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Does Chase Sue for Credit Card Debt?

Written by Chloe Meltzer · Edited by Hannah Locklear
Last updated on May 22, 2026

Summary: Yes, Chase will sue over credit card debt. Chase is actually notorious for suing its customers when they fall behind on their payments. If you've been sued by Chase, it's not too late to resolve the debt. Start by responding to the lawsuit with SoloSuit. This will give you leverage to negotiate and settle on your terms.

Although many credit card companies and banks choose to sell their accounts to a debt collection agency, Chase Bank is known for the opposite. Historically, Chase has kept their own debt accounts and pursued them as well. They often go through the process of filing collection lawsuits.

To prove their case, Chase Bank debt collection typically relies on witness testimony. This often comes in the form of a “business record affidavit.” If you have recently been served by Chase, understanding how the company and its collection department works will give you a better chance of beating them in court.

Let’s get right to it.

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What is Chase Bank?

Chase Bank is an American financial institution that provides a variety of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing.

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with $2.6 trillion in assets and operations worldwide. So, if you’re being sued by Chase for credit card debt, you’ll most likely receive a Summons and Complaint in the mail from JPMorgan Chase.

If you need to contact Chase, here is the company’s contact information:

JPMorgan Chase Headquarters
270 Park Avenue, New York, NY.
Chase Card Customer Service: 1-800-432-3117
Chase General Customer Service: 1-800-935-9935

Does Chase Bank sue for credit card debt?

JPMorgan Chase is notorious for suing its customers when they fall behind on their payments. Not only is it very common for Chase to sue for credit card debt, but the way they go about it is pretty questionable.

For example, JPMorgan Chase was recently sued by the state of California for robo-signing contracts on behalf of consumers, making systematic errors on calculating amounts owed, and failing to properly serve consumers court documents when suing. For this reason, Chase doesn’t have great reviews and has received many complaints from consumers, like you.

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JPMorgan Chase has a bad reputation

If you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly by Chase, you’re not alone.

As of 2022, the Better Business Bureau has received nearly 4,200 complaints against JPMorgan Chase in a short, three-year period. Even worse, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported almost 29,000 complaints against JPMorgan Chase in the past ten years.

The number one issue reported by consumers is fraudulent charges to their accounts and Chase failing to provide assistance upon request.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Example: Bobby is being sued by Chase for a credit card debt. He never receives the court documents, and he finds out he has lost the case by default. Bobby does some research and finds out that Chase is often guilty of sewer service, or failing to serve people with court documents and filing a false certification of service with the court. Bobby suspects this has happened to him, so he reaches out to SoloSuit and files a Motion to Dismiss Default Judgment along with an Answer where he uses improper service as one of his affirmative defenses. SoloSuit helps him file the documents, and the judgment against Bobby gets canceled, giving him another chance to fight back against the Chase credit card lawsuit.


What to do when you’re sued by Chase Bank collections

When you get sued by JPMorgan Chase, you should receive a court Summons and Complaint in the mail. However, it’s not always guaranteed, as Chase is known for not sending the court documents and then filing false affidavits, claiming the notices were properly served.

If you do receive the court documents, the first step to beating Chase in court is to respond to the Summons and Complaint with a written Answer. If you do not respond within your state’s deadline, you run the risk of a default judgment.

Respond to a debt lawsuit in minutes with SoloSuit.

Avoid a Default Judgment

When a default judgment occurs you will be forced to pay the debt in full. With a default judgment, Chase can garnish your wages and seize your property in order to collect the money you supposedly owe.

Default judgments are very common because most consumers do not respond to Chase credit card lawsuits, usually because they just don’t know how. If you respond to the lawsuit, then you have a better chance of fighting back or settling the debt for less than the original amount.

Aim for a dismissal with a strong defense

If you respond with a strong case, then you have the opportunity of having your case dismissed altogether. This depends on your situation. But there are a few main claims you can make to help sway the judge in your favor.

Reliable defenses to a debt collection lawsuit might include:

  • Proof that you do not owe the money and you are a victim of identity theft.
  • You were not 18 years old when you acquired the debt.
  • The statute of limitations has been reached.
  • You have filed for bankruptcy.
  • The bill has already been paid.
  • The creditor is trying to collect more than you legally owe.
  • The creditor cannot show proof of the debt.
  • You were unfairly tricked into agreeing to the debt.

