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Americans are carrying more than $1.23 trillion in collective credit card debt as of late 2025, at a time when average credit card APRs also hover above 20%. And, as the interest charges are tacked on at today’s rates, the ballooning balances are making it increasingly difficult for a lot of borrowers to keep up with their rising credit card balances. As a result, more borrowers are falling behind on their payments and credit card delinquency rates are climbing.
If you’re one of the many to fall behind on your bills recently, you’ve probably experienced the relentless collection tactics, like calls, letters, texts, lawsuits or even wage garnishments, that can follow after your account becomes delinquent. But while dealing with debt collectors is a daily reality for millions of Americans, being on the receiving end of these tactics can still feel overwhelming.
In turn, it’s natural to wonder how long this can go on. Can debt collectors keep pursuing you indefinitely, or do they eventually give up on trying to get payment? Understanding the answers to those questions can help you navigate this situation strategically.
Find out what strategies you can use to end the debt collection process now.
Do debt collectors eventually give up?
In short, debt collectors do not usually give up, at least not until they’ve exhausted every avenue to collect or sell your debt. When an account becomes seriously delinquent, typically after 120 to 180 days of missed payments, the original creditor often “charges off” the account, removing it from their active books. But that doesn’t mean the balance is forgiven. It’s just typically sold to a third-party debt collector instead for a fraction of the amount owed.
That debt collector then tries to compel you to pay the full balance owed, plus any fees or interest they tack on, to make a profit. If they can’t collect what’s owed, they may sell it to another collection agency down the line. This process can continue for years, with the debt often changing hands multiple times. Each time it’s sold, the new debt collector may start contacting you again, giving the impression that your old debt has been resurrected.
But while debt collectors can try to collect on the balance for extended periods, there’s a legal limit to how long you can be sued over the unpaid debt. Each state has a statute of limitations, which is typically between three and six years, that dictates the time frame for how long collectors have to file a lawsuit. Once that period expires, the debt becomes time-barred, meaning you can’t be legally forced to pay it through the courts.
That doesn’t stop debt collectors from trying to collect voluntarily, though. They can still call or send letters, hoping you’ll agree to pay. And here’s the tricky part: If you make even a small payment or promise to pay, you could restart the clock on that statute of limitations, giving debt collectors another few years to sue you. That’s why it’s crucial to know the rules in your state and proceed carefully before making any moves.
Explore the options you have for dealing with your high-rate debt today.
What to do if debt collectors won’t stop calling
If debt collectors are hounding you, it’s important to know that you have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law limits what debt collectors can do, including when and how they can contact you. For example, they can’t call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., use threats or profanity or contact you at work if you’ve told them not to. You can also request in writing that they stop contacting you altogether.
However, that doesn’t erase the debt or make it go away. It just stops the communication. The underlying problem remains, and ignoring it could still result in a lawsuit or credit damage if the debt is recent enough to be enforceable.
If your debt feels unmanageable, working with a debt relief expert on a solution may be a good route to consider. These experts offer a wide range of debt relief strategies to borrowers, and can often help you negotiate with creditors to try and settle your debts for less than what you owe, consolidate them into one lower-rate loan or enroll in a debt management plan that helps you repay what’s owed at a more affordable pace.
For example, a debt consolidation program through a debt relief company can combine high-rate credit card balances into one lower-rate monthly payment on a loan issued by a third-party lender. That can stop collection activity on those accounts and simplify repayment. Alternatively, if your balances are too high or your income is limited, a debt settlement approach could help you clear your debts faster, often in 24 to 48 months, while avoiding bankruptcy.
The bottom line
When it comes to old debts, most debt collectors won’t just give up. They simply change tactics or pass your account to someone else. While they may eventually stop contacting you, the debt itself can linger for years, hurting your credit and creating ongoing stress. The good news is, though, that you have options. Whether you negotiate directly, pursue debt settlement or enroll in a debt management or consolidation program, you can start working toward financial stability now. Just be cautious about restarting the clock on old debts, know your rights under the FDCPA, and don’t let fear or shame prevent you from taking steps to resolve what you owe.
