Can Bank of America Sue You for Credit Card Debt and Your Options

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If you're struggling to pay off your Bank of America credit card debt, you might be wondering if the bank can sue you for non-payment. The answer is yes, Bank of America can sue you for credit card debt, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Bank of America can sue you in a court of law if you default on your credit card payments. This is a last resort for the bank, but it's a possibility if you're not communicating with them or making payments.

You'll receive a summons from the court if Bank of America decides to sue you. This is a formal notice that the bank is taking legal action against you.

Don't ignore the summons, as this can lead to a default judgment against you, which can damage your credit score.

Understanding Debt Collection

Bank of America has a designated department that works internally to contact consumers and get them to pay off their debts, not a collections agency.

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This might seem intimidating, but just like any collection agency, Bank of America must have documentation of a debt to pursue it.

Approximately 90% of consumers won't respond to a credit card collection lawsuit, which often results in Bank of America winning by default.

However, you're not out of options if you do receive a lawsuit, and responding to it can help you avoid a default judgment.

Receiving a Court Summons

You'll receive a court summons for credit card debt when an attorney files a complaint in state civil court. The summons will include the plaintiff who is suing you, any co-defendants, and the total amount of money the plaintiff wishes to collect.

The summons will also specify the date of the hearing and instructions on how to file a formal response. This is your chance to address the debt collector's claims and potentially resolve the issue before it goes to court.

A Person Swiping A Credit Card to the Payment Terminal
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The summons will typically include the following information:

  • The plaintiff who is suing you and any co-defendants
  • The total amount of money the plaintiff wishes to collect
  • The date of the hearing
  • Instructions on how to file a formal response

Take the summons seriously and don't ignore it. Ignoring the summons can lead to a default judgment against you, making it even harder to resolve the debt.

Verifying Debt and Options

You can't just ignore a lawsuit from Bank of America, but you can verify the debt and explore your options.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires debt collectors to provide a validation letter listing specific details about the debt, including the current creditor and the amount of debt owed.

You have the right to request additional information if you don't believe the debt is yours or if you don't know whether the debt is yours.

Write a debt verification letter asking your debt collector to confirm you owe this debt and request the name of the original creditor associated with the debt.

If the debt collector can't provide the necessary documentation, it may be a sign that the debt is not yours or that the collector is making a mistake.

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Bank of America may not have the resources or documentation to prove its case, giving you an opportunity to respond and make them prove their case.

You can get help from a service like SoloSuit to respond to the lawsuit and make the debt collector prove their case.

It's essential to verify that the debt is indeed yours before exploring other options, such as negotiating a payment plan or disputing the debt.

If you're not the one who owes the debt, you might be able to use your debt verification letter to prove that the debt is not yours.

Settling with Collectors

If you're being sued over an old debt, negotiating a debt settlement is a smart move. A lot of people don’t realize that debt settlement is one of the best debt relief options out there.

You can represent yourself in court, saving time and cost by finding an attorney. Use resources to understand legal definitions and how they may apply to your case.

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Consider debt settlement if the statute of limitations hasn't expired and you have good faith that the debt is yours. Going to court can be time-consuming and expensive.

Some debt collectors are more than happy to negotiate a debt settlement plan instead of going to court. A debt settlement plan can be created while working with an attorney or certified credit counselor.

You can settle credit card debt before going to court by following these steps:

  • Consider debt settlement if the statute of limitations hasn't expired and you have good faith that the debt is yours
  • Negotiate a debt settlement plan with the debt collector
  • Make a lump-sum payment on your debt, if possible

Some debt collectors that you may need to negotiate with include:

  • American Express
  • Bank of America
  • Chase Bank
  • Citibank
  • Capitol One
  • Cavalry SPV
  • Discover
  • LVNV
  • Midland Funding
  • Moore Law Group
  • Navy Federal
  • NCB Management Services
  • Portfolio Recovery
  • Wells Fargo

Make a lump-sum payment on your debt if you have enough money to do so. Some debt collectors will allow you to settle your debt for less than the amount owed, as long as you are able to pay off the entire settlement at once.

