January 4, 2024

National Debt Relief vs Freedom Debt Relief

By Alex Mambaje
Read more about National Debt Relief
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National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief help relieve unsecured debts. But the right option depends on your priorities. Keep reading to know more.

National Debt Relief helps you relieve many types of unsecured Debts. Freedom Debt Relief, on the other hand, gives you access to partner attorneys at no additional cost.

Which company should you go for? That boils down to the type of services you need.

Read on for a detailed comparison of the two. Plus, there are alternatives in the end if neither company is the right fit.

Have you used a debt relief service before, and what was your experience?

Is National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief Better?

National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief have strong track records and more than a decade of experience in debt relief. But here's how to make a choice:

  • Choose National Debt Relief if: you have various types of unsecured debts worth at least $7,500. Their list of supported debts is more comprehensive compared to other companies.

  • Choose Freedom Debt Relief if: you owe more than $7,500 in unsecured debts and you want extra legal services.

    Freedom Debt Relief partners with attorneys who are experts in debt negotiation. They can help you deal with creditors who may want to sue you for unpaid debts.

To further give you a reason to choose National Debt Relief, here's what the company is all about.

Why Choose National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief is one of the biggest debt relief companies around. It has been in the industry since 2009, helping more than 550,000 clients relieve unsecured debts.[1]

The company primarily offers debt settlement services. Representatives negotiate with your creditors so you can settle your debts for a much lower amount.

But National Debt Relief can also offer you options for debt consolidation loans. Using the debt consolidation loan, you can combine multiple debts and focus on making one payment only.

Debt Settlement vs Debt Consolidation
Debt settlement means negotiating with your creditor to lessen your debt. You could end up paying significantly less for the principal amount.

Debt consolidation, on the other hand, means merging multiple debts into one. You may apply for a new loan or open a new credit line to pay off individual debts. This lets you save from high-interest fees, charges, and potential penalties.

You may not save a lot from the principal amount with debt consolidation. However, you save more compared to making minimum payments every month.

Which type of debt relief service are you most interested in?

National Debt Relief Pros and Cons

In spite of being an established company, National Debt Relief has its perks and downsides.

Pros

  • You get to save money with reduced debt amounts, eliminated interests, and waived fees
  • Qualifies more unsecured debts
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • Accreditation from BBB, IAPDA, and AADR
  • Wide network of partners

Cons

  • Fees can get pricey with larger debts
  • You can't relieve secured debts
  • Some options have stricter eligibility requirements

Is National Debt Relief the best option?
National Debt Relief can be the best option if you're looking for debt settlement services. It's one of the most reputable debt relief companies and has helped over 550,000 clients reduce their debts. It also has an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars on review platforms like Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.

To help you further compare the two, here's a little background on Freedom Debt Relief.

Why Choose Freedom Debt Relief

Like National Debt Relief, Freedom Debt Relief also offers debt settlement services. Debt experts negotiate with your creditors on your behalf.

The company started a little earlier than National Debt Relief and has been in the industry since 2002. Freedom Debt Relief has resolved over $15 billion in debt and has helped over 850,000 clients since then.[2]

Also, Freedom Debt Relief partners with the Legal Partner Network. So, you get access to legal assistance from expert attorneys and debt negotiators. You can get help for negotiating and settling debts under litigation.

Freedom Debt Relief Lawsuit
In 2019, the CFPB filed a case against Freedom Debt Relief for the violation of Telemarketing Sales Rules. Freedom Debt Relief allegedly charged upfront fees from clients. Plus, they charged fees without settling any debts. Freedom Debt Relief has since settled the case and agreed to pay $20 million as restitution and $5 million in civil money penalty.[3]

Freedom Debt Relief Pros and Cons

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

Pros

  • You can settle your debts at a much lower amount
  • More experience than National Debt Relief
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • Accreditation from BBB, IAPDA, and AADR
  • Get support from partner attorneys without extra fees

Cons

  • The company may cover fewer unsecured debts than National Debt Relief
  • You need to pay some fees for your dedicated account
  • Freedom Debt Relief handles partner attorney fees, but not filing fees or court costs

Can I trust Freedom Debt Relief?
Freedom Debt Relief is a trustworthy debt relief company. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It also has accreditations from the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Plus, the company has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from multiple review platforms.

