Guide
Life after bankruptcy: what you can get, and how to rebuild
A bankruptcy stays on your report for years, but it does not stop you from getting credit. Find out what lenders will say yes to, and how to rebuild your score from here.
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When does my bankruptcy come off, and what can I do before then?
Pick your chapter and the month you filed.
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Chapter
Comes off the report
Apr 2034
7 years and 6 months to go. The effect on a score shrinks every year before then.
- Sep 2024Check all three reports. Every account in the bankruptcy should show a $0 balance and say discharged. (already passed)
- Sep 2024Open a secured card or credit builder loan to start new history. (already passed)
- Aug 2026FHA mortgage waiting period ends (2 years after discharge). (already passed)
- Aug 2028Conventional mortgage waiting period ends (4 years after discharge).
- Apr 2034The bankruptcy comes off the report.
This free tool gives a general estimate based on what you enter. The Credit Pros makes no representations or guarantees about any outcome.
Where are you?
Know what it does to your credit first
- Chapter 7 stays on your report for 10 years. Chapter 13 stays for 7.
- Your score drops most in the first year, then recovers as new history builds.
- Talk to a bankruptcy attorney before you decide. We do not give legal advice.
Look up the lender you have in mind
- Many lenders have their own rules for applicants with a bankruptcy.
- Use the lookup below to find what a specific company does.
- A secured card is usually the first yes after a discharge.
Make sure your report shows the discharge correctly
- Every account in the bankruptcy should show a $0 balance and say discharged.
- Accounts that still show a balance or late payments after discharge are errors you can dispute.
- Then add new positive history: a secured card, a credit builder loan, on-time bills.
10 years
a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your report
7 years
a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your report
$0
the balance every discharged account should show
Will they approve me after bankruptcy?
Answers about specific lenders and situations.
- Can I get an Amex after bankruptcy?
- Will Affirm approve me with a bankruptcy?
- Can Afterpay approve me with a bankruptcy?
- Will Navy Federal close my account if I file?
- Does CarMax finance with a bankruptcy?
- What happens to my car if Chapter 13 is dismissed?
- One person on the mortgage files bankruptcy
- Best letter to remove a dismissed bankruptcy
Common bankruptcy questions
Guides for bankruptcy
Start where you are. Everything here is free to read.
Just learning
The basics of bankruptcy
Making a plan
Tools and plans you can use today
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Every bankruptcy guide
Rebuild after bankruptcy 3
Bankruptcy basics 2
Common questions
Can a bankruptcy be removed from my credit report?
Only if it is reported wrong. A correct bankruptcy stays for 7 or 10 years. Errors in how it is reported can be disputed.
How soon can I get a credit card after bankruptcy?
Some secured cards approve applicants right after discharge. Unsecured cards usually take longer, and each issuer has its own rule.
Will my score recover?
Yes, over time. The impact fades as the bankruptcy ages and as you add on-time payments.
More credit help
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