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The Daily Insight Hub

What type of account Cannot be garnished?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on February 15, 2026

Certain types of income cannot be garnished or frozen in a bank account. Foremost among these are federal and state benefits, such as Social Security payments. Not only is a creditor forbidden from taking this money through garnishment, but, after it has been deposited in an account, a creditor cannot freeze it.

Can the government take your CDs?

The short answer is yes. Like other bank accounts, CDs are federally insured at financial institutions that are members of a federal deposit insurance agency. If a member bank or credit union fails, you’re guaranteed to receive your money back, up to $250,000, by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Can a creditor seize money from your bank account?

Some creditors, such as the IRS, can seize money from a bank account without first getting permission from a court. Again, in most cases, a creditor has to go to court and get a judgment against you before it can levy your bank account.

Can a creditor put a levy on a CD account?

A levy, on the other hand, gives your creditor the right to actually take certain property from you, such as a CD account. If you don’t pay your bills, your creditor could pursue both actions against you.

Can a judgment creditor freeze your bank account?

To protect your bank account from creditors, one must understand the legal tools a judgment creditor can use to freeze and take the money in your bank account. In Florida and in most other states, the judgment creditor’s legal tool to seize bank accounts is the writ of garnishment.

Can a creditor seize a safe deposit box?

In some cases, collection may involve seizure of your personal assets, including valuables and cash kept in a safe deposit box. Creditors don’t get an easy ride, however. They’ll have to get a court judgment for the debt, and they may need a second judgment authorizing them to seize your safe deposit box.