Federal law lets credit bureaus report a bankruptcy case for up to 10 years from the date of the order for relief. Accounts included in the bankruptcy should show as discharged or included in bankruptcy, with a zero balance once discharged.
The 10-year limit
Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(1), a consumer reporting agency may not report cases under title 11 (the Bankruptcy Code) that, from the date of entry of the order for relief or the date of adjudication, predate the report by more than 10 years. The order for relief generally occurs when the case is filed.
The FCRA sets a maximum, not a minimum. The 10-year limit does not apply to reports used for a credit transaction or life insurance policy of $150,000 or more, or employment at a salary of $75,000 or more (§ 1681c(b)).
Chapter and withdrawn cases
- A report that mentions a bankruptcy must identify the chapter (for example, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) if the source provides it (§ 1681c(d)(1)).
- If you withdrew a case before final judgment, the bureau must include that it was withdrawn once it receives documentation certifying the withdrawal (§ 1681c(d)(2)).
Individual accounts after a discharge
The bankruptcy public record and the individual accounts are separate. Each account included in the case is subject to its own reporting period, generally 7 years for adverse items. After discharge, accounts that were discharged should not show a balance still owed or ongoing past-due amounts. Bureaus must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy (§ 1681e(b)).
Common errors to look for
- Discharged accounts still showing a balance, “past due,” or a collection status.
- Accounts missing the “included in bankruptcy” notation.
- A dismissed or withdrawn case reported as a discharge, or the wrong chapter.
- A bankruptcy that is not yours, often from a mixed credit file.
To dispute, send each bureau a copy of your discharge order and the schedules listing the account. Post-discharge reporting errors are a common FCRA issue; a free case review can help you evaluate yours, with no fee unless we win.
Related
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(1), (d) — Bankruptcy reporting limits and chapter disclosure (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) — Accuracy of report (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681i — Procedure in case of disputed accuracy (Cornell LII)
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.