How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

If you’re going through bankruptcy, it’s understandable to be worried about how this might affect your ability to borrow in the future.

While bankruptcy appears on your credit report as a public record and can influence a lender’s decision when reviewing your application, understanding how long it will stay there can help you plan ahead.

And remember – there are always positive steps you can take to help build your credit score in the meantime.

How long bankruptcy is visible

In most cases, bankruptcy will stay on a credit report for six years from the date the bankruptcy order is made. This period continues regardless of when you’re discharged. Once six years have passed, it should automatically drop off your credit file – but only if it’s discharged.

Credit reference agencies report the bankruptcy as it’s part of your credit history – and helps lenders assess how likely you are to pay them back.

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Discharge and its effect

Discharge happens when the bankruptcy legally ends, usually about 12 months after the bankruptcy order. Discharge releases you from most debts covered by the bankruptcy, and creditors included in the order can no longer pursue repayment. Although discharge ends the legal obligations of the bankruptcy, it doesn’t remove the record from your credit report. The six-year period from the original bankruptcy order continues, which means the entry remains visible to lenders until it is removed automatically.

Situations that may extend the record

While six years is standard, there are circumstances where bankruptcy may remain on a credit report longer:

• Bankruptcy Restriction Orders (BRO) or Bankruptcy Restriction Undertakings (BRU), which can be applied if you haven’t cooperated with the Trustee or there was misconduct, may extend the visible period.

• Administrative errors by credit reference agencies may result in the record not being removed automatically. Mistakes can happen, so regularly checking your credit report helps make sure that all information is accurate and up to date.

Impact on credit applications

Having a bankruptcy on your credit report can make obtaining credit more difficult. Lenders will view you as a higher risk, which can lead to:

• Applications for credit cards, loans, or car finance being declined, or offered on higher interest rates.

• Mortgage applications being more challenging, with some lenders unwilling to accept applicants with recent bankruptcies.

But things will improve once your bankruptcy drops off your report. And demonstrating positive credit habits in the meantime helps you build a good track record of activity that will improve your chances of being approved in future.

Steps to rebuild credit

Don’t forget – no matter what your credit score is right now, there are things you can do to get it moving in the right direction. Progress may take time, but building positive habits today can help you get there. Start by:

• Monitoring your credit report regularly to make sure the bankruptcy is recorded correctly and that discharged debts are updated.

• Making timely payments on any current credit, including credit-builder accounts or small loans.

• Managing credit applications carefully. Multiple applications in a short period may appear risky to lenders, as they could interpret it as you being desperate for credit and less likely to pay back multiple debts at once.

To recap

A bankruptcy generally remains on a credit report for six years from the date the bankruptcy order is issued, even after discharge. While it can affect access to credit during this time, the record does eventually fall off the report. Responsible management of finances after bankruptcy, along with monitoring your credit report, can support rebuilding credit and preparing for future borrowing.