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The Daily Insight Hub

Can a third party sue for credit card debt?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on February 14, 2026

Debt collectors have restrictions on how they can pursue you for payment. But for one thing, they can sue you for payment. Here are 10 things third-party debt collectors — those who collect a debt on behalf of another creditor — can’t and can do.

What percentage of debt will collectors settle for?

Offer a Lump-Sum Settlement Some want 75%–80% of what you owe. Others will take 50%, while others might settle for one-third or less. Proposing a lump-sum settlement is generally the best option—and the one most collectors will readily agree to—if you can afford it.

What is a ” third party ” debt collection lawsuit?

What is a “third party” debt collection lawsuit? These lawsuits are typically filed by the thousands by a debt buyer who possesses typically little or no documentation of the underlying debt. You get a credit card, charge account, or retail loan. The bank you have the account with is called the “original creditor”.

Can a debt collector Sue you for a small balance?

Can Debt Collectors Sue You for a Small Balance? You might assume that some debts are too insignificant for debt collectors to care about, but debt collectors may sue you for any balance — large or small. It’s the debt collector’s discretion whether to sue for the debt.

Is there Statute of limitations for third party debt collectors?

Third-party debt collectors must adhere to the same laws as original creditors. However, certain things you do may extend the statute of limitations, giving debt collectors more time to sue. State statutes of limitation for debt collection are organized by the type of debt.

Can a creditor sell a debt to a third party?

In many cases, the original creditor is then able to clear their “books” of the bad debt, take a generous tax write off, sometimes collect from “bad debt insurance” and may even sell the debt to third party debt collectors. Charging off an account does not mean you do not owe the debt to the original creditor.