Make the right defense the right way with SoloSuit.

Reach a Chase credit card debt settlement

If you know that you owe the credit card debt to Chase, you can always try to negotiate a debt settlement with Chase. Explain your financial situation and the highest amount you are able to pay under your circumstances. There is a chance Chase will accept your offer.

SoloSettle makes it easy to begin the settlement negotiation process. Reaching a settlement will help you avoid wage garnishment and get Chase debt collectors off your back. You might even be able to save some money and settle the debt for less than the original amount you owe.


File a counterclaim in court against Chase Bank

If you're fighting a lawsuit against Chase bank, your last chance after trying for defense is to file a counterclaim. You essentially sue the creditor after they have already sued you. Counterclaims might include showing that the creditor or collection agency did something illegal when trying to collect the bill. Or perhaps they charged you illegal fees. If you end up going to trial, you will be forced to prove your counterclaim.

Since Chase collects many of their debts themselves, they can be challenging to beat in court. It's important to know your rights. It's the best way to win your

What happens after a judgment?

If Chase pursues you and a judgment is placed against you, then a few major consequences may occur.

  • Freezing of assets: When this occurs your bank account is frozen. It can then be essentially emptied by judgment creditors until they receive their money back for your debt.
  • Wage garnishment: Creditors can take a percentage of each paycheck you receive to pay back the debt you owe.
  • Judgment lien: If you own a home, then a judgment can put a cloud on the title of your property. You could lose your home by having it sold at an auction to satisfy your debt.
  • Negative impact on your credit report: The judgment will be published in your credit report for up to seven years on the public record. This can decrease your credit score and make it difficult to obtain loans, and rent a property.

Protect your assets by responding to Chase with SoloSuit.

This is why it’s so important to at least respond to a Chase Bank lawsuit. If you don’t, you automatically give Chase the victory. You can actually increase your chances of winning by 7x when you respond to your debt collection lawsuit with SoloSuit.

Follow these steps to Answer a Chase credit card lawsuit

In a Chase credit card lawsuit, Chase is called the plaintiff, and you are the defendant. Once the lawsuit is filed and put before the court, you will not be able to respond by phone or a letter. Instead, you need to file a written, legal Answer. Here are 6 tips for drafting an Answer that will help you win your case:

  1. You don't need to give a detailed answer: The Answer is a brief document. It isn't the place to tell your life story or give your entire defense. Be as straight to the point as you can be.
  2. Never admit debt liability: The complaints document comes with numbered paragraphs. Respond to every paragraph. You have three options: deny, admit, or deny for lack of knowledge. As a rule of thumb, lawyers advise you to deny, deny, deny. Let the plaintiff prove your responsibility for the debt.
  3. Include your affirmative defenses: These are reasons why you think the plaintiff is wrong to sue you. Assert your affirmative defenses for each paragraph. You don't make these up; there are options. For example, you don't owe the debt, you already paid part of it, the statute of limitations has expired, or you need the plaintiff to provide proof.
  4. Use standard formatting or "style: Court documents need to be formatted in a certain way. For instance, an answer will include the defendant's (your) name, physical and email address, name of the court, the identity of the plaintiff, case title, and case serial number. The spacing and page format should also follow an acceptable style for the answer to be considered professional. If you're having trouble, you can use SoloSuit's template.
  5. Include the certificate of service: A brief document containing the name of the court, the name of the plaintiff, and the date you're sending it. If the plaintiff has an attorney, you should serve the attorney and not the company.
  6. Make sure you sign the document: The document is null and void if you don't sign it. A signature means that you accept the document as true, or you have reason to believe that everything you filled in is accurate. You may print and sign manually or sign it electronically before you mail the letter.

SoloSuit can help you draft and file your Answer in all 50 states.

Once you've completed these steps, make sure to file the official Answer with the clerk of court and send a copy to the plaintiff. You should make two copies of the answer, one to mail to the court and the other to the creditor suing you. Use certified mail so that you are notified when both parties receive their mail. For more information, watch this video.

What is Solo?

Solo makes it easy to resolve debt with debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt. SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

SoloSettle can help you contact your debt collector or creditor and negotiate the debt to settle for less, all online. It simplifies and streamlines the process to settling your debt.

