A recent question we received:
“I filed bankruptcy last week, but my husband did not file. Now he can’t see his credit card on his online banking. Why would that happen?”
First — take a breath.
This is usually an administrative issue, not something you did wrong.
Let’s break down what may be happening.
📌 Filing Alone Does NOT Automatically Cancel Your Spouse’s Credit
If you filed bankruptcy individually:
- Your spouse is not automatically included.
- His separate debts are not discharged.
- His separate credit accounts are not automatically closed just because you filed.
However — there are some important exceptions.
💳 Is He an Authorized User or Joint Account Holder?
This is the most common issue.
🔹 If It’s a Joint Credit Card
If both of you are legally liable on the same account:
- The creditor receives notice of your bankruptcy.
- Many lenders freeze or close joint accounts immediately.
- Online access may disappear without warning.
Even though your husband did not file, the creditor may restrict the account because one borrower filed.
🔹 If He Is Just an Authorized User
If he is only an authorized user on your account:
- The lender often removes authorized users automatically.
- The account may disappear from his login.
- This is very common.
🔹 If It’s Completely Separate
If the account is solely in his name and you are not on it at all:
Then the automatic stay should not directly affect it.
But sometimes banks:
- Freeze or restrict accounts temporarily
- Remove online visibility
- Conduct internal reviews when they receive bankruptcy notice for a household member
This happens most often when:
- The same bank holds accounts for both spouses
- You share joint deposit accounts
- The bank’s system links household profiles
🏦 Could the Bank Have Frozen Accounts?
Banks sometimes place temporary holds when:
- They receive bankruptcy notice
- There are joint deposit accounts
- They are reviewing potential setoff rights
If your husband cannot see the card, he should:
- Log into the credit card portal directly (not through a joint dashboard)
- Call the creditor and ask whether the account is active
- Confirm whether the account was frozen or removed from online view
⚖️ Does the Automatic Stay Affect Him?
The automatic stay:
- Protects only the person who filed.
- Does not directly protect a non-filing spouse (in Chapter 7).
However, creditors sometimes act conservatively when they receive bankruptcy notice tied to a household.
🚩 Common Reasons the Card Disappears Online
1️⃣ The account was joint and automatically closed.
2️⃣ He was an authorized user and was removed.
3️⃣ The bank froze the account pending review.
4️⃣ Online profile linking was adjusted after bankruptcy notice.
5️⃣ Internal risk management decision by the lender.
This is usually administrative — not punitive.
📌 What Should He Do?
✔ Call the credit card company directly.
✔ Ask if the account is active or closed.
✔ Confirm whether it is joint or individual.
✔ Avoid using the account until status is clarified.
If the account was joint, closure is common after one spouse files.
🧠 Important Question: Was It a Joint Debt?
If the credit card is joint and you filed Chapter 7:
- Your personal liability will likely be discharged.
- Your husband remains fully liable for the balance.
- The creditor may close the account but still pursue him for payment.
That’s not unusual.
📌 The Bottom Line
If your husband’s credit card disappeared from online banking after you filed:
It is most often:
- A joint account closure
- An authorized user removal
- A bank review or freeze
It does not necessarily mean something is wrong with your case.
Have him contact the creditor directly for clarification, and let your bankruptcy attorney know if the account was supposed to be separate.
Filing individually can sometimes cause temporary ripple effects — but they are usually explainable.
