Does it cost to use national debt relief?

Asked by: Prof. Daphnee Bernhard  |  Last update: April 11, 2026
Score: 5/5 (74 votes)

National Debt Relief's settlement fee is 25% of the total enrolled debt, though some states cap fees as low as 15%. Here's how the settlement fee works: If you enroll in debt settlement with $10,000 in credit card debt, and you're able to settle for $5,000, you'll pay a settlement fee of $2,500 (25% of $10,000).

Does national debt relief charge a fee?

National Debt Relief does charge a fee for our service, but all program fees are already included in your Dedicated Savings Account deposit. And, unlike other programs with hardship solutions, our fee is entirely performance-based.

Do debt relief programs charge a fee?

Yes. Debt relief companies charge fees in exchange for their services. The amount you're charged depends on the company you work with and the relief method you choose. Keep in mind that legitimate companies should never ask you to pay fees upfront — if you're asked to provide this, it's likely a scam.

Is it a good idea to use a debt relief program?

If you're one of the millions of Americans struggling to repay high-interest debt, a debt relief plan may be an option to help you get your finances on track. But it's not a quick fix. It's a long-term solution designed to help you get out of debt over a period of time — typically several years.

What are the negatives of a debt relief order?

Disadvantages
  • A DRO will hurt your credit rating and remain on your credit file for 6 years.
  • If your circumstances change within the 12 months, your DRO may be revoked and you'll have to look at new solutions to repay your debts. ...
  • You can't apply if you've had a DRO or other form of insolvency within the last 6 years.

National Debt Relief Program Explained

33 related questions found

Does national debt relief ruin your credit?

Will your program impact my credit score? Depending on your personal situation and whether you have already missed payments to your creditors, debt settlement programs may have a negative impact on your credit score.

How much does a debt relief order cost?

There is no fee to apply for a DRO.

Is there a free debt relief program?

Key Takeaways. There aren't any free government debt relief programs for credit card or personal loan debt other than bankruptcy. Many types of government debt relief exist in the form of grants and low-interest loans for specific purposes.

Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement?

So, while you can use your credit card accounts after consolidating your debt in most cases, it could be a bit more difficult to open and use new credit cards — and the route you take to consolidate your debt could play a role as well. Learn how the right debt relief strategy could help you now.

What two debts cannot be erased?

Perhaps the most common debts that cannot be discharged under any circumstances are child support, back taxes, and alimony. Here are some of the most common categories of non-dischargeable debt: Debts that you left off your bankruptcy petition, unless the creditor had knowledge of your filing. Many types of taxes.

What happens if I cancel national debt relief?

For example, the National Debt Relief allows you to cancel the program at any time if they're unable to settle the debt or you aren't satisfied with their services. You won't be charged any penalties or cancellation fees, and you'll have your money back.

Does debt consolidation hurt your credit?

If you do it right, debt consolidation might slightly decrease your score temporarily. The drop will come from a hard inquiry that appears on your credit reports every time you apply for credit. But, according to Experian, the decrease is normally less than 5 points and your score should rebound within a few months.

What are the pros and cons of national debt relief?

Whether National Debt Relief is worth it depends on your individual financial situation and goals. While their service can help reduce the amount owed on unsecured debts through negotiation, it often comes with significant fees and a long-term commitment that can impact your credit score.

Do debt relief programs cost money?

The debt relief companies that offer debt forgiveness programs typically charge fees for their services, which range from 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt amount. For example, if you're trying to settle $20,000 in credit card debt, you could end up paying between $3,000 and $5,000 in fees alone.

How much is the interest payment on the national debt?

U.S. monthly interest rate on interest-bearing debt 2019-2024. As of October 2024, the United States government has a monthly interest rate of 3.3 percent on its debt, continuing an upward trend in interest rates that began at the beginning of 2022. In April 2024, U.S. debt reached 34.62 trillion U.S. dollars.

Does using national debt relief hurt your credit?

It will hurt your credit: Because you're required to stop making payments on enrolled debts, those accounts will be marked delinquent on your credit reports. Your credit score will take a significant hit, especially if you weren't already delinquent on those accounts.

Can I buy a house after debt settlement?

Yes. Of course, you can buy a house after you settle your debt. It's not true that debt will stop you from getting a mortgage.

How long does debt relief stay on your credit report?

Duration on your report: Debt settlement can stay on your report for up to seven years. Debt settlement occurs when a company contacts creditors and negotiates a settlement on your behalf. The debt settlement company may ask you to stop paying your creditors and instead pay an amount into a separate account.

How can I clear my debt without money?

These include: Debt management plans: When you enroll in a debt management plan, the debt relief agency you work with may be able to negotiate lower interest rates, waived fees or alternate payment plans with creditors on your behalf. This can make the debt more manageable to pay off in full.

Is there really a government debt forgiveness program?

When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.

How to pay off $10,000 credit card debt?

Here are four of the fastest ways to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt:
  1. Take advantage of credit card debt forgiveness.
  2. Consider credit card debt consolidation.
  3. Use your home equity.
  4. Ask your lenders about financial hardship programs.

Does national debt relief charge fees?

National Debt Relief does not charge any fees until you approve of the settlement agreement and your debts are settled. There are also no fees for signing up or cancellation. If and when your debts are settled, the average client pays a fee of 15% to 25% of the total debt enrolled as part of your monthly payment.

What are the disadvantages of a debt relief order?

Disadvantages of Debt Relief Orders

Your debt relief order will appear on your credit file for six years. This may affect your ability to get credit in the future. You can't promote, manage, or set up a limited company, without permission from court.

Do you have to pay for debt relief?

Credit counseling agencies: Certain services are free, but a debt management plan typically costs from $0 to $35 to set up, with a monthly fee ranging from $0 to $75. Debt consolidation loans and credit cards: Interest fees, origination fees, and for balance transfer cards, balance transfer fees.