National Debt Relief vs. Freedom Debt Relief: Detailed Comparison

There are categories where National Debt Relief or Freedom Debt Relief is the better option. Read on to find out which is which.

What factor is most important to you when choosing a debt relief company?

Debt Relief Services — Winner: National Debt Relief

National Debt Relief offers two debt relief services: debt settlement and debt consolidation. For example, National Debt Relief may qualify you for a debt consolidation loan.

Debt consolidation loans can help you settle multiple debts at once. This means you can get rid of high interest debts and potential penalties. You can also waive fees and focus on paying off a loan with much lower interest than your individual debts.

Freedom Debt Relief, on the other hand, focuses on debt settlement services. But they can refer you to other services that may better fit your needs.

Here's how you can qualify for National Debt Relief's debt consolidation loan:

  • Proof of income: You need to confirm and verify that you can afford to pay the monthly payments.
  • Credit history: You need a minimum credit score of 670 or higher to get bigger loans with better terms.
  • Financial stability: You must prove that you are financially stable enough to qualify for a bigger loan.
  • Collateral: You should have personal assets like your vehicle and home to serve as collateral.

Pricing — Winner: National Debt Relief

Both National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief charge around 15–25% of your total enrolled debt as fees.[4][5] So, you may pay the same range for the entirety of your service.

You will open a dedicated account for both debt relief companies. You will make your monthly deposits (which include the fees) in this dedicated account.

Unlike National Debt Relief, however, Freedom Debt Relief charges a one-time fee of $9.95 for setting up this FDIC-insured dedicated account. Plus, you need to pay an additional $9.95 monthly to cover account servicing.[6]

Your dedicated account with Freedom Debt Relief will be opened through Crossroads Financial Technologies, hence the fees. Freedom Debt Relief does not have any share in these fees.

Guarantee — Winner: Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief's Program Guarantee entitles you to refunds if your settlements and fees exceed the enrolled debts. You can get refunds for the difference once you graduate from your program.

On the other hand, National Debt Relief provides a Satisfaction Guarantee. They won't charge you any fees unless you approve the reduced debt and settle it using the accumulated deposits in your dedicated account.

Having said that, penalties, interest, and applicable fees still apply even if you enroll your debt in a debt relief program. These costs may be eliminated and waived if the debt relief company negotiates for you successfully.

Note that for both companies, you don't need to pay upfront fees unless you approve and settle your enrolled debts. It's illegal for debt relief companies to charge for services upfront.[7]

Covered Debts — Winner: National Debt Relief

Both companies cover unsecured debts, but National Debt Relief offers a more comprehensive list:[8]

  • 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

On the other hand, here are some of what Freedom Debt Relief covers:

  • Credit Card debts
  • Personal Loans
  • Medical Debt
  • Qualified Student Loans
  • Certain business debts

You'll need to inquire with Freedom Debt Relief if you have other types of debts not part of the list.

Can National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief reduce all your debts?
National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief cannot reduce all your debts. They can only negotiate and reduce unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. They cannot reduce your secured debts like your home loan or auto loan, which are tied to collateral.

Program Length — Winner: Tie

National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief programs last 24–48 months.[9][10] You will, more or less, finish your program at the same time with either company.

However, remember that results vary per person. Your program length depends on how long debt negotiations last.

