What Creditors Can't Take in Missouri
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Missouri.
Short answer: No specific bank account exemption. Bank funds can be protected only through general exemptions: the 'any other property' exemption ($600 through December 31, 2026; RSMo 513.430.1(3); RSMo 513.440
| Money protected in a bank account | No specific bank account exemption. Bank funds can be protected only through general exemptions: the 'any other property' exemption ($600 through December 31, 2026; $1,700 from January 1, 2027), and for a head of a family, up to $1,250 plus $350 per qualifying dependent child in any property, including debts and wages. Current 513.430 (effective Aug. 28, 2022): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/PageSelect.aspx?section=513.430&bid=51255; version effective Jan. 1, 2027 (2026 H.B. 1870 / S.B. 835 & 1111): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=513.430. Social Security, unemployment and public assistance benefits are exempt (513.430.1(10)). Source: RSMo 513.430.1(3); RSMo 513.440 |
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| Homestead exemption | $15,000 in a dwelling and land used as a homestead, through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, the homestead exemption rises to $40,000. Co-owners share one exemption. Recently changed. Current $15,000 version (effective Aug. 28, 2003): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/PageSelect.aspx?section=513.475&bid=27731 |
| Vehicle exemption | Motor vehicles up to $3,000 in total value through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027: up to $5,000, plus up to $10,000 of any unused household-goods exemption may be applied to a vehicle. Recently changed. Current version: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/PageSelect.aspx?section=513.430&bid=51255. The household-goods exemption also rises from $3,000 to $15,000 on Jan. 1, 2027. |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Missouri is an opt-out state: debtors in bankruptcy must use Missouri exemptions and non-bankruptcy federal exemptions, not the federal bankruptcy exemption list. Source: RSMo 513.427 |
More Missouri debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Missouri
- Wage Garnishment in Missouri
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Missouri
- All Missouri debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Missouri?
No specific bank account exemption. Bank funds can be protected only through general exemptions: the 'any other property' exemption ($600 through December 31, 2026; $1,700 from January 1, 2027), and for a head of a family, up to $1,250 plus $350 per qualifying dependent child in any property, including debts and wages.
What is the homestead exemption in Missouri?
$15,000 in a dwelling and land used as a homestead, through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, the homestead exemption rises to $40,000. Co-owners share one exemption.
Can a creditor take my car in Missouri?
Motor vehicles up to $3,000 in total value through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027: up to $5,000, plus up to $10,000 of any unused household-goods exemption may be applied to a vehicle.
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Missouri?
Missouri is an opt-out state: debtors in bankruptcy must use Missouri exemptions and non-bankruptcy federal exemptions, not the federal bankruptcy exemption list.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.