No matter where you find yourself in the debt collection process, Solo is here to help you resolve your debt.



>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)



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Frequently asked questions about Chase credit card debt and lawsuits

Does Chase sue for credit card debt?

Yes, Chase (JPMorgan Chase) sues consumers for unpaid credit card debt, typically after an account is charged off at 180 days past due. Chase frequently sues in its own name through outside collection law firms rather than selling the debt. Larger balances are more likely to result in a lawsuit, though Chase pursues a wide range of account sizes through litigation.

How often does Chase sue for credit card debt?

Chase is considered one of the more active major issuers in filing credit card collection lawsuits, particularly on higher balances. Because Chase retains much of its charged-off debt in-house rather than selling it, Chase itself often appears as the named plaintiff. The likelihood of a lawsuit increases with the balance size and the length of time an account remains unpaid after charge-off.

When does Chase charge off a credit card debt?

Chase charges off a credit card account after roughly 180 days, or six consecutive missed payments, in line with federal banking guidelines. A charge-off means Chase has written the balance off as a loss for accounting purposes, but you still legally owe the debt. After charge-off, Chase may pursue collection in-house, refer the account to a law firm, or sell it to a debt buyer.

What is the Chase Hardship Program?

The Chase Hardship Program offers temporary relief to cardholders facing documented financial difficulty, such as job loss, medical emergencies, or natural disasters. Relief can include reduced interest rates, lower minimum payments, or temporarily waived fees, typically for 3 to 12 months. The program does not forgive the principal balance and is generally unavailable once an account is charged off or in active litigation.

How do I apply for the Chase Hardship Program?

To apply for the Chase Hardship Program, call the number on the back of your card or Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117 and ask to speak with the hardship or financial assistance department. Be prepared to document your financial situation, including income, expenses, and the cause of your hardship. Approval and specific terms are evaluated case by case based on your circumstances.

Will Chase settle a credit card debt for less than I owe?

Yes, Chase settles credit card debts for less than the full balance, most often after an account has charged off or a lawsuit has been filed. Chase is generally willing to negotiate when a consumer demonstrates financial hardship or disputes the claim. Filing an Answer if you have been sued increases your settlement leverage, since contested cases create litigation costs for Chase.

What percentage will Chase accept as a settlement?

Chase typically accepts settlement offers between 40% and 60% of the balance, though the exact percentage depends on account age, documented hardship, and whether a lawsuit has been filed. A 30% to 50% opening offer is reasonable to begin negotiations. Once a case is in active litigation, Chase may accept lower percentages to avoid the time and expense of trial.

How do I contact Chase about settling my debt?

Chase's main customer service number is 1-800-432-3117. For charged-off accounts, ask to be transferred to the recovery or settlement department. If your account has been placed with a collection law firm or sold to a debt buyer, you generally must negotiate with that party instead of Chase directly. Always get any settlement agreement in writing before sending payment.

What should I do if Chase is suing me?

If Chase has filed a lawsuit against you, file a written Answer with the court before your state's deadline, typically 14 to 30 days from the date of service. In your Answer, respond to each numbered allegation, raise affirmative defenses such as expired statute of limitations or improper service, and serve a copy on Chase's attorney to prevent a default judgment.

Does Chase sell debt to debt buyers?

Chase sells some charged-off debt to third-party debt buyers but retains a significant share in-house, especially after past regulatory scrutiny of its debt-sale practices. When Chase sells a debt, common purchasers include Portfolio Recovery Associates and Midland Funding. If a debt buyer is the named plaintiff in your lawsuit, you can demand proof of the complete chain of custody from Chase to the current owner.

What is the statute of limitations on Chase credit card debt?

The statute of limitations on Chase credit card debt varies by state, ranging from 3 to 10 years, with most states between 4 and 6 years. The clock starts on the date of your last payment or account activity. Once the statute of limitations expires, Chase can be barred from suing to collect, and expired SOL is a complete affirmative defense in your written Answer.

Can Chase garnish my wages or freeze my bank account?

Chase can garnish wages or freeze a bank account only after winning a judgment in court. Once a judgment is entered, federal law permits garnishment of up to 25% of disposable income, though some states set lower limits or prohibit wage garnishment for consumer debt. Filing a timely Answer to prevent a default judgment is the most reliable way to avoid garnishment.

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