Success Rates — Winner: Tie

National Debt Relief has established relationships with more than 10,000 creditors and an average negotiation rate of 50%.[11] Clients who have completed their program save as much as 46% (25%, including National Debt Relief fees).[12]

For Freedom Debt Relief, more than 60% of clients get their first settlement within 3 months of enrolment.[13] Plus, Freedom Debt Relief settles 31,000 accounts every month on average.[2]

Results vary per individual since everybody's financial situation is unique. Debt negotiations can take months before you can get a reduced debt amount.

Years in the Industry — Winner: Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief has been in the industry since 2002. National Debt Relief started a little later, in 2009.

That said, Freedom Debt Relief has more experience and has helped more clients in general. If you prefer a more experienced company, Freedom Debt Relief is the better option.

Contract Cancellation — Winner: Tie

You can cancel your contract with National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief without penalties or termination fees.

Just keep in mind that for Freedom Debt Relief, you need to send your notice of termination 3 business days before your next scheduled payment.

National Debt Relief Customer Reviews

National Debt Relief has gained a lot of clients over the years. Here's how people rated this debt relief company.

RATINGS SOURCEAVERAGE RATING
Consumer Affairs4.90 out of 5 ★ for over 52,200 reviews
Trustpilot4.70 out of 5 ★ for over 38,600 reviews
Better Business Bureau4.71 out of 5 for over 2,900 reviews

A lot of clients have pointed out that National Debt Relief has excellent customer service. Plus, some clients immediately got settlement offers from their creditors like Orvic.

"I am grateful to National Debt relief because they have reached a settlement for an amount that was far lower than what I was originally expected to pay. This also eliminates the hassle of getting calls from collection agencies and work directly with NDR to pay off my debts. My debt situation is a lot less stressful than what I have been going through last year." — Orvic Espino (from Trustpilot)

However, they're not all good reviews. Some clients, like Hope, commented on National Debt Relief's slow negotiation process.

"I haven't heard from anyone at [your] company since February, and I wasn't under the impression that it would take this long. My credit cards are continuing to [incur] late fees, which are making my amount go up [continuously]. I was under the impression that you would contact them and try to work out a settlement. I was never told that it would be after they have added 400 to 500 more in finance and late fees. No wonder it will take me twice as long as you said." — Hope Parker (from Trustpilot)

To further compare the two companies, here's what clients say about Freedom Debt Relief.

Freedom Debt Relief Customer Reviews

Freedom Debt Relief has been around longer than National Debt Relief. And many clients have left their ratings and stories about their debt relief experience with the company.

Ratings SourceAverage Rating
Consumer Affairs4.50 out of 5 ★ for over 31,200 reviews
Trustpilot4.60 out of 5 ★ for over 41,400 reviews
Better Business Bureau5.00 out of 5 ★ for 1 review

Good comments usually consist of good customer service and fast negotiations. This was the case with Sonya's experience.

"After I started the program, within 3 months, Freedom Debt has already negotiated a debt, and now making payments toward it. It gives me confidence in them, since I see the program really working for me." — Sonya Rollins (from Trustpilot)

However, they're not all rosy stories. According to Patricia, Freedom Debt Relief kept changing her program duration, prompting her to stay longer and pay more for her service.

"We were told when we started this program we would be finished in three years. it was four years and not even completed you paid our last debt April 2023 so for four month our money just kept building up told us we would be completed. In September 2023 then I called again and they said October 2023 then I'm sure it would have went to November 2023 so your company didn't do [their] job so I cancelled my last three settlements. it was ridiculous I would never refer your company to anyone." — Patricia Winter (from Trustpilot)

There are limitations to the services of these debt relief companies. Be sure to keep these in mind to help manage expectations and properly plan your course of action.

Limitations of Debt Relief Companies

National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief mainly negotiate with creditors. That said, they won't do the following:

  • They won't assume your debts
    Neither company can assume your debt responsibility. You need to settle your enrolled debts after approving the negotiated amounts.

    If you don't agree with the negotiated amount, the company can renegotiate on your behalf.

  • They will not make your monthly payments for you
    You approve the settlement amounts of your debts. You also need to pay for them afterwards.

