1
ND
National Debt Relief
Debt settlement company founded in 2009
- Minimum enrolled debt of $7,500
- Fees of 15% to 25% of enrolled debt, charged only after a settlement
- AADR accredited
Updated October 2026 · program type · fees · credit impact
Compare the Best Debt Relief (2026)
If unsecured debt has become hard to manage, compare consolidation loans, credit counseling and settlement programs, and see the trade-offs of each.
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Step 1
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Providers
Featured debt relief providers
2
FD
Freedom Debt Relief
One of the largest debt settlement companies
- Founded in 2002
- Minimum enrolled debt of $7,500
- AFCC member
3
AD
Accredited Debt Relief
Debt settlement for $10,000 or more
- Minimum enrolled debt of $10,000
- AFCC and AADR accredited
- Fees of 15% to 25% of enrolled debt
Our top picks, explained
Best overall
ND
National Debt Relief
A long track record and a fee structure that's paid only after results.
Pros and cons
- No upfront fees
- Large settlement track record
- Settlement can hurt your credit
Most experience
FD
Freedom Debt Relief
Among the longest-running and largest settlement companies.
Pros and cons
- Decades of experience
- Large scale
- Available in about 31 states
Best for larger balances
AD
Accredited Debt Relief
A fit for people with larger unsecured balances.
Pros and cons
- Multiple accreditations
- Dedicated support
- Higher minimum debt
Side-by-side comparison
ND | FD | AD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot rating | |||
| Founded | 2009 | 2002 | 2011 |
| Minimum debt | $7,500 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Fees | 15–25% of enrolled debt | 15–25% plus monthly fee | 15–25% of enrolled debt |
| Accreditation | AADR | AFCC | AFCC, AADR |
| Visit site | Visit site | Visit site |
Head to headNational Debt Relief vs Freedom Debt ReliefNational Debt Relief vs Accredited Debt ReliefFreedom Debt Relief vs Accredited Debt Relief
Provider details were checked against public sources in October 2026; confirm current rates and terms with the provider. Listings may include providers that compensate The Top 10 Experts. Order and placement may be influenced by compensation. Advertiser disclosure.
Before you choose
What to compare
Use these points to compare any debt relief provider, whether or not it appears on The Top 10 Experts.
Type
Consolidation, counseling or settlement
Consolidation replaces debts with one loan. Counseling sets up a payment plan. Settlement negotiates balances down.
Fees
How the company is paid
Under federal rules, settlement companies may not charge fees until they settle at least one of your debts.
Credit
Effect on your credit
Settlement usually lowers your score. Consolidation and counseling plans are generally gentler if you stay current.
Taxes
Forgiven debt
Forgiven balances can count as taxable income. Ask how the program handles this before you enroll.
Common questions
Will debt relief hurt my credit?
Settlement programs typically do, because accounts often go past due during negotiation. Consolidation loans and counseling usually have less impact.
Is debt relief the same as bankruptcy?
No. Debt relief programs are negotiated outside court. Bankruptcy is a legal process with its own consequences.
Which debts qualify?
Most programs cover unsecured debt such as credit cards and medical bills. Mortgages, auto loans and federal student loans generally do not qualify.
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