Handling a Lawsuit

Handling a lawsuit for credit card debt can be overwhelming, but it's essential to take it seriously. You have as little as 14 days to file your Answer, depending on the state you live in.

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You don't necessarily need a lawyer, but it's crucial to understand the format and due date for your response. To properly respond to a collection lawsuit, you need to "admit" or "deny" each and every allegation in the numbered paragraphs in the Complaint.

Here are three main things to think about when filing an Answer:

  1. Be sure to address every allegation.
  2. Don't forget to assert affirmative defenses, such as disputing the debt's accuracy or claiming the debt is past the statute of limitations.
  3. Mail the Answer to the court on time, ensuring you meet the deadline for your state, which varies.

It's also essential to note that ignoring the lawsuit will result in a default judgment against you, followed by potential garnishment of your bank account or wages, depending on state collection laws.

Understand Your Options in a Lawsuit

If you're facing a lawsuit from a credit card company, it's essential to understand your options. You can respond to the lawsuit and try to negotiate a settlement, or you can hire an attorney to help you navigate the process.

You have a deadline to respond to the lawsuit, which varies by state but is usually between 14-35 days. If you fail to respond, the plaintiff can request a default judgment against you, which can lead to wage garnishment and other consequences.

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You can also try to dispute the debt or claim that it's past the statute of limitations, which is typically around 6 years. However, you'll need to provide evidence to support your claims.

Here are some options to consider:

  • File an answer with the court to respond to the lawsuit
  • Negotiate a settlement with the credit card company
  • Hire an attorney to help you navigate the process
  • Dispute the debt or claim it's past the statute of limitations

Remember, ignoring the lawsuit is not an option, as it can lead to a default judgment against you. It's essential to take the matter seriously and respond appropriately to protect your rights and assets.

Statute of Limitations on State Guides

Dealing with a lawsuit can be overwhelming, but understanding the statute of limitations on debt collection can help you navigate the situation. The statute of limitations varies by state, so it's essential to know the specific laws in your area.

In some states, like Alabama and Alaska, the statute of limitations is 6 years, while in others, like Arizona and Arkansas, it's 3 years. California has a 4-year statute of limitations, and Connecticut has a 6-year limit.

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If you're facing a lawsuit, it's crucial to check the statute of limitations in your state. For example, in Colorado, the statute of limitations is 6 years, while in Delaware, it's 3 years. Florida has a 5-year limit, and Georgia has a 6-year statute of limitations.

Here's a list of some states and their respective statute of limitations:

Remember, the statute of limitations can have a significant impact on your case, so it's essential to understand the laws in your state.

Removing Collections

Bank of America can sue you for credit card debt, but there are ways to avoid or remove collections from your credit report.

If you've been sued by Bank of America, you may be able to have the collection removed from your credit report by paying the debt in full and obtaining a written agreement from the creditor to remove the collection.

Collections can be removed from your credit report after seven years, but this doesn't necessarily mean the debt is gone.

Paying Off Debt

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If you're being sued over an old credit card debt, negotiating a debt settlement is a smart move. It's often much better than going to court over credit card debt.

A debt settlement plan can be created while working with an attorney or certified credit counselor. This is often a better option than going to court.

You can settle credit card debt before going to court by making a lump-sum payment. This means paying off the entire debt at once, and some debt collectors will allow you to settle for less than the amount owed.

Even if you settle your debt or come up with a debt management plan, your credit score will still suffer as a result of the derogatory marks added to your credit report. It'll take several years for those marks to fall off, but you can start rebuilding your credit long before then.

Settling the debt in full is the best option if you can afford to pay the full amount. This resolves the debt account immediately and helps avoid a lawsuit, but the collection account will remain on your credit report for at least seven years.

Sheldon Kuphal

Writer

Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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