Credit report errors after bankruptcy
After a discharge, many reports still show old balances. That's one of the most common errors we see.
How it should look
Debts discharged in the bankruptcy should show a $0 balance and a note like "included in bankruptcy" or "discharged". They should not show new late payments after you filed.
How long it stays
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay up to 10 years from filing. The bureaus usually remove Chapter 13 after 7 years. The accounts themselves follow their own 7-year dates.
Common errors
- A discharged debt still shows a balance or "past due".
- A collector reports a debt that was included in the bankruptcy.
- Late payments reported after the filing date.
- The bankruptcy shows the wrong chapter or dates.
How to dispute
Send each bureau a dispute with a copy of your discharge order and the schedule listing the debt. If a collector keeps trying to collect a discharged debt, talk to your bankruptcy lawyer or free legal aid.
Find the errors
The AI report reader flags balances that look wrong, and the letter builder writes the letters.
Questions
Can I remove the bankruptcy itself early?
Not if it's accurate. It stays for the time allowed by law.
Do I need to send my whole bankruptcy file?
No. A copy of the discharge order and the page listing the debt is usually enough. Black out your Social Security number except the last 4.
General information, not legal advice. Sources: CFPB, FTC. Checked November 2026.