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What happens if you stop paying unsecured debt?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on February 19, 2026

What Happens if You Default on an Unsecured Loan? Failing to repay any debt will have a negative effect on your credit. Although you don’t have to worry about losing your collateral with an unsecured loan, the cascading effects of falling behind in your payments can do real damage to your credit—and your finances.

Can you walk away from unsecured debt?

So the answer to the question “can I just walk away from my debts?” is “yes”, but only if you are not worried about the repercussions of walking away. If you have no assets to seize, no wages to garnishee, and you are not concerned about a low credit score, walking away is a viable option.

How do I get away with not paying credit card debt?

Get professional help: Reach out to a nonprofit credit counseling agency that can set up a debt management plan. You’ll pay the agency a set amount every month that goes toward each of your debts. The agency works to negotiate a lower bill or interest rate on your behalf and, in some cases, can get your debt canceled.

What happens if you can’t pay your credit cards?

This may be especially true if you have credit card debt and little to no emergency savings. When you lack the income to pay credit card and other bills tracked on your credit report, your credit score can suffer.

What happens if I do not pay my unsecured debt?

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.

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 don’t pay your medical bills?

Before you bail on your credit card debt or medical bills, it’s important to look at the big financial picture. If you’re not making regular payments to your unsecured debt, your creditor will most likely report it to the major credit bureaus.