  • They won't provide you with professional advice
    You cannot ask for legal, accounting, tax, or bankruptcy advice from the two companies. There are other professional services licensed to offer such advice if you need it.

  • They cannot improve your credit score
    Your credit score may drop once you miss your debt payments and enroll unsecured debts into a debt relief program.

    The two debt relief companies won't fix this damage for you. But you can opt for credit repair companies to help you out.

Red Flags of Debt Relief Scams
A legitimate debt relief company won't do the following:[14]
  • Charge any upfront fees before service
  • Promote a new government program for debt relief
  • Promise to make your debts go away
  • Request you to not correspond with your creditors
  • Tell you it can stop debt collection calls or potential lawsuits
  • Can't answer your questions and are vague about debt relief

If neither company can help you, it's time to look at other options.

National Debt Relief And Freedom Debt Relief Alternatives

You can turn to other debt relief companies or credit counselors to help relieve your debts.

  • Americor
    Americor can help you be debt-free in as fast as 20 months.[15] Plus, you can get your settlement within 4–7 months from the start of your program.[16]

    However, Americor is on the pricier side. You'll be charged 14%–29% of your total enrolled debts as your fees.[17]

  • J.G. Wentworth
    J.G. Wentworth offers debt settlement and debt consolidation options. But it does require your minimum debt to be at least $10,000, which is higher than National Debt Relief and Freedom Debt Relief's minimum.

    J.G. Wentworth's services are also more expensive, with fees ranging from 18–25% of your total enrolled debts.[18]

    However, if you live in California and Utah, you may be eligible for a Personal Loan of up to $25,000 to pay for your smaller debts.[19]

  • Credit Counseling
    Credit counselors help you with your finances as a whole. And they often work with nonprofit organizations.

    They're also licensed by the state, so they have the training and experience to help you in all aspects of your finances.

    They'll help you create a plan to tackle your debt, manage your money, and deal with your credit.

Bottom Line

Between the two choices, your decision-making may be tough. But a good rule of thumb would be to choose National Debt Relief if you have more unsecured debts.

Its comprehensive list of supported debts may mean you can enroll more in your program.

On the other hand, choose Freedom Debt Relief if you need legal services with your debt relief program. The company's partnership with attorneys means you have access to legal professionals in case of lawsuits.

References

  1. ^ National Debt Relief. Our Track Record, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  2. ^ Freedom Debt Relief. Why choose Freedom Debt Relief, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  3. ^ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Settles Lawsuit Against Freedom Debt Relief, Retrieved 09/01/2023
  4. ^ National Debt Relief. FAQs: What will your service cost me?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  5. ^ Freedom Debt Relief. FAQs: How much does debt relief cost?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  6. ^ Freedom Debt Relief. FAQs: When does Freedom Debt Relief collect customer fees?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  7. ^ Federal Trade Commission. Debt Relief Services & The Telemarketing Sales Rule, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  8. ^ National Debt Relief. Debt Relief Qualifications, Retrieved 10/27/23
  9. ^ National Debt Relief. FAQs: How Long Will It Take To Get Out Of Debt?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  10. ^ Freedom Debt Relief. FAQs: How long does Freedom Debt Relief take?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  11. ^ National Debt Relief. FAQs: Can I Negotiate With My Creditors On My Own?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  12. ^ National Debt Relief. Disclaimer, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  13. ^ Freedom Debt Relief. FAQs: Does Freedom Debt Relief start negotiating with my creditors right away?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  14. ^ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What is a debt relief program and how do I know if I should use one?, Retrieved 09/01/2023
  15. ^ Americor. FAQs: How long will it take me to be debt free?, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  16. ^ Americor. How it Works, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  17. ^ Americor. Debt Relief Solutions, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  18. ^ JG Wentworth. Our Debt Relief Program, Retrieved 12/05/2023
  19. ^ JG Wentworth. Choose your debt amount, Retrieved 12/05/2023
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