If you do not appear in court on a notice to appear on credit card debt can you be arrested?

No, but the plaintiff will win the case by default. If the defendant fails to claim the exemptions for their property which are defined by state law, they may have to forfeit some property which otherwise may have been protected. If the defendant is a homeowner it is very important that they be aware of and use the homestead exemption to prohibit the possibility of a forced sale. The homestead exemption in most states will not keep a lien from being placed against the property or portion thereof owned by the debtor. Other actions that can be taken by the plaintiff to recover money owed are, wage or bank account garnishment, and liquidation of nonexempt assests owned by the defendant/debtor.