What happens if I do not pay my unsecured debt?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on February 14, 2026
They can, however, contact you by telephone or mail unless you expressly ask them not to. The frequency of phone calls and letters may increase the longer the debt goes unpaid. If other collection actions are ineffective, your creditor may decide to sue you if you owe an unsecured debt.
Can a secured creditor collect on an unsecured debt?
Each creditor’s collection options vary depending on whether you owe a secured or unsecured debt. When you leave a secured creditor unpaid, that creditor has the right to seize the asset you used as collateral when you incurred the debt.
What happens to unsecured creditors in a bankruptcy?
In the event of a bankruptcy, most unsecured debts like credit card bills are wiped out. In many cases, bankruptcy trustees only pay unsecured creditors after all priority creditors have been paid.
What happens if you get sued for credit card debt?
If it isn’t resolved, a lawsuit is only a matter of time. Credit card companies write off millions each year in uncollectible debt. If a lawsuit is filed, you MUST respond. If you don’t show up for the court proceeding, the judge automatically rules against you and will order you to pay the full amount.
What happens to unsecured credit card debt for seniors?
Unsecured credit card debt does not usually pass to heirs, as secured debt often does. Again, there are a few exceptions such as joint accounts and, sometimes, medical bills. It is important that seniors who have significant debt, and their loved ones, know the applicable laws where they live.
What happens if you can’t pay your credit card bills?
Struggling with credit card debt? Credit cards are covered by the Consumer Credit Act (CCA) which means there are strict rules your creditors must follow if you’re struggling to pay your credit card bills.
What happens if you have persistent credit card debt?
If you have a persistent debt, your credit card company will write to you and ask you to increase your monthly payment. Some credit card companies are changing their terms and conditions to increase the minimum payment in order to get customers out of persistent debt.
Many borrowers feel overwhelmed by their debt, and the idea of simply not paying unsecured debts can become quite tempting.
What happens if you default on an unsecured loan?
Unsecured debt includes credit card debt, student loans, personal loans, cash advances, medical debt, retail store accounts, and money borrowed from family or friends. This article will discuss unsecured debts, what happens if you default on these types of debts, and what options you have for dealing with them after defaulting.
What happens if you don’t pay a debt collection?
You’re especially likely to be turned down for a mortgage if you have unpaid debt collections on your credit report. Whether you pay the collection or not, it stays on your credit report for the entire credit reporting time limit. Then, when that time period elapses, the collection will fall off your credit.
What happens if you have unpaid debt on your credit report?
You are deemed a riskier borrower, and because of that, some of your applications for new credit may be turned down. You’re especially likely to be turned down for a mortgage if you have unpaid debt collections on your credit report.