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What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Maryland?

By Debt Savvy Editorial Team · Updated 2026-09-27 · Facts checked against the law on 2026-09-30

In Maryland, most civil lawsuits on ordinary debts, including credit card debt, must be filed within 3 years. A debt collector must not sue or threaten to sue to collect a time-barred debt. If you're served with a District Court complaint, you have 15 days to file a Notice of Intention to Defend.

Key facts

Maryland's general civil statute of limitations is 3 years for most debts.
A judgment or contract under seal can be enforced for 12 years.
Debt collectors may not sue or threaten to sue on time-barred debt.
In Maryland District Court, you have 15 days from service to respond.
Out-of-state defendants served in Maryland have 60 days to respond.

What the Maryland rule means in practice

In Maryland, the law sets a time limit for filing most civil lawsuits, including lawsuits over ordinary debts like credit card balances. That limit is 3 years. This means a debt collector generally must file suit within that period. If the collector files after the period has expired, the debt is considered time-barred.

A debt collector must not sue or threaten to sue to collect a time-barred debt, meaning a debt whose statute of limitations has expired. That rule applies to debt collectors.

However, the rule does not automatically erase the debt. It limits how the debt can be collected through the courts. If you are sued, you still need to respond to the lawsuit. You must take action to protect yourself.

What to do this week if you are sued

If you have been served with a District Court complaint in Maryland, the clock is ticking. You have 15 days from the date you were served to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. If you are an out-of-state defendant, you have 60 days. If you do not respond in time, the court may enter a default order against you.

Here is what you should do this week:

Read the papers carefully. Note the date you were served and the deadline to respond.
Do not ignore the lawsuit. Even if you believe the debt is old, you must respond.
File your Notice of Intention to Defend with the court before the deadline. Keep a copy for your records.
Gather any documents you have about the debt, such as statements or letters from the collector.
Consider contacting a lawyer or legal aid organization for advice. They can help you understand your options.

Responding on time is critical. If you do not respond in time, the court may enter a default order.

Got court papers or a garnishment notice? You can put your question to a lawyer online.

Ask a lawyer about your situation

Common mistakes to avoid

When people receive court papers about old credit card debt, they often make mistakes that can hurt their case. Here are some common ones:

Ignoring the lawsuit. If you don't respond within the deadline, the court may enter a default order against you.
Assuming the debt is too old to collect. The statute of limitations is a rule that limits how long a collector can sue, but you still need to respond to the lawsuit.
Contacting the collector without understanding your rights. It's best to get advice first.
Missing the response deadline. The 15-day window is short. Mark your calendar and file on time.

Remember, you have the right to defend yourself. Being proactive can make a big difference.

What changes the answer: the paperwork and the type of debt

The general rule in Maryland is a 3-year limit for most civil lawsuits, including suits on ordinary debts. But the type of debt or the paperwork can change the time limit.

For example, if a debt is a contract under seal, the time limit is 12 years. Also, if a creditor has already obtained a judgment against you, an action on a judgment can be brought within 12 years. That means the time limit for a judgment is longer than for an ordinary debt.

Credit card agreements are usually not contracts under seal. But if the collector claims the agreement is under seal, that could affect the time limit. If you are unsure what type of debt you have, gather your paperwork and seek legal advice.

Additionally, if you are sued in Maryland District Court, the response deadline is 15 days. Out-of-state defendants have 60 days.

When to get help

Dealing with a debt lawsuit can be overwhelming. You should consider getting help if:

You have been served with court papers and are unsure how to respond.
You believe the debt may be time-barred but don't know how to raise that issue.
You are facing a default order.
You have multiple debts and are being contacted by collectors.
You need help understanding your rights under federal and Maryland law.

You can contact a lawyer who handles debt collection defense. If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid organizations in Maryland may be able to assist you. They can help you understand your options and your rights.

Do not wait until the last minute. The sooner you get help, the more options you may have.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I ignore a credit card lawsuit in Maryland?

If you ignore a District Court complaint in Maryland, the court may enter a default order against you. You have 15 days from service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. Out-of-state defendants have 60 days. It is important to respond on time.

Can a debt collector sue me for an old credit card debt in Maryland?

In Maryland, most civil lawsuits on ordinary debts must be filed within 3 years. If the statute of limitations has expired, the debt is time-barred. A debt collector must not sue or threaten to sue to collect a time-barred debt. If you are sued on an old debt, you should respond and consider raising the statute of limitations as an issue.

How long does a judgment last in Maryland?

In Maryland, an action on a judgment can be brought within 12 years. This means an action on a judgment can be brought within 12 years. If you have a judgment against you, it is important to understand your options. Consult a lawyer to see what steps you can take.

What should I do if I receive a court complaint about credit card debt?

If you receive a District Court complaint in Maryland, you have 15 days from service to file a Notice of Intention to Defend. Out-of-state defendants have 60 days. Read the papers, note the deadline, and respond on time. Consider contacting a lawyer or legal aid for help. Do not ignore the lawsuit.