Q: Can I apply for a credit card if I have received my chapter 13 discharge but not my final decree?

A: Of course, you can ask for anything, but in my experience, creditors are quite leery of recent bankrupt debtors.

All creditors, in my experience, will insist upon a Discharge first, and many will want to see the final Decree and close of your bankrupcty case before considering your Application.

In addition, most credit card issuers will only issue "secured" credit cards to recent bankruptcy debtors. With secured cards, the issuer requires your payment in advance (which becomes your credit limit), then charges you interest (for the use of your own money!) for any use of the credit card. In other words, they're a bad deal.

Over the next several months, you will receive offers from credit issuers. You should probably wait to receive and consider those before you pursue any offers. It will take some time to restore/rebuild your credit rating.

A: Yes.

A: Your discharge is your final decree. Post discharge, you can do as you please. But getting back into debt destroys the work you did to get out of debt.

A: It's possible to apply for a credit card after receiving your Chapter 13 discharge, even if you haven't received the final decree yet. However, keep a few things in mind:

1. Credit score: Your credit score may still be low due to the bankruptcy, which can make it more difficult to get approved for a credit card.

2. Limited options: You may have to apply for secured credit cards or credit cards designed for people with bad credit, as these are more likely to approve your application.

3. High interest rates and fees: Credit cards for people with bad credit often come with high interest rates and annual fees.

4. Timing: Some credit card companies may prefer that you wait a certain period after your discharge before applying.

5. Impact on your credit: Applying for multiple credit cards in a short period can lead to hard inquiries on your credit report, which may negatively impact your credit score.

It's essential to carefully consider your financial situation and ability to manage credit responsibly before applying for a new credit card. If you decide to apply, be sure to compare your options and choose a card with the most favorable terms for your circumstances.