When the lenders and credit card companies won’t stop calling your phone, and you can no longer keep up with minimum payments, bankruptcy might be the only way to relieve your debt. While it offers many a clean financial slate, it also hurts your credit score, making it challenging to lease an apartment or apply for a mortgage. If you’re hoping to boost your credit score after bankruptcy, use the following guide to your advantage.

How to Improve Your Credit After Filing for Bankruptcy

1. Get a Secured Credit Card

After filing for bankruptcy, don’t expect to borrow money from a credit card company. However, you can opt for a secured credit card, which requires you to fund your balance. For example, you give the company a deposit of $500, and they give you a card to withdraw from this amount. Even though this doesn’t offer the typical benefits of an unsecured credit card, it will gradually raise your credit score.

2. Become an Authorized User

If you have a friend or relative who is responsible with money, ask them if you can be an “authorized user” on their credit card account. While they might not let you use the balance, their on-time payments will count towards your credit, helping you raise your score. Of course, late payments will decrease your score, so make sure this individual will keep up.

3. Report Your Rent

This is an excellent option if you are confident you can afford the rent every month—and after having your debt eliminated, this might be easier than you think. Ask your landlord to report your on-time monthly payments to one of the credit bureaus as evidence that you're more responsible with your funds after bankruptcy. However, remember that the rise in credit might not make it onto other credit-scoring systems, such as FICO.

If you believe that bankruptcy is the right option for you, get in touch with Harry B. Zornow of Hamilton, OH. This trusted attorney has been working for over three decades, and he’s proud to help clients make it through their debt relief journey. Whether you’re interested in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, visit the website to learn more about his practice areas. He also focuses on probate law and Social Security cases. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (513) 737-9770.