Many bankruptcy filers are wondering whether they are entitled to keep one or several credit cards for emergencies backup. In general, you may not because your credit cards will be cancelled regardless, since you file the bankruptcy. The credit card issuers tend to punish their card holders for filling any kind of bankruptcy; in most cases, the credit cards of bankruptcy filers will be terminated once they file for a bankruptcy. But there are some exemptions where terms and conditions will be applied to enable the bankruptcy filers to continue holding their credit cards.

There are some exceptions applicable only to chapter 7 bankruptcy filers. Some credit card’s issuers will allow you to keep your credit card but with a sized down credit limit, and in return you need to repay them for some of your debts. In fact, some companies will automatically send you or your attorney a proposed reaffirmation agreement, a contract between you and your creditor that you will pay all or a portion of the money owed, despite the bankruptcy filing, in exchange for a minimal amount of new credit.

Beside the sized down credit limit, a chapter 7 bankruptcy filers may allow to keep their credit cards by some of their card issuers but the interest rate will be revised to a higher than the normal interest rate. But, if you can always pay your credit balance in full each month, you will never incur a finance charge, and the high interest rate won’t hurt you.

Other than chapter 7 bankruptcy filers, all credit cards must be given up at the filling of bankruptcy. However, there are credit card holders who have maintained their credit cards at zero balance for a long period of time do not report their credit cards during the filing. This action can be considered illegal since in effect your preference on one creditor (your credit card issuer) over other creditors, because repayment ordination is a trustee job.

If you are not eligible to file under chapter 7 or even you are filling under chapter 7 but you didn’t manage to get approval from your credit card issuers to keep your credit cards, the best thing is report all your credit cards and give them up. In most cases, your need to wait until the bankruptcy filing has cleared and then work with a debt management consultant to rebuilt your credit step by step. Of course, in the months and years after the bankruptcy filling, you may not be eligible for top-tier or even middle-tier credit cards.

But with some efforts and fiscal strategy such pay your monthly credit balance in full and on schedule will help you to rebuilt your good credit record and you can begin to erase the stigma of the bankruptcy; and eventually put you back in the realm of good to high credit score.

In Summary

In most cases, bankruptcy filers need to give up their credit cards. But, there are exceptions for bankruptcy filers in chapter 7, the debtors who file

Attention! Do you know that many Americans are currently overwhelmed in credit card debts? Below are the 10 must-do things for rescuing the financial situation.

1. List down all your credit card debts with the outstanding balance, interest rate, minimum payment, payment due date and credit limit for each card. This will give you a broader picture on how much you owe in total.

2. Start making extra payment for the card which contains the lowest balance. This method will definitely serve you to get rid of your debt bills faster.

3. Then start tackling the card which comes with the highest interest rate. At the same time, make minimum payment for the rest of your bills. This will help to reduce your financial burden in the long run.

4. Start talking terms with your banks or credit card providers for lower interest rates. This will help you to pay off your debts faster

5. Plan your monthly budget properly and it is a need for you to cut down some of your unnecessary expenses, especially on luxury items. Save as much money as you can to make more payment for your cards. This will assist you to reduce on your outstanding balances faster.

6. Make sure that you don’t create any additional debt from now onwards. Never apply for new credit cards or new loans until your current debts are clear. Make sure you are prepared enough to stop using your cards for buying products or services.

7. Since you are fully aware of your payment due dates, you are reminded to make your payments on time in order to avoid late bills.

8. If you are currently having a saving account or fixed deposit account, you are advised to recall the money to erase your credit card debts first. In order to reduce the debt amount, you are encouraged to go for debt settlement.

9. When you are facing huge debts, changing your current lifestyle is a must. You are encouraged to take up part time job to generate more income to reduce debt. You are also advised to find ways to save some daily costs.

10. If you are really poor in managing debt, you should consider obtaining professional assistance. Look for reliable financial consultants or debt settlement companies to assist you.