The impact filing bankruptcy has on the consumer credit rating, or credit score is severe. All our research into the impact bankruptcy has on consumer credit scores is that it is not only that the credit report lists each account included in the bankruptcy as "discharged in bankruptcy" but the reporting of the bankruptcy is compounded by the credit history caused by circumstances that typically lead to consumer bankruptcy filings:
- Many consumers that file bankruptcy do so after becoming overburdened by revolving debt (credit cards) that are charged to their limit. The fact the credit card accounts are at their limits has a derogatory impact on a consumers credit score.
- Most consumers, with credit card accounts at their limits, make only minimum monthly payments (which is why the credit card accounts remain at their limits). Making minimum monthly payment on credit card accounts further brings down the credit score.
- Once a consumer misses a payment on the credit card account, they are charged late fees and the interest compounds, sending the account over the limit. Credit card accounts over their credit limit result in further negative impact on the credit score, and a late charge by the credit card bank and frequently a sharp increase in the interest rate (we witnessed rate hikes into the 30% range on past due accounts.
- The consumer faced with two monthly payments, late charges, increased interest rate, and over the limit fees cannot make the payment necessary to bring the credit card account current, and a spiral begins. Collection efforts by the credit card banks intensifies and each month the delinquency continues, the credit score deteriorates along with any hope of qualifying for a consolidation loan, or a personal loan to bring the accounts in good standing.
Eventually, the consumer seeks protection by filing bankruptcy but not until their credit rating is utterly destroyed. The filing of personal bankruptcy causes all accounts to be reported as discharged in bankruptcy, further sending the credit score downward.
We did find options for consumers to improve their credit after bankruptcy. Requesting the credit bureau to delete every single bad credit item appearing as "discharged in bankruptcy" using the credit bureau dispute process is unrealistic.
This is where re-listing comes in. Accounts included in bankruptcy do not have to include all the bad credit history prior to the bankruptcy discharge. The account should simply be listed as "discharged in bankruptcy". A re-listing service can submit the credit report and have the bankruptcy re-listed which removes all derogatory history from every account included in the bankruptcy (30, 60, 90 days late; charge off; collection). This is completed within 14-21 days.
Records indicate that bankruptcy re-listing results in credit score increases between 50 and 180 points. The difference between the rates and terms of a home loan or mortgage refinance for a person with a 500 credit score (FICO score) and a 600 credit score is profound. Furthermore with a 600 FICO score a consumer has financing options that help to establish new credit and a new credit history that is essential to building credit after bankruptcy.
