What is the statute of limitations on debt?

The statute of limitations is the deadline for a creditor or debt collector to file a lawsuit to collect a debt. It varies by state and by debt type (written contracts, oral agreements, promissory notes). After it expires, the debt becomes time-barred: you can raise the expired statute as a complete defense if sued, though you must raise it yourself — courts do not apply it automatically.

Can the statute of limitations clock restart?

In many states, yes. Making a payment of any amount, or acknowledging the debt in writing, can restart the clock on old debt. The exact revival rules vary by state — check the linked guide for your state before paying anything on an old debt.

Will calling to negotiate hurt my credit score?

No. Requesting an APR reduction is an 'account modification' that does not require a hard credit pull. It does not appear on your credit report.

How often can I ask for an APR reduction?

Once every 6-12 months is reasonable. Calling more frequently can flag your account as 'high risk' with retention departments.

What if my account is new (under 1 year)?

Success rates drop significantly for newer accounts. Issuers want to see at least 12 months of on-time payment history.

Does this work for store credit cards?

Less effective. Store credit cards have less flexibility on APR. Often better to pay these off aggressively.

Statute of Limitations on Debt by State: 2026 Comparison Table

Q: Does the statute of limitations stop collection calls or credit reporting?

No. It only limits lawsuits. Collectors can still call and send letters, and negative items can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act — a separate clock from the statute of limitations.

By Xavier C.H. · Updated June 10, 2026 · Educational content, not legal advice.

The statute of limitations is the deadline for a creditor or collector to sue you over an unpaid debt. It is one of the most consequential numbers in debt collection — and one of the most misunderstood, because it varies by state, by debt type, and because in many states the clock can restart if you make a payment or acknowledge the debt in writing.

The table below compares the limitation period that applies to most consumer debts (written contracts, which generally include credit cards, personal loans, and auto loans) and how long a court judgment remains enforceable in each state we have researched. Every figure is taken directly from our individually researched, citation-backed state guides — click any state for the full breakdown, including oral contracts, the exact statute citations, what restarts the clock, and wage garnishment rules.

State	Lawsuit deadline (most consumer debts)	Judgment lifespan
Arizona	6 years credit card debt — regardless of whether a signed agreement is availab	10 years
California	4 years most consumer debts arising from written contracts	10 years
Florida	3 years medical debt	20 years
Georgia	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	7 years
Illinois	5 years	7 years
Indiana	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	20 years
Maryland	3 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	12 years
Massachusetts	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	20 years
Michigan	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	10 years
New Jersey	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	20 years
New York	3 years	20 years
North Carolina	3 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	10 years
Ohio	6 years	5 years
Pennsylvania	4 years	20 years
Tennessee	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	10 years
Texas	4 years both written and oral contracts under texas civil practice and remedie	10 years
Virginia	5 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	20 years
Washington	6 years written contracts (credit cards with a signed agreement, promissory no	10 years

Some states set different periods for oral contracts, promissory notes, or open accounts, and judgment renewal rules vary — each linked guide covers every category with statute citations. Data last verified May 2026 during our legal audit.

Three rules that apply almost everywhere

1. Time-barred doesn't mean gone. Once the statute expires, you gain a complete defense against a lawsuit — but you must raise it in your court answer. Collectors can still call, write, and the item can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years under federal law.

2. The clock usually starts at your first missed payment that you never caught up — not the charge-off date and not the date the debt was sold to a collector.

3. Paying old debt can restart the clock. In many states, even a small payment or a written acknowledgment revives the full limitation period. Before paying anything on an old debt, read your state's revival rules — and consider sending a debt validation letter first.

Don't see your state?

We are expanding state coverage throughout 2026. Browse all published guides on the debt collection laws by state hub, or start with our complete debt payoff strategies guide.