Statute of Limitations on Debt, State by State

Every state limits how long a creditor or debt buyer can sue on a debt — typically 3 to 6 years for credit cards, though a few states allow up to 10. The clock usually starts at your date of first delinquency or last payment.

Time-barred doesn't mean gone

Collectors can still ask you to pay an old debt — but suing (or threatening to sue) on a time-barred debt violates the FDCPA. The limitation period is an affirmative defense: you must raise it in your answer, or it's waived.

What can restart the clock

• Making any payment — even $5 — in many states
• Acknowledging the debt in writing
• Entering a new payment agreement

This is why old-debt collectors push so hard for a "small good-faith payment." Get the date of last payment in writing before discussing anything.

Typical ranges

Written contracts: 3–6 years in most states (Kentucky and some others run longer). Open accounts like credit cards: often shorter than written-contract periods. Check your state's specific statute — and which state's law applies, since choice-of-law clauses matter.