On this page13 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- National Debt Relief vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- National Debt Relief reviews and complaints in 2026
- How National Debt Relief works
- What National Debt Relief costs and what you actually save
- Credit, lawsuits and taxes: the risks to weigh
- Rules that protect you: the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule
- How to cancel National Debt Relief
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
National Debt Relief is a large, legitimate debt settlement company: A+ rated and BBB accredited since 2013, and it charges no fee until a debt is settled. The tradeoff is real. You stop paying your creditors, your credit drops, you can be sued during the program, and the company's own disclosure says clients who finish save about 20% of their enrolled debt once its fees (up to 25%) are counted. It draws a steady stream of complaints (403 to the CFPB and 545 to the BBB in three years); a proposed class action filed in May 2026 was voluntarily dismissed two weeks later.
Your options
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National Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People with large unsecured balances who are already behind, cannot qualify for a lower rate, and can afford a steady monthly deposit for two to four years.
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Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling.
- Fee
- Up to 25% of enrolled debt, varying by state and debt amount; no fee is charged until a debt is settled (October 2026)1
- What clients save
- Company disclosure: clients who stay in and settle all enrolled debt save about 45% before fees, or about 20% including fees, over 24 to 48 months; not all clients complete the program1
- BBB
- A+ rating, accredited since February 5, 2013; 545 complaints filed in the last 3 years2
- Trustpilot
- 4.7 out of 5 from 45,344 reviews; 85% five star and 2% one star; the company invites customers to review8
- CFPB complaints
- 403 complaints from October 2023 to October 2026, all closed with an explanation; the most common issue was 'Didn't provide services promised' (123), followed by 'Charged upfront or unexpected fees' (62)3
- Litigation
- Proposed class action Castrillo v. National Debt Relief LLC, No. 3:26-cv-04481 (N.D. Cal.), filed May 13, 2026; plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal May 27, 20264
- Loans
- Also offers debt consolidation loans through partner lenders with APRs from 6.25% to 35.99% and 24 to 60 month terms; not available in all states5
Pros
- No fee until a debt is actually settled, as federal rules require for phone sales
- One monthly deposit instead of several creditor payments
- Long track record since 2009 and an A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2013
- Publishes its average savings both before and after fees, which many competitors do not
- Covers common unsecured debts such as credit card balances
Cons
- Fees of up to 25% of enrolled debt eat most of the headline savings: about 20% net for clients who finish
- Stopping payments damages your credit and can lead to collection calls and lawsuits
- 403 CFPB complaints in three years, most often about services not delivered and unexpected fees
- Forgiven debt can count as taxable income
- Does not handle secured debts such as mortgages or car loans
Best for: People with large unsecured balances who are already behind, cannot qualify for a lower rate, and can afford a steady monthly deposit for two to four years.
Skip it if: You can still make your payments, qualify for a 0% balance transfer or a lower-rate loan, or need your credit score intact in the next few years.
National Debt Relief vs. competitors
| Company | Type | Fee | Program length | Savings it discloses | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Debt Relief | Debt settlement | Up to 25% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months | About 45% before fees, 20% after, for clients who finish | Visit site |
| Freedom Debt Relief | Debt settlement | 15% to 25% of enrolled debt, charged after you approve a settlement | 24 to 48 months | Not published | Visit site |
| Americor | Debt settlement | 14% to 29% of enrolled debt | 24 to 48 months, average 35 | About 45% before fees for clients who finish | Visit site |
| Money Management International | Nonprofit debt management plan | Average $38 setup and $35 a month, varies by state | 5 years or less | You repay the full balance, usually at a lower interest rate | Visit site |
Debt relief companies we reviewed
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National Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances who are already behind, cannot qualify for a lower rate, and can afford a steady monthly deposit for two to four years. -
Americor This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt who cannot keep up with minimum payments and have ruled out credit counseling. -
Debt Relief Advocates This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured debts they can no longer pay who have already ruled out credit counseling and want a quote from a smaller settlement firm. -
Freedom Debt Relief This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with large unsecured balances they can't pay in full, who can make steady monthly deposits for 2 to 4 years and accept the credit damage. -
Cambridge Credit Counseling This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt at high rates who could repay in three to five years if interest were lower. -
Credit Associates BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with $10,000 or more in credit card or medical debt they cannot repay, who are already behind and can stick with monthly deposits for two to four years. -
Money Management International BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with steady income and credit card debt they could repay in about five years if their interest rates were lower.
National Debt Relief pricing at a glance
National Debt Relief costs, as disclosed October 20261
| Item | What it costs | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement fee | Up to 25% of enrolled debt, varies by state and balance | After each debt is settled and a payment is made |
| Dedicated savings account | Account fees not stated on the home page; ask for the monthly amount | Monthly, while you save |
| Settlements | About 55% of enrolled debt on average for clients who finish (45% savings before fees) | Lump sums or installments to each creditor |
| Net result | About 20% saved after fees, over 24 to 48 months, for clients who finish | Over the life of the program |
| Debt consolidation loan (alternative product) | 6.25% to 35.99% APR, 24 to 60 months, through partner lenders | Monthly loan payments |
Not all clients complete the program. Forgiven debt may be taxable.
