If you file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your secured debt may be discharged, but the lender is also able to repossess the property that secured the debt. In other words, if you have a mortgage on your home and file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the mortgage debt may be discharged but the lender can take back your home.
Why is a Mortgage Secured Debt? A mortgage is what's called a secured debt because it is backed up by collateral. In this case, the collateral is your home.
Credit card debt is by far the most common type of unsecured debt. If you fail to make credit card payments, the card issuer cannot repossess the items you purchased.
Secured loans require collateral, like a car or home, while unsecured loans do not. Lenders may offer lower interest rates and larger borrowing limits on secured loans. Common examples of secured loans are auto loans, mortgages and business financing.