What Happens If You Stop Paying Your Credit Cards? (Timeline)
Quick answer: If you stop paying, you'll get late fees right away, a negative mark on your credit report after 30 days, a possible penalty APR after 60 days, collection calls, and a charge-off around 180 days. The debt can be sold to a collector, and you can be sued, which may lead to wage garnishment in many states. Call your issuer before it gets there.
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Late fee (up to about $41) |
| 30 days | Reported late to credit bureaus |
| 60 days | Penalty APR may apply |
| 90–150 days | Collection efforts; account likely closed |
| About 180 days | Charged off; may be sold to a collector |
| Later | Possible lawsuit and court judgment |
More on the last stages: what is a charge-off.
Can You Be Sued?
Yes. Issuers and debt buyers can sue within your state's statute of limitations. If they win a judgment, many states allow wage garnishment or bank levies. Never ignore court papers; responding can protect your rights.
Better Options If You Can't Pay
- Call your issuer early and ask about a hardship program.
- Contact a nonprofit credit counselor about a debt management plan.
- Consider a balance transfer or consolidation loan if your credit allows.
- As a last resort, talk to an attorney about bankruptcy. See bankruptcy for credit card debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to jail for not paying credit card debt?
No. Credit card debt is civil, not criminal. But ignoring a court order can cause legal trouble.
Will credit card debt go away after 7 years?
The negative mark leaves your report after about 7 years, but the debt may still be collectible.
Updated September 2026. Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act guidance. This article is for information only and is not financial or legal advice.
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