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If you find yourself unable to make even the minimum payment on your credit card, your account may get sent to credit card collections. Credit card debt collection is the process by which credit card companies try to collect on the debt that they are owed.

The credit card companies may try to collect the debt themselves, or they may hire a third-party credit card debt collection firm to collect. In some cases, the debt owed may be sold to another company, who might then try to collect. Here’s a look at what happens when credit card debt goes to collections.

What Are Credit Card Collections?

Credit card collections is the process that lenders go through to try to get paid for outstanding debts they’re owed.

If you know what a credit card is, you’ll know that credit card issuers allow you to make purchases with the promise of eventual repayment. But if you don’t make even the credit card minimum payment, the credit card company eventually may send your debt to collections in an effort to recoup the money owed.

How Do Credit Card Collections Work?

Credit card credit card debt collection results from not paying your credit card bills. The best way to use credit cards is to always pay the full amount each month on the credit card payment due date. Even if you’re not able to, you’ll want to at least make the credit card minimum payment.

If you don’t make any payments toward your credit card balance, the credit card company may start the credit card collections process. At this point, a third-party debt collector will assume responsibility for trying to get you to repay the money owed, relying on the contact information the credit card company has on file to get in touch.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Credit Card Debt Collections Process

Most credit card companies will begin the credit card debt collections process by attempting to contact you directly to pay off the debt. If you haven’t made any credit card payments recently, the bank will likely try to email or send you certified letters. Then, if you still don’t make any payments and don’t arrange for a payment plan with your lender within 30 to 90 days, they’ll likely turn it over to a third-party debt collector.

Most credit card companies do not have the staff or business model to engage in a long-term credit card collection process. That’s why they will usually hire a third-party company or companies to do the actual debt collection. If these companies do not successfully collect the debt, it’s also possible your debt will be sold to another company, which will then try to collect on it. There are currently over 7,000 third-party debt collection companies in the U.S.

At any point, one of these companies may formally sue you in an attempt to collect the money from you, one of the many consequences of credit card late payment.

Features of Credit Card Debt Collections

The credit card collections process is not a pleasant experience. Persistent letters, emails, and phone calls are all features of the debt collections process.

At the beginning, when the credit card company itself is handling the collection process, it may be a bit better. However, once your debt has been sold and/or turned over to a debt collections agency, things often become more intense.

What Is a Collection Lawsuit?

If debt collectors are not successful in using phone calls, letters, or emails, the next step is often a lawsuit. A collection lawsuit is when either the debt owner or collector files in court asking you to pay the debt. If they win, the judge will issue a judgment, which could allow the debt collector to garnish your wages or put a levy on your bank account.

It’s important to note that different states have different rules for how long a debt collector has to file a lawsuit. In most states, if you incurred the debt, the debt collector can legally collect it, and if they have the correct amount, they can keep asking you to pay the debt. However, there may be a statute of limitations on how long they can initiate a collection lawsuit. Check reputable websites or with a lawyer if you’re not sure about the law where you live.

Responding to a Collection Lawsuit: What to Know

If you receive a collection lawsuit, you may be wondering if you should respond. In most cases, it’s a good idea to respond to the collection lawsuit, since that requires the owner of the debt to prove their case.

If they can’t show they own your debt and that you’re obligated to pay it, you may have the debt vacated. Further, you may also have your debt discharged if it’s past your state’s statute of limitations.

Consult with a debt relief lawyer if you’re not sure what to do in your particular circumstances.

What Happens If You Don’t Respond to a Collection Lawsuit?

If you don’t respond to a collection lawsuit, it’s possible that the judge will issue a default judgment against you. A default judgment means that the plaintiff (the debt collector) automatically wins, since the defendant (you) did not respond to the lawsuit. In that case, the debt collector or owner now has the legal right to garnish your wages and/or attempt to go after the money in any of your bank accounts.

How a Debt in Collection Affects Your Credit

Having debts that are in collection will have a negative impact on your credit score. The more recent the date of collection, the more of a negative impact it will have on your credit score.

In most cases, a debt that is in collection will stay on your credit report for seven years (though note this differs from how long credit card debt can be collected).

