How to Remove a Bankruptcy From a Credit Report

Having a bankruptcy on your credit report can certainly cause a lot of headaches, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier and possibly get the bankruptcy off of your credit report.

Instructions

1. Unfortunately, the laws on bankruptcy are very clear and there isn't much that can be done to remove a bankruptcy from your credit report before the required 10 years is up. That being said, there are a couple of things that you can try that may help in removing the bankruptcy.

2. One option, although not ideal, is to wait the ten years. After that time, request a copy of your credit report to ensure that the bankruptcy has been removed. If it has not, you can request that it be removed because the time has elapsed. Make your request directly to the credit bureaus.

3. Another option is to wait two years. After that time, bankruptcy documents are converted to microfiche, making it more difficult for credit companies to verify your bankruptcy. Although there are records from online data bases that credit bureaus may use as well to verify information. After two years, write a letter to each credit bureau (Transunion, Equifax and Experian) disputing the bankruptcy. Credit bureaus only have 30 days in which to verify anything you disputed. There is always a chance that they won't get your information verified within that 30 day time limit and then they have to remove it from your credit report.

4. In the mean time, begin building your credit by paying everything on time and lowering your debt as much as possible. Many creditors will look at your current history much more than your bankruptcy and you will still be able to get credit at decent rates.

Tips & Warnings

• Beware of companies that say they can remove your bankruptcy from your credit report. No one can circumvent the laws and contacting the credit companies and disputing your credit report is something you can easily do yourself.