Received discharge letter today! Now what??

[adargie]

Just recieved my discharge letter, jumping for joy!!! I was told to send it to credit agencies to update those. Any idea where I get those fax numbers? Any other advice would be great I am on cloud 9!!!

[BNKRPTinNC]

Just recieved my discharge letter, jumping for joy!!! I was told to send it to credit agencies to update those. Any idea where I get those fax numbers? Any other advice would be great I am on cloud 9!!!

Congrats!!!

The credit agencies will, in all likely-hood, have it on record that you have been discharged. However, it will remain on your report for a period of up to 7 years. I would be more inclined to check after the 7 year mark to make sure. However, it probably would be a good idea to check your reports anyway to make sure all is well and there aren't any "cling-ons" that should have come off.

[dmc-2008]

Congrats!!! You made it! Luckeeeee!!!!

[LadyInTheRed]

Sounnds like you are doing exactly what you should do: Jumping up and down! Congratulations!

[spidge]

Congrats!!!

The credit agencies will, in all likely-hood, have it on record that you have been discharged. However, it will remain on your report for a period of up to 7 years. I would be more inclined to check after the 7 year mark to make sure. However, it probably would be a good idea to check your reports anyway to make sure all is well and there aren't any "cling-ons" that should have come off.

Is that seven years from the date they filed chapter 13?

[LadyInTheRed]

Is that seven years from the date they filed chapter 13?

Yes.

[BNKRPTinNC]

In addition, my scores made a huge increase in the same month that we filed 7 years previous. FICO, in particular, jumped over 100 points. Currently my middle scores are in the 800+ range 2 years after discharge.

[specialop99]

Where can i check my credit score? any free options out there? I would love to hear what to do after the discharge and also best way to rebuild credit. Thanks

[BNKRPTinNC]

FWIW, I started rebuilding mine by acquiring some credit cards. After some research, having a credit line of more than $15k actually improves one's score, over time. Utilizing them prudently, by charging very little and paying off each month, has had a positive impact with mine. I found that the Quicksilver and Venture cards from Cap One (VISA) offered what I was looking for, $0 annual fee and some rewards. Additionally, seemed to be one of the few cc companies that are friendly towards those of us discharged from recent 13's. Interest rates were of no concern as I currently only use one and pay it off each month. Also, an added feature of the Quicksilver card is CreditWise which allows access to your TransUnion score. Wife has a Discover card and they offer FICO scores for free. Can't vouch for either as to accuracy but do find it useful to get an idea of where we stand. There is also credit karma or credit sesame that will also give FICO scores (?) but again don't know how accurate they are but are free. Have had cards for about a year and a half and, as posted, my scores are in the 800+ range on average. IIRC my score at discharge was in the low 700's.

[LadyInTheRed]

CreditKarma does not give FICO scores. I believe what they give what is called "transrisk" scores.

I have a Barclays card I got while still in Chap 13. It gives me a free FICO.

[Foofy610]

CreditKarma does not give FICO scores. I believe what they give what is called "transrisk" scores.

I have a Barclays card I got while still in Chap 13. It gives me a free FICO.

Did you get trustee approval for the Barclays card? We're 2 payments away from the end of our 100% plan, and would love to start rebuilding our credit.

[LadyInTheRed]

I didn't get trustee approval because I wasn't going to use the card until after discharge. You must get approval to incur debt. You have to use the card to incur debt.