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

Guide to Dealing With Credit Card Debt in Collection

If you have a debt that’s already in collection, you may want to consult a lawyer that specializes in debt relief. While it may seem daunting to hire and pay for a lawyer, they may be able to help you settle the debt for a fraction of the original amount or even completely discharge the debt.

Taking Charge of Your Finances

If you’re worrying about credit card debt collections, you may feel like your finances have spun out of your control. Here are some tips to take charge once again:

•   Only spend what you can afford to pay off: One of the best tips for using a credit card responsibly is to avoid making purchases that you won’t be able to pay off each month. This will stop your spending from spiraling into debt.

•   Always try to pay off your credit card in full: When you pay your full credit card statement amount each month, you stay out of debt and are more likely to have a good or excellent credit score. Although credit card debt can be hard to pay off, doing so can have a positive impact on your credit score.

•   Address any debt head on: If you find yourself in the position of having credit card debt, the best thing to do is to openly acknowledge your situation and make a plan to pay off your credit card bill. Start a budget, cut expenses if needed, and use any monthly surplus amount to pay down your debt. It’s also smart to stop spending on your credit card until you’ve reduced or eliminated any outstanding balance.

The Takeaway

If you don’t pay the balance on your credit card, your credit card issuer may begin the credit card debt collection process. This may mean that they may contact you directly, hire a third-party collection company, or even sell your debt to another company. Having a debt in collections will have a negative effect on your credit score and is something to avoid if possible.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What happens when credit card debt goes to collections?

If you have an outstanding credit card balance that goes to collections, the credit card company likely will ask you to make at least the minimum payment on the debt. This may continue for the first few months, after which point they’ll likely hire a third-party debt collector. The debt collector will then start trying to collect the debt from you, which may include filing a lawsuit against you.

Can a debt collector force me to pay?

A debt collector company cannot directly force you to pay a debt. However, depending on the statute of limitations in the state you live in and how long ago the debt was incurred, they may be able to sue you in court. If they win, the court may issue a judgment, which would allow them to collect by garnishing your wages and/or levying your bank account.

How long can credit card debt be collected?

In most states, as long as it’s a valid debt, there is no statute of limitations for how long a debtor can ask for repayment. However, many states do limit how long legal action can be taken to collect the debt. Additionally, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act details what a debt collector can and cannot do while attempting to collect a debt.

Do debt collections affect your credit score?

If you have a debt in collection, especially one that has recently gone into collections, it’s likely to have a severe impact on your score. This is because payment history is one of the factors used in the calculation of your credit score, and credit card debt in collections is considered significantly past due.

Photo credit: iStock/courtneyk

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

SOCC-Q224-1910981-V1

If you want to avoid dealing with native currency or carrying traveler’s checks or cash when traveling abroad, an international credit card can be an asset. Having this kind of card in your wallet, which you can use both at home and abroad, can make for smoother trips overseas.

Here’s a closer look at what an international credit card is, its main features, and how to get an international credit card that’s right for you.

What Is an International Credit Card?

An international credit card is a credit card that you can use outside of the United States to make purchases and at an ATM. The major networks that issue international credit cards include Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

However, having an international credit card doesn’t mean you can use it anywhere in the world. The countries where you can use a certain card depends on the network. For instance, Mastercard’s international cards can be used in over 210 countries, whereas Visa’s global network spans over 200 countries to date.

Features of International Credit Cards

Besides the fact that you can use the card overseas, here are some of the other features an international credit card may have:

International Chip and Pin

International credit cards feature an international chip and pin. Chip cards, or EMV cards (which stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa), add an extra layer of security to transactions.

With the chip and pin feature of international credit cards, you dip your card into the reader, then insert your PIN. This differs from in the U.S., where EMV cards come with chip-and-signature technology, which means you insert your chip and then may input your signature. Chip-and-pin is the standard everywhere else and, as such, this is what international credit cards offer.

Welcome Offer

An international credit card might have a welcome offer, which features an attractive introductory bonus. Typically, with how credit cards work, you’ll need to spend a certain amount on the card within the first few months of opening your account in order to earn the bonus. The amount you’ll need to spend, the time frame in which you’ll need to do it, and the number of bonus rewards points you can earn will vary by card.

Travel Perks

Some international credit cards come with attractive travel perks, such as trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and lost luggage insurance. They might also feature access to exclusive airport lounges around the world.

