Can you be sued by a credit card company in Texas?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on January 28, 2026
Being sued by a credit card company in Texas means that you may have received a summons to the court concerning the matter. In order to defend against a Texas credit card lawsuit, there are a few steps that are within your rights as a debtor.
Can you go to jail for credit card debt in Texas?
There are no longer any debtor’s prisons in the United States – you can’t go to jail for simply failing to make payment on a civil debt (credit cards and loans). If you miss a payment, you can simply contact the debt collector to work out when you’ll be able to make it up without fear of an arrest warrant being issued.
What happens when a debt collector sues you in Texas?
If the creditor or debt collector wins the lawsuit, they will obtain a judgment against you. That judgment can then be enforced in a variety of ways unless you do not have any money or assets that the creditor could claim. This is commonly called being “judgment proof.”
How long does a creditor have to sue you in Texas?
within 4 years
Know your rights: The creditor must file a lawsuit within 4 years from the date of your last minimum payment or promise to pay on the debt. Even if you owe the debt, you can still challenge it if it’s over 4 years from your last payment or promise to pay.
What assets are exempt from creditors in Texas?
Other personal property that creditors can’t seize from Texans include your car, farming or ranching vehicles, clothes, pets, and athletic and sporting equipment, including bicycles. Also exempt are “two horses, mules or donkeys, and a saddle, blanket and bridle for each.”
How do I answer a court summons for credit card debt?
Here’s how to respond to a court summons for credit card debt:
- Don’t ignore it. If you do this, the court will simply rule in the issuer or debt collector’s favor.
- Try to work things out.
- Answer the summons.
- Consult an attorney.
- Go to court.
- Respond to the ruling.
Can a creditor garnish my bank account in Texas?
Once you have a judgment against you, creditors can garnish your bank account in Texas. They do this with a Writ of Garnishment. They cannot garnish your wages but once you deposit your paycheck into the bank they can freeze your account with a valid judgment.
Can you be sued for credit card debt in Texas?
If you owe someone money and do not pay, they can sue you for it as long as they do so within a number of years specified by state law. They can choose to charge it off, but that is an accounting procedure that does not relieve you of the debt. If you were the only adult in the house, you can be handed the papers and that…
Can a credit card company sue if you don’t pay?
Credit card companies consider the debt’s amount, its recoverability, and legal expenses before suing. However, this consideration doesn’t give you a get out of jail free card regarding credit card debt. If it was, many more people may choose not to pay. So if credit card companies don’t immediately sue, what will they do about unpaid debt?
How often are people sued for debt in Texas?
Sued For Debt in Texas Thousands of Texas consumers are sued by debt purchasers or credit card companies every month. The statistics show that approximately 90% of consumers do not even respond to the lawsuit and this is about the worst thing you can do because the end result is a judgment.
What’s the Statute of limitations on suing a credit card company?
One factor that can influence the timing is the statute of limitations in your state. Some states allow creditors to sue over an unpaid debt for up to 15 years, while others permit it for three years.