What Does it Mean to Have a Credit Card Company Discharge a Debt?

While the number of millenials eschewing credit cards has fallen slightly, young people aged 18 to 29 still carry, on average, $2,087 in credit card debt, according to a 2013 FICO report. For young adults facing high unemployment rates, however, paying the plastic off can seem insurmountable. Filing for a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy discharges, or wipes out, most of your outstanding debt, which means your credit card company cannot collect the money you owe them.

The "Easy" Way Out

If you find you can no longer pay your creditors, filing for bankruptcy gives you a fresh start and allows you to begin rebuilding your credit history. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is commonly used to discharge consumer debt. Once your bankruptcy has been discharged and a final order has been issued, the bankruptcy court clerk sends a copy of the order to your creditors stating all collection actions must cease.

Negative Impacts Down the Road

Bankruptcy impacts your credit score until it clears your credit report. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to 10 years, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to seven years. How big a hit it has on your score depends on your credit history, although its impact lessens over time. Having a low credit score significantly affects your ability to borrow money, get a loan or take out a mortgage in the future.

References

• Banking Analytics Blog: The Young and the Cardless
• myFICO: What are the different types of bankruptcy and how is each considered by my FICO score?
• myFICO: How will my FICO score consider a bankruptcy?
• FINRA: How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future
• United States Courts: Discharge In Bankruptcy
• United States Courts: Bankruptcy

About the Author

R. Lynne has been writing professionally since 1980. Her work has appeared in "Springfield Business Journal," "The Illinois Times," "The State Journal-Register" and "The Hillsboro Journal." She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in legal studies from Sangamon State University. She writes about business, real estate and health and wellness topics.

Photo Credits

• Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images