National Debt Relief vs. Accredited Debt Relief (2024)

National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief both help you reduce debt and lead you to a debt-free life. Here's how to choose which one is better for you.

National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief are two credible debt relief companies. But one will still have an edge over the other.

National Debt Relief can help you settle a lot of unsecured debts. On the other hand, Accredited Debt Relief may give you options for the best debt consolidation loans.

However, both can reduce your debts significantly through debt settlement. And you can be free from your debts in 24–48 months. Here's a more detailed breakdown so you can choose between the two companies.

Is National Debt Relief or Accredited Debt Relief Better?

Both companies have shown great service through the years. Whether you should choose one over the other depends on the service you need.

• National Debt Relief is a better option if: you have a minimum of $7,500 unsecured debts and are looking for debt settlement services. Representatives will negotiate with your creditors so you can settle debts at a lower amount.
• Accredited Debt Relief is a better option if: you have a minimum of $10,000 unsecured debts. Consolidation specialists connect with your creditors to reduce debts or reach new terms. Plus, Accredited Debt Relief may offer you debt consolidation loans (if it's the better choice).

Read on to find out how each company works.

Why Choose National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief has helped over 550,000 clients reduce debts.^[1] It has established relationships with more than 10,000 creditors and settles more types of unsecured debts than most companies.

Through debt settlement, National Debt Relief will negotiate to reduce your debts up to 50% of the original amount (on average). This can mean huge savings on your end.

If you don't qualify for National Debt Relief's services, you may be referred to their wide network of partners. This includes credit counseling agencies, bankruptcy options, etc.

National Debt Relief may qualify and refer you for a debt consolidation loan as well.

Is National Debt Relief accredited?
Yes, National Debt Relief has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2013.^[2] It also has an A+ rating from BBB. On top of that, National Debt Relief is a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Know the benefits and downsides of National Debt Relief in the next section.

National Debt Relief Pros and Cons

Here are some reasons why you may or may not opt for National Debt Relief.

Pros:

• Save money by paying less than what you owe
  
• Qualifies many types of unsecured debts
  
• No termination fees
  
• Accreditations from BBB, AADR, and IAPDA^[3]
  
• Wide network of partners

Cons:

• Can be expensive
  
• Secured debts are not qualified for debt relief
  
• Debt relief options may have different eligibility requirements

What is the downside of National Debt Relief?
When signing up for National Debt Relief, your credit score may drop. You need to intentionally miss your debt payments while National Debt Relief negotiates with your creditors. As a result, you may gain negative items in your credit report and see your credit score fall by up to 100 points.

Knowing all the cons, read on to know if Accredited Debt Relief is better for your needs.

Why Choose Accredited Debt Relief

Accredited Debt Relief offers debt settlement and has helped over 300,000 clients since 2011. During this period, the company has resolved over $3 billion worth of unsecured debts.^[4]

Accredited Debt Relief negotiates with your creditors to help you out. It also offers debt consolidation loans through its affiliates so you can settle multiple debts at once.

A debt consolidation loan gets you to streamline your debt payments and save money from potential charges and fees. Plus, you get to build your credit gradually if you regularly pay on time.

Just like National Debt Relief, Accredited Debt Relief isn't perfect. Here are its pros and cons.

Accredited Debt Relief Pros and Cons

When thinking about opting for Accredited Debt Relief, consider the following.

Pros:

• Can reduce expensive debts, interest fees, and charges
  
• Accredited by BBB, AADR, and IAPDA^[5]
  
• Offers debt consolidation loans from affiliates
  
• You can pause monthly payments
  
• Educational resources available (blog)

Can I trust Accredited Debt Relief?
Yes, you can trust Accredited Debt Relief. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has a track record of resolving client complaints on the BBB platform. Plus, it has an average rating of more than 4.5 out 5 on several review platforms, like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.

Cons:

• Requires a higher minimum debt amount to apply
  
• Settlement fees can get pricey for larger debts
  
• Debt consolidation loans have stricter requirements

Is Accredited Debt Relief accredited?
Yes, Accredited Debt Relief has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2021.^[6] It also has an A+ rating from BBB. Not only that, National Debt Relief is a member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Here's a detailed breakdown of the differences between these debt relief companies.

