North Carolina Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to North Carolina
North Carolina (NC) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | North Carolina Debt Collection Act (NCDCA) |
| Source | N.C. Gen. Stat. ยง 75-50 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 0% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $500 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | $35,000 |
Key Protections in North Carolina
- NCDCA covers original creditors (beyond FDCPA)
- North Carolina BANS wage garnishment for consumer debts
- No garnishment except for taxes, student loans, child support
- Collectors must be licensed in NC
- Significant consumer-favorable protections
Wage Garnishment in North Carolina
After a court judgment, creditors in North Carolina can garnish up to 0% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - North Carolina follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
Note: Some or all wages may be exempt from garnishment in North Carolina. Consult a local attorney.
File a Complaint in North Carolina
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or North Carolina Debt Collection Act (NCDCA):
- File with the North Carolina Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)
North Carolina Debt Resources
North Carolina Statute of Limitations
Credit card, medical, auto, and personal loan SoL in North Carolina.
View SoL →SoL Date Calculator
Calculate the exact SoL expiration date for your debt.
Check SoL →Federal Collector Rules
What debt collectors can and can't do under federal law.
Read Guide →