Re-Using Old credit card accounts after discharge

creditcardshuffler

I have recently been discharged from my BR, today I received a statement from American Express showing a zero balance (I had no debt with them when I went BR). I sent my American Express cards to the OR when I was declared BR, and declared the account on my SOA. My question is would I be allowed to request new cards from American Express and use them (I don't intend to but they would be a nice security blanket, or use them sensibly pay them off each month and hopefully repair my credit score a little by doing so)
I also had an Egg money account and when I logged in today using my old details my balance was Zero (I did have a little amount outstanding with Egg that was included in my BR )

So my questions are
Can I use these accounts again now or do I have to get permission from my now EX-OR, or inform these companies about my BR (I did write to Egg just after my BO with my BO details etc.) before attempting to use the cards or accounts?

Thanks

:cool: CCS :cool:

fiveyearplan

I don't think there is any legal reason you couldn't ask for new cards. You may not get them especially the Egg card but no harm in trying.

creditcardshuffler

Thanks FYP
I wasn't sure as to whether the OR "took over" the accounts when you are declared BR in the same way as they take control of your assets, so that the accounts are no longer yours.

fiveyearplan

I'm not really sure. If Amex and Egg know of your bankruptcy then Its up to them if they want to extend you credit.

creditcardshuffler

Thats the answer I wanted to hear FYP but was wondering if I would be breaking any laws or restrictions that could come back to bite me later if I did re-use these accounts, technically speaking if the accounts were never closed then I have had access to credit above the allowed limits for a BR all the time, or does the term "without disclosing that you are an undischarged BR" in the restrictions list mean if you tell someone you are BR and they still choose to give you credit above the Allowed amount (was is £50 or £500 I cannot remember now) then that is OK. So when I informed Egg that I was BR then I should be in the clear. I will apply for a replacement Egg card and post back my results (Unless someone else Knows why I should NOT)
Thanks again

CCS

fiveyearplan

Well with Egg, you did inform them you were BR so if there departments don't speak to each other I fail to see how that is your problem.

Its £500 btw.

I have an Abbey account with £12.60 still in it and I'm getting statements every month. I've got 8 more months maximum of BR left before I can take it out! hehehe!!

creditcardshuffler

fiveyearplan wrote: »

Well with Egg, you did inform them you were BR so if there departments don't speak to each other I fail to see how that is your problem.

Its £500 btw.

I have an Abbey account with £12.60 still in it and I'm getting statements every month. I've got 8 more months maximum of BR left before I can take it out! hehehe!!

I thought all assets at the time of a BO remained the property of the OR even after discharge so unless the OR declares that they have no interest in the account then surely it will still not be yours to call your own!!

fiveyearplan

Maybe I'll ask him if I can have it. Also, I have a joint account that has 5.81 in it that I'd like him to either take half or say we can have it so we can close the account down. Pre BR I had 11 bank accounts! 3 were business (2 actually needed and the 3rd one in case Barclays closed my personal account - I was going to claim back bank charges).

creditcardshuffler

:eek: Wow 11 bank accounts.........

I bet your OR cried when they got your file......:eek:

Seriously though I wonder if any of our experts have a definitive answer on this........or has anyone else tried this before!!!

draytonled

i would leave the cards alone amex are bad people when you owe the money. you are much better off with a debit card . i learnt my lesson in a harsh way and i will never borrow money from credit cards again!!!

drayton

tigerfeet2006

I always thought that once you had declred BR then unless the OR had declared no interest in an account then the accounts belonged to the OR