To qualify for an international credit card with some of these luxury perks, however, you’ll usually need to have a good or even excellent credit score (meaning 670 or above).

Rewards Points

While many credit cards come with the ability to scoop up rewards points, international credit cards might offer a higher credit card rewards rate for travel-related purchases. This might include hotel stays, car rentals, dining out, and booked flights. For example, you might get 5x points on these travel-related purchases, whereas other purchases earn 1x points.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees

An international credit card might come with a foreign transaction fee, which is a fee that applies when you make a payment with your card in another country. This fee is typically 3% of the total cost of the purchase, and it is charged in U.S. dollars. For example, if your total purchase came to $50, then the foreign transaction fee would be $1.50, for a total of $51.50.

If you’re not careful, foreign transaction fees can easily take a bite into your travel budget. Some international cards might not charge foreign transaction fees, which can put money back into your pocket and help you avoid credit card debt that’s hard to get rid of.

How to Get an International Credit Card

To get an international credit card, follow these steps:

1.    Do your homework to see which cards are most attractive to you. Which have the best perks, lowest fees, and most enticing rewards?

2.    You’ll also want to see which cards you can qualify for. By checking your credit score, you can better determine which cards you might get approved for.

3.    Apply for a credit card. The process of how to apply for a credit card is similar whether or not it’s an international credit card. You’ll usually need to provide basic personal and financial information, such as your Social Security number and details on your income.

4.    Once your application is submitted, the credit card issuer will do a hard pull of your card to determine your creditworthiness, which helps inform whether your limit will be above or below the average credit card limit. Be aware that a hard pull will likely result in a temporary ding to your credit.

5.    Find out if you’re approved. If you are, you can expect to receive your new card in the mail in seven to 10 business days. Your card will have a unique account number as well as the CVV number on a credit card.

Recommended: What is the Average Credit Card Limit

How to Choose the Best International Credit Card

What’s the best international credit card for you will depend on a handful of factors. Specifically, you’ll want to consider:

•   Where you’ll be traveling. Are you planning on using your card on business trips, and do you frequent certain countries for work? If so, there are certain countries or parts of the world where an international credit card may be more widely accepted. Different cards may be accepted in different locations.

•   Rates and fees. Look to see what the APR on a credit card will be. If you are likely to keep a balance, it’s particularly important that you have a good APR for a credit card. The lower the APR, the less you’ll pay in interest when you carry a balance. Also take a look at any other fees that may apply with the card, such as annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, and, of course, foreign transaction fees.

•   Perks and rewards. Not all credit cards are equal when it comes to the perks and rewards they offer. It’s easy to be dazzled by attractive travel-related perks, but make sure they’re ones you’ll actually use. Also look at the earn rate for different categories, and see if the categories with the higher earn rates are in line with your spending habits. You want to use your credit card responsibly vs. overspending to earn rewards.

Pros and Cons of Using an International Credit Card

International credit cards have pros and cons, both of which are important to weigh.

Pros of International Credit Cards

First, the upsides of international credit cards:

•   Less hassle when traveling: Perhaps the top advantage of using an international credit card is that you won’t need to fuss with native currency or carrying around cash or traveler’s checks. Plus, if something were to go amiss, you have the usual credit card protections in place, which could allow you to dispute a credit card charge or request a credit card chargeback.

•   Opportunity to earn rewards: Many international credit cards allow you to earn rewards for your everyday spending. Plus, some may offer higher rates of rewards for travel-related spending, which could be a big benefit for frequent travelers.

•   Travel perks: As mentioned before, international credit cards can come with a host of travel-related parks. For instance, international credit cards may offer trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, and free upgrades on hotels and flight bookings, to name a few.

Cons of International Credit Cards

Next, consider the potential downsides of international credit cards:

•   Fees: Some international cards have high annual fees, though these may translate to more attractive perks. You’ll also want to look out for foreign transaction fees, as these can quickly add to your costs when traveling.

•   Might not be accepted everywhere: Not all retailers within a country may accept payments with an international credit card. Some retailers might still only accept the local currency or certain payment methods. Additionally, international credit cards’ networks may not include particular countries.

