Can I get credit again once my bankruptcy case is over?

It’s interesting that most of my clients are very concerned about getting credit again before they have even gotten out of debt.  This is not uncommon.  Most people want to have credit cards just like they had while they were in debt before they filed for bankruptcy.  There is a comfort level of knowing that you have the ability to whip out a plastic credit card and make purchases without having cash money.  Since bankruptcy, under Chapter 7, can be filed once every eight years, creditors understand that you are a good candidate to not only acquire another credit card but to utilize a credit card, incurring additional charges, over limit fees, high interest fees and late fees.
So, I tell my clients don’t worry about getting credit after bankruptcy because the offers will be coming in.  I tell my clients that these are usually not the best deals immediately after a bankruptcy filing.  If you can wait six months to a year after filing and go on a cash basis for a little while, you will see that the offers for credit following that six months to a year are going to be more enticing.  For example, you can always put money in a bank account and get a secured credit card for an amount equal to what you put in the bank.  This is a great way to start to reestablish credit and to have the convenience of plastic while you are really using your own money so you are not going to fall back into debt.  You can qualify for a decent mortgage two years after your case is filed.  Two years gives you plenty of time to save up for a reasonable down payment and to show no negative credit after your bankruptcy case was filed.
Keep in mind that creditors want your business.  Keep in mind that credit card offers and other offers for credit will come in the mail, including auto credit.  So if you are worried about credit after bankruptcy, you need not worry.  You will have plenty of opportunities to reestablish credit after your case is over.