Already Have Bad Credit?

The reality is that most people who need to file bankruptcy already have bad credit. If every other option has been considered, then bankruptcy may be the best course of action towards the goal of improving credit scores. This is because bankruptcy allows for the successful discharge of debts that you were unable to repay. Initially, filing bankruptcy may have a negative impact on your credit score. (It is true that bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to ten years.) Keep in mind that this is a “short-term” impact. Read more about Life After Bankruptcy.

Credit Score After Bankruptcy

After your bankruptcy is discharged, your credit report will be updated to show “included in bankruptcy.” However, the accounts will not be deleted from your credit report. Your credit history remains, but now reflect a zero balance on any debts that were discharged in your bankruptcy. Assuming you have income, you should be more creditworthy after a bankruptcy than you were before since your debt-to-income ratio will be significantly improved. It is the duty of the creditors included in your bankruptcy to accurately report that the debt was discharged in the bankruptcy, but unfortunately it is rare for all the creditors to do this, and debts that were discharged in your bankruptcy often do not show as discharged and zero balance.

How to Rebuild Credit after Bankruptcy

1. 1. 1. Apply for New Credit. The best way to improve your credit is to obtain new credit and pay off the balances each month. You may have to start with a secured credit card or loans with slightly higher rates, but each loan you repay on time will help with your credit score.
      2. Use Your New Credit Wisely. Avoid delinquencies, late payments, or other factors that would negatively effect your credit.
      3.  Get Professional Help if Needed. Get Debt Advisors Free Consultation
      4. Review Credit Reports. Use your free credit reports to monitor your progress and address any errors moving forward.
      5. Establish & Maintain Good Financial Habits. The best way to manage your finances is budgeting. Use Debt Advisors budget worksheet to create your own budget. Ideally, your initial goal should be saving up an emergency fund so you can stick with your budget if there’s an unexpected bill or expense.

Ask yourself if you would rather lend money to somebody who is debt free, but had to file bankruptcy or somebody who has thousands of dollars of outstanding debt they are unable to repay. The person with a lot of outstanding debt presents a much higher risk to file bankruptcy in the future and not be able to repay you. The person who has filed bankruptcy and eliminated a lot of their outstanding debts will now be in a much better situation to repay loaned money. Creditors are aware of this. People are often surprised to receive many offers for new credit specifically targeted to people who have recently filed bankruptcy.