What happens if you never pay off your credit card?

If you never pay your credit card bill, the consequences escalate over time. Initially you'll face late fees, penalty interest rates, and damage to your credit score. After about 180 days of non-payment, the issuer will typically charge off the debt and sell it to a collections agency, which will then pursue you for payment. Your credit score will drop significantly, making it hard to get loans, rent apartments, or sometimes even get jobs. The debt collector can sue you in court, and if they win a judgment, they may be able to garnish your wages or bank account. The negative marks stay on your credit report for seven years. The debt doesn't simply disappear, though statutes of limitations may eventually limit legal collection options.