| Pennsylvania at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on card debt | 4 years for contract debts, including credit cards. |
| Deadline to answer a debt lawsuit | 20 days in the Court of Common Pleas. In Magisterial District Court you generally don't need a written answer, but you must attend the hearing. |
| Wage garnishment | Wages generally can't be garnished for ordinary consumer debts like credit cards and medical bills. |
| Where to complain | Pennsylvania Attorney General complaint |
How long creditors have to sue
4 years for contract debts, including credit cards. (42 Pa.C.S. § 5525)
The time limit for suing is separate from credit reporting: most negative items can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years from when you first fell behind, regardless of state.
If you're sued in Pennsylvania
Answer deadline: 20 days in the Court of Common Pleas. In Magisterial District Court you generally don't need a written answer, but you must attend the hearing. Check your own summons for the exact date, because missing it usually means a default judgment.
Step-by-step help and common defenses are in our lawsuit and garnishment guide.
What's protected if there's a judgment
Your paycheck
Wages generally can't be garnished for ordinary consumer debts like credit cards and medical bills. Exceptions include support, certain residential rent judgments (limited to 10% of net pay), state student loans and criminal restitution. (42 Pa.C.S. § 8127)
Your bank account
You can claim a $300 general exemption, and court rules add protection for accounts that receive certain exempt benefits by direct deposit. (42 Pa.C.S. § 8123)
Everywhere in the US, Social Security, SSI and VA benefits are generally off-limits to private creditors, and banks must automatically protect two months of those benefits when they're direct-deposited.
Debt collectors in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act covers both original creditors and debt collectors. Federal rules still apply on top of state law. See your rights and free dispute letters.
Debt settlement and debt relief companies
Debt settlement companies must be licensed by the Department of Banking and Securities under the Debt Settlement Services Act, and debt management companies under a separate licensing law. Under federal law, debt relief companies that sell by phone can't charge fees until they've settled at least one of your debts. Read how settlement works.
Medical debt
Pennsylvania hasn't enacted a ban on medical debt credit reporting as of our last review. More in our medical bills guide.
Where to complain or check a company
- Pennsylvania Attorney General complaint
- PA Department of Banking and Securities complaint
- CFPB complaint portal (federal)
Sources
Laws and dollar amounts change, and court rules vary by county. This page is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, contact a legal aid office or a Pennsylvania consumer attorney.