How to improve your credit after bankruptcy

How to Improve Your Credit After Bankruptcy

Improving your credit after bankruptcy is like getting a complete fresh start.

This past week I’ve had 3 conversations with different people that went through the bankruptcy process only to find out years later that their credit has not recovered.

After asking a couple of questions, I realized it was a good opportunity to shed some light on the steps required increase credit scores and get in a position to buy a home.

It’s actually much easier to improve your credit scores after BK due to the fact that delinquent payment histories, collections and charge offs are all wiped out.

Building Credit After Bankruptcy

I learned this one the hard way.  In the early 90’s I owned a business that eventually failed.  I believed, like many people that go through credit hardships that if I just don’t take out any credit cards, and pay everything with cash, that my credit can’t get any worse.

The number one reason why people have bad credit is because they do not proactively build good credit

I couldn’t have been more wrong!  The number one reason why people have bad credit is because they do not proactively build good credit.  It’s natural to shy away from something that’s hurt you in the past, but this is not the case with credit repair.

Revolving Credit Lines

Revolving Credit is the most effective way to build up your credit score.  A revolving credit line is a fancy word for credit cards.  The term “revolving” comes from the fact that you have a high credit limit, a minimum payment, and interest is assessed on the outstanding balance each month.

Immediately after a bankruptcy, you may have to apply for a secured credit card to start building up your credit.  A secured credit card means that you make an initial payment to the credit card company, and then you have a high credit limit in that amount.

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My first secured credit card was for $200.  After making on-time payments for 6 months or so, you’ll begin to get credit card offers from other companies that will offer you unsecured credit limits.

Best Practices for Using Credit Cards

Simply having a credit card will not automatically improve your credit after bankruptcy.  You have to manage your revolving credit in accordance with credit scoring models guidelines.

Here are some best practices that will increase your scores quicker:

  • Build your revolving credit lines to no more than 3 credit cards
  • When you get a new card, charge it up then pay it off
  • Do not make minimum payments on credit cards
  • Maintain a balance of $25-50 on cards
  • Do not move balances or consolidate to “no interest” cards

How Long Will it Take to Improve Credit Scores?

If you are diligent with acquiring revolving credit lines and follow these best practices, and continue to pay your other credit lines like student loans or reaffirmed automobile loans on time, you can realistically expect an improvement in your credit scores within 12 months.

There are many factors that go into building good credit, this is just one approach.  You should always do your research and learn from the credit bureaus how to responsibly build good credit.

Working with an Expert

If you’ve had a past bankruptcy, especially if a home loan was included, it’s incredibly important that you work with a loan officer that has chosen to educate themselves about this scenario.

After years of specializing in this topic, I’ve assembled some very experienced loan officers that have helped many people with a past financial hardship.

Working with a loan officer that does not have experience with these guidelines puts you at incredibly high risk of having serious challenges.

Have questions or comments about improving credit after bankruptcy?  Leave a comment below, email or call.  We’ll get you pointed in the right direction!

About the Author

Scott Schang

A 20+ year veteran of the Mortgage and Real Estate industry, I am passionate about educating and empowering consumers. I have been writing about consumer protection issues and making sense of complicated real estate and mortgage topics on this website since 2007

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