Can you get a secured credit card after bankruptcy?
William Jenkins
Updated on January 22, 2026
After a length of on-time payments, many companies will allow you to convert a secured card to an unsecured card with a higher credit limit. A secured credit card often has a lower interest rate than any unsecured accounts you can qualify for right after bankruptcy. You should also know what an unsecured card is and how to get one.
How to boost your credit score after bankruptcy?
One way to boost your credit score is by establishing new credit and managing it responsibly. Get a credit card after bankruptcy by choosing a secured or unsecured card, and boost your credit by keeping up with payments every month.
What happens to your credit when you file bankruptcy?
Simply put, having a bankruptcy in your credit history makes it much harder for lenders to agree to offer you a new loan. And when you are able to open a new credit card account, you can expect to pay higher interest rates and fees than those who don’t have a bankruptcy in their credit history.
How long does it take to pay off credit card debt after bankruptcy?
This process usually takes four to six months, from initial filing to discharge, according to legal information site Nolo. Chapter 13. If you opt for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, also known as a wage earner’s plan, your assets are not liquidated. Rather, you repay your debt over a three- or five-year payment plan that’s approved by the court.
Bankruptcy friendly credit cards can be very helpful after a discharge. They allow you to rebuild your score in a manageable way. The limits are low and the focus is on raising your score. The best way to take full advantage of a secured credit card is to compare them to a monthly bill.
Can a credit card company object to a bankruptcy?
If you used the credit card to pay for debts that you could not typically get rid of in a bankruptcy case, that debt won’t likely get erased. For instance, if you use your credit card to pay child support, alimony, back taxes, or student loans, the credit card company may object to your discharge.
Are there any credit cards that are bankruptcy friendly?
Like most secured bankruptcy friendly credit cards, the Wells Fargo card comes with the possibility of a deposit refund following timely monthly payments. 4. OpenSky Secured Credit Visa Card. The OpenSky Secured credit card is another high limit option for those wanting to avoid a credit check.
How does Chapter 13 bankruptcy work for credit card debt?
In very few cases does a Chapter 13 debtor repay 100 percent of his or her credit card debt. In most cases, the debtor pays a small percentage of the credit card debt to his or her creditors. Once the debtor completes the Chapter 13 plan, the remaining credit card debt is discharged. Chapter 13 bankruptcy can only help if you complete the plan.