If yourcredit card for poor credit has taken a hit, it may be difficult to get the financial products and services you need. Bad credit can result from many reasons, including defaulting on a loan, missing payments or opening too many credit cards.

Thankfully, there are a variety of credit cards for poor credit that help you build credit and start the process of improving your score. These cards may be secured, unsecured or both and can be an ideal way to rebuild your credit.

Secured cards – Some of the best credit cards for poor credit are secured cards, which require you to put down a security deposit. The deposit reduces the risk for the issuer, making it easier to get approved.

Unsecured cards – Some unsecured credit cards for poor credit are designed with the credit-building process in mind, and offer straightforward approval procedures. However, they often charge high fees and interest rates, and can make it harder to pay off debt.

The Dos and Don’ts of Using a Credit Card for Poor Credit

These cards tend to lack perks and rewards like cash back, travel points or miles. As you rebuild your credit, these cards may allow you to graduate to a more traditional or premium card.

To get started, it’s a good idea to check your credit score and find out why you’re not getting the offers that you want. You should also make a budget to help you manage your spending and pay down any debt you have. Practicing responsible credit habits, such as making on-time payments and keeping your utilization ratio low, can also improve your score.