Can they take your house for credit card debt?

Asked by: Mr. Elvis Reynolds  |  Last update: October 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (38 votes)

While credit card companies technically have the ability to pursue your home for unpaid debt, it's rare. A debt collector must go to court and get a judgment before it can place a lien on your home. There are limits and exemptions to how much of your home's equity a debt collector can claim.

Can I lose my house from credit card debt?

If you owe money for most other debts like credit cards and medical bills, you (usually) did not sign a security agreement. So, the creditors cannot seize your home to pay the debt. But, if you want to sell your home and creditors have filed judgments for unpaid debts, you may need to pay those debts before the sale.

Can they put a lien on my house for credit card debt?

Yes, if the credit card company gets a judgment against you and you do not pay it, it can place a judgment lien on your home.

Can a credit card company take your house?

When facing financial turmoil, this is naturally what folks fear most. Fortunately, your home is safe from any creditors who do not have a mortgage or lien on it. Credit card companies and other unsecured loan holders can't come and simply take your property or home after missing a few payments.

Can credit card debt be taken from estate?

When a loved one passes away, you'll have a lot to take care of, including their finances. It's important to remember that credit card debt does not automatically go away when someone dies. It must be paid by the estate or the co-signers on the account.

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32 related questions found

Does credit card debt go away after 7 years?

Does credit card debt go away after 7 years? Most negative items on your credit report, including unpaid debts, charge-offs, or late payments, will fall off your credit report seven years after the date of the first missed payment. However, it's important to remember that you'll still owe the creditor.

Can creditors go after family members?

Yes—but only if you co-signed on the debt or are a co-owner based on California's community property laws, as detailed above. Another example: An adult child can inherit debt if their name is on a loan or credit cards that their parent had when they died.

Can my house be seized by creditors?

Real property includes things like your home or land. Though creditors can legally seize real and personal property that isn't covered by an exemption, this isn't common because it can be costly for creditors. It's more common for creditors to use wage garnishment or a bank account levy.

Can a credit card default take your house?

While credit card companies technically have the ability to pursue your home for unpaid debt, it's rare. A debt collector must go to court and get a judgment before it can place a lien on your home. There are limits and exemptions to how much of your home's equity a debt collector can claim.

What happens if you walk away from credit card debt?

You Will Have Ongoing Damage To Your Credit

They can also take different actions that can make the situation even worse. Some may report immediately, while others may sell your debt to third-party collection agencies, who will assuredly file to obtain a judgment against you in court.

What assets can credit card companies take?

Debt collectors can only take money from your paycheck, bank account, or benefits – this is known as wage garnishment. If creditors have already sued you and a court entered a judgment against you for the amount of money you owe, the creditor can take money from your accounts to put towards the debt you owe.

Can a creditor put a lien on your house without you knowing?

A judgment lien can be placed after a creditor wins a lawsuit, and this can occur without direct notice to the property owner. Hidden liens are especially problematic as they are often discovered only when a property title search is conducted during refinancing or sale.

How often do credit card companies sue for non-payment?

Yes, credit card companies can sue you for non-payment. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), credit card companies sue their customers about 12% of the time. On average, credit card companies sue to recover balances over $2,700—this isn't a set amount, but an average.

Can the bank take your house if it's paid off?

Can a bank take property that is paid off? Yes, but it's unlikely. Some reasons are fraud, chain of title issues, existing liens that were never released.

How can I get rid of my credit card debt without paying it back?

Outside of bankruptcy or debt settlement, there are really no other ways to completely wipe away credit card debt without paying. Making minimum payments and slowly chipping away at the balance is the norm for most people in debt, and that may be the best option in many situations.

How much credit card debt is too much for a home loan?

Now that we've defined debt-to-income ratio, let's figure out what yours means. Generally speaking, a good debt-to-income ratio is anything less than or equal to 36%. Meanwhile, any ratio above 43% is considered too high. The biggest piece of your DTI ratio pie is bound to be your monthly mortgage payment.

Can I lose my house because of credit card debt?

But, a credit card coming with a backed up security or asset, is a 'one in a million' chance of occuring. Yet, this shouldn't make you ignore the fact, that a creditor can take away your home and other properties, if you are unable to pay off your credit card debt.

Can you lose your house if you default on a personal loan?

A collector will attempt to settle the debt with you. If they're unsuccessful, they may choose to sue, which can result in wage garnishment or a lien on your home or other assets.

Is defaulting on a credit card a crime?

Technically, no. Failing to pay your credit card debt is not a crime. While not a crime, it does have serious consequences, like we mentioned above. After the lawsuit judgment, it is entirely possible that you will have a very difficult time obtaining loans, credit cards, and even employment.

How can I protect my house from debt collectors?

An irrevocable trust can effectively protect your real estate from creditors. Still, depending on your needs, you cannot “undo” the trust once you have executed it, which can be problematic.

Can a credit card company make you sell your house?

So, a credit card company can file a lawsuit and obtain a judgment for the amount owed. But they cannot take your home and sell it to pay for that judgment as long as the house is your residence.

Can credit card companies foreclose on your house?

If you have kept up with your monthly mortgage payments but are in significant credit card debt, the creditor cannot take your home. However, a debt collection agency can request the debt, and you may have to file for bankruptcy.

Is credit card debt forgiven at death?

Credit card debt doesn't go away when the cardholder passes away. It must be repaid from your estate, which means your loved ones may receive a reduced inheritance — or no inheritance at all. Related: What happens to a bank account when somebody dies?

Will I have to sell mom's house to settle debts?

Surviving family members are generally legally entitled to take over a mortgage if they've inherited property. While most of the time creditors cannot take your home itself, they can make claims in an amount that might require you to sell your loved one's house.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.