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Sunday, January 19, 2025

5 Best Credit Cards After Divorce (Jan. 2025)

Best Credit Cards After Divorce
Adam West

Writer: Adam West

Adam West

Adam West, Managing Editor

Adam has interviewed over 1,000 finance experts since joining the CardRates team in 2016. He spearheads industry news coverage related to helping consumers achieve greater financial literacy and improved credit. He has more than 12 years of storytelling, editing, and design experience in print and online journalism and is most knowledgeable in the areas of credit scores, financial products and services, and the banking industry.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Advertiser Disclosure

While a judge’s divorce decree will officially end a marriage, the debt accrued during the union will likely live on. But with one of the best credit cards after divorce, you can turn the page on an unhappy marriage more quickly and start writing the next chapter in your life.

That’s because the right credit card can help you pay off your debt with fewer interest charges, help you earn cash back on your post-divorce purchases, or even send you on a much-needed vacation to hit the reset button.

And when the debt is gone, the card will still be around to help you out — and keep your ex firmly in the rearview mirror.

Best 0% Interest Cards After Divorce

Divorce is expensive — but it’s not as pricey as the debt you may carry over after the marriage officially ends. If you’re struggling with credit card debt from your old life, consider a credit card with a 0% introductory APR.

A 0% interest card can help you get a fresh start in life. Moving, furnishing a new home, and purchasing necessities gets expensive. The cards listed below allow you to pay off these charges over time without heavy finance charges.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

0% INTRO APR RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

0% INTRO APR RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.7/5.0
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
  • No annual fee.
  • No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

0% INTRO APR RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

The length of the introductory period will vary by card, but most will offer interest-free purchases for up to 15 months or longer.

Best Balance Transfer Cards After Divorce

If you’re working to pay off shared debt after a divorce, a balance transfer card can help you pay that debt down faster. These cards offer a 0% introductory period for balances transferred from a credit card with a high APR to one that won’t charge you interest for a period of up to 18 months or longer.

Be sure to read the terms of the transfer, as most cards require you to transfer your debt within a specified period — 60 to 90 days is typical — to get the 0% promotional rate. You may also have to pay a balance transfer fee to perform the transfer, generally 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.24% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
  • With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% 12 months on Purchases
0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
17.24% - 27.99% (Variable)
$0
Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Discover it® Chrome Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
0% Intro APR for 18 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent/Good/Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Keep in mind that every introductory period has an expiration date. As soon as that date expires, your card balance will start accruing interest at the rate printed on your card’s monthly statement. That’s why it’s important to eliminate as much of your debt as possible while you’re inside that introductory window.

Best Travel Cards After Divorce

A divorce signifies new beginnings. And there’s no better way to start fresh than with a vacation that takes you far away from all the emotional stress you’ve endured.

You can earn points or miles that get you one step closer to that trip with one of the best travel credit cards after divorce listed below.

AIR MILES RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

AIR MILES RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
$95
Excellent, Good

AIR MILES RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.7/5.0
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
$395
Excellent

Study each card’s terms and conditions before you apply. Each card provides different values for its points and miles. Depending on your travel goals (flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, etc.), one card could provide more value than others.

Best Cash Back Cards After Divorce

If you’re moving after your divorce, you may encounter lots of expenses you weren’t planning for. And moving trucks, packing supplies, and a security deposit to get you into your new home are just the beginning.

Once you’ve settled into your new digs, you’ll need furnishings, housewares, appliances, and countless other gadgets and gizmos that don’t come cheap. With one of the best cash back cards after divorce, among those listed below, you can get some money back on all those purchases.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
19.49% - 28.24% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

The key to maximizing your cash back earnings is to pay your credit card balance in full each month. Many card issuers boost the interest rates on their cash back cards to offset some of the money they give back to cardholders. Those monthly charges can quickly negate the savings you earn with each purchase.

Best Credit-Building Cards After Divorce

Although your ex is gone after a divorce, you may still carry around a lot of baggage from the former relationship. The heaviest burden of all may be a bad credit score.

If you’re struggling with damaged credit following your divorce, you might want to consider one of the following cards that can help you rebuild your credit. If you use one of these cards responsibly, you can improve your score and work your way toward better financial health.

Milestone® Mastercard® Review

at Milestone Mastercard®'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

3.8/5.0
  • Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
  • Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
  • $0 liability* for unauthorized use
  • Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
  • *Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you'll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
See terms
See terms
Fair/Good
PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card Review

at PREMIER Bankcard®'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

3.0/5.0
  • PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are for building credit.
  • Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month.
  • When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
  • Credit Limit Increase Eligible after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
  • We report monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
See Provider Website
See Provider Website
Fair/Poor
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • No credit check to apply
  • Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
  • No interest* or annual fees
  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. See official application, terms, and details link below.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
  • *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
None

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card comes from a major issuer that also offers cards to consumers who have fair, good, and excellent credit. While that may not interest you right now, it will over time.

