Getting a loan while bankrupt - Top 5 things you need to know

Bankruptcy can be a stressful time, which can be compounded by the restrictions it can place on your finances. If you need extra cash and are looking for a personal loan, you might have found it a tricky and often disheartening path to negotiate.

What Can Happen When There’s a Bankruptcy on my Credit Report?

In Australia, your credit report will show your bankruptcy

• For two years from the date it was declared

• For five years from the date you became bankrupt

This means lenders can access your credit file when assessing any application for loans and could use the bankruptcy as the reason for not approving the loan. But don’t lose hope. If you’re bankrupt and need a loan, here’s what you can do to shore up your chance of success.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Loan When Bankrupt

1. Know your bankruptcy details

Some lenders, like Fair Go Finance, will consider a personal loan application one year after you’ve been declared bankrupt, if you don’t have any other marks against your file after the bankruptcy. Make sure you know your bankruptcy details when you’re applying for the loan.

2. Make sure you have security

If you’re applying for a car loan, a lender will ask for security if the loan is over a certain amount, and this is usually the car you are buying. It could also strengthen your application with some lenders.

3. Reliable income

Proving you have a regular income is very important part of demonstrating to a potential lender that you have the capacity to repay the loan.

4. Good conduct

Showing a lender that you are low risk is important and you can do this by making sure that you’ve paid all bills since being declared bankrupt. If there are any defaults on your credit file, this will go against your loan application. To check the status of your credit file, obtain a free copy from Equifax here.

5. Avoid repeat loan applications

Your credit file will also include details of the loans you’ve applied for, and repeat applications can be off-putting to lenders. If you are bankrupt and need a loan, do your research into the company that offer bad credit loans but don’t apply for every loan you see.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.