Can I still use credit card?

[Mary123]

Hello,
I'll be filling a Chapter 7 in about 5 months.
I have one credit card that has a zero balance and I
have been using that card to make purchases like
gas, groceries, phone/cable/internet bill.
Should I stop using the card?

Also, is using a bank checking account (and routing number)
better than using the credit card when making online purchases?
This bank is the same bank as the card with the
zero balance and won't be included in the Chapter 7.

Thank you
Mary

[LuciluS]

If you know you are filing bankruptcy, you need to Stop using any Credit Cards. The so called rule of thumb is a 90 day look back period on charges made. Also, you may not pay a Credit Card company over $600 in the 90 days from filing bankruptcy.

You have to list all your debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy which would include the Credit Card you have through the Bank you have a checking account with.

It's advisable for you to find another Bank in which you have no ties with and open up an account and begin using it and close the other account. Why?
Because when the Bank finds out you are in a Bankruptcy they MAY claim what is in your bank account.

Purchases on the Internet should be made with your debit card and/or checking account if allowed by the Seller.

Luci

[liz417]

Hi and welcome to this board

First off, once you've realized that you will be filing for BK, you shouldn't be using credit at all, it could be looked upon at Fraud. Secondly, you don't get to decide what gets included in your BK, you need to list all credit card accounts you have. Are you still paying your montly credit card bills?

[Mary123]

thanks................

Are you still paying your montly credit card bills?

Yes

It's advisable for you to find another Bank in which you have no ties...

If I use checks and make online purchases (groceries mainly) using
that checking account, will those records be needed or looked
at at the hearing?

[TEW]

Hello,
I'll be filling a Chapter 7 in about 5 months.
I have one credit card that has a zero balance and I
have been using that card to make purchases like
gas, groceries, phone/cable/internet bill.
Should I stop using the card?

Also, is using a bank checking account (and routing number)
better than using the credit card when making online purchases?
This bank is the same bank as the card with the
zero balance and won't be included in the Chapter 7.

Thank you
Mary

Yes you can use the card for necessity's

[liz417]

thanks................


Yes


If I use checks and make online purchases (groceries mainly) using
that checking account, will those records be needed or looked
at at the hearing?

I would get 3-4 free consults with an attorney, but normally when you've decided that BK is an option, you will be advised to stop paying your credit cards immediately, thus freeing us your budget. You are only wasting you money but paying a debt(s) that is going to be discharged in BK. You only need to provide receipts if you are over your allowable expense in a particular area.

[Mary123]

Still now clear on this . .,

I have a bank account with a credit card that will have a zero
balance and I will not owe them anything during the bankruptcy.

Now, should I still continue to use that bank account
(now and after the bankruptcy) or should I open another
bank account that I have NO credit cards with?

Thank you

[poorold]

I thought you only had to list your creditors on your bankruptcy petition.

why does a crdit card with a zero balance need to be listed?

[keepmine]

You don't need to list a card with a zero balance.
However, a huge reason to stop using the cards prior to filing is, you need to get used to living on a cash budget post bk. Stop paying all debt you wish to discharge and use the money you were sending to those creditors for your everyday living expenses. If you do that and still can't make ends meet you have a problem bk can't fix and you need to delay filing until you're sure you can support yourself post bk.
If the bank is not going to be involved in your bk, no need to change banks.