How Does National Debt Relief Work? 2024 Overview
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How Does National Debt Relief Work? 2024 Overview

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National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that helps consumers lower their total debt through negotiation with creditors. According to the company, clients who successfully complete their program typically reduce their enrolled debt by about 20% to 25% after factoring in fees.

Here’s how it works: Once you sign up with National Debt Relief, they set up an FDIC-insured escrow account in your name. Instead of making payments directly to your creditors, you deposit a set amount into this account each month. While this payment may be less than what you owe to your creditors, the more you contribute, the quicker you can work towards resolving your debt.

National Debt Relief steps in to negotiate with your creditors as funds build up in the escrow account. They aim to settle each debt for less than what you owe. Since you’ve stopped making payments to the creditor, they might be more willing to accept a lower settlement rather than risk getting nothing.

The payment comes from the escrow account when an agreement is reached and that debt is officially settled.

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How Much Does National Debt Relief Cost?

The main cost associated with National Debt Relief is the settlement fee, which is 25% of your total enrolled debt. However, in some states, this fee is capped at 15%.

Here’s an example of how it works: If you enroll with $10,000 of credit card debt and manage to settle it for $5,000, National Debt Relief will charge a settlement fee of $2,500 (25% of the original $10,000). This fee is besides the $5,000 you’ll need to pay to your creditors, bringing your total cost to $7,500.

The company only collects this settlement fee after successfully negotiating a settlement on your behalf. There’s a one-time setup fee of $9 plus a monthly charge of $9.85 to cover the cost of maintaining your escrow account.

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Is National Debt Relief Legit?

Yes, National Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company that has been in operation since 2009. It’s accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it holds an A+ rating, showing a strong track record of customer service and ethical business practices.

Additionally, National Debt Relief is accredited by the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), further solidifying its credibility in the industry.

Pros and Cons of National Debt Relief Work

Pros 

  • Free Initial Consultation: National Debt Relief provides a free, no-obligation phone consultation where they answer questions, explain how their program works, and explore other options besides debt settlement. This allows consumers to make informed decisions before committing.
  • Multiple Accreditations: The company is accredited by reputable organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR). National Debt Relief requires its debt arbitrators to be accredited by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), further establishing its legitimacy and expertise.
  • Additional Services: Beyond debt settlement, National Debt Relief may suggest other solutions such as debt consolidation loans, credit counseling, or even bankruptcy referrals, providing a well-rounded approach to tackling debt based on your unique financial situation.

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Cons 

  • Risky Method of Debt Relief: Working with National Debt Relief comes with risks, such as a significant impact on your credit score, the possibility of accruing more debt while waiting for settlements, and the chance of being sued by creditors during the negotiation process.
  • No Guarantee of Success: There’s no assurance that your creditors will accept the settlement offers, even after making payments into your escrow account for a long time. This uncertainty is a key risk of debt settlement programs in general.

How to Qualify for National Debt Relief

To qualify for National Debt Relief, you need to have a minimum of $7,500 in unsecured debt. This can include debt from credit cards, personal loans, lines of credit, medical bills, business debts, or private student loans.

However, the company doesn’t handle secured debts, meaning it won’t settle debts attached to collateral, such as auto loans or mortgages. It also doesn’t negotiate certain types of debt, including unpaid taxes, back rent, child support, fines, speeding tickets, cell phone bills, or car repair bills.

As part of the application process, National Debt Relief performs a soft credit check to confirm your creditors and the amounts you owe, but this won’t impact your credit score. It’s also important to note that National Debt Relief’s services aren’t available in Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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Understanding the Risks of Debt Settlement

Before deciding to pursue the best debt relief companies like National Debt Relief, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advise consumers to consider the following dangers carefully:

  • Credit Damage: Participating in debt settlement requires you to stop making payments on the debts being negotiated. As a result, these accounts will show up as delinquent on your credit reports, significantly lowering your credit score. Even if you weren’t behind on payments before starting the program, the process will still hurt your credit, and these negative marks can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
  • Accumulating Interest and Fees: While you’re waiting for a settlement to be reached, interest charges and late fees on your debt continue to build. If you don’t complete the program or negotiations fall through, you could have a higher total debt than when you started.
  • Contact from Creditors: Even though you’re working with a debt settlement company, there’s no guarantee that your creditors will settle. Creditors or debt collectors may continue to contact you, and you could even face legal action from creditors during the negotiation process.
  • Tax Implications: If a creditor forgives $600 or more of your debt, it may be taxable income. You might receive a 1099-C form from the creditor, and the IRS will also be notified. However, if you’re insolvent (your liabilities exceed your assets) at the time of settlement, you may be exempt from paying taxes on the forgiven amount.

Bottom Line

National Debt Relief works by negotiating with your creditors to settle your debts for less than what you owe. Through their process, you’ll deposit funds into an escrow account, which will pay creditors once a settlement is reached. 

While this method can reduce your overall debt, it comes with risks, such as a negative impact on your credit score and the potential for accumulating more debt through interest and fees. If you’re struggling with unsecured debt and considering settlement, National Debt Relief could be an option, but weighing the risks and benefits before committing is crucial.

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Written by

Aeron Rupar

Reviewed By

Judith

Judith

Judith Harvey is a seasoned finance editor with over two decades of experience in the financial journalism industry. Her analytical skills and keen insight into market trends quickly made her a sought-after expert in financial reporting.