Can credit card companies garnish retirement?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on January 25, 2026
Child support and government debts, like taxes and student loans, can garnish your pension check, but most other creditors cannot. A creditor might not be able to garnish your pension or Social Security check, but the creditor can take the money after you deposit it into the bank, up to the legal limits.
Is retirement income protected from garnishment?
In general, pension income enjoys the same protection as Social Security benefits — off limits to most creditors, except for government debts and child support. And pension income is protected from garnishments before it’s given to you, but not after you receive it.
Can my retirement check be garnished?
The U.S. Treasury can garnish your Social Security benefits for unpaid debts such as back taxes, child or spousal support, or a federal student loan that’s in default. If you owe money to the IRS, a court order is not required to garnish your benefits.
Can they garnish Social Security for credit card debt?
The short answer: no. Most creditors and debt collectors cannot seize your Social Security benefits, as long as you receive them via direct deposit to your bank account. If you receive your benefits on a prepaid card, these funds are generally safe as well.
Can a credit card company garnish your social security?
Understand the rules that protect Social Security income benefits from garnishment. Getting behind in your credit card payments is troubling, especially with the knowledge that you can be sued by a credit card company to be repaid.
Can a creditor garnish an Individual Retirement Account?
Depending on the state where you live, your individual retirement account (IRA) may be garnished by a number of creditors.
Can a social security check be garnished for back taxes?
The U.S. Treasury can garnish your Social Security benefits for unpaid debts such as back taxes, child or spousal support, or a federal student loan that’s in default. If you owe money to the …
Can a credit card be garnished for late payment?
Especially if “They” (aka Pottercorp) has issued you a credit card or auto loan, and your payment is late. Creditors holding medical bills, along with personal and payday loans, are also prohibited from garnishing these benefits.