How long does a credit card company have to sue you?
Sophia Koch
Updated on January 25, 2026
four years
A statute of limitations is a law that tells you how long someone has to sue you. In California, most credit card companies and their debt collectors have only four years to do so. Once that period elapses, the credit card company or collector loses its right to file a lawsuit against you.
Can a credit card company garnish my wages?
In Alberta, for instance, you keep the first $800 of your monthly net income, then creditors can garnish 50% of your monthly net income between $800 and $2400, and 100% of any net income above $2400. Then these exemption limits are increased by $200 for each dependent you support.
What happens when your credit card company sues you?
Ignoring debt collection calls usually doesn’t make them go away. Ignore your credit card debt long enough, and your credit card company may sell your account to a collection agency or sue you in civil court for the balance.
Who is the plaintiff in a credit card lawsuit?
As the party bringing the lawsuit, the credit card company is the “plaintiff.” The complaint is a legal document which describes the facts giving rise to the lawsuit. You should read the complaint closely. You also might be sued by a debt collection company which has bought the debt.
What happens if you ignore your credit card debt?
Ignore your credit card debt long enough, and your credit card company may sell your account to a collection agency or sue you in civil court for the balance. While it’s best to try to work with your credit card company before a lawsuit is filed, it’s also important to know what to expect if you receive a summons and how you can respond to it.
Can a judge dismiss a credit card lawsuit?
However, if the plaintiff waited too long, you can have the judge dismiss the lawsuit. The plaintiff hasn’t stated a valid claim. Typically, the plaintiff must attach to the complaint enough documents that show a valid contract. For example, a debt collection agency must show that it bought the right to sue on a valid debt.
