While many people believe that bankruptcy will ruin their credit for all of eternity, the bankruptcy will no longer appear on their credit report after 7-10 years. And, just months after filing for bankruptcy, you can start rebuilding your credit.
How Can You Build Your Credit After Bankruptcy?
Your credit score can affect your loan or mortgage rates, eligibility for credit cards, and rental applications. The score is based on your entire credit profile, and the higher your initial score is the more of a drop you should expect.
According to an article by Debt.org, someone with an average credit score (around 680) may lose 130-150 points after filing for bankruptcy. However, you won’t know how your credit will be affected until you file—as everyone’s credit profile is different.
As long as the bankruptcy appears on your report, your credit score will be affected. However, as time goes on, the negative impact will lessen. Here are some steps you can take to start rebuilding your credit now:
- Review your credit report. You should acquaint yourself with your report. When you review your report, you can target specific areas for improvement. You can receive a copy of your report by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. It is free to request reports annually.
- Create a budget. If you are going to successfully regain good credit, you will need to stick to a budget. A well-done budget can help you keep track of bills and other financial obligations, and it can help you track your progress.
- Maintain healthy credit habits. Your credit score is affected by missed or late payments as well as low credit balances and excessive credit card use. After bankruptcy, try to limit your credit card use and ensure you make payments on time (which is another reason a budget is important).
- Find steady employment. After bankruptcy, having a stable income is very important. Without a job, you may struggle to make payments and qualify for loans or other forms of credit. Job history is a factor when applying for loans, home rentals, and more.
- Consider opening new lines of credit. Whether you get a loan with a co-signer or apply for a secured credit card, you can open a new line of credit to show that you have changed your credit habits (i.e. making timely payments, managing your credit card usage, etc.).Before you take this step, you should consult with your attorney.
- Build an emergency fund. It never hurts to have a savings account, even if all you have in it is $250. This fund can help you handle any unexpected challenges, which can also help you avoid large credit card charges.
How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Your Credit?
If you filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, this will be reflected on your credit report for 10 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are reflected for only 7 years. In either instance, if you follow the aforementioned steps, you can start to see improvements within as little as a year or a year and a half.
Contact Our Bankruptcy Attorneys
Our legal team has over 25 years of experience. We have worked alongside many clients as they navigated their bankruptcy cases.
If you want to discuss how to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy or have any questions about filing, please reach out to our trusted attorneys. We can answer any questions you may have and:
- Advise you on if bankruptcy is actually the right answer for you
- Explain how you should file (Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13)
- Handle all of the paperwork
- Help you eliminate certain debts
- Address and stop harassment from creditors
- Act as a guide and listening ear throughout the process
- And more
At Singleton Smith Law Offices, we are devoted to excellence and have a wealth of experience. Filing for bankruptcy and navigating life after filing can be stressful. You can trust our attorneys to help you walk through this difficult time and work with your best interests at heart. Please reach out to our office via phone (951) 779-1610 or our online contact form.