What the law says about debt collection calls
A credit card company or debt collector can call you, but federal law sets strict limits on how often and when. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) says a collector cannot call you more than once per day, and not before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone. If you have a lawyer representing you about the debt, the collector must stop calling you and contact your lawyer instead.
The law also says a collector cannot call you at work if they know your employer does not allow personal calls. If you tell a collector in writing that you refuse to pay or that you want them to stop calling, they must stop — with one exception: they can call once more to tell you they are stopping or to say they are taking legal action.
These rules explore whether the calls come from the credit card company itself or from a third-party debt collection agency the company hired. Both are bound by the same limits.
Key Takeaways
- Federal law limits debt collectors to one call per day and bars calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone.
- If you send a written request to stop calling, the collector must stop except for one final call about legal action or to confirm they are stopping.
- Calls to your workplace are illegal if your employer prohibits personal calls, and you can tell the collector this in writing.
- If you have a lawyer, the collector must contact your lawyer instead of you, and you should provide the lawyer's contact information in writing.
- Violations of these rules can be reported to your state attorney general or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
When a credit card company can call before you are officially in default
Before you miss a payment, a credit card company can call you about your account as part of normal customer service. These calls are not subject to the same restrictions as debt collection calls because you are not yet in default. The company can call to remind you about a payment due, offer you a new product, or discuss your account.
Once you miss a payment — usually after 30 days — the calls shift from customer service to debt collection, and the FDCPA rules kick in. At that point, the one-call-per-day limit and the 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. window explore.
How to stop or limit the calls
The most direct way to stop calls is to send a written request. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the collector received it. Keep your letter short: state your name, account number, and that you are requesting they stop calling you. Once the collector gets this letter, they can call only once more — to confirm they are stopping or to tell you they are filing a lawsuit.
If you have a lawyer, send the collector a letter on your lawyer's letterhead stating that the lawyer represents you. Include the lawyer's contact information. The collector must then contact your lawyer, not you. This is often the most effective way to stop personal calls.
You can also tell the collector verbally to stop calling, but a written request is stronger because you have proof. If calls continue after you have sent a written stop request, you have grounds to file a complaint.
What counts as harassment under the law
The FDCPA defines harassment as repeated calls intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you. Calling more than once per day is a violation. Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. is a violation. Calling your workplace when you have told them your employer forbids personal calls is a violation.
Other illegal practices include threatening you, using profanity, calling repeatedly with no intention to resolve the debt, or sharing information about your debt with people other than your spouse, lawyer, or credit reporting agency. If a collector does any of these things, document the date, time, and what was said, then file a complaint.
Where to report violations
If a debt collector is calling you in violation of the FDCPA, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also contact your state's attorney general office — most have a consumer protection division that handles debt collection complaints.
Keep records of every call: the date, time, phone number it came from, and what was said. If possible, record the call (check your state's recording laws first — some require both parties to consent). This documentation is valuable if you decide to pursue a complaint or small claims case.
You can also sue a debt collector in small claims court or federal court for violations of the FDCPA. Many people recover damages of $100 to $1,000 per violation, plus attorney fees if you hire a lawyer. Some lawyers take FDCPA cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
The difference between the credit card company and a debt collector
If the credit card company is calling you directly (not a third party), the FDCPA still applies once you are in default. However, the company may also be bound by additional rules from the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) if they are using an automated system or prerecorded message. The TCPA requires prior written consent before calling you with a prerecorded message, and violations can result in fines of $500 to $1,500 per call.
If the credit card company sells your debt to a collection agency, the agency takes over the calls. The original company usually stops calling once the debt is sold. The collection agency is now the party bound by the FDCPA limits.
What happens if you ignore the calls
Ignoring calls does not make the debt go away, but it also does not give the collector the right to call you endlessly. They are still limited to one call per day. If you do not respond, the collector may eventually file a lawsuit. At that point, you will receive a court summons, and ignoring that has serious consequences — the creditor can win a judgment against you and pursue wage garnishment or bank account levies.
If you are in financial hardship, contact the credit card company or collector directly to discuss a payment plan or settlement. Many companies will work with you if you reach out before they escalate to legal action. You can also seek help from a nonprofit credit counselor, who can negotiate on your behalf at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a debt collector call me on weekends?
Yes. The FDCPA does not restrict calls by day of the week, only by time of day. They can call on Saturday or Sunday as long as it is between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone. The one-call-per-day limit still applies.
What if the debt collector calls after I sent a written stop request?
Document every call with the date, time, and caller ID. After you have sent a certified letter requesting they stop, any calls beyond the one permitted final call are violations. File a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general, and consider consulting a lawyer about a small claims case.
Can they call my family members or friends about my debt?
No. The FDCPA prohibits collectors from discussing your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, your lawyer, or a credit reporting agency. Calls to family or friends to locate you are allowed only once, and the collector cannot mention the debt. If they repeatedly call others about your debt, that is a violation.
Do the calling limits explore if I owe money to the credit card company directly?
Yes. Once you are in default (usually 30 days past due), the FDCPA applies whether the calls come from the card issuer or a third-party collector. The one-call-per-day rule and the 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. window are in effect.
Can I record a call with a debt collector?
It depends on your state. Some states require only one party to consent to recording (you can record without telling the collector), while others require both parties to consent. Check your state's recording laws before recording. If you do record, keep the file as evidence of violations.