There is nothing prohibiting you from obtaining credit while you're in bankrupty. However, if you're applying for $1,000 or more, you're required to voluntarily disclose to the lender tha you're in bankruptcy. As well, even if you're applying for less than $1,000, most lenders will do a credit check on you and become aware that you have negative information on your credit rating.
It's difficult to get approved for credit while you're going through a bankruptcy. Lenders usually want to see that you're discharged (finished the bankruptcy) before they'll consider giving you credit. However, secured loans like vehicle financing are possible to get durding a bankruptcy. Any time you have damage on your credit rating, you can expect to be turned down for credit or expected to pay a higher interest rate. The same applies in a bankruptcy.
You might look at getting a secured or prepaid credit card if you need a card for work, travelling, etc. Whether or not the lender will do a credit check depends on the bank and the type of card you're applying for. If you ask the bank, they'll tell you whether or not a credit check will be necessary for a secured or prepaid card.
Judy Scott
Trustee
Meyers Norris Penny Limited
Port Moody - Burnaby - Maple Ridge
604-949-2100
[email protected]