Does debt follow you to another country?
Jackson Reed
Updated on February 17, 2026
Most debts won’t follow you to another country, but staying one step ahead of your creditors might be a lot harder than you think. Debt can feel like a massive weight hanging around your neck.
What happens to unpaid credit card debt if you move abroad UK?
Although your credit history may not follow you when you move abroad, any debts you owe will remain active. If you plan on moving back to the original country, those debts will still apply and might also lead to County Court Judgements while you were away.
Can HMRC chase you abroad?
You may have asked yourself, “Can HMRC chase me abroad?”, and it’s a common fear of expats far and wide. Technically, yes they can. HMRC can do this using the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to enlist help from foreign authorities to chase expats for criminal investigations.
Can you keep your US bank account if you move abroad?
Generally, once you have established a bank account in the U.S., you may continue to use it even if you are outside the U.S. (And your social security number is yours for life, no matter where you live, so that may be useful, too, in the future.)
What happens to my credit card when I leave the country?
While it doesn’t have as big an impact after you leave the country, a low score can make the transition overseas more difficult. You’re unlikely to qualify for high-limit cards in your new home until you show lenders you have a steady source of income.
What happens to credit card debt when you move abroad?
Some people have said to have collectors following them to their new country of residence, although the country may or may not be required to extradite you for having debts. If you are leaving the country with the intention to continue paying off your credit card debt, contact your credit card company and make it aware of your situation.
What happens if I don’t pay my credit card?
A credit card debt is an unsecured debt. Most Card companies will sell the debt on to a specialist company within 3–4 months and the new owner of the debt will be on the case. You will be harrased at your last known address and telephoned non stop.
What happens to your debt if you leave the country?
However, that doesn’t mean that your existing debt vanishes. Creditors can still seek to collect their money. Depending on who the creditors are and how far they’re willing to go to collect it, your debt problems may not vanish because you took a plane flight. Leaving the country doesn’t end your obligation to repay your debts.