How long can a debt collector pursue an old debt in Alabama?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 31, 2026
Statute of Limitations & Judgments Collection suits are generally based on breach of contract or stated account, both of which fall under the six (6) year statute of limitations provided in Alabama Code Section 6-2-34. Actions for open or unliquidated account must be brought within three years. See Ala.
What is the statute of limitations on credit cards in Alabama?
3 years
The Alabama statute of limitations on credit card debt is 3 years.
What is the statue of limitation on debt in Alabama?
6
Statute of Limitations on Debt by State
| State | Written Contract | Collection of Debt on Account |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 | 3 |
| Alaska | 3 | 10 |
| Arizona | 6 | 3 |
| Arkansas | 5 | 3 |
Can your bank account be garnished in Alabama?
Alabama law allows creditors to seize bank accounts, cars, homes, and personal property, according to the report. To seize assets or garnish wages to claim an unpaid debt, creditors must first sue debtors. In Alabama, state law does not protect a living wage from garnishment.
How long does a judgment last in Alabama?
Alabama judgments are enforceable for ten years, and can be revived (renewed) before ten years are up, but they can only be enforced for 20 years. After 20 years, Alabama judgments become worthless.
How long can you be sued for a debt in Alabama?
six years
Your creditor must file a collection lawsuit to collect your debt within six years from the time you defaulted. Otherwise, your debt will be time-barred. Unlike a sealed contract, to be valid, a written contract must have stated a valuable consideration.
Does Alabama have a statute of limitations?
Alabama imposes a 12-month limit for all misdemeanors and a three-year time limit for most felonies, although the most serious crimes have no statutory time limits whatsoever, including murder, counterfeiting, arson, or sex offenses with minors under 16.
Is there Statute of limitations on credit card debt?
A statute of limitations simply means that you can no longer be sued for the debt. Each state has its own statutes of limitations for different kinds of debt. Keep in mind that some credit card companies operate according to the statute in their home state, not yours.
What’s the Statute of limitations on credit card fraud in Arizona?
This is known as the statute of limitations. In Arizona the statute of limitations is six years. If a credit card company or collection agency does not file a lawsuit within six years they are precluded from doing so.
Is there Statute of limitations on tolling credit cards?
Tolling rarely happens with credit card companies. With credit card contracts, it is normal to make periodic payments. Because of this, you have to be careful that you don’t reset the statute of limitations period without meaning to. You make a payment after not paying for a period of time.
Is there Statute of limitations on American Express debt?
American Express) that the statute of limitations on an unpaid credit card debt was six years. The Georgia code sets the limit on open-ended accounts at four years, but the appeals court applied the law for written contracts to card debt in this case.