National Debt Relief, step by step
Free consultation
A debt consultant reviews your debts, income and budget and says whether settlement fits. Loans or other options may be offered instead.
Enroll and open a dedicated account
You sign the agreement and make monthly deposits into an account in your name at an insured bank. Federal rules say you own and control those funds.
Stop paying enrolled creditors
Accounts go delinquent while money builds up. Expect collection calls, falling credit scores and possible lawsuits.
Negotiation and settlement
When enough money is saved, the company negotiates a lump sum or payment plan with each creditor and asks you to approve it.
Fee charged per settlement
After you approve a settlement and a payment is made, the company takes its fee for that debt.
Finish or leave
Programs run 24 to 48 months. You can quit at any time without penalty and get your account balance, minus fees already earned, within seven business days.
National Debt Relief reviews and complaints in 2026
National Debt Relief has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited since February 5, 2013. Trustpilot shows 4.7 out of 5 from 45,344 reviews, and the company says it has more than 58,550 ConsumerAffairs reviews averaging 4.9. National Debt Relief invites customers to review it. Those numbers are real signals of volume, but review sites mostly hear from people early in the program, before settlements and credit effects play out.
The complaint record tells the other side. The BBB lists 545 complaints filed in the last three years. The CFPB’s public database shows 403 complaints naming National Debt Relief LLC from October 2023 to October 2026. The top issues were "Didn’t provide services promised" (123), "Charged upfront or unexpected fees" (62), "Confusing or misleading advertising or marketing" (43) and "Unauthorized withdrawals or charges" (37). The company closed all of them with an explanation; the CFPB database does not say who was right.
On May 13, 2026, a proposed class action, Castrillo v. National Debt Relief LLC, was filed in federal court in Northern California. The complaint’s exhibit is a marketing email styled as a Department of Veterans Affairs benefits notice. On May 27, 2026, the plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal, so the claims were never decided. In June 2026, a separate adversary complaint was filed against National Debt Relief in bankruptcy court in Eastern Michigan (Griffin v. National Debt Relief LLC) seeking to recover payments as fraudulent transfers; it is unresolved. Never respond to a debt relief offer that looks like it comes from a government agency.
How National Debt Relief works
After a free consultation, you enroll your unsecured debts, such as credit cards, and start a monthly deposit into a Dedicated account. An account you own, held by a third party, where you save monthly deposits used to pay settlements and fees. Compare debt relief companies in your name. You stop paying the enrolled creditors. Once enough money builds up, National Debt Relief negotiates a settlement with each creditor, you approve it, the creditor is paid from the account and the company takes its fee for that debt.
The company says programs last 24 to 48 months. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans are not eligible, and not every creditor will settle. If your income drops and you cannot keep up the deposits, settlements stall while late fees and interest keep growing.
What National Debt Relief costs and what you actually save
National Debt Relief says its fee is up to 25% of your Enrolled debt. The total balance of the accounts you put into a settlement program, which most companies use to calculate their fee. Compare debt relief companies, depending on your state and how much you owe, and that it collects nothing until a debt is settled. You also pay into a dedicated account that the company uses to fund settlements; ask what that account costs each month, because the CFPB warns that these accounts can carry their own fees.
The most useful number is in the company’s own fine print: clients who stay in the program and settle all their debt save about 45% before fees, or about 20% including fees, over 24 to 48 months. On $20,000 of enrolled debt, that average means paying roughly $16,000 in settlements and fees combined, not $11,000. The company also notes that not all clients finish, often because they cannot save enough.
Get the fee percentage, the estimated settlement amounts, the program length and the monthly account cost in writing before you sign.
What customers say about National Debt Relief
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Friendly, knowledgeable debt consultants
- Regular updates on accounts and settlements
- One monthly deposit instead of many bills
- A process clients describe as easier than expected
Common complaints
- Services not delivered as promised (the top CFPB issue)
- Upfront or unexpected fees and deposit changes
- Advertising that customers found confusing or misleading
- Unauthorized withdrawals or charges
- Collection calls and lawsuits that continue during the program
Credit, lawsuits and taxes: the risks to weigh
Debt settlement. Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full balance as payment in full. Compare debt relief companies works by having you stop paying creditors while money builds up for lump-sum offers. The CFPB warns that this can hurt your credit scores, that creditors may sue you while you are in the program, and that late fees and penalty interest can leave you deeper in debt than when you started. Not every creditor agrees to settle.
Forgiven debt can be counted as taxable income, and creditors may send you a Form 1099-C. The IRS allows exclusions in some cases, such as insolvency, so talk to a tax professional before you settle large balances.
