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The Daily Insight Hub

What credit cards will approve me after bankruptcy?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on January 27, 2026

A few unsecured credit cards you may be able to get after a bankruptcy are the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit, the Total VISA® Credit Card, and the Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit.

Can I get a American Express card with a bankruptcy?

Getting approved for Amex EveyDay with a bankruptcy on your file is highly unlikely. If the bankruptcy is old (10+ years) and you bounced back to good credit, with a score of 700+ and a good steady income, give it a try.

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

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes approximately four to six months after the initial filing to be completed and your debts discharged. After that, you can apply for a credit card. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, however, can take between three to five years as it’s a restructuring of your debt that you pay off over time.

Can you get a credit card while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Yes, you can apply for credit cards after going through bankruptcy, although it may be difficult to qualify for the kind of credit cards you want. With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are responsible for paying back a portion of the debt that you owe.

What happens if I open a credit card during Chapter 13?

A stipulation in Chapter 13 bankruptcy law states that you, as a debtor, are not allowed to increase any debt without receiving the permission of your bankruptcy trustee. If you do apply for a credit card, your bankruptcy payment plan will be canceled and the bankruptcy proceedings will be stopped.

How can I build my credit while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Rebuilding credit during chapter 13

  1. Open two credit builder cards (payment history is 35% of your score)
  2. Open one credit builder loan (credit mix is 10% of your score)
  3. Find a friend or family member to add you to their old credit card(s)
  4. Find a friend or family member willing to co-sign for a home, apartment, or car.

Can a secured credit card be used in bankruptcy?

That’s not hard for secured credit cards, as they are secured debt collateralized by a cardholder’s cash deposit, usually in an amount equal to the card’s credit limit (typically in the $200 to $5,000 range). The landscape is riskier for issuers of unsecured bankruptcy credit cards, as these cards have no protective collateral.

Which is the best credit card for bankruptcy?

“Secured” cards are the most bankruptcy friendly. An “unsecured” card is your everyday credit card. But, with requirements like a minimum monthly income and active checking account they’re typically harder to get. On the other hand, a “secured” credit card requires you to put down a deposit first.

How to get your credit back after bankruptcy?

But by using the right card strategically after bankruptcy, rather than using only a debit card or paying cash, you can start to get your credit back on track. Here are five cards that may help, depending on your situation and needs. Looking for a credit card with bad credit?

Which is the best unsecured credit card for bad credit?

The information herein has not been reviewed or approved by First PREMIER Bank. The best unsecured credit card for bad credit is the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit because it has a $300 minimum credit limit, its annual fee could be as low as $0 (or as high as $99), and you don’t have to put down a security deposit.