If you’ve found National Credit Services (NCS) on your credit report, it likely means a debt has been sent to collections. This can lower your credit score and stay on your report for years—unless you take the right steps to remove or resolve it.
Who Is National Credit Services?
National Credit Services, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency headquartered in Bothell, Washington. They collect debts on behalf of a wide range of businesses and government-related entities, including educational institutions and healthcare providers.
If their name appears on your credit report, it typically means you’ve missed a payment and the original creditor has sent the account to NCS for collection.
Who Do They Collect For?
NCS works across several industries, including:
- Higher education – often related to tuition or student loans
- Healthcare – past-due medical bills from hospitals and clinics
- Utilities and telecom – unpaid service accounts
- Financial services – such as credit cards or unpaid loans
- Government contracts – including work tied to the Department of Education
They may collect debt that was assigned to them or purchased from the original creditor.
Is National Credit Services Legit?
Yes, National Credit Services is a licensed and legitimate debt collector. However, that doesn’t mean every debt they report is valid. Credit reports often contain outdated or inaccurate entries, which is why it’s essential to verify the details before responding or making payments.
How to Remove National Credit Services From Your Credit Report
Collection accounts can damage your credit and linger for up to seven years. But you may be able to remove the account sooner by following these steps:
1. Review and Dispute Any Errors
Start by pulling your credit report and checking every detail. If the account balance is wrong, the dates are inconsistent, or the debt doesn’t belong to you, file a dispute with the credit bureaus. If NCS can’t verify the debt, the bureaus are required to delete it.
2. Request Debt Validation
Send NCS a debt validation letter requesting written proof that the debt is accurate and that they’re authorized to collect it. If they can’t provide proper documentation within 30 days, they’re not allowed to continue reporting or pursuing the debt.
3. Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete
If the debt is valid, and you want to resolve it, ask if they’ll agree to remove the account from your credit report in exchange for payment. This is known as a pay-for-delete. Some agencies accept these terms—especially if the debt is old or small—but always get it in writing first.
4. Work With a Credit Repair Professional
A credit repair company can handle the dispute process for you. They’ll review your report, contact NCS, and use legal avenues to challenge the collection and potentially have it removed.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
Should You Contact or Pay National Credit Services?
Before reaching out or sending a payment, consider the following:
- Is the debt verified and accurate?
- Is it past your state’s statute of limitations?
- Could payment restart the collection timeline?
In some cases, making a payment on a very old debt can legally “re-age” it, which may restart the timeline for credit reporting or even legal action.
Can National Credit Services Sue or Garnish Wages?
Yes, NCS can take legal action if the debt is valid and still collectible. If they sue you and win a judgment, they may be able to:
- Garnish your wages
- Freeze funds in your bank account
- Place a lien on your property
That said, lawsuits are expensive and time-consuming, so most collectors will try to resolve the debt without going to court.
National Credit Services Complaints
Like many debt collectors, NCS has received complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Better Business Bureau (BBB). Common issues include:
- Trying to collect debts that were already paid or discharged
- Reporting inaccurate or outdated information
- Failure to respond to debt verification requests
- Harassing phone calls or aggressive contact tactics
If you feel your rights have been violated, consider filing a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general.
Know Your Rights as a Consumer
Two federal laws protect you when dealing with collection agencies:
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Gives you the right to dispute incorrect credit report entries.
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Prohibits harassment, threats, or deceptive collection tactics.
Under these laws, you’re entitled to:
- Written notice that a collection agency is contacting you
- Proof that the debt is valid
- Freedom from repeated or abusive contact
- Protection from being misled about the nature of the debt
National Credit Services Contact Information
Address:
National Credit Services
2525 220th St. SE, Suite 200
Bothell, WA 98021
Phone:
(800) 324-7564
Need Help Removing National Credit Services From Your Credit Report?
If you’re dealing with a collection account from NCS, you’re not the only one—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Credit Saint has helped thousands of people remove negative items from their credit reports, including accounts from National Credit Services. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if they don’t deliver results.
To get started, visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 for a free consultation.
Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.
