How to Remove From a Credit Report Bounced Checks Added to a Bankruptcy

When you declare bankruptcy, every account included in the bankruptcy, including those related to bad checks, appears on your credit report -- in this way, filing bankruptcy won't make your credit report any better. Information related to bankruptcies can appear for seven to 10 years, depending on which type of bankruptcy you file. You cannot completely eliminate this information during this period, but you can change how it appears on the report so that the credit report appears more favorable.

Instructions

1

Visit the Annual Credit Report website. This website is a collective site approved by the Federal Trade Commission for getting copies of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Request and print free reports from each company, per your entitlement under law.

2

Review each of your reports. Locate the bad checks on each report.

3

Make copies of the formal discharge notice you received during your bankruptcy case, as well as any other court paperwork that clearly shows the bounced checks passed through bankruptcy court.

4

Write letters to each of the credit bureaus. Identify yourself and the items in question clearly with your Social Security number, current address and the delinquency amount. Enclose and refer to the copies of your bankruptcy documents and ask that the status of the bounced check be updated to "discharged in bankruptcy" or "included in bankruptcy" and "zero balance."

5

Send your letters certified mail to each of the credit reporting agencies. Allow 30 days for a response.

6

Check your credit report if the credit reporting agency agrees to remove the bounced checks from your report. If the credit reporting agency does not remove the items as agreed, follow up.