•   Need to plan ahead to maximize perks: While international credit cards might come with some nice travel benefits and perks, it can take a bit of work and planning to make the most of them. For instance, if you want to rake in the bonus offer, you’ll need to plan for some big-ticket purchases to put on your card within the first few months of opening it.

Or, if a card features a travel credit that expires each year, the clock is ticking to use that benefit. This all could incentivize you to overspend, leaving you in a scenario where it’s hard to pay off more than the credit card minimum payment.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score

The Takeaway

Having an international credit card in tow while traveling overseas can eliminate the hassle of dealing with foreign currency or carrying cash. When looking for a good that suits your needs, it’s important to weigh the perks against the downsides, particularly the fees involved.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQs

Can I use my credit card internationally?

Yes, if you have an international credit card, you’ll be able to use your card outside of the U.S. Exactly which countries you can use your card in will depend on the network. For instance, MasterCard’s global network includes more than 210 countries, while Visa’s network includes over 200.

Should I withdraw cash with my international credit card?

While withdrawing cash from an international credit card is an option, note that doing so often comes at a cost. On top of the foreign transaction fee, which hovers at around 3%, there’s also a fee that applies to cash advances, and cash advances tend to have a higher APR. Interest on cash advances typically starts accruing immediately, as there’s no grace period on cash advances.

How can I find out which countries accept a given card?

Check the credit card network’s international use network to determine which countries you can use your card in. You may find this on the credit card network’s website or in the app or by contacting customer service.

Do I have to pay fees annually for an international credit card?

Some international credit cards do have an annual fee. Do your homework ahead of time to see what the annual fee is, and if the perks will offset the costs. Other costs you want to check include foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees, and late fees.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOCC-Q224-1910915-V1

An IRA account with limited margin is a retirement account that allows investors to trade securities with unsettled cash. It’s a more lenient structure versus a cash account, where you must wait for trades to settle before using the money for further trading. But an IRA account with limited margin isn’t a true margin account in that you can’t use leverage.

Nonetheless, an IRA account with limited margin offers a few advantages, including the ability to defer or avoid short-term capital gains tax, and you’re protected against good faith violations. That said, there are still restrictions, so before setting one up, it may be beneficial to learn more about how these accounts work.

What Is an IRA Account With Limited Margin?

An IRA account that may have limited margin — often called simply a limited margin IRA — presents a more flexible option to invest for retirement than a traditional IRA. These types of IRAs may allow you to trade with unsettled funds, meaning that if you close a position you don’t have to wait the standard two days after you trade, you can use those funds right away.

There may also be tax benefits. In a traditional IRA margin account, capital gains taxes are deferred until funds are withdrawn. This is similar to a regular IRA, where you don’t pay taxes on contributions or gains until you withdraw your money.

You may also be able to use limited margin in a Roth IRA, and there may be even more tax benefits when using limited margin in a Roth IRA. You don’t pay any capital gains because Roth accounts are tax-free, since Roth contributions are made with after-tax money.

As noted, an IRA account with limited margin may allow investors to trade with unsettled cash. However, a limited margin IRA is just that — limited. It is not a true margin account, and does not allow you to short stocks or use leverage by borrowing money to trade with margin debits. In that sense, it is different from margin trading in a taxable brokerage account.

You may be able to use limited margin in several IRA types. In addition to having margin IRAs with traditional and Roth accounts, rollover IRAs, SEP IRAs, and even small business SIMPLE IRAs are eligible for the margin feature. While mutual funds are often owned inside an IRA, you cannot buy mutual funds on margin.

💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.

How Does Limited Margin Work?

Limited margin works by allowing investors to trade securities without having to wait for funds to settle. You can think of it like an advance payment from positions recently sold.

The first step is to open an IRA account and request that the IRA margin feature be added. Once approved, you might have to request that your broker move positions from cash to margin within the IRA. This operational task will also set future trades to the margin type.

IRAs with limited margin will state your intraday buying power — you should use this balance when day trading stocks and options in the IRA.

An advantage to trading in limited margin IRAs is that you can avoid or defer capital gains tax. Assuming you earn profits from trading, that can be a major annual savings versus day trading in a taxable brokerage account. If you trade within a pre-tax account, such as a traditional or rollover IRA, then you simply pay income tax upon the withdrawal of funds. When using Roth IRA margin, your account can grow tax-free forever in some cases.

