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What happens to credit card debt when you file bankruptcy?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on February 19, 2026

You receive a bankruptcy discharge when you complete your Chapter 7 case. The bankruptcy discharge relieves your responsibility to repay a debt. In other words, if a debt is discharged in bankruptcy, you are not responsible for the payment of that debt. The creditor is not allowed to take any actions to collect a discharged debt.

Can a credit card company file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Because if you make enough money to do so, you probably won’t qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you have a lot of disposable income, the court will likely make you pay some or all of your credit card debt through a Chapter 13 repayment plan.

What happens to my house when I file bankruptcy?

That’s because the lender needs to file a motion to lift the automatic stay and follow the proper foreclosure process that will take that much time. Sometimes, lenders don’t resume the foreclosure process until after the court has released your written debt discharge. That happens four to six months after you file bankruptcy.

When to stop paying your credit card debt?

If you have a lot of disposable income, the court will likely make you pay some or all of your credit card debt through a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Next, before you stop paying your credit card debt, you’ll want to be sure that you qualify for bankruptcy.

What to do if you have trouble paying your credit card debt?

This may be a good option for you if the reason you’re having trouble paying credit card debt is due to illness, job loss, natural disaster, or another temporary hardship. You may be able to arrange for lower minimum payments, interest rates, and fees, and you may be able to suspend payments without penalty for a limited period of time.

Can a credit card debt settlement lower your credit score?

Negotiating a credit card debt settlement can have some downsides that you should be aware of before making a decision to do it. Depending on how it plays out, negotiating a credit card debt settlement can significantly lower your credit score.

Can a debt management program help eliminate credit card debt?

While you’re there, ask whether a debt management program would help push you in the right direction for eliminating credit card debt. Credit cards are an unsecured debt, meaning there is no collateral for lenders to claim if they aren’t repaid. Card companies are taking your word that you will pay what is owed.

If a creditor gets a judgment against you and the debt is dischargeable in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filing for bankruptcy will wipe out a creditor’s ability to collect. Judgments, however, can create a lien on your property. And liens don’t go away in bankruptcy automatically.

What happens to a judgment when you file bankruptcy?

If a creditor gets a judgment against you and the debt is dischargeable in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filing for bankruptcy will wipe out a creditor’s ability to collect. Judgments, however, can create a lien on your property .

How long does a bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

The truth: Bankruptcies are considered public records, which is how they’re reported on your credit. The public record associated with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for as long as 10 years. That time period starts on the date you file the bankruptcy petition. Chapter 13 bankruptcyis different.

What happens if your spouse files for bankruptcy?

Creditors cannot go after your spouse for debts that are in your name. The flip side of this is that a bankruptcy filing only results in the filer having their debts discharged. The spouse’s debts must still be paid. Filing for bankruptcy is no big deal.

When to file for Chapter 7 credit card bankruptcy?

Chapter 7bankruptcy ensures that almost all credit card debt gets erased. This is the best option to file for if you absolutely think you cannot pay off your debt in a timely manner, or if you owe more money than you can reasonably afford to repay.

Is there an annual fee for a bankruptcy credit card?

The card’s annual fee is a bit higher than some of the alternatives, at $48, but the Applied Bank Secured Visa does not charge monthly fees or a one-time fee for application processing. The card requires a refundable security deposit of at least $200. Best Bankruptcy Credit Card for a Low Annual Fee

Why is credit card debt not dischargeable in Chapter 7?

Two reasons why credit card debt may not be dischargeable are: If you use your credit cards to charge $675 or more in “luxury” goods or services within 90 days of filing your Chapter 7 petition, the court may find that the credit card debt is non-dischargeable.