Does Chase Sue for Credit Card Debt? What You Need to Know

Chase Bank has a reputation for aggressive debt collection tactics. Unlike many credit card companies that sell old accounts to third parties, Chase keeps its debts in house. The bank frequently files collection lawsuits against customers who fall behind on payments.

You have options when facing a Chase lawsuit. Understanding how Chase operates gives you a fighting chance in court.

About Chase Bank and JPMorgan Chase

Chase Bank is the consumer and commercial banking arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The financial giant manages $2.6 trillion in assets worldwide.

Chase offers personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, and small business loans. When Chase sues for credit card debt, you’ll receive documents from JPMorgan Chase.

Here’s how to contact Chase:

• 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 Actually Sue Customers?

Yes, and it happens frequently. JPMorgan Chase is notorious for suing customers who fall behind on credit card payments.

The company’s tactics have raised serious legal questions. California sued JPMorgan Chase for robo-signing contracts without consumer authorization. The state also accused Chase of making systematic calculation errors on amounts owed.

Most concerning: Chase allegedly failed to properly serve court documents to consumers during lawsuits. Many customers never received notice they were being sued.

Chase’s Track Record With Consumers

Thousands of consumers have filed complaints against JPMorgan Chase. The Better Business Bureau received nearly 4,200 complaints against the bank in just three years.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports almost 29,000 complaints in the past decade. The top issue? Fraudulent charges and Chase refusing to help when customers request assistance.

You’re not alone if Chase has treated you unfairly. Many consumers face similar problems.

Example: When Chase Fails to Serve Properly

Bobby gets sued by Chase for credit card debt. He never receives court documents. Bobby discovers he lost the case by default.

After research, Bobby learns Chase often commits “sewer service.” The company files false certifications claiming they served documents when they didn’t.

Bobby reaches out to our partner Solo for help. He files a Motion to Dismiss Default Judgment along with an Answer. He uses improper service as an affirmative defense. The judgment gets canceled, giving Bobby another chance to fight back.

What to Do When Chase Sues You

Chase will send a Summons and Complaint when they sue you. Sometimes. Remember, Chase has a history of claiming they sent documents when they didn’t.

If you receive court documents, respond immediately with a written Answer. Each state has different deadlines for responding. Missing your deadline leads to automatic loss.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt lawsuits quickly and correctly.

Avoid Default Judgment at All Costs

Default judgments force you to pay the full debt amount. Chase can then garnish your wages. They can freeze your bank account. They can seize your property.

Most consumers lose by default because they don’t respond to lawsuits. Many simply don’t know how to respond properly.

Fighting back gives you options. You might settle for less than you owe. You might win a dismissal entirely.

Build a Strong Defense

A solid defense can get your case dismissed completely. Your situation determines which defenses work best.

Common defenses against debt collection lawsuits include:

• Identity theft – you don’t actually owe this money
• You were under 18 when the debt was acquired
• The statute of limitations has expired
• You’ve filed for bankruptcy
• The debt was already paid
• Chase is trying to collect more than legally allowed
• Chase cannot prove you owe the debt
• You were tricked into agreeing to the debt

Documentation strengthens your defense. Gather any evidence supporting your claims.

Negotiate a Settlement With Chase

You can negotiate a settlement if you actually owe the debt. Explain your financial situation honestly. Offer the highest amount you can realistically pay.

Chase might accept less than the full amount. Settlement negotiations happen before trial. You avoid wage garnishment and save money.

Settling ends collection calls and prevents further legal action. You resolve the debt on terms you can afford.

File a Counterclaim Against Chase

Counterclaims are your last option when defense strategies fail. You essentially sue Chase after they sue you.

Valid counterclaims show Chase did something illegal during collection. Maybe they charged illegal fees. Perhaps they violated debt collection laws.

You must prove your counterclaim if the case goes to trial. Strong evidence is essential.

Consequences of a Judgment Against You

Losing a Chase lawsuit creates serious financial problems. The court grants Chase legal power to collect the debt.

Here’s what Chase can do with a judgment:

• Freeze your bank account: Chase can empty your account until the debt is satisfied
• Garnish your wages: Chase takes a percentage of each paycheck automatically
• Place a lien on your home: You could lose your house through a forced sale
• Damage your credit: Judgments stay on your credit report for seven years

Your credit score drops significantly with a judgment. Getting loans becomes difficult. Renting an apartment gets harder. Job applications may be affected.

Responding to the lawsuit protects your assets. You increase your chances of winning by seven times when you file an Answer.

How to Answer a Chase Credit Card Lawsuit

Chase is the plaintiff in the lawsuit. You are the defendant. Phone calls and letters won’t work once the lawsuit is filed.

You must file a written, legal Answer with the court. Follow these six steps:

1. Keep Your Answer Brief

Don’t write your life story. Stick to the facts. The Answer is not the place for detailed explanations.

2. Never Admit Liability

The Complaint contains numbered paragraphs. Respond to each one with: admit, deny, or deny for lack of knowledge.

Deny everything you can legally deny. Make Chase prove every claim.

3. Assert Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses explain why Chase shouldn’t win. Common defenses include:

• You don’t owe the debt
• You already paid part or all of it
• The statute of limitations expired
• Chase cannot provide proof

Include affirmative defenses for each paragraph you deny.

4. Use Proper Formatting

Court documents require specific formatting. Your Answer must include:

• Your name and address
• Court name
• Plaintiff identity
• Case title and number
• Proper spacing and margins

Professional formatting helps judges take your Answer seriously.

5. Include a Certificate of Service

The certificate proves you sent copies to all required parties. Include the court name, plaintiff name, and date.

Serve Chase’s attorney if they have one. Don’t send it directly to Chase.

6. Sign the Document

Unsigned documents are invalid. Your signature confirms everything stated is true and accurate.

You can sign electronically or print and sign manually.

Filing Your Answer With the Court

Make three copies of your completed Answer. One goes to the court clerk. One goes to Chase or their attorney. Keep one for your records.

Use certified mail for both copies you send. You’ll receive confirmation when they arrive. Keep these receipts as proof of service.

File before your state’s deadline. Missing the deadline means automatic loss.

How Solo Helps You Fight Back

Our partner Solo makes responding to debt lawsuits simple. The step-by-step process asks all necessary questions to complete your Answer.

An attorney reviews your document before filing. Solo files it with the court for you. You don’t need to figure out complicated court procedures.

Solo also helps you negotiate settlements with creditors. You can contact Chase and settle for less than you owe.

No matter where you are in the debt collection process, Solo provides the tools you need. You can resolve your debt without expensive attorney fees.