I think credit cards are different. I was approved for a Orchard Bank card in 2009 and my Ch 13 bankruptcy wasn't discharged until Jan 2011. I was also able to get a auto loan in 2008 with Trustee approval. My Ch 13 was filed in 2005 and was deleted from my credit reports Oct 2012.
I think getting added as an AU on those cards will greatly improve your score.
Cards: Orchard Bank ($1100) | Cap1 Cash Rewards ($2500) | Chase Freedom ($1000) | Best Buy ($2500) | Discover It ($1000) | Barclay Rewards ($2500) | Current scores: EX FAKO: 684, CK TU: 649, FICO EQ: 680, FICO TU: 698, FICO EX: 658 Happy Homeowner Since 2/6/13!
Last App: 4/5/13 Gardening until July 2014