How Debt Relief Works (2024)

Is it really possible to pay off certain types of debt for less than you actually owe? While some people might try to tell you the idea is too good to be true, reality says otherwise. Hundreds of thousands of people have used debt relief to pay a lump sum to each creditor that is less than the amount they owed, and you can too.

This process is called debt relief. When you partner with the right company, it’s an effective way to pay off your debt and get back to living the life you want.

How Debt Relief Works

Debt settlement—also known as debt relief—refers to having an expert negotiate with creditors on your behalf. The goal is to convince them to accept less than you owe in exchange for settling the debt to a $0 balance.

A reputable debt relief company, like National Debt Relief, begins by having you speak with a debt coach to assess your situation. They will review your finances to determine if your debt qualifies for settlement and help you decide whether it is your best option.

If you choose to go this route, the debt coach will work with you to set up affordable monthly payments for you to pay off your debt. These funds aren’t released without your approval. If your financial situation changes, your monthly payments could be raised or reduced as needed. You could see your accounts resolved in as little as 24-48 months.

Debt relief involves:

•Working out a payment plan you can afford

• Contacting your creditors to negotiate settlement agreements

• Creating an account into which you make deposits to fund settlement agreements

• Paying off creditors after you approve the agreements they reach on your behalf

What types of debt qualify for debt relief?

Only unsecured debt qualifies for debt relief, which includes:

  • Credit Cards
  • Personal Loans
  • Lines of Credit
  • Medical Bills
  • Collections
  • Repossessions
  • Business Debts
  • Certain Student Debts

But what is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?

A secured loan is a loan in which the borrower pledges a high-valued asset as collateral. Car loans, home mortgages, boat, RV, and motorcycle loans are examples of secured debt. This guarantees that the lender will still receive their money. If you default on the loan, they sell the item to recoup the funds.

Unsecured loans are issued solely based on good faith. Lenders rely on credit histories and credit score information to determine whether the borrower is a good candidate to repay the loan.

How to Find a Legitimate Debt Relief Company

Admittedly, there are debt relief providers who don’t have your best interest at heart. That’s why it’s vital to do your homework before signing up with any company. If someone tells you that you could pay off your debt in 9 months, ask them how. If they request upfront fees, ask them why when it’s illegal to do so. The more you ask, the better.

A legitimate debt relief company like National Debt Relief will always review your situation before making any recommendations. They never take an upfront fee because it is illegal and is the right thing to do. You can check out their 75,000 5-star reviews from satisfied clients on Trustpilot.

National Debt Relief also boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, certification from the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, and is rated #1 by Consumer Affairs, Forbes Advisor, and more.

Legitimate operators are truthful about all aspects of the debt relief process, both its pros, and cons. They will advise you of the temporary consequences to your credit score, outline all of the costs and clearly define how long it will take to become debt free. Complete transparency is one of the hallmarks of the best debt relief companies, including National Debt Relief.

The Right Solution For You

Understanding how debt relief works is the first step toward getting your debts resolved and enjoying a fresh start. National Debt Relief is the leader in its field and has already helped over 500,000 people get a new lease on life. But don’t just take our word for it. Compare debt relief companies, scrutinize their ratings, and see if there are any complaints on the BBB website. Good luck on your debt relief journey.

Content Disclaimer:

The content provided is intended for informational purposes only. Estimates or statements contained within may be based on prior results or from third parties. The views expressed in these materials are those of the author and may not reflect the view of National Debt Relief. We make no guarantees that the information contained on this site will be accurate or applicable and results may vary depending on individual situations. Contact a financial and/or tax professional regarding your specific financial and tax situation. Please visit our terms of service for full terms governing the use this site.

How Debt Relief Works (2024)

FAQs

Is it a good idea to get debt relief? ›

If your debt load has become unmanageable, debt relief is worth considering. Just be sure to explore your options, including any interest and fees you might incur. And once your debt is gone, create a budget and savings plan to ensure you never wind up in a similar situation again.

What is negative about debt relief? ›

Creditors are not legally required to settle for less than you owe. Stopping payments on your bills (as most debt relief companies suggest) will damage your credit score. Debt settlement companies can charge fees. If over $600 is settled, the IRS will view this debt as a taxable income.

What happens when you apply for debt relief? ›

Work with a credit counseling service

They work to lower your balances by extending the period you can repay and lowering the interest rates and fees. Instead of stopping payments, you'll typically make one monthly payment to the counselor, who then splits it among your creditors.

How long does debt relief stay on your credit report? ›

"Credit card debt forgiveness or a settlement typically remains on your credit report for around seven years from the date the account first became delinquent," explains Michael Broughton, founder and CEO of the credit building app, ALTRO.

What are the disadvantages of debt relief order? ›

Disadvantages of Debt Relief Orders

If your circ*mstances change, you may still be required to repay your creditors. Your debt relief order will appear on your credit file for six years. This may affect your ability to get credit in the future.

Is it bad to do debt settlement? ›

Credit score impact: Debt settlement can negatively impact your credit score, as settled accounts may be reported as “settled” or “charged-off.” A debt settlement may remain on your credit report for up to seven years. Creditor cooperation: Typically, lenders are unwilling to settle current debts.

Does debt relief ruin your credit? ›

Debt relief services may have a negative impact on your credit score, but that impact may not be as big as you think — and in some cases, it can help your credit. How these services impact your credit depends on the debt relief option you choose.

What are the dangers of debt forgiveness? ›

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.

How much do you pay for debt relief? ›

Based on Investopedia research, minimum debt settlement fees often start at around 15% of the debt. Maximum debt settlement fees are commonly around 25%, though they could go as high as 30% in some cases. See our picks for the best debt relief companies to find some options with fees on the low end.

How long does a debt relief last? ›

A debt relief order normally lasts for 12 months. However, it will impact your credit report for six years from the date it was approved as it will be listed for future lenders to see.

When should you consider a debt relief program? ›

You may consider debt relief if: You're behind on credit card bills or other loan payments. You're not behind on bills yet, but you're struggling to afford your payments. You've tried to manage your debt on your own, but you can't seem to make any progress.

Can I buy a house after debt relief? ›

Yes, it is possible to buy a home after debt settlement, but it may present challenges. Lenders may view individuals who have settled debts as higher risk borrowers, which could affect their ability to qualify for a mortgage or result in higher interest rates.

Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement? ›

But in most cases, you are not technically required to close all your credit cards when settling debt.

Is it better to settle debt or pay in full? ›

Settling an account rather than paying it in full and on time signals that you're a risky borrower, which will be reflected in your credit score. Additionally, working with a debt settlement company often means halting payments to your creditor in order to gain negotiation leverage.

Is it bad to have debt forgiven? ›

Debt forgiveness offers several advantages that can provide much-needed relief to individuals struggling with overwhelming financial burdens. It offers a bankruptcy alternative, allowing individuals to resolve their debts without the expenses and long-term consequences associated with filing for bankruptcy.

What is the disadvantage of national debt relief? ›

Cons. Keep in mind that if you use a debt settlement company, you'll have to stop making payments to your creditors while the company negotiates on your behalf. Unfortunately, stopping payments — even while you're in the negotiation phase — will negatively impact your credit score.

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