A better question might be “should I keep my credit cards after bankruptcy”, but first things first.
When you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you are required to list all your debts. If a credit card has a zero balance, it is not a debt and does not need to be listed in your bankruptcy. However, most moneylenders have ways of knowing who has filed bankruptcy. The moneylender may cancel your account, whether or not it has an outstanding balance.
That being said, remember that they moneylender is only interested in money. If your account has no outstanding balance, and you have informed the moneylender in advance of your filing, the moneylender will probably agree to a reaffirmation agreement which allows you to keep that account open.
Credit After Bankruptcy
If you filed your voluntary petition because of excess credit card debt, you may want to at least consider giving up credit cards. If your situation was due to something else, such as a major illness, then this consideration probably doesn’t apply. If you are concerned about raising your credit score, either a secured credit card or a small property purchase (such as new living room furniture) might be an option.
Bankruptcy is designed to give consumers a fresh start. What you do with that start is entirely up to you. Call the law office of Henley and Henley for your free consultation and your fist step towards your fresh start.