Do I have to pay credit card debt after 7 years?
Rachel Davis
Updated on January 21, 2026
Unpaid credit card debt is not forgiven after 7 years, however. You could still be sued for unpaid credit card debt after 7 years, and you may or may not be able to use the age of the debt as a winning defense, depending on the state’s statute of limitations. In most states, it’s between 3 and 10 years.
Do you still owe debt after 7 years?
Can a Bill Collector Collect After Seven Years? Most debts have a statute of limitations that runs between four to six years. However, it’s still possible for a debt to be within the statute of limitations at seven years, depending on the debt, when the last payment was made and where you live.
Does your credit reset after 7 years?
Most negative information generally stays on credit reports for 7 years. Bankruptcy stays on your Equifax credit report for 7 to 10 years, depending on the bankruptcy type. Closed accounts paid as agreed stay on your Equifax credit report for up to 10 years.
What if a debt is over 7 years old?
In most states, if the debt is yours, the amount is correct, and the debt collector is entitled to collect, the collector can continue to ask you to pay the debt. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, debts can appear on your credit report generally for seven years and in a few cases, longer than that.
Do unpaid debts ever disappear?
Will Unpaid Debt Ever Go Away On Its Own? (Yes, But Don’t Hold Your Breath.) Once the statute of limitations for a debt has passed, it becomes uncollectible. They have statutes of limitations. After a while, most personal debts will become basically uncollectible.
What happens to your credit when you pay off a credit card?
If you use your credit card, make it a goal to pay off your balance in full each month so you don’t get back into debt. Keeping a paid account open can help your credit score by lowering your overall credit utilization. Plus, if the account has a long history, it will help your average credit age. Try Living Debt Free
How often should I pay off my credit card?
Some credit card issuers close credit cards that go unused for several months. To keep your account open, be sure to use it periodically. Make a small purchase on the card every three or four months and pay off the balance right away to keep it active and open.
How long does it take to pay off credit card debt in Chapter 7?
So, if you owe far more than you think you can pay, Chapter 7 can likely help you get back on your feet and stay there. If you are paying the minimum payments on your credit cards each month, it could take you 10 or 15 years to pay off the credit card debt, depending on the balances on your credit cards and the interest rate.
What’s the best way to pay off credit card debt?
Here are strategies to help you pay off credit card debt. The debt avalanche method of paying down credit card debt can help you save money on interest. After making minimum payments on all of your credit cards, put some extra money on the card with the highest annual percentage rate (APR).