Many card issuers allow you to upgrade to an improved card as you prove your responsibility and increase your credit score. That can save you money on interest charges — and possibly make you eligible over time — for a better credit card that offers higher rewards.

Who is Responsible for Credit Card Debt in Divorce?

This depends greatly on the state you live in and the judge presiding over your divorce. While most states dictate that you’re responsible for debt accrued in your name — and partially responsible for joint debts — state laws vary in how they treat debts remaining at the time of divorce.

In the nine community property states — Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin — any debt you or your former spouse acquired after the date of marriage and before the date of separation is community property. A judge will likely order a joint split of all debts but can alter the ruling based on your and your ex’s income.

Community Property States in the U.S. — Source: Wikipedia.com

Those states won’t consider any debt you acquired before marriage, or after the separation, as community property.

A judge could order you to pay all or part of your former spouse’s debts based on who is better able to repay the debt. If your ex makes more than you, he or she could receive an order to pay your debts. That doesn’t make you completely free and clear of the debt, though.

If the debt is in your name, you’re still contractually tied to the lender. If your ex doesn’t pay the bill or makes consistently late payments, you will receive the hit to your credit score.

This works not only for credit card debt but also for auto or home loans as well as medical debt or any other bills in your name. In fact, recent studies show that 1 in 8 divorced couples blame student loan debt for their split.

In most cases, a judge will simply allow each member of the divorce proceedings to leave with only the debt that’s in their name. But it’s still important to come to court with any documents that show that the debt is community property incurred to better both of your lives. If you can show that, you could improve your chances of a 50/50 split.

How Do I Separate My Credit After Divorce?

Regardless of the wording on your divorce decree, you’re still legally responsible for joint accounts opened during your marriage.

Even if the judge orders your ex to pay the entire debt, you’re still liable if he or she doesn’t make a payment or defaults on the debt. And if that account continues to live on after the divorce, you’ll still be responsible for the new debt accrued.

The first step in cleanly separating your credit after divorce is to close every joint account that includes your name. That won’t wipe out the balance of those accounts, but it will stop the accounts from building new debt.

You can also notify your creditors of the divorce to make sure you and your ex both receive monthly statements so you can stay on top of payment histories and current balances. You should also change any usernames and passwords on your financial accounts your ex is privy to.

Once you’ve done that, you can start exploring ways to build credit in your name so that you can develop a new and positive credit history. You can do this through a credit card — like those listed above — a personal loan, or an auto loan or mortgage.

Also, if the judge orders your ex to pay all or part of your joint debts, it’s vital that you ask the judge to make that ruling non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. That way, your ex can’t walk away from the debt and stick you with the responsibility if he or she ever files for bankruptcy.

Most judges will grant this request and place a note on the debt that makes it permanent — regardless of what your ex’s financial future holds.

Does Your Credit Score Drop When You Get Divorced?

This relies mostly on the type of debt you hold. If the judge decrees that you’re only responsible for the debt that’s in your name, you won’t experience much change to your credit rating.

A lot of joint debt could impact your score. That’s because you’re best served by closing any joint accounts that feature your and your ex’s names. By doing so, you’ll lower your total available credit and increase your credit utilization rate.

Adding more debts during and after your divorce proceedings can also weigh down your credit score. The effect on your credit score can range from a small decrease to a significant drop, depending on the total amount of debt.

Even if the judge in your divorce proceedings rules your ex must pay the debts in your name, it still won’t provide any credit score relief. That’s because the debts will remain in your name until they’re paid off. If your ex misses a payment or defaults on the debt altogether, you’ll receive the credit impact — not him or her.

In many cases, you’ll experience at least a small increase in total debt after divorce. That alone can weigh down a credit score. If you must finance the shift in your lifestyle — including moving expenses, new furnishings, household items, and other relocation expenses — you can see even more of a credit score dip.

This impact isn’t always permanent. As you pay down the debt and make on-time payments over time, you’ll see your score recover and maybe even surpass your pre-divorce levels.

One thing you will want to do immediately following a divorce is to create a budget that includes all of your expenses and debt obligations. You may have less disposable income now, but putting more of that toward outstanding debt left over from your marriage is a great way to move on faster — financially, at least.

Once you create a budget and know where your money is going, you should also start building up an emergency fund. This can help you navigate any bumps in the road without falling into more debt.

And after you’ve cleared your post-divorce debt, a budget and emergency fund are still good things to maintain, but you should have a little more financial freedom to get on with your life.

Start Anew — Emotionally and Financially

Divorce isn’t always bad. If you were stuck in a bad relationship that wasn’t contributing to your well-being, a divorce can provide a clean break and a fresh new chapter in your life.

You can make sure the split remains clean — and doesn’t leave you with too many financial burdens — by using one of our best credit cards after divorce to get your fiscal life back in order.

And, after all, divorce is about putting the pieces back together so you can regain the confidence you once had and begin to show the world how great you truly are. That becomes easier as you eliminate debt — and free yourself of the baggage acquired in your previous relationship.

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