What happens if you default on an Upstart loan?

Asked by: Brandyn Baumbach  |  Last update: September 5, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

Defaulting on an Upstart loan causes significant negative consequences, including severe credit score damage, late fees, and accrual of additional interest. The account may be sent to collections, and Upstart can sue you for the remaining balance, potentially leading to wage garnishment or property liens.

What happens if I don't pay my Upstart loan?

✔ Defaults & Long-Term Impact – If a loan remains unpaid for an extended period, it may be classified as default, leading to further credit score reductions and potential collections activity.

Does Upstart take people to court?

Yes, Upstart can sue you. Upstart can hire a lawyer to file a breach of contract lawsuit against you for the underlying debt, fees, and costs. If you've been sued by Upstart, do not ignore the lawsuit; you may have defenses.

Can you be sued for defaulting on a loan?

Defaulting on a personal loan, even an unsecured loan, can get you sued. Here's what you should do. Consequences could include collections, wage garnishment and seizure of assets.

Is it worth paying off a default?

However, there are several things that can reduce its negative impact: Repayment. Try and pay off what you owe as soon as possible. Once you've achieved this, the default will be marked as 'satisfied' on your credit report, which looks better to lenders.

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What happens if I take a loan and never pay it back?

Defaulting on a personal loan can result in late fees, credit score damage, and legal actions like wage garnishment or property liens. A personal loan default can severely harm your credit score, affecting future credit opportunities and lasting up to seven years on your credit report.

How do I get out of an Upstart loan?

Contact your loan servicer immediately – Go to the Contact Us section in your account for the correct support information. Request loan cancellation – Inform your lender that you would like to cancel your loan. If the funds have not yet been sent, they may be able to process your request.

What is the lowest amount a debt collector will sue for?

In short: Debt collectors typically start considering lawsuits for amounts around $1,000 to $5,000, but there's no strict rule. If your debt is within that range, or if you've ignored collection calls or letters, you could be at risk of being sued.

What is the Upstart loan controversy?

A class action complaint has been filed against Upstart. The complaint alleges that defendants repeatedly stated that Upstart's AI-based models could underwrite loans in a way that was far superior to traditional underwriting processes and lead to the origination of less risky credit.

Will Upstart garnish wages?

If they choose to pursue legal action, defaulting on a loan can result in wage garnishments as well as a legal judgment on your credit report.

What is the right to cure Upstart?

If you don't make timely payments, the lender must send you a “Notice of Right to Cure” before repossessing the property. After the lender sends the notice you have twenty (20) days to make the missed payment(s).

Do you go to jail if you default on a loan?

No, you can't go to jail for not paying a civil debt. This is more commonly known as consumer debt, and it refers to many types of debt, including credit cards, medical bills, student loans, personal loans, payday loans, auto loans, mortgages, rent payments, utility bills, overdrafts on accounts, and more.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for debt collection?

No More Than Seven Times in a Seven-Day Period

Under the 7-in-7 Rule, debt collectors are restricted to contacting a consumer no more than seven times within any seven days. This rule applies to all communication methods, whether phone calls, emails, text messages, or other forms of contact.

In what states can you go to jail for debt?

You cannot be jailed for unpaid consumer debt in any U.S. state, but you may face jail time for violating court orders related to debt, such as missing a debtor's exam or failing to appear in court.

How likely will a debt collector sue you?

A debt collector's likelihood of suing depends on the debt's size, your perceived ability to pay (assets/income), the age of the debt, and your response, with larger debts (over $1,000-$5,000) and ignored accounts being higher risks, but lawsuits are common enough that ignoring threats is risky, with actions like negotiating or debt counseling offering better outcomes than waiting for a court summons.

Why should you never pay a collection agency in Canada?

Even if you repay the collection agency in full, this would be considered a credit transaction and will remain on your credit report for six years. In this scenario, paying a collection agency will therefore not help to improve your credit score, or indeed remove the damage caused by the missed payments.