How to Find the Best Credit Cards After Bankruptcy
Worried that your bankruptcy cripples your credit future? Here's why you can get the best credit cards after bankruptcy
When people talk about finding the best credit cards after bankruptcy, there's an unspoken assumption that they'll have to settle for a poor card. In other words, they're looking for the best of a bad bunch.
But strangely enough, that isn't always the case. If you rebuild your credit rating, then in spite of -- or sometimes even because of -- that bankruptcy on your credit report, you could find yourself getting the best cards of all.
Rebuild your credit rating
Naturally, this doesn't apply if you still have a terrible credit rating. So if you really want to find the best credit cards after bankruptcy, the first step is rebuilding your credit. You can do this in a number of ways: by getting a secured credit card and making timely repayments, by settling for a mediocre card and using it only as a means of rebuilding your score, by getting your name added to a friend or family member's card, etc.
Research and contact credit card companies
Once you've built up a bit of a positive history (say, three to six months), begin contacting credit cards. You might be surprised what you find. Here's the thing: bankruptcy is a big deal. Credit card companies know that. They also know that someone who's been through a bankruptcy won't be eager to repeat the experience -- in other words, they'll be diligent about making repayments.
And that's exactly what they're looking for. You really can get the best credit cards after bankruptcy simply because creditors tend to assume you've learned your lesson and are a much safer risk than someone still floundering around in bad credit -- especially if you have a few months of timely, accurate payments on record to support that theory.
So don't let bankruptcy destroy your hopes for the future: it's a hard thing, but it's not the end of the world. And strangely enough, you can still get the best credit cards after bankruptcy with just a little bit of work.
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