You have a good chance of reducing your debts with either National Debt Relief or Accredited Debt Relief. But you can figure out the more suitable option based on the following:

Debt Relief Services — Winner: Tie

National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief both offer debt settlement. And they can negotiate up to half off your original debts (excluding fees).

Both companies can also refer you to their partner network or affiliates if they have better solutions for your needs. For example, both companies can refer you to partners offering debt consolidation loans to help you pay off many debts at once.

With a debt consolidation loan, you may not always get reductions from your original debt amount. But you may be able to save money from interest, other charges, and applicable fees. Note that the loan only works when the interest rate is lower than the rates of all individual debts.

Pricing — Winner: Tie

Both companies charge 15–25% of fees based on your enrolled debts.^[7]This fee is on par with other debt relief companies.

Other applicable fees, like penalty accruals (from intentionally missing your debt payments), interests, and origination fees, only apply depending on your debt relief program.

Fees may vary per state for both companies. It's best to clarify the service fee for your location.

Note that you won't need to pay service fees unless you're satisfied with the new debt amount, thanks to the guarantees offered by both companies.

Satisfaction Guarantee — Winner: Tie

Both National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief don't make you pay for their service unless you're satisfied with the lower debt amount and have settled your debts.

National Debt Relief's satisfaction guarantee states:

"If we can't settle your debt or if you're not satisfied up to the point of us settling your debts — for any reason — you can cancel anytime without any penalties or fees other than any fees earned associated with prior settled debts. That's right! We get results or you don't pay."^[8]

On the other hand, Accredited Debt Relief states:

"Our fees are 100% success-based - we don't get paid until we have helped you achieve a solution for your debt."^[9]

Covered Debts — Winner: National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief offers a comprehensive list of supported debts. Unlike with Accredited Debt Relief, you can view this list right away (no need for calls).

Here's a list of National Debt Relief's qualified debts:^[10]

• Major credit cards
  
• Department store cards
  
• Unsecured personal loans
  
• Certain student debts
  
• Medical bills
  
• Business debts
  
• Gas cards
  
• Bank loans from prior banks
  
• Installment loans
  
• Finance companies
  
• Repossessions
  
• Qualified business debts
  
• Cell phones (not currently used)
  
• Veterinarian bills over $500
  
• Credit unions (members who are not federal or military employees)
  
• Abandoned timeshares with current statements
  
• Judgments older than 6 months
  
• Back rent (not a current resident)
  
• Bank, overdraft, and associated fees

Accredited Debt Relief covers unsecured debts like:^[11]

• Credit card debts
  
• Medical bills
  
• Department store credit cards
  
• Personal loans

But it's best to schedule a free consultation with Accredited Debt Relief to know what specific debts you can enroll in your program.

Program Length — Winner: Tie

Both debt relief companies can get you out of debt in 24–48 months.^[12] However, results vary per person.

Some clients finish their program within this time frame, but others take longer than average.

Success Rates — Winner: National Debt Relief

With Accredited Debt Relief, clients save up to 55% of their total debts (on average). National Debt Relief's clients save a little more, which is around 46% (25% including fees).^[13]

Note that success rates vary and are on a case-to-case basis. Your debt amounts, type of debts, financial situation, and goals hugely impact the program's success.

Your savings from the original debts also highly depend on your creditor's willingness for a negotiation.

Years in the industry — Winner: National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief has been in the industry since 2009 and has helped over 550,000 clients.

Accredited Debt Relief, on the other hand, has been in business since 2011 and has helped over 300,000 clients.

That said, these two companies are well-established in the industry and are most likely to help you with your debts.

Contract Cancellation — Winner: National Debt Relief

According to National Debt Relief's satisfaction guarantee, you can end your contract without penalties. And you can cancel your program at any time.^[14] Just inform a National Debt Relief representative so you can formally get out of your program.

Unfortunately, Accredited Debt Relief doesn't mention anything about cancellation fees. You'll have to contact Accredited Debt Relief to avoid surprises.

Reading client experiences is a good way to further gauge these companies. Here are some of them.

National Debt Relief Customer Reviews

National Debt Relief has gained a lot of reviews and customer ratings over the years. Here's how clients rated this reputable debt relief company.

William's review remarked on National Debt Relief's fast settlement offers. National Debt Relief has given quicker results than expected.

