Sample Answer to Summons for Credit Card Debt

Being served with a summons for credit card debt can be alarming, especially if you’re unsure what it means or how to respond. But ignoring it won’t make the problem go away—it can lead to a default judgment, wage garnishment, or worse.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to respond to a debt summons step by step—and provide you with a free sample answer to get started.

What Is a Summons for Credit Card Debt?

A summons is a legal notice informing you that a creditor or debt collector has filed a lawsuit against you for unpaid credit card debt. It’s typically delivered with a complaint, which outlines:

The amount you allegedly owe
The name of the creditor or collection agency
A deadline by which you must respond (usually 20–30 days)

Failing to respond in time allows the creditor to win the case by default—even if the debt is inaccurate or legally uncollectible.

Why You Must Respond to a Debt Summons

Responding to a summons gives you the opportunity to:

Challenge the debt amount or creditor’s claim
Avoid a default judgment
Protect your income and assets
Potentially settle or dismiss the case

Even if you know the debt is valid, responding allows you to negotiate or ask the court for a payment plan.

How to File an Answer to a Summons

Here’s a simple step-by-step process to respond:

1. Read the Summons Carefully

Look for:

The court deadline to respond
The case number
The creditor or plaintiff’s name
Any attachments (such as the complaint or affidavits)

2. Draft Your Answer

Your written response should include:

A caption (your name, the plaintiff’s name, case number, court name)
Admissions or denials of each claim listed
Any defenses you want to raise
Your signature and contact information

3. Raise Common Defenses (if applicable)

Some common defenses to consider:

The debt is not yours (mistaken identity)
The debt is beyond the statute of limitations
You’ve already paid the debt
The amount is incorrect or inflated
The creditor has no proof of the original agreement

Note: You must be honest. Don’t raise a defense unless you believe it’s true.

4. File the Answer with the Court

Submit the answer before the deadline by:

Hand-delivering to the court clerk
Mailing (with certified mail and return receipt)
Following your state’s e-filing system (if available)

5. Serve the Plaintiff

Send a copy of your answer to the plaintiff or their attorney using the method required by your state (usually certified mail).

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]

IN THE [Name of Court]
[Plaintiff’s Name], Plaintiff
v.
[Your Name], Defendant

Case No: [XXXXXX]

ANSWER TO COMPLAINT

Defendant admits the allegations in paragraph 1.
Defendant denies the allegations in paragraph 2.
Defendant is without sufficient information to admit or deny paragraph 3 and therefore denies.

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES

The debt is beyond the statute of limitations.
Plaintiff has failed to provide documentation of the alleged debt.
Defendant requests proof of original contract and accounting history.

WHEREFORE, Defendant requests the Court to dismiss the complaint and grant any other relief deemed just and proper.

Date: [Month, Day, Year]

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]