What Creditors Can't Take in Oregon
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Oregon.
Short answer: When a bank account is garnished, the bank must leave the debtor a base protected balance of $2,600 across all accounts at that bank (July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027), in addition to protected federal benefits. ORS 18.785(2)(j); 18.348; Oregon Judicial Department, Base Protected Account Balance Exemption table
| Money protected in a bank account | When a bank account is garnished, the bank must leave the debtor a base protected balance of $2,600 across all accounts at that bank (July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027), in addition to protected federal benefits. Exempt funds such as wages and retirement payments stay exempt when deposited if reasonably identifiable, up to an accumulation of $7,500. Statute: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors018.html. The base amount started at $2,500 on January 1, 2025 and is indexed each July 1 by the State Court Administrator; it does not apply to child support, spousal support or restitution debts. |
|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $158,300 for one judgment debtor, or $316,700 combined for two or more debtors in the same household, for garnishments issued or in effect from July 1, 2026 to before July 1, 2027. The home must be the actual residence of the owner or the owner's spouse, parent or child. For child support, spousal support or restitution debts the exemption remains $40,000 ($50,000 combined). Statute: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors018.html. Raised from $40,000 to $150,000 on January 1, 2025; indexed every July 1 ($154,200 for 2025-26). |
| Vehicle exemption | One vehicle up to $10,000 in value ($3,000 if the debt is for child support, spousal support or restitution). Source: ORS 18.345(1)(d) |
| Bankruptcy exemptions | Oregon is not an opt-out state: in bankruptcy, a resident may choose either the federal exemptions or the Oregon state exemptions, but not both. Source: ORS 18.300 |
Where to get help in Oregon
- Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Division of Financial Regulation (registers collection agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
More Oregon debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Oregon
- Wage Garnishment in Oregon
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Oregon
- Medical Debt Protections in Oregon
- All Oregon debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Oregon?
When a bank account is garnished, the bank must leave the debtor a base protected balance of $2,600 across all accounts at that bank (July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027), in addition to protected federal benefits. Exempt funds such as wages and retirement payments stay exempt when deposited if reasonably identifiable, up to an accumulation of $7,500.
What is the homestead exemption in Oregon?
$158,300 for one judgment debtor, or $316,700 combined for two or more debtors in the same household, for garnishments issued or in effect from July 1, 2026 to before July 1, 2027. The home must be the actual residence of the owner or the owner's spouse, parent or child. For child support, spousal support or restitution debts the exemption remains $40,000 ($50,000 combined).
Can a creditor take my car in Oregon?
One vehicle up to $10,000 in value ($3,000 if the debt is for child support, spousal support or restitution).
Which bankruptcy exemptions can I use in Oregon?
Oregon is not an opt-out state: in bankruptcy, a resident may choose either the federal exemptions or the Oregon state exemptions, but not both.
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.