Did you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 10?

My understanding is that a Chapter 7 filing stays on your credit report for 10 years, versus a Chapter 13 bankruptcy that remains for 7 years.

Did you owe money to Discover before bankruptcy? This may affect your chances of approval. Off your record does not mean forgotten.

A number of people have told me that it is possible to get an Amex before your bankruptcy is removed from your records. So it should be possible to get a Discover.

I've heard Discover is hard to get post-bankruptcy without demonstrating good behavior with a starter card.

Sounds like the best thing for me to do is wait a few more months and apply when the bankruptcy drops off my credit report. Seems like reasonable advice.

okay, so i changed my mind and decided to apply for a discover card rather than wait to get the bankruptcy filing off my record. and guess what: i was approved!!

i guess my last several years of great track record more than made up for the bankruptcy. of course, the credit limit is pretty low. but i can start working on that too.

Originally Posted by CreditDave

Great news! Congratulations. And use your new card wisely.

Ditto on the congrats! And reaffirmation on the advice to use the card wisely and well.

Thanks!!

I promise to use the card wisely. In fact, I like to have the Discover it card not for the rewards (though I'll take those), but for the customer service and benefits. So I will not be chasing rewards. And I will be paying my bills in full.