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Dealing with a high national debt can be overwhelming, but did you know that credit score relief services can actually help improve your credit score? Many people are unaware that these services exist.
Credit score relief services can help reduce debt by up to 50% through debt settlement and negotiation. This can lead to a significant increase in credit score.
For example, if you have a debt of $10,000 and settle it for $5,000, your credit utilization ratio will decrease, and your credit score will likely improve.
Understanding Debt Relief
National Debt Relief is a top-rated debt settlement company, but it's essential to explore other options.
National Debt Relief offers debt settlement and debt consolidation loans, while Pacific Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief also provide debt settlement and debt consolidation loans.
Debt settlement fees can be a significant cost, ranging from 15% to 25% of the settled debt for all three companies.
The minimum debt required to work with National Debt Relief is $7,500, while Pacific Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief require a minimum of $10,000.
There is no maximum debt limit for any of these companies, giving you more flexibility in seeking debt relief.
Accredited Debt Relief has the most accreditations, with AADR, IAPDA, CDRI, and BBB, while National Debt Relief and Pacific Debt Relief also have multiple accreditations.
Here's a quick comparison of the three companies:
Debt Relief Options
National Debt Relief is a top-rated debt settlement company, but it still has some issues. You may want to explore other debt relief companies, including options for debt management plans through credit counseling.
If you're considering debt settlement, you should know that it can appear on your credit report for seven years. However, staying current with your debt generally shouldn't put a negative mark on your credit report.
Debt settlement typically involves paying 15%–25% of the settled debt, but this can vary depending on the company. For example, National Debt Relief, Pacific Debt Relief, and Accredited Debt Relief all charge 15%–25% of the settled debt.
You'll need to have a minimum debt of $7,500 with National Debt Relief, $10,000 with Pacific Debt Relief, or $10,000 with Accredited Debt Relief to qualify for their services. There is no maximum debt limit with any of these companies.
Here are some debt relief options to consider:
Debt consolidation loans can affect your credit score, but making loan payments on time can help build it up.
Impact on Credit
Enrolling in a debt settlement program can hurt your credit score, depending on how your credit information changes while you're in the program. This is because you'll stop making payments to your creditors, which can lead to late payments and rising balances.
A debt management plan requires staying current with your debt, and avoiding late payments will be kinder and gentler to your credit than debt settlement. This is because a debt settlement normally appears on your credit report for seven years, while staying current with your debt generally shouldn't put a negative mark on your credit report.
Making loan payments on time is key to building up your credit score, especially if you've chosen a debt consolidation loan. This can help you save money with a lower interest rate and become debt-free sooner.
What's the Impact of Debt Consolidation on Credit?
Debt consolidation can have a temporary impact on your credit score, but the good news is that it can also help you save money and become debt-free sooner.
A debt management plan through debt consolidation can keep your credit score the same, but it will indicate that you're enrolled in a debt management program on your credit report.
Making loan payments on time is key to building up your credit score, especially if you've taken out a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate.
A balance transfer can also slightly dip your credit score, but this is only temporary and can help you pay off debts without worrying about high finance charges.
Paying off debt before the special offer expires and interest rates skyrocket is crucial to avoid getting back into debt.
If you're already several months behind on your bills, a few more late payments might not significantly affect your credit score, which may have already declined.
4. Credit Counseling
Credit counseling can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your finances and debts. A credit counselor can provide advice on managing money and debts.
They can help you create a budget and prioritize your expenses and debt payments. This can be a huge relief, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed by your financial situation.
Credit counselors can also help you obtain copies of your credit reports and scores. This is a crucial step in understanding your financial standing and identifying areas for improvement.
They may even be able to help you organize a debt management plan to pay down your debts. This can be a structured approach to getting back on track financially.
Some reputable resources for finding credit counseling services include the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Financial Counseling Association of America.
Debt Relief Services
Debt Relief Services can be a lifesaver for those struggling with debt. National Debt Relief, Pacific Debt Relief, and Accredited Debt Relief are three top options to consider.
All three companies offer debt settlement, debt consolidation loans, and debt management plans. They also have no maximum limit on the amount of debt they can help with. National Debt Relief has been around since 2009, Pacific Debt Relief since 2002, and Accredited Debt Relief since 2001.
The fees for these services are similar, ranging from 15% to 25% of the settled debt. To qualify, you'll need to have at least $7,500 in debt with National Debt Relief, $10,000 with Pacific Debt Relief and Accredited Debt Relief. These companies are also accredited by reputable organizations such as the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).
Accredited Relief
National Debt Relief is accredited by three organizations: the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR), the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
AADR, IAPDA, and BBB are all reputable organizations that evaluate companies based on their performance and practices.
The BBB accreditation, however, is not a direct measure of a company's performance, but rather a reflection of how the company handles complaints filed with the BBB.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), about half of people who enroll in a debt settlement program drop out for various reasons.
Here are some of the accreditations held by National Debt Relief and its competitors:
These accreditations can give you an idea of a company's reputation and commitment to providing quality debt relief services.
Customer Service
If you're considering a debt relief service, it's essential to know how to get in touch with their customer service team. You can reach out to them via telephone, email, or social media.
The company has multiple phone numbers, depending on your location and status as a client. The general inquiries number is (800) 300-9550, available from 8 a.m.–12 a.m. ET on weekdays and 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET on weekends.
If you're a current client, you can contact them at (888) 660-7427, available from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET on weekdays.
You can also email the company at [email protected], and they'll get back to you 24/7.
Enrolling in Services
To enroll in debt relief services, you can start the process online or by phone. You can visit the National Debt Relief website and click "Apply", or call 800-287-1591.
The first step is to initiate contact and provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and an estimate of your outstanding debt amount. This information will be used to set up a complimentary consultation with a debt coach.
During the free consultation, a debt coach will evaluate your financial situation and suggest tailored debt relief solutions. They will then create a personalized debt relief plan suited to your financial needs.
To make payments, you'll agree to the plan and make a single monthly payment into your secure savings account, which you control. National Debt Relief's strategy focuses on helping you gain control over your debt faster rather than just making minimum payments on multiple debts.
If you're unsure about which debt relief company to choose, consider checking the accreditations of the companies you're considering. National Debt Relief, for example, is accredited by AADR, IAPDA, and BBB.
Debt Management
Debt management plans can be a viable option for those struggling with debt. According to the CFPB, these plans involve making a single payment through a credit counselor who then makes monthly payments to creditors.
Credit counselors may be able to negotiate extensions to repay loans and ask creditors to lower interest rates and waive fees, potentially lowering overall monthly payments. However, this does not necessarily lower the total amount owed.
A reputable credit counseling company should provide free information about its services, but be aware that they may still charge fees to handle debt management plans and other services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of national debt relief?
National debt relief can negatively impact your credit score, as delinquent accounts will be marked on your credit reports, causing a significant hit to your credit score
Does debt relief affect your credit score?
Debt relief can have varying effects on credit scores, with some methods potentially causing long-term damage and others having a minimal impact. Understanding the specifics of your debt relief option can help you make informed decisions about your credit health.
Sources
- https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/blog/financial-wellness/credit-score/how-debt-settlement-affect-credit-score/
- https://www.investopedia.com/national-debt-relief-review-5092836
- https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/blog/debt-guide/debt-consolidation/debt-consolidation-consolidate-credit-card-debt-without-hurting-credit/
- https://management.org/is-national-debt-relief-legit
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/credit-card-debt-relief-options/
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