Can I get a personal loan after Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Two distinct situations:

1. Borrowing DURING an active Chapter 13 plan: You are legally required to get permission from your bankruptcy trustee and court before taking on new debt above a certain threshold (typically around $1,000). The trustee must approve because new debt could affect your repayment plan. Some trustees approve emergency loans; discretionary borrowing is usually denied.

2. Borrowing AFTER Chapter 13 discharge: No court permission needed. Chapter 13 appears on your credit report for 7 years from the filing date (not discharge date). After discharge, your credit score typically starts at 500-580 and improves as you rebuild.

Timeline after discharge: Year 1 - mostly credit unions and secured cards; 22%-36% APR on small loans. Year 2-3 - Avant, Upgrade, OneMain open up; rates 18%-30%. Year 3-5 - mainstream lenders become accessible if you have been responsible; rates 12%-24%. Year 5+ - approaching normal credit access if the record is clean since discharge.

How Chapter 13 vs Chapter 7 differs for new lending: Chapter 13 stays on credit for 7 years from filing; Chapter 7 stays for 10 years. Counterintuitively, lenders often view Chapter 13 somewhat more favorably because it shows you repaid at least some of the debt.

Rebuilding during the plan: Open a secured credit card if the trustee approves. Make every plan payment on time. These actions hit your credit report and help set the stage for better post-discharge rates.