The drawback with an IRA with limited margin versus day trading in a taxable account is you are unable to borrow money from your broker to create margin debits. You are also unable to sell securities short with an IRA with limited margin account. So while it is a margin account, you do not have all the bells and whistles of a full margin account that is not an IRA.

Who Is Eligible for an IRA With Limited Margin?

Some brokerage firms have strict eligibility requirements such as a minimum equity threshold (similar to the minimum balances required in full margin accounts). When signing up, you might also be required to indicate that your investment objective is the “most aggressive.” That gives the broker a clue that you will use the account for active trading purposes.

Another restriction is that you might not be able to choose an FDIC-insured cash position. That’s not a major issue for most investors since you can elect a safe money market fund instead.

IRA Margin Calls

An advantage to having margin in an IRA is that you can more easily avoid margin calls by not having to wait for cash from the proceeds of a sale to settle, but margin calls can still happen. If the IRA margin equity amount drops below a certain amount (often $25,000, but it can vary by broker), then a day trade minimum equity call is issued. Until you meet the call, you are limited to closing positions only.

To meet the IRA margin call, you just have to deposit more cash or marginable securities. Since it is an IRA, there are annual contribution limits that you cannot exceed, so adding funds might be tricky.

💡 Quick Tip: One of the advantages of using a margin account, if you qualify, is that a margin loan gives you the ability to buy more securities. Be sure to understand the terms of the margin account, though, as buying on margin includes the risk of bigger losses.

Avoiding Good Faith Violations

A good faith violation happens when you purchase a security in a cash account then sell before paying for the purchase with settled cash. You must wait for the funds to settle — the standard is trade date plus two days (T+2 settlement) for equity securities. Only cash and funds from sale proceeds are considered “settled funds.” Cash accounts and margin accounts have different rules to know about.

A good faith violation can happen in an IRA account without margin. For example, if you buy a stock in the morning, sell it in the afternoon, then use those proceeds to do another round-trip trade before the funds settle, that second sale can trigger a good faith violation. Having margin in an IRA prevents good faith violations in that instance since an IRA with limited margin allows you to trade with unsettled funds.

Pros and Cons of Limited Margin Trading in an IRA

Can IRA accounts have margin? Yes. Can you use margin in a Roth IRA? Yes. Should your IRA have the limited margin feature added? It depends on your preferences. Below are the pros and cons to consider with IRAs with limited margin.

The Takeaway

An IRA account with limited margin allows people investing in individual retirement accounts to trade securities a bit more freely versus a cash account. The main benefit to having an IRA with limited margin is that you can buy and sell stocks and options without waiting for lengthy settlement periods associated with a non-margin account.

But remember: Unlike a normal margin account, this type doesn’t allow you to use leverage. That means a margin-equipped IRA doesn’t permit margin trading that creates margin debit balances. You are also not allowed to have naked options positions or engage in selling shares short.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

FAQ

Is an IRA a cash or a margin account?

An IRA can either be a cash account or a limited margin account. While a cash account only lets you buy and sell securities with a traditional settlement period, a limited margin IRA might offer same-day settlement of trades. You are not allowed to borrow funds or short sell, however.

Is day trading possible in an IRA?

Yes. You can day trade in your IRA, and it can actually be a tax-savvy practice. Short-term capital gains can add up when you day trade in a taxable brokerage account. That tax liability can eat into your profits. With a limited margin IRA that offers same-day settlement, however, you can buy and sell stocks and options without the many tax consequences of a non-IRA. The downside is that, in the case of losses, you cannot take advantage of the $3,000 capital loss tax deduction because an IRA is a tax-sheltered account. Another feature that is limited when day trading an IRA is that you cannot borrow funds to control more capital. A final drawback is that you are limited to going long shares, not short.

Can a 401(k) be a margin account?

Most 401(k) plans do not allow participants to have the margin feature. An emerging type of small business 401(k) plan — the solo brokerage 401(k) — allows participants to have a margin feature. Not all providers allow it, though. Also, just because the account has the margin feature, it does not mean you can borrow money from the broker to buy securities.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_

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