 TITLE: How Will Marrying Someone Who Filed Bankruptcy Affect Your Credit? CONTENT: How to Build Back Credit After a Bankruptcy\n-------------------------------------------\nA bankruptcy can stay on a credit report for seven or 10 years, depending on the type of bankruptcy that's filed. A Chapter 13 filing stays on a credit report for seven years, while Chapter 7 falls off after 10. Once that time is up, a new credit score will need to be requested in order for the impact of its removal to be seen.\nThere are other ways someone can increase their credit score after bankruptcy as well:\n1.  Create an emergency fund. Having an emergency savings fund with three to six months' worth of expenses in cash can help you navigate job loss or illness without going into debt.\n2.  Avoid taking on new debt. Create a budget and follow it closely each month. Living within your means will help you stay out of debt and steer clear of high-interest credit cards or loans that become difficult to repay.\n3.  Become an authorized user. Someone with a bankruptcy in their past may not be able to get approved for loans and credit cards that help rebuild their credit history. Being added as an authorized user can help, however, since the positive payment history the primary account holder has made will be added to the authorized user's credit file.\n4.  Make all payments on time. Every payment matters, no matter what type of account you have. Set reminders for yourself so you don't miss deadlines or enroll in autopay to avoid late fees and dings to your credit score.\nBuilding your credit after bankruptcy takes time, but it can happen if you and your spouse are committed to that goal. You can also sign up for free credit monitoring through Experian, which will send you alerts when your score changes and allows you to check your Experian credit report monthly for free. Tracking your progress can give you the motivation to stick with your new habits and achieve good credit once again. END