What is the downside of national debt relief?

Asked by: Jeanette Schaefer  |  Last update: June 3, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (3 votes)

National Debt Relief Fees One major drawback of using National Debt Relief is the cost associated with their services. The National Debt Relief cost typically ranges from 15% to 25% of the total debt enrolled in the program. These fees can add up significantly over time.

What are the disadvantages of national debt relief?

A risky way to get out of debt: There are risks in working with National Debt Relief, including a major hit to your credit, falling deeper into debt as you await a successful settlement negotiation and even the possibility of being sued by a creditor.

Can national debt relief be trusted?

Is National Debt Relief legit? National Debt Relief is an accredited member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR). It has been around since 2009 and has helped over 600,000 individuals reduce their debt. It also has an A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Is it a good idea to get debt relief?

Debt relief programs can indeed work out for many people struggling with overwhelming debt. These programs aim to reduce the total debt amount owed, making it easier to manage repayments. Debt relief services often negotiate with creditors on behalf of the debtor to lower interest rates or principal balances.

Which is a disadvantage of enrolling in a debt settlement program?

Enrolling in a credit debt settlement program almost always has a negative impact on your credit score. Since settlement means paying less than the full amount owed, it will be marked on your credit report as “settled” rather than “paid in full,” which can lower your score.

How to FINALLY Get Out of Debt | 7 Steps to Debt Freedom

37 related questions found

What are 3 risks associated with a debt settlement program?

Using debt settlement options to reduce debt comes with several risks, including late payments on your credit report, potential charge-offs, settlement company fees, tax implications on forgiven balances, possible scams and the overall risk of settlement offers not working.

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.

Does national debt relief hurt your credit?

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. Due to it being a separately regulated service, we do not provide credit repair services or offer advice on ways to improve your credit.

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 is the highest rated debt relief program?

Best debt relief companies
  • Best for customer service: Freedom Debt Relief.
  • Best for keeping out of debt: Accredited Debt Relief.
  • Best for avoiding fees: Americor.
  • Best for availability: National Debt Relief.
  • Best for affordability: New Era Debt Solutions.
  • Best for larger debts: Pacific Debt Relief.
  • Best for tax debt: CuraDebt.

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.

What are people saying about national debt relief?

I would recommend anyone to National Debt Relief. They were empathetic and understanding of my situation and did not judge. They were organized, explained the program in detail, and went over the contract to make sure I understood everything. Thank you for helping when I really needed it!

How much does it cost to use national debt relief?

Fees for National Debt Relief's Services

National Debt Relief charges a fee of 18%-25% of enrolled debt. This means if you came into the program with $20,000 in debt, expect to pay NDR between $3,600 and $5,000 in fees. There may be additional service or maintenance fees to pay depending on your state.

What are two problems with the national debt?

America's high debt also jeopardizes the safety net and the most vulnerable in our society. If our government does not have the resources and stability of a sustainable budget, those essential programs, and the individuals who need them most, are put in jeopardy.

What is a negative of debt relief?

If you've got a debt relief order (DRO) or have had one in the past, it will affect your credit rating. This could mean you find it more difficult to get credit in the future.

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.

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 it take to rebuild credit after debt settlement?

For example, paying all bills on time, finding the best credit cards for those with poor credit scores, or pursuing a credit builder loan. In most instances, reasonable expectations for a post-debt settlement recovery range from approximately 12 to 24 months.

Do you lose your credit cards with debt relief?

When enrolled in a debt management program, creditors will freeze your credit card accounts to reduce your interest rates from 0 to 10 percent. You may be able to hold onto one card for emergencies.

Why is debt relief bad?

But it isn't the right solution for everyone: Debt relief companies can't help with secured loans, like mortgages and auto loans. In addition, a debt settlement plan will seriously hurt your credit score and potentially subject you to late fees and other penalties if your creditor doesn't accept the terms.

Do you have to pay taxes on national debt relief?

In general, if your debt is canceled, forgiven, or discharged for less than the amount owed, the amount of the canceled debt is taxable. If taxable, you must report the canceled debt on your tax return for the year in which the cancellation occurred.

Is it good to pay off national debt?

According to CBO, addressing high and rising debt sooner rather than later means that smaller policy changes would be required to achieve long-term objectives. The benefits of reducing deficits sooner include a smaller accumulated debt and therefore less risk to long-term economic growth and stability.

Which debt dies with you?

Most debt will be settled by your estate after you die. In many cases, the assets in your estate can be taken to pay off outstanding debt. Federal student loans are among the only types of debt to be commonly forgiven at death.

Can I buy a car after a 341 meeting?

Bankruptcy petitioners who are employed can often get financing for a car loan after the Section 341 creditor hearing is over, but before their other debts have been discharged. Remember that collections on all your debts are put on hold while the bankruptcy proceedings are pending.

What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.