debt

State statutes of limitations for old debts

Once a debt passes beyond the statute of limitation in your state, a debt collector no longer has the right to sue you for payment. You may still have a moral obligation to pay back an old, forgotten debt, but you can't be sued over it.

Any debt collector who threatens to sue you over a debt that is beyond the statute of limitation in your state is in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

advertisement

The chart below offers a state-by-state roundup of statutes of limitations for delinquent debt. Credit cards are considered open accounts. For the best rates on credit cards, see our search engine. If you're being hassled about an old debt, the chart below is a great starting point and was accurate as of the date it was published here.

If you need legal assistance with a delinquent debt, visit the Web site of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and search for an attorney with expertise in debt collection in your area. To find your state's attorney general, click here.

Home Equity Loan Rate Search

Compare local home equity rates
30K FICO-based HELOC average
5.31%
Home equity
This is the daily overnight average for a $30K HELOC.
Find the best home equity rates

Home Equity Loan Home Equity Line of Credit
Select a product:
Compare Home Equity Rates



advertisement
Home Equity Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
30K HELOC
5.31%
5.33%
30K Home Equity Loan
8.35%
8.39%
50K HELOC
5.06%
5.07%
75K Home Equity Loan
8.84%
8.89%
View rates in your area:
debt
Don't walk away from your credit card with a high interest rate. It could hurt your credit rating.
advertisement
Smart Spending
Are you a champ at cutting costs? Enter your tip in our Frugal $ense contest to be eligible to win $100. There’s a new winner every month.
Is your bank safe? Now you can find out
Look up a bank, thrift or credit union by clicking one of the buttons below.
advertisement