Many Americans believe their credit will never be the same after filing for bankruptcy. However, if you take the right steps, it’s possible to build a good credit score while you wait for bankruptcy to fall off your credit report.
If you developed bad financial habits that led to your credit problems, improving your credit score may be difficult. It is important to remember that it is possible to get your credit score to 700 within three years after filing for bankruptcy. If you are able to improve your credit score after bankruptcy, your odds of getting approved for a new loan are much higher.
Below are some tips to help you get a loan after bankruptcy:
Check your Credit Reports.
Although bankruptcy damages your credit score, having debts discharged will likely improve your chances of getting approved for new credit because your credit-to-debt ratio will be lower. However, you still want to check your credit history to make sure your bankruptcy was reported correctly to the three major credit-reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
You should also make sure that all of the accounts involved in your bankruptcy have a zero balance and are labeled as discharged. This will tell all of your prospective lenders that your income is now yours to spend.
Build a Positive Payment History.
Make sure to pay all of your bills on time after filing for bankruptcy. You want to prove to lenders that you are moving forward in a positive way. One of the best ways to build a positive payment history is to keep one account open with a zero balance. This does not mean that you should not use the account; it means you should make small purchases and pay the balance in full each month.
Shop for (Re-) Starter Credit.
If you do not have any credit accounts open after filing for bankruptcy, apply for a secured credit card or credit-builder loan at your local bank. These types of credit are designed specifically to help people fix their credit scores.
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If you have any questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.