Retail credit cards and bankruptcy.
October 24th, 2005 by Questions
If I purchase a gift for my friend with a retail card like Futureshop card which gives the creditor a security interest in the item can they repossess the gift from my friend if I declare bankruptcy?
One Response to “Retail credit cards and bankruptcy.”
Please post a follow up comment below:
(Note: comments are reviewed by moderators and then posted after approval. In addition, due to high volume some of the comments might not be posted.)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
October 25, 2005 at 9:48 am, Barton Goth, GCO Inc. Bankruptcy Trustees said:
If I purchase a gift for my friend with a retail card like Futureshop card which gives the creditor a security interest in the item can they repossess the gift from my friend if I declare bankruptcy?
This depends on a number the value of the gift and when the purchases were made. Typically purchases on store credit cards don’t provide a security interest on the items purchased, but this doesn’t mean that purchase won’t cause any difficulties. One of two situations may arise.
1. When you file bankruptcy you are required by law to provide details of any gifts of greater than $500.00 in value in the previous 5 years, if these gifts appear to have prejudiced the creditors rights, the Trustee is required to have funds come in to the bankruptcy estate in lieu of these gifts, the premise is then these monies will be distributed to the creditors on an equal basis.
2. Alternatively, in a bankruptcy all creditors automatically file with the trustee a list of all transactions in the previous three months. However, if the creditor believes you have abused the credit cards, they can review transactions for at least a year in the past, and longer if warranted. As a result of this review a creditor may oppose a discharge and the court would then determine if any additional funds were to be paid to the bankruptcy estate in lieu of this abuse.
If you believe this is an issue, you should discuss this with your bankruptcy trustee to fully explore your options.