Bankruptcy Car Loan


Bankruptcy Car Loans

Whether your Chapter 7 is open, you’re mid-plan in a Chapter 13, recently discharged, or years past it, Bernard’s will get you behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle. Same-day decisions on most applications.

When you apply, please type “For Zach” in the notes/comments section so your application comes straight to Zach.

Not ready to apply yet? Have Zach call you instead.

85+ years serving Wisconsin families
CARFAX Top-Rated dealer
Same-day decisions on most applications
Open Chapter 7 cases welcome

Yes, you can get a car loan during or after bankruptcy.

Most dealerships won’t try until your case is discharged. We will.

Bernard’s has been doing business the right way for over 85 years, which means we don’t believe one rough chapter, even one filed in bankruptcy court, defines what your future looks like. Zach Olson runs our bankruptcy financing. He has spent 15 years at Bernard’s with experience in every department of the dealership, so he knows how a deal actually comes together: the lenders who say yes, the trustee paperwork, and how to get you approved without a half-day of sitting in our office wondering what’s going on.

If you’re looking for trusted bankruptcy car dealerships in Western Wisconsin or the greater Twin Cities area, we’ve got you covered, whether you live in New Richmond, Hudson, Amery, or anywhere in St. Croix County.

How Our Process Works

Three steps. No surprises. No wasted trips.

1

Apply Online, or Call or Text

Fill out our standard finance application, or call or text Zach directly to talk through your situation first. Either way, we’ll need to know where you are in your bankruptcy and what kind of vehicle you’re looking for.

2

Get Real Numbers, Same Day

Zach typically gets back to you the same day with what’s actually possible: a payment range, any down payment required, and vehicles that fit. By phone, text, or email, whatever’s easiest for you. No vague “come on in and we’ll see.” You’ll have real numbers before you walk in.

3

Pick a Vehicle, Drive Home

Once you’re pre-approved, the rest moves fast. Pick from our new and used car inventory, finalize paperwork in one visit, and drive home in your new vehicle the same day.

Why Choose Bernard’s for Your Bankruptcy Car Loan

Open Chapter 7 Cases Welcome

You don’t have to wait for discharge to start. We work with lenders who finance during open cases, and we handle the trustee permission process when it’s needed.

Trade-Ins in Any Condition

We’ll take your current vehicle as a trade, even if it doesn’t run well. Any equity goes straight toward your down payment and may help your approval.

Multiple-Lender Network

One application, multiple lenders. We know which ones approve which kinds of cases, so you don’t waste time getting “no” from a lender who was never going to say yes.

Rebuild Your Credit Faster

A fresh-start auto loan with on-time payments is one of the fastest ways to rebuild your credit score after bankruptcy. Many of our customers refinance to a better rate within 18 to 24 months.

One-Stop Shop

We stock new and pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, plus quality used vehicles from other brands. Service, auto parts, and body work are handled in-house when you need them.

85 Years of Doing It Right

Bernard’s has been serving families in St. Croix County since the 1930s. We’re not going anywhere, and we’re not going to risk that reputation by treating you the way some other dealerships might.

Ready to Start Your Application?

The finance application is the same one we use for any auto loan. It only takes a few minutes.


Apply for Financing  →

Important: in the application’s notes/comments section, please type “For Zach” so your application routes directly to Zach Olson in Sales and Finance.

Common Questions

Can I get a car loan during an open Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
Yes. Most dealerships won’t even try until your case is discharged. Bernard’s works with lenders who finance buyers with an open Chapter 7. Zach Olson handles the lender communication and the trustee paperwork so the deal actually closes.
Do I have to wait until my bankruptcy is discharged?
No. You can start the approval process while your case is still open. Wisconsin bankruptcy trustees regularly approve vehicle financing for filers who need reliable transportation.
Can I buy a car while I’m in a Chapter 13 repayment plan?
Yes, we do Chapter 13 deals. The path depends on your state. In Wisconsin, Chapter 13 filers need approval before we can close, and we handle that paperwork with you. Minnesota residents in a Chapter 13 typically do not need trustee approval and can usually move forward directly. Either way, reach out first and Zach will tell you exactly what the path looks like for your case.
What credit score do I need?
There is no minimum score requirement. Our lenders look at the full picture: income, employment, the bankruptcy circumstances, not just a number. Most filers see scores in the 500 to 600 range and still get approved here.
Will my interest rate be high?
Bankruptcy financing rates run higher than prime credit, but they are not predatory. Make on-time payments for 12 to 18 months and you can typically refinance at a much better rate. We’ll show you the numbers up front.
How much down payment do I need?
In many cases, $0. Customers who are flexible about the vehicle they choose can often drive home without putting any money down. Our tools let us check several vehicles at the same time, so we can come back with real options: some may be zero down, while others may need a small down payment. Finding a car that fits both your needs and your budget is usually easier than people expect.
How long does the approval process take?
Same-day decisions are the norm. Customers who arrive prepared with pay stubs, ID, proof of residence, and bankruptcy filing paperwork in hand often drive home the same day in their new vehicle. If a document needs to be tracked down or a lender wants additional info, it may extend a day, but the process is built to move fast.
Will applying affect my credit score?
We pull your credit as part of the approval. That is standard for any auto loan. Two things to know: auto-loan inquiries from multiple dealers within a 14-day shopping window count as a single inquiry on your credit score, and for someone post-bankruptcy, the small temporary impact is usually outweighed by getting financed and starting to rebuild credit history.
What if I’m in Minnesota? Can I still buy from Bernard’s?
Absolutely. We work with buyers from across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin regularly. Cross-border purchases are routine. We handle the title and tax paperwork for whichever state you live in.
What documents do I need to bring?
Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), proof of residence (utility bill or lease), your driver’s license, and your bankruptcy paperwork (filing date, case number, and discharge papers if you have them).
Can I include extras like an extended warranty in the loan?
Yes, and on a fresh-start auto loan we usually recommend it. An extended warranty protects you from a major repair bill that could put you back in financial stress.

Not Ready to Apply? Talk to Zach First

This is not the finance application. It’s a short contact form so Zach can call you and walk through your options before you fill anything out.
No credit pull. No obligation.









By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Bernard’s about your inquiry. We do not sell your information. This form does not run a credit check.