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When can you file bankruptcy on an unpaid credit card?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on January 24, 2026

Therefore, if you have charged $675 or more in credit card debt recently, you may want to wait at least 90 days from the last credit card charge to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.

What happens after 7 years of not paying credit cards?

Unpaid credit card debt will drop off an individual’s credit report after 7 years, meaning late payments associated with the unpaid debt will no longer affect the person’s credit score. After that, a creditor can still sue, but the case will be thrown out if you indicate that the debt is time-barred.

Will my credit cards be closed if I file bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy, you must include all of your creditors in your bankruptcy papers. In most cases, when a credit card company receives notice of your bankruptcy, it will cancel your card. However, under certain circumstances, you may be able to keep a credit card even after bankruptcy (discussed below).

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.

When to stop using credit cards to file bankruptcy?

Because of these rules, the safest course of action is to stop using credit cards as soon as you have decided to file for bankruptcy, and certainly to avoid luxury charges or cash advances that exceed the limits set out above in the few months before you file. Learn more about other debts that aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy.

How long does a chapter 13 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

The court requires filers with significant disposable income to pay some or all of your credit card debt through a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Plus, a bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years. So it’s best to consider all available options first. How do you know that a bankruptcy filing will be a good idea?

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.