How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is often a last resort for an individual struggling with keeping current on rent payments. This does not mean that bankruptcy is the end of a person’s financial life. Quite the opposite; it is a new beginning. It takes 7 to 10 years for a bankruptcy to be erased from a person’s credit report. In the meantime, it is important to take steps to rebuild credit.

The most important thing that a consumer can do to improve his or her credit is to practice responsible spending habits. Maintaining a budget and making sure that all monthly payments are made on time is crucial to re-establishing credit worthiness. It takes 7 years for a delinquent payment reported to a credit agency to be removed from a credit report, so it takes consistent payments over that long period of time to clear a credit report of all delinquencies. People should invest in saving after their bankruptcy to avoid falling into dire straits again in the future.

It is also important to check your credit report for any problems or mistakes. If a debt had been discharged and it still appears on your credit report as delinquent, it may be a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Errors or mistakes can damage your credit even further and should be disputed. Credit reports are available annually for free from each of the credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

In order to re-establish credit after a bankruptcy, a consumer might need to apply for a secured credit card. This credit card requires a deposit of money with a bank as a guarantee of payment. Usually, this security collects interest. It also helps to open a new checking or savings account. After a few months of responsible spending, applications for credit cards may come in. Obtaining a second credit card will improve a consumer’s credit rating, but it is important to pick a card that will not tempt the holder to splurge unnecessarily. A gas card can help an individual repair his or her credit while effectively preventing bad shopping habits common with other cards. The balances on the cards should be paid off in full every month and the cards should not be closed. Together, payment history and total amount owed against available credit make up 65 percent of an individual’s credit score.

If you have filed for, or are considering bankruptcy, the bankruptcy attorneys at Schneiders & Associates can help. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment. 

By: William E. Winfield, Esq.