Sued for Best Buy Credit Card Debt? What to Do Now

Best Buy sells consumer electronics like TVs, computers, laptops, and appliances. Electronics aren’t cheap. A laptop can cost over $1,000. Smartphones can set you back at least $750.

Many people use credit cards to afford these purchases. Best Buy offers two credit card programs through Citibank, N.A. to help customers buy what they need.

Respond to Your Best Buy Lawsuit Today

You only have 14-30 days to respond to your Best Buy credit card lawsuit. Don't risk wage garnishment or a frozen bank account with a default judgment.

File Your Answer Now

But falling behind on payments can lead to serious consequences. You could face a lawsuit from Citibank for unpaid Best Buy credit card debt.

Why Best Buy Sues for Credit Card Debt

Missing one payment won’t trigger a lawsuit. Best Buy will apply a late fee to your account. You’ll pay it on your next bill.

Problems start when you stop making payments altogether. Best Buy may try to work out a resolution with you. But if you don’t stick with the payment schedule, they’ll give up.

Citibank, N.A. manages Best Buy credit card programs. They may file a lawsuit to collect your unpaid balance.

What to Do If Best Buy Sues You

You must take immediate action if Best Buy or Citibank sues you. Ignoring the lawsuit will result in a default judgment against you.

Step 1: Respond With an Answer

File an Answer to the lawsuit, even if you plan to settle. You have a limited time to respond, typically 14 to 30 days. The deadline appears on your court summons.

Don’t admit fault in your Answer. Provide a defense explaining why you believe the lawsuit is unwarranted.

Common defenses include:

The debt is past your state’s statute of limitations
The court lacks proper jurisdiction
You’re a victim of identity theft
The amount claimed is incorrect
The plaintiff lacks standing to sue

Need help responding to the lawsuit? Our partner Solo can help you draft and file your Answer quickly.

Step 2: Consider Settling the Debt

Settlement makes sense if you know the debt is yours. You can often pay less than the full amount owed.

Settling the debt before your court date offers major benefits. You may save up to 40% off the amount due. You’ll also avoid a judgment against you.

Avoiding a judgment is critical for your financial health. If Best Buy obtains a judgment, they can garnish your wages. They can also freeze your bank account.

Wage garnishment and frozen accounts make it difficult to pay other bills. Protect yourself by settling before judgment.

Start settlement negotiations as soon as possible. Our partner Solo can help you negotiate with Citibank to settle your Best Buy debt.

Step 3: Pay in Full If Settlement Fails

If Best Buy refuses to settle, you’ll need the full balance. Come up with the funds before your court date.

If you repay Best Buy completely, they’ll drop the case. You won’t need to worry about a judgment.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

Debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You have rights as a consumer. You don’t have to accept abusive practices.

Best Buy and Citibank cannot use these tactics:

Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Threatening you with jail time for unpaid debt
Threatening to harm your reputation
Contacting you at work after your employer asks them not to
Calling repeatedly to annoy or harass you

How to Report FDCPA Violations

If Citibank uses abusive collection practices, report them immediately. File complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in compensation per violation. Document all inappropriate contact and communications.

When to Hire a Lawyer

Most Best Buy credit card lawsuits don’t require an attorney. Small debts of a few hundred dollars aren’t worth legal fees.

But consider hiring a lawyer if:

You owe several thousand dollars
The collector violated your FDCPA rights
You’re facing bankruptcy
You need representation in court

Most debt settlement attorneys offer free consultations. You can learn about your legal options without upfront costs.

Protect Your Financial Future

Unexpected job loss or medical emergencies can derail your finances. Falling behind on Best Buy payments may not be your fault.

But you must still respond to any lawsuit. File an Answer within the deadline. Consider settlement to avoid judgment.

Taking action protects you from wage garnishment and frozen accounts. You can resolve the debt and move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to respond to a Best Buy credit card lawsuit?

You typically have 14 to 30 days to respond to a Best Buy credit card lawsuit, depending on your state. The exact deadline appears on your court summons. File your Answer before this deadline to avoid a default judgment.

How much can I save by settling Best Buy credit card debt?

You can often save up to 40% by settling Best Buy credit card debt before your court date. Citibank may accept a lump sum payment that's less than your full balance to close the matter and avoid court costs.

Can Best Buy garnish my wages for unpaid credit card debt?

Best Buy cannot garnish your wages unless they obtain a court judgment against you first. If you ignore the lawsuit and receive a default judgment, Citibank can then pursue wage garnishment or freeze your bank account to collect the debt.

What defenses can I use against a Best Buy credit card lawsuit?

Common defenses include the statute of limitations, lack of jurisdiction, identity theft, incorrect debt amount, and lack of standing to sue. Include your defense in your Answer to the lawsuit, even if you plan to settle later.

Can debt collectors call me about Best Buy debt at any time?

No. Under the FDCPA, Citibank and debt collectors cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They also cannot call you at work if your employer prohibits it, or use threatening or harassing language to collect the debt.

Sued for Best Buy Credit Card Debt? Here’s What to Do