Bankruptcy on your credit report

How long a bankruptcy stays, how the accounts in it should be reported, and how to rebuild afterward.

How long it stays

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on your report for up to 10 years from the filing date. The bureaus generally remove a completed Chapter 13 after seven years.

How included accounts should look

Accounts discharged in bankruptcy should show a $0 balance and a note that they were included in bankruptcy. A discharged account still showing a balance or as currently past due is a common error worth disputing.

Keep your paperwork

Your discharge papers and the list of included debts are your proof. Send copies with any dispute.

Rebuilding

A secured card or credit-builder loan, paid on time with low balances, starts new positive history. Scores often begin to improve well before the bankruptcy comes off.