subject: How To Rebuild Your Credit After A Bankruptcy [print this page] Getting your finances in order is very important after your bankruptcy has been discharged. You are probably overwhelmed by where to start. One of the first things you should do is implement a comprehensive credit restoration program. With a few simple steps, you can have your credit score back on top in no time!
Clean Up Credit Report Errors
The first thing you need to do is request a copy of your credit report and review it carefully. Accounts that were included in your bankruptcy may still be showing as being open and past due.
You will need to dispute these accounts with each of the three major credit bureaus. You can dispute either over the internet or via mail. It is a good idea to dispute through the mail and include documentation that supports your claim that the account was included in your bankruptcy.
Reestablishing Credit
Once your credit report is cleaned up, it is time to begin reestablishing your credit history. A secured credit card is the perfect place to start! You will need to make a small deposit, say $300, with the credit card company. The credit card company will then give you a credit card with a limit equal to your deposit.
It is important to look for a company that reports your payments to all three credit bureaus. Avoid choosing a company that has very high fees. Look for a card that does not have an application fee and whose annual fee is less than $50.
Once you have a secured credit card, you should go to your bank and inquire about a CD loan. This is where you open a certificate of deposit with your bank and they give you an installment loan that is collateralized by this CD. You will want to have the same term on your CD and your loan.
Most banks are willing to make these types of loans because they are fully collateralized in the event of default! Reestablishing installment credit history is very important and this is a great way to do it. Six to nine months after you open your CD loan and your secured credit card, you should be ready to apply for an unsecured credit card. Try to find a company that is in the business of working with people who have bad credit. Believe it or not, there are quite a few out there! By implementing these simple strategies, you will have the credit repair process well under way!
by: Vincent Polisi
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