The length of your credit history. This will go to zero if you file bankruptcy. So it is important to obtain new credit as soon as possible after filing, even if you have to get a secured credit card.

Whether you make payments each month on credit cards and loans. If you file bankruptcy, unsecured debts such as credit cards balances will be wiped out, so you will be better able to stay current on payments on your new credit cards and obligations. The important things is don't be late with payments each month. And you should never charge more than you can afford to pay off each month.

How much of your available credit you are using. Available credit refers to the limits on your credit cards. To improve your credit, you should try to keep your credit balance at 10 percent or less of your limit and never exceed 30 percent. For example, if your credit card has a $1,000 limit, try to keep your credit balance at $100 or less and never go above $300. Your credit balance is the amount you carry over from one payment period to the next.