how long until bankruptcy is clear

mageis59

Hi I was made bankrupt in December 1998 and I still have trouble getting even a normal bank account - I have managed to get a Vanquis credit card which I am using monthly and paying off in full to keep costs down but how else can I improve my credit rating and when does the bankruptcy regulations cease. Thanks.

National_Debtline

Hi Maggie,

The bankruptcy should have fallen off your credit file by now, it stays on there for six years. Have you considered getting a copy of your credit file? it may be a way of finding out what is causing you difficulties.

Here's a copy of our credit referencing fact sheet for further information:
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=05_credit_reference_agencies

Are you on the electoral roll? If you are not it could cause you problems too.

Best wishes,

David @ NDL.

mageis59

Yes, I am on the electoral roll and have asked Nat West for an ordinary account as the ATM's I can use are limited with my debit card and they have refused on the grounds of my bankruptcy. I will try to get a credit reference thanks. Karen.

mageis59

sorry I have just realised I put 1998 instead of 2008 - which would mean my bankruptcy is still ongoing then wouldn't it?

fermi

mageis59 wrote: »

sorry I have just realised I put 1998 instead of 2008 - which would mean my bankruptcy is still ongoing then wouldn't it?

Not ongoing, but it will stay on your credit file until the 6 year anniversary in 2014.

Check your credit files and make sure the dates are correct so that everything will clear next year.

See ---> Credit Reference File Clean Up Post Bankruptcy

fiveyearplan

National_Debtline_representative wrote: »

Hi Maggie,

Are you on the electoral roll? If you are not it could cause you problems too.

I never had a problem getting credit before my bankruptcy and have never been on the electoral role.

National_Debtline

mageis59 wrote: »

sorry I have just realised I put 1998 instead of 2008 - which would mean my bankruptcy is still ongoing then wouldn't it?

It will still be on your file until next year as Fermi has mentioned. Next year is when your file will start to return to normaility.

David.

mageis59

Thanks five year plan lol - I can't even update my bank account to a normal one so don't know whether you were just lucky or I am doing something wrong.

speedyblue66

I'm with the Nat West and found it restrictive at times. So I've downloaded both the Nat West and Tesco apps on my phone which helps me locate a cash machine, plus you can use the post office to withdraw money as well. Banks are great when they want to help you get into debt, but wash their hands of you when you get into difficulties. What amuses me is when you go into a branch and they ask you if you've ever thought of what they can do to help you! "Erm hello I'm bankrupt" lol