Short answer
Generally four years. Texas law requires a suit on a debt to be brought within four years after the claim accrues, which for most consumer accounts is when you defaulted. After that, the claim is time-barred, but limitations is a defense you must raise.
Helpful next
Sources
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 16 (limitations), §§ 16.004, 16.065, 16.069
- Tex. Fin. Code ch. 392 (Texas Debt Collection Act), incl. § 392.307
Updated November 2026. General information about Texas law, not legal advice for your case. Laws and court rules change; we review these answers regularly.
More about defenses and the statute of limitations
- What are common defenses to a debt lawsuit in Texas?
- When does the four-year clock start?
- Can a debt buyer sue me on a time-barred debt in Texas?
- Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations?
- What if I'm sued on a time-barred debt anyway?
- What does 'lack of standing' mean in a debt buyer case?