"I really didn't expect that I would be working on 2 settlements in a month. Here I am! I could only be happier if they had more they were settling but it takes time. This is the best program I have used and I have been tricked into using with less results." — William Wolfe (from Trustpilot)

However, the company isn't perfect, and National Debt Relief has its fair share of customer complaints. For example, Scott's review reveals National Debt Relief's expensive fees.

"A 260+ dollar fee on a 690 settlement seems very very expensive…"
— Scott Hogan (from Trustpilot)

You can compare these reviews to Accredited Debt Relief's reviews to help you further decide which company to choose.

Accredited Debt Relief Customer Reviews

Unlike National Debt Relief, Accredited Debt Relief has comparatively fewer ratings and reviews from online platforms. Nevertheless, there are still some good reviews about their customer experiences.

Lucy's experience with Accredited Debt Relief was full of praise. Accredited Debt Relief's specialist created a plan she could afford.

"It's never easy discussing finances with others, especially a complete stranger, but Jamie Keegan made me feel understood and not alone in this time of financial hardships. She helped me consolidate my debt by finding me the most accommodating monthly payment plan for my debt and really took the time to explain everything to make sure the plan worked for me!"
— Lucy O. (from Trustpilot)

However, this excellent service wasn't what Estella experienced. In her case, Accredited Debt Relief requested additional funds to fast-track a negotiation.

"You reached a settlement with one of my credit card companies and because I couldn't send you $1,000 to $2,000 upfront or afford to pay [an] extra $100 or $90 a month that credit card has [been] pulled from the program. When I entered this arrangement I was told all of my cards would be settled. Hopefully I never have to do this again, but I do or know anyone that needs to, I will not recommend your company." — Estella Ross Alvarado (from Trustpilot)

To avoid any unmet expectations, it's best to keep in mind what the limitations of these debt relief companies are.

Limitations of Debt Relief Companies

National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief will not (and should not) do the following:

• Guarantee a specific outcome from your program
  Reputable companies will not promise specific outcomes since results also depend on your creditors. Any specific promise is a sign of a debt relief scam.

  National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief also cannot promise you a specific amount or percentage of debts resolved within a given time frame.

• Relieve all your debts
  Only your enrolled debts can be negotiated with creditors. But it's not even a guarantee that your creditors will be willing to settle for lower payments.
• Improve or fix your credit score
  You will be intentionally missing payments and it can negatively affect your credit score. That said, National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief cannot repair this damage.

  However, there are reputable credit repair companies who can help you improve your credit. Turn to them for help instead.

  Does National Debt Relief ruin your credit?
  Working with debt relief companies like National Debt Relief can negatively impact your credit. Your credit score can drop by as much as 100 points since you will be missing payments for debt negotiations. But your credit may improve once you agree to the negotiated amount and settle them.

• Give tax, legal, and bankruptcy advice
  You'll need to go to a law firm or a specialized agency to get professional advice on tax, lawsuits, or bankruptcy.

  National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief can only give you options on what to do with debt. You are responsible for keeping in touch with the services that meet your other needs.

If neither debt relief company fits your needs, there are alternatives that can help you out.

National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief Alternatives

When looking for alternatives, you can turn to other debt relief companies or check out credit counseling services.

• Freedom Debt Relief
  Freedom Debt Relief has been in the industry longer than National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief.

  If you want access to expert debt negotiators and attorneys, Freedom Debt Relief will fit your needs better. The company partners with the Legal Partner Network. And service fees for any legal service are already part of your debt relief program.

• J.G. Wentworth
  J.G. Wentworth has been in the industry since 1991. This reputable company has solid experience in debt relief and other structured settlement services.

  It also offers a personal loan (for California and Utah residents) to those looking to consolidate several debts. You can borrow as much as $25,000.^[16]

  Note that J.G. Wentworth requires $10,000 in unsecured debts. Fees range from 18–25% of your total enrolled debts.^[17]

• Credit Counseling
  Licensed credit counselors can give you professional advice on how to handle debts. You can often work with them through non-profit organizations.

  These organizations aim to help consumers pay off debt and improve overall finances. So expect that they will present you with options other than debt relief and debt consolidation.

Bottom Line

It's a tight comparison between National Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief. But each one has an edge that can help you decide which to go for.

If you have various types of unsecured debts, go for National Debt Relief. Its long list of qualified debts may cover the debts you have right now.

If you prefer customized options that focus on debt consolidation loans, go for Accredited Debt Relief. You can apply with one of its affiliates to do so.

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