balances who want a settlement company that caps its fee and publishes detailed disclosures. We rank it #2 of 8 in our debt relief comparison, with an editorial score of 9.0 out of 10.

Updated November 14, 2026By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank

9.0/10

Our editorial score

National Debt Relief scores well on Fee transparency because it publishes a fee cap as a share of enrolled debt and says it charges nothing until a debt is settled, and well on Consumer protections & disclosures for its detailed savings disclaimers and ACDR and IAPDA memberships. It scores slightly lower on Program terms & eligibility because its site does not spell out a minimum debt amount.

How we score debt relief

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Debt relief disclosure.

We are not a lender, not a debt relief company and not a law firm, and nothing on this page is legal, tax or financial advice. We do not negotiate debts, hold funds or enroll anyone in a program.

Results are not guaranteed. Creditors are not required to settle, not every debt can be enrolled, and many people do not complete settlement programs. No company can promise a specific reduction or timeline.

Debt settlement companies charge fees, typically a percentage of the enrolled debt or of the amount saved. Under the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule, companies that sell settlement services by phone cannot collect a fee until they have settled at least one of your debts and you have made at least one payment under that settlement. Ask for every fee in writing before you sign.

Stopping payments to your creditors, as most settlement programs require, will likely damage your credit score and can lead to late fees, added interest, collection activity and lawsuits. Forgiven or cancelled debt may be taxable income, so talk to a tax professional. Alternatives include nonprofit credit counseling, a debt consolidation loan and talking to a bankruptcy attorney.

Quick facts

Our rank#2 of 8

Best forBest for a published fee cap

Fees (as published)Up to 25% of enrolled debt, varies by state (as published on its site, Nov 2026)

Program lengthTypically 24-48 months (per its site)

Industry membershipsACDR member, IAPDA accredited (per its site)

Terms (as published)24-48 months

Fees (as published)Up to 25% of enrolled debt (varies by state and debt amount)

Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the National Debt Relief site. See the National Debt Relief company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company based in New York, New York. Like other settlement firms, it asks you to stop paying enrolled unsecured debts, save into a dedicated account and let its negotiators try to settle each account for less than you owe.

Its fees vary by state and by the amount of your debt, up to 25% of your enrolled debt, as published on National Debt Relief's site in November 2026; fees and terms change, so check the current terms on the company's site. Its site says it does not charge fees until it settles a debt, and it describes programs that typically run 24-48 months.

National Debt Relief says it is a member of the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) and is accredited through the IAPDA. Its disclosures note that not all debts are eligible, not all clients complete the program, the service is not available in all states, and settled debt can have tax consequences.

Pros and cons

Pros

Clear fee cap on its site
Detailed disclosures about savings, completion and taxes
Long track record in debt settlement

Cons

No minimum debt amount spelled out on the pages we reviewed
Not available in all states
Credit damage and collection activity are likely during the program

Key features

Fee capped as a share of enrolled debt
No fees until a debt is settled
ACDR member and IAPDA accredited (per its site)
Free savings estimate before you enroll

Who National Debt Relief is for

A good fit if

People with large unsecured balances who want a settlement company that caps its fee and publishes detailed disclosures.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone with mostly secured debt, such as a mortgage or car loan, or who can still keep up with payments.

How we scored National Debt Relief

Our debt relief score weighs fee transparency (25%), program terms & eligibility (20%), consumer protections & disclosures (25%), client support & tools (15%), availability (15%). See the methodology.

National Debt Relief alternatives

#1
Freedom Debt Relief
Best overall
Large debt settlement company with a published fee range, a Program Guarantee and no upfront fees.
- Fee is a published percentage of enrolled debt
- No upfront fees; fee collected after a settlement is authorized and paid
- Program Guarantee (read the terms)
- Founding member of the ACDR; IAPDA platinum member (per its site)
9.2/10
Editorial score
Visit site (Freedom Debt Relief, opens in a new tab) Read review Compare
#3
JG Wentworth Debt Relief
Best for a single stated fee
Debt resolution program from the J.G. Wentworth family of companies, with a stated program fee and state list.
- Program fee stated as a single percentage of enrolled debt
- No upfront fees
- Published list of states served directly
- Prequalification that does not affect your credit score (per its site)
8.7/10
Editorial score
Visit site (JG Wentworth Debt Relief, opens in a new tab) Read review Compare
#4
Americor
Best for a consolidation loan path
Irvine-based debt resolution company that publishes its fee range and settlement timing.
- Published fee range as a share of enrolled debt
- Disclosures explain typical settlement timing
- Possible consolidation loan after six months in the program (subject to approval)
- No upfront fees (per its site)
8.4/10
Editorial score
Visit site (Americor, opens in a new tab) Read review Compare

Head-to-head

See all 8 debt relief companies compared

National Debt Relief FAQ

How much does National Debt Relief charge?

National Debt Relief says its fees vary by state and the amount of your debt, up to 25% of your enrolled debt, as published on its site in November 2026. Fees change, so check the current terms on its site.

When does National Debt Relief charge its fee?

Its site says it does not charge fees until it settles a debt. Under the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule, settlement companies that sell by phone cannot collect fees before they settle a debt and you make a payment under that settlement.

Is National Debt Relief available in every state?

No. Its disclosures say its service is not available in all states. Check availability for your state on its site.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against National Debt Relief's own website on November 14, 2026. Published ranges are quoted as shown on the provider's site on November 14, 2026; they change, so check the current figures before you apply.