What is the American Debt Relief Program?
American Debt Relief uses a process known as debt settlement to help consumers erase debt after paying a fraction of what they owe. After talking with a debt consultant during a free debt assessment, customers are asked to begin saving a set amount of money in a dedicated savings account each month.
As one of the top debt relief companies in the country, we've helped thousands of customers settle over $1 billion in debt—at a fraction of what they owed. Because we've done it so effectively for so long, we know how to provide the personal service you deserve and expect.
Pros & Cons of debt settlement with National Debt Relief
However, debt settlement does go on your credit report. It won't leave as severe a mark as a bankruptcy would, but it will stain your report for seven years. Anytime you escape debt for less than you owe, there likely will be repercussions.
It typically involves hiring a debt relief company to employ one or more strategies that help you get debt under control, such as by reducing the amount you owe, lowering your interest rate, or securing better terms. Learn how debt relief programs work and whether they may be right for you.
But the harsh truth lies somewhere short of "totally erased" and "no consequences." To be clear, debt forgiveness does exist, and it's possible to settle your debt for less than what you owe. But to get it totally erased is rare, and it usually requires an extreme measure, such as bankruptcy.
Debt relief won't hurt your credit alone. However, closing your oldest accounts can drastically lower your standing. Debt relief and debt settlement options don't hurt your credit score on their own.
American Debt Relief | National Debt Relief | |
---|---|---|
Fee | No upfront fees Fees not disclosed (fine print implies 25%) | No upfront fees Pay 15% to 25% of your debt |
Average Program Time | 24 to 48 months | 24 to 48 months |
As with most other negative credit report entries, settled accounts stay on your credit reports for seven years.
Working with a debt settlement company may lead to a creditor filing a debt collection lawsuit against you. Unless the debt settlement company settles all or most of your debts, the built-up penalties and fees on the unsettled debts may wipe out any savings the debt settlement company achieves on the debts it settles.
You'll typically need good credit and income to take out a debt consolidation loan or balance transfer credit card, for example, while most debt settlement companies require you to enroll at least $7,500 or $10,000 of debt to qualify.
Can I still use my credit card after debt settlement?
Paying off your credit card, whether it's with a debt consolidation loan or not, does not actually cancel the card. While it does bring your balance down to zero, the card will still be open and active.
How Long After a Debt Settlement Can You Buy a House? There's no set timeline for how long it takes to get a mortgage after debt settlement. Your ability to qualify for a mortgage will depend on how well you meet the lender's requirements on the issues raised above (credit score, DTI, employment and down payment).
And, depending on the program, you may be able to get your interest rate lowered or have certain fees waived. Under the terms of a debt management plan, while you may receive more favorable interest rates or relief from fees, you still repay the entire principal amount owed.
While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify.
Credit Card Companies Sometimes Write Off the Debt
If you stop paying on your credit card debt and become seriously delinquent, the credit card company will likely write off the debt and consider it uncollectible. At that point, the company takes your debt off its books.
- Using a balance transfer credit card. ...
- Consolidating debt with a personal loan. ...
- Borrowing money from family or friends. ...
- Paying off high-interest debt first. ...
- Paying off the smallest balance first. ...
- Bottom line.
- Opt for debt relief. One powerful approach to managing and reducing your credit card debt is with the help of debt relief companies. ...
- Use the snowball or avalanche method. ...
- Find ways to increase your income. ...
- Cut unnecessary expenses. ...
- Seek credit counseling. ...
- Use financial windfalls.
While the effects of bankruptcy hang around for 7 to 10 years on your credit report, that's not how long you must wait to borrow money. The impact of the penalty decreases each year, and it's even possible to get a car loan within six months of your discharge.
Credit card debt forgiveness is when some or all of a borrower's credit card debt is considered canceled and is no longer required to be paid. Credit card debt forgiveness is uncommon, but other solutions exist for managing debt. Debt relief and debt consolidation loans are other options to reduce your debts.
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved debt cancellation for nearly 3.9 million Americans, totaling almost $138 billion in debt relief through various actions.
How much debt do you have to be in for a debt relief order?
Check if you can get a DRO
you're unable to pay your debts. your qualifying debts are not more than £30,000. you've got no more than £75 left over each month after you've paid your usual household expenses. you don't own your home.
- Review Your Credit Reports. ...
- Pay Bills on Time. ...
- Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio. ...
- Get Help With Debt. ...
- Become an Authorized User. ...
- Get a Cosigner. ...
- Only Apply for Credit You Need. ...
- Consider a Secured Card.
Debt consolidation is usually a good idea for borrowers who have several high-interest loans. However, it may only be feasible if your credit score has improved since applying for the original loans.
Debt relief can take a number of forms, including reducing the debt, lowering the interest rate on it, or extending the period for repayment, among others. Creditors are often willing to consider debt-relief measures when the alternative is total default by the borrower.
Everyone qualifies for some form of debt relief, but you may or may not qualify for the specific types of relief you're looking for. For example, anyone can create a structured payment plan and achieve debt freedom faster.