Credit cards after bankruptcy: A step-by-step guide (2021)

You’ve declared bankruptcy, which was a major blow. But you’re ready to start fresh. The first question on your mind might be: Can I get a credit card after bankruptcy?

Yes. After you finalize your bankruptcy, you can start applying for new lines of credit, such as credit cards.

Before applying, know that your options may be limited. It could be hard to find a credit card provider to approve you until your bankruptcy no longer shows up on your credit report. But it’s possible to get a credit card post-bankruptcy, especially if you work on improving your credit over time. Follow these steps to get your first credit card after bankruptcy.

Step 1: Take stock of where you’re at

If you want to open a credit card post-bankruptcy, one of your main goals is to restore your credit to reasonable standing.

Step 2: Prepare to apply for credit cards after bankruptcy

Be very selective as you apply for credit cards. Each time you apply for a card, the respective provider will initiate a hard inquiry — or hard pull — on your credit report. This will typically drop your credit score by a few points. You don’t want multiple hard pulls on your report, as this will significantly impact your already-weakened credit score.

Many banks have differing policies on how they approach a history of bankruptcy. Some won’t accept an application whatsoever if you have an open bankruptcy, so take care to not apply for cards that you can’t qualify for – you don’t want a needless hard pull on your score.

So, keep these two major tips in mind:

• Find the right card. Apply only for credit cards you have a good chance of approval for.
• Apply for cards one at a time. Wait to hear back about your current application before applying for another card. If you’re denied, ask your provider for the reason. You may need to improve your credit score first.

Step 3: Compare credit cards after bankruptcy

If you have heavy doubt whether your credit score will qualify, look into the cards from OpenSky and Green Dot. While they have annual fees, they’re targeted toward consumers with severely damaged credit.

Sort by:

Name	Product	Filter values	Minimum deposit required	Purchase APR	Annual fee	Recommended minimum credit score
Citi® Secured Mastercard®			Starting at $200	22.49% variable	$0	New to credit	A no annual fee secured card for people who are new to credit or have limited credit history.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Self Visa® Credit Card			Starting at $100	21.74% variable	$25	300	Build your credit with a low minimum security deposit of $100 and no credit score required.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Surge Secured Mastercard®			Starting at $300	19.99% variable	$69		Earn 1% cash back rewards.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Alternatives to secured credit cards for building credit

If you’re ineligible for a secured credit card — or don’t want one —here are a few alternatives to consider.

• Credit-builder loan. This is a unique type of loan that can help you build your credit while increasing your savings. It often comes with a relatively low-interest rate.
• Store credit cards. While approval is never guaranteed, store credit cards generally have more lenient approval requirements. Do your research before applying for one, understanding eligibility requirements as well as the interest rates and fees you’ll pay. Check if your store-card provider reports payments to the three major credit bureaus. And above all, spend responsibly and make your card payments on time.

Alternatives to bankruptcy credit cards (for payments only)

If you simply want a more convenient way to pay, you don’t necessarily need a credit card. Here are two solid alternatives, though keep in mind that these options don’t help you build credit:

• Debit card.If you want the convenience of paying via plastic, you can use a debit card instead of a credit card. This ensures you spend only the money you currently have, which will help you avoid more debt.
• Prepaid card. A prepaid card lets you load money on it in advance, like a gift card. You can then use it anywhere credit cards are accepted.

Step 4: What to do after you receive your credit card

Your credit card gives you a big opportunity to turn your finances around. Now that you have a fresh start, it’s a great time to build the right financial habits. These include:

• Keep your card’s balance below 30% of your credit limit.
  This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s a very good guideline to follow. It will help keep your credit score from being heavily impacted, and it will help you avoid too much debt.
• Pay your card bill on time.
  This is extremely important for your credit score. From now on, look to have a spotless payment record. One great tip is to set up automatic payments so you’ll never miss a due date.
• Pay your card bill in full each month.
  Before putting another cent on your card, try to pay off your entire balance. By staying vigilant and always clearing your balance at the end of the month, you can decrease your chances of getting into another bankruptcy.

If you have a secured credit card, you might want to aim for an unsecured credit card. With the latter, you won’t have to put down a security deposit.

You’ll likely need at least a good credit score to get the best unsecured cards. But once you reach that financial milestone, it’ll be something you can be very proud of.

Bottom line

Bankruptcy is a serious decision not to be taken lightly. Filing can make qualifying and effectively using credit cards incredibly difficult. However, you still have options. Secured credit cards are among your best choices, and they can help you responsibly build your credit score.

Once you get your first credit card after bankruptcy, see it as an opportunity to build strong financial habits that will serve you well for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

• Why do I still have to pay back my student loans after bankruptcy?

  Student loan debt was discharged by bankruptcy until 1976. Legislature changed and required that loans must be at least five years into repayment before they could be covered by bankruptcy.

  Legislature continued to change until 2005 when the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 made it so all student loans are ineligible for being discharged in bankruptcy.

  The reason behind this legislature is thought to be that the government was worried about students filing bankruptcy immediately after graduating.

  Additionally, most student loans are issued by the federal government. Federal loans offer payment flexibility, so it’s easier to work with the government to come to more manageable payment plans — something not offered by auto loans and credit cards.

• Should I talk with the bank to see if they are more likely to give me a credit card?

  You may find it easier to be approved for a credit card at the bank where you keep your money. Meet with a banker at a local branch and discuss your credit history and credit needs.

• What happens if I stop paying my secured credit card bill?

  After 30 days, your credit card issuer may report a late payment to the three credit bureaus and charge you interest on your balance and a late payment fee.

  After 90 days of no payments, your credit card issuer may close your account, apply your deposit to the remaining balance, and report your secured credit card account to credit bureaus as “closed in poor standing”.

  These consequences can seriously harm your credit score and financial wellbeing. Make sure to stay up-to-date with payments on your secured card so you can continue to improve your credit after bankruptcy.

• Is there a way to avoid a hard inquiry on my credit report?

  Yes. Some secured credit cards don’t do a hard inquiry on your credit, which means your score won’t have that initial drop.

• How long after bankruptcy can I get a credit card?

  There’s often no hard and fast rule for how long you should wait. However, you do want to boost your credit score and show positive financial habits before applying for a new credit card post-bankruptcy.