After Bankruptcy: Repairing your Credit the Easy Way

Among people who have filed for bankruptcies, there is a common misconception that, once bankrupt, they can no longer apply or be eligible for credit for up to ten years.

In truth, it is still possible to obtain much needed relief through credit except that the process is rather complicated. However, if you are determined, nothing will stop you from finding the means by which you can put your credit back in shape. And if you take the right steps, you can even start by getting approval for small loans within months after filing for bankruptcy.

The Ten-Year Wait

First, ten years is a sort of moratorium on getting credit, because the bankruptcy is legally reflected on your credit report during all that time. It is tantamount to being blacklisted by creditors for ten years, or for as long as the bankruptcy appears on your record. 

It does not mean, however that you cannot get credit for the whole period. In fact, it is even possible to have the bankruptcy removed from the credit report much sooner.

Start Removing Bankruptcy 

You can have a bankruptcy removed from your credit report. A good way to do this is to properly dispute these reports with the credit bureaus. As any consumer knows, it is within your right to legally dispute any information or misinformation on your credit report, not only because you want to enhance it, but more importantly in order to correct items that you have found to be erroneous or questionable. 

And, if you just went through a bankruptcy, chances are there will be plenty of errors to correct. For its part, the credit bureau will then move to verify the information with the information provider so that if it cannot be verified, it will be removed from the credit report. 

Work on Rebuilding Credit

Slowly start rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy by adding positive credit to your credit report. Try to get a secured credit card or by contacting your local bank or credit union and discuss your intention to start anew. Do not let those who turn you down dampen your resolve. For sure, there will be someone who will be willing to help.

Use Credit Wisely

Becoming bankrupt is not the end of your plans, or your advancement in life, as there are still a lot of avenues which you can seek to start over again. However, to avoid doing the same mistake that led you to financial disaster, be more prudent and cautious this time. Do not be in a hurry to get more than one or two credit cards. Dispose of them once you have established credit through other means. Remember, credit can be potent if it’s used wisely but can also be hard on those who are prone to abuse it.

Take your time to educate yourself on the workings of the system – i.e., the credit system, credit reporting and credit scoring. If you do plan to succeed this time, you will need to arm yourself with new knowledge and new financial habits. And from where you have come from,  there is no other time that the importance of credit will be felt than now, so be aware and be sure.