What happens when a loan goes unpaid?

Asked by: Prof. Delores Hammes MD  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (69 votes)

Defaulting on a loan can result in late fees, debt collection and potential legal action from the lender. It is important to consider your budget and potential future expenses before taking out a loan to avoid defaulting.

What happens if you never pay a loan back?

The loan goes into default and the lending institution will foreclose on any collatarel if you had any. If you had none then they would more that likely after trying to get you make the payments and or get you to pay the loan back they could turn your account over to a collection agency for their collecting the debt.

Can you get in trouble for not paying a loan?

In the US, there's no debtor's prison. You can't go to jail for not paying a debt, although that doesn't include fines. If you're convicted of a crime and ordered to pay a fine, you could go to jail if you don't pay it.

What happens to unpaid loans?

When you fail to pay back a debt (with loans, this is referred to as "defaulting"), it gets sent to collections. Sometimes this is a separate department at the lender itself, but most of the time, the lender sells the debt to a collections agency.

What happens if a loan is not paid?

Lenders can file a case in a civil court seeking repayment. Defaulters may face asset seizure or wage garnishment. Negotiation and settlement options may be explored before legal recourse. This will also reflect on your credit history and severely affect your ability to secure loans in the future.

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Is it illegal to borrow money and not pay it back?

You may be taken to court

On that note, you can be sued for not paying back a payday loan, even if the loan amount is small.

How long can you go without paying on a loan?

120 Days or More. A lender will typically "charge off" your account after six months of missed payments (although some may do this sooner). A charge-off appears on your credit report and indicates that the lender has given up trying to collect the money from you.

Can you sue for unpaid loan?

Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules.

Will unpaid debt ever go away?

A debt doesn't generally expire or disappear until its paid, but in many states, there may be a time limit on how long creditors or debt collectors can use legal action to collect a debt.

What happens if you ignore your loans?

The default is reported to credit bureaus, damaging your credit rating and affecting your ability to buy a car or house or to get a credit card. It may take years to reestablish a good credit record. You may not be able to purchase or sell assets such as real estate. Your loan holder can take you to court.

What happens if you can't afford to pay a loan?

Late payments and accounts in default can stay on your credit reports for seven years, meaning you may face financial consequences for years to come. 3 Not only will your credit score be hurt, but lenders that see this information on your credit reports are much less likely to approve you for a new loan in the future.

How often do debt collectors take you to court?

More frequently than most consumers probably realize. While precise statistics are difficult to come by, legal experts estimate that several million debt collection lawsuits get filed across the United States every single year.

Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?

Can I call the police if someone owes me money? You can, but they won't do anything about it. Debt collection is a civil matter. You'd need to sue in small claims court.

What if you Cannot repay a loan?

You will still owe the money, you're likely to incur additional interest and late payment fees and your credit rating will be negatively affected. If you miss more than a few months repayments, you will default on the loan and risk court action or intervention by a debt collection agency.

How do I get out of a personal loan?

Can't pay back your personal loan? 5 options to consider
  1. Contact your lender right away.
  2. Try to refinance your loan.
  3. Consolidate your debt.
  4. Enroll in a debt management plan.
  5. Negotiate a settlement.

What is a major consequence of failing to pay back a loan on time?

A borrower who is past due will usually face some penalties and can be subject to late fees. Failure to repay a loan on time usually has negative implications for a borrower's credit status and may cause loan terms to be permanently adjusted.

Can you go to jail for unpaid debt?

You cannot be arrested or go to jail simply for having unpaid debt. In rare cases, if a debt collector sues you to collect on a debt and you don't respond or appear in court, that could lead to arrest. The risk of arrest is higher, however, if you fail to pay taxes or child support.

What's the worst a debt collector can do?

Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

How long can a loan company chase you for?

The law does not eliminate the debt, it merely limits the time frame that a creditor or collection agency has to take legal action to collect it. The time frame varies from state-to-state but is generally 3-6 years.

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors?

Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.

What not to say to a debt collector?

If you get an unexpected call from a debt collector, here are several things you should never tell them:
  • Don't Admit the Debt. Even if you think you recognize the debt, don't say anything. ...
  • Don't provide bank account information or other personal information. ...
  • Document any agreements you reach with the debt collector.

Should I settle or go to court?

Litigation can be long and expensive, and settlement helps save time and money. Risk mitigation. Parties may choose to settle to minimize the uncertainty of court proceedings. A settlement allows them greater control over the outcome and avoids the risks of a trial and unpredictable judgments.

What are 3 consequences of not paying back a loan?

-You will lose eligibility for loan deferment, forbearance, and repayment plans. -You will not be eligible for additional federal student aid. -You may be required to immediately repay the entire unpaid amount of your loan. This is known as acceleration.

What happens if you never pay your debt?

If you don't pay a debt, it can be sent to collections. If you continue not to pay, you'll hurt your credit score and you risk losing your property or having your wages or bank account garnished.

How long does a unpaid loan last?

The statute of limitations on debt in California is four years, as stated in the state's Code of Civil Procedure § 337, with the clock starting to tick as soon as you miss a payment.