What happens if you get served for credit card debt?
Sophia Koch
Updated on January 23, 2026
When you get a court summons for credit card debt, pay attention to it—and make a plan of action. If you ignore your summons, the court is likely to rule in the debt collector’s favor and your wages could be garnished until you pay back the amount of money that the court rules you owe.
Can a credit card company sue you for unsecured debt?
Unlike the creditor of a secured debt, like a mortgage, who requires collateral for the debt that it can sell it to satisfy the debt, the creditor of an unsecured debt, like a credit card, can only file a lawsuit against you personally as recourse to recover an unpaid debt.
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 do you need to know about a debt collection lawsuit?
The Lawsuit Begins A debt collection lawsuit begins when the collection agency files a “complaint” (sometimes called a “petition”) in court. The complaint will explain why the collector is suing you and what it wants—usually, repayment of money you owe, plus interest, fees, and costs.
What are the defenses to credit card debt lawsuits?
It requires collectors to provide you with validation of your debt when you request it and stop collection activities until they do. It prohibits certain collection activities such as threatening to sue on debt that is beyond the statute of limitations.
What happens if the debt collector does not verify the debt?
What Happens If the Collector Does Not Verify the Debt? If a debt collector fails to verify the debt but continues go after you for payment, you have the right to sue that debt collector in federal or state court. You might be able to get $1,000 per lawsuit, plus actual damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