Before enrolling, compare a Debt management plan (DMP). A repayment plan set up by a credit counseling agency that consolidates payments and often lowers interest, while you repay the full balance. Compare debt relief companies from a nonprofit credit counseling agency, which repays the full balance at a lower interest rate without stopping payments, and, if your debts are unmanageable, a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.
Rules that protect you: the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule
Debt settlement companies that sell by phone must follow the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule. They cannot collect a fee until they have settled at least one debt, you have agreed to the settlement and at least one payment has been made to the creditor. The fee for each debt must be proportional to the whole fee or a fixed percentage of the savings.
Your dedicated account must be at an insured bank, belong to you, including any interest, and be run by a company not affiliated with the debt relief firm. You can withdraw from the program at any time without penalty and must get your money back, minus fees already earned, within seven business days. Before you enroll, the company must tell you its fees, how long results will take, how much you must save before offers are made and that the program can hurt your credit. If a company asks for money before settling anything, report it to the FTC and your state attorney general.
How to cancel National Debt Relief
You can leave at any time. Call the company, then confirm in writing that you are canceling and ask the dedicated account provider to close the account and return your balance. Under federal rules the funds, minus fees for settlements already completed, must be returned within seven business days.
Any settlement you already agreed to may still require payments, so ask which creditors are partly paid before you close the account. Debts that were never settled stay with their original creditors, now with late fees, so contact them or a nonprofit credit counselor right away.
Alternatives to National Debt Relief
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A nonprofit debt management plan repays the full balance at lower interest without stopping payments, so it does far less damage to your credit.
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Worth a quote if you have chosen settlement and want to compare a published fee range of 14% to 29%.
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Call your creditors yourself
Free: many card issuers offer hardship programs or will settle directly, with no 25% fee on top.
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Bankruptcy attorney consultation
If your debts are unmanageable, a Chapter 7 or 13 case triggers an automatic stay on most collection lawsuits, which settlement cannot do, so get a consultation before you enroll.
Next steps
National Debt Relief reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is National Debt Relief legit?
Yes. It is a real company operating since 2009, with an A+ BBB rating and accreditation since 2013, and it does not charge fees before settling a debt. It also has 403 CFPB complaints in three years and a proposed class action filed in May 2026, so treat it as a legitimate but high-risk service.
How much does National Debt Relief charge?
Up to 25% of the debt you enroll, depending on your state and balance, charged only after each debt is settled. The company says clients who finish save about 20% after fees. Ask about monthly costs for the dedicated savings account too.
Does National Debt Relief hurt your credit?
Yes. You stop paying enrolled creditors, so accounts go delinquent and settled accounts are reported as paid for less than owed. The CFPB says debt settlement can hurt your scores and your ability to get credit in the future.
Can I be sued while I'm in the program?
Yes. Creditors are not required to negotiate and can file a collection lawsuit while you are saving up. Ask the company what it does if a creditor sues, and respond to any court papers on time.
Do I have to pay taxes on settled debt?
Possibly. The IRS generally treats canceled debt as income, though exclusions such as insolvency may apply. National Debt Relief itself tells clients to talk to a tax professional.
What should I try before debt settlement?
Call your creditors about hardship programs, look at a 0% balance transfer or a lower-rate consolidation loan if your credit allows, and ask a nonprofit credit counseling agency about a debt management plan. These options usually do less damage to your credit.
Is there a lawsuit against National Debt Relief?
A proposed class action, Castrillo v. National Debt Relief LLC, was filed May 13, 2026 in federal court in Northern California over a marketing email made to look like a Veterans Affairs notice. The plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on May 27, 2026, so the claims were never decided.
How long does National Debt Relief take?
The company says clients who finish usually take 24 to 48 months. Settlements start only after enough money builds up in your dedicated account, so lower deposits mean a longer program.
Can I cancel National Debt Relief?
Yes, at any time without penalty under federal rules. Your dedicated account balance, minus fees for settlements already completed, must be returned within seven business days.
What debts does National Debt Relief not handle?
It works with unsecured debts such as credit cards. Secured debts like mortgages and car loans are not eligible, and not every creditor agrees to settle.
Sources (14)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- National Debt Relief: Home page and disclosures (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: National Debt Relief business profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database, National Debt Relief LLC (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CourtListener: Castrillo v. National Debt Relief LLC, 3:26-cv-04481 (N.D. Cal.) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- National Debt Relief: How it works (accessed October 11, 2026)
- CFPB: What are debt settlement/debt relief services and should I use them? (accessed October 11, 2026)
- IRS: Topic 431, Canceled debt, is it taxable or not? (accessed October 11, 2026)
- Trustpilot: National Debt Relief reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: Debt relief services and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, a guide for business (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CourtListener: Griffin v. National Debt Relief LLC, Adv. No. 26-04189 (Bankr. E.D. Mich.) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Money Management International: Debt management plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Americor: Debt relief program (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Freedom Debt Relief: Home page (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Freedom Debt Relief: FAQ (accessed October 13, 2026)
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