How to Check and Fix Your Credit Report After Discharge

You’ve completed a tough journey and gotten your debts discharged through bankruptcy. That took courage! Now comes an equally important next step: rebuilding your financial future.

Many people worry about their credit score and future financial opportunities after bankruptcy, and those concerns are completely valid, especially since credit report mistakes are incredibly common. The good news is that while credit report errors after bankruptcy are frequent, they can be corrected.

At Whitten & Whitten, our team has helped countless Northwest Indiana residents recover after bankruptcy over the last couple of decades. Let’s examine how to review your credit report and correct any errors.

Why Should You Check Your Credit Report Post-Bankruptcy?

Unfortunately, creditors don’t always report accurately after bankruptcy. Your discharged debts should show $0 balances with notations like “included in bankruptcy”—not as “active,” “late,” or “in collections.”

Incorrect information can seriously delay your ability to rebuild credit, apply for loans, or even rent a home. Catching these errors early gives you more control over your financial future and helps you move forward faster.

How Often Can You Check Your Credit Report?

You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. To access these reports, simply visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the official website authorized by federal law. The process is straightforward and secure, allowing you to request and review your reports at no cost.

Spotting and Correcting Errors on Your Report

What to Look For After Bankruptcy

Review your report carefully for these common post-bankruptcy errors:

• Old debts are showing as active instead of discharged
• Incorrect account balances (should be $0)
• Missing “included in bankruptcy” notations
• Duplicate or outdated entries

How to File a Dispute

Start by writing a dispute letter to the credit bureau reporting the error (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). You can also contact the creditor who supplied the inaccurate information directly.

Include these items in your dispute letter:

• A clear explanation of the error
• A copy of your discharge notice (if needed)  
• Supporting documents, like your bankruptcy filing
• A specific request to correct or remove the inaccurate entry

What the Credit Bureau Must Do

Once you file a dispute, the credit bureau must:

• Investigate your claim within 30 days
• Inform you of the results in writing
• Forward corrections to all bureaus if the error is confirmed

How a Bankruptcy Attorney Can Still Help

Even after your discharge, an experienced attorney can assist by:

• Identifying legal violations in credit reporting
• Sending formal dispute letters on your behalf
• Filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau when necessary
• Guiding your next steps if creditors refuse to correct false information

Legal help reduces stress, resolves issues faster, and protects your rights during this critical rebuilding phase.

Keep Monitoring—It’s Your Path to Financial Recovery

You’ve already taken the brave step of filing for bankruptcy. Now it’s time to rebuild, starting with a clean, accurate credit report.

If you need guidance on credit reporting issues after bankruptcy, contact Whitten & Whitten. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys understand the challenges you’re facing and can help protect the progress you’ve already made. Schedule a free consultation today; let’s make sure your bankruptcy provides the clean slate you’ve worked so hard for.