Best Credit Cards After Bankruptcy in 2026
Bankruptcy doesn't end your credit options. These cards are specifically known to approve applicants with Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 on their record.
The best credit card after bankruptcy is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® — it requires no credit check and approves applicants regardless of bankruptcy history. The Indigo® Mastercard® is the best unsecured option after bankruptcy, with no deposit required. Both report to all three credit bureaus to help you rebuild.
Best credit cards after bankruptcy — compared
| Card | Annual fee | Deposit | Bankruptcy OK | Credit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Best overall | $35 | $200 | Yes | None |
| Indigo® Mastercard® | $0–$99 | None | Yes | Hard pull |
| Chime Credit Builder | $0 | Any | Yes | None |
| Applied Bank Secured Visa | $48 | $200 | Yes | No |
| Discover it® Secured | $0 | $200 | Sometimes | Yes |
Note: Discover may deny applicants with very recent bankruptcies. Apply for OpenSky first if your bankruptcy was discharged within the past 12 months.
When can you apply after bankruptcy?
You can apply for a secured credit card immediately after your bankruptcy is discharged — there is no mandatory waiting period. However, your approval odds and available options depend on how recent the bankruptcy is:
- 0-6 months post-discharge: OpenSky (no check), Chime Credit Builder, Applied Bank Secured
- 6-12 months post-discharge: Indigo Mastercard, First Progress Secured
- 12-24 months post-discharge: Capital One Platinum Secured, potentially Discover it Secured
- 2+ years post-discharge: Most secured cards, some unsecured cards
How to rebuild credit after bankruptcy
- Apply for a no-check secured card immediately. OpenSky or Chime Credit Builder. Start building positive history right away.
- Use it minimally and pay in full. A small recurring charge paid in full every month is all you need.
- Monitor your credit report. Make sure discharged debts are listed correctly. Dispute any errors.
- Add a second card at 12 months. After a year of on-time payments your score will have improved enough to qualify for better cards.
- Be patient. Chapter 7 stays on your report for 10 years, but its impact shrinks significantly as you add positive history.