Even if bankruptcy records stay on file for 7 years, this should not stop you from enjoying the benefit of being able to borrow money. All you have to do is to rebuild your credit. It may take a few years to do this but it will certainly help you gain a good credit reputation.
Why is there a need to rebuild a credit? The answer is simple. There are certain financial transactions that require you to have good credit scores. This is the ultimate basis for them in transacting with you since it is objective. However, credit scores are based on your credit report. And you credit report contains all your payment histories, the kind of credits you have, how long you have had them and even reflect the limits and the outstanding balances. Since undergoing bankruptcy is reflected for years, then it can extremely lower your credit scores. Not to mention, certain credits or accounts will be discharged or even closed. If you lack the number of long-term accounts with good payment trends, then there is no way of improving credit reports and your credit scores.
Correct Your Credit Records
The first thing you want to make sure (before rebuilding your credit) is to correct any errors stated in your credit report. Any person should make sure his or her credit reports are accurate at all times. According to the law, it is illegal for lenders to report a particular debt with the amount owed. You have to check if the debts declared as discharged were reported as zero. Otherwise, you can challenge it and request for changes.
Establishing a new line of credit
One way to do this is to find a merchant who is willing to extend you a credit. You can try to work with car dealers who are willing to transact with people like you, who have bad credits.
On the other hand, you may try to get a credit card. Since you cannot obtain unsecured credit cards, try applying for the secured types. This card serves the same function as your conventional credit cards. However, the credit limit is dependent on your deposited amount. If you want higher credit limit, then you have to make bigger deposits.
You can also try getting store cards. This are cards that you can use in purchasing goods in a department store. This is one way of establishing a good credit history. Only if you continue to make timely payments to pay off the amount you owe to them.
Make timely Payments
This is also one way of increasing your credit scores. Any person trying to re-establish a credit cannot afford to make several late payments as this has a negative effect to the credit scores.
No matter what kind of transaction it may be (payment of utilities, rentals, loans, and credits of any type) it is important to make timely payments. If you constantly do this, then you can easily establish a reliable credit history. After two years of being a responsible debtor, you can avail of conventional loans and credit cards that can give you greater financial opportunities.
However, once you get back on your feet, learn to control. Control your urge to spend or even the urge to use your credit cards. You also have to spend wisely this time. Remember, you just got out of bankruptcy. You do not want this to happen all over again.