When you have bad credit or no credit, it can be very difficult to get a credit card. However, opening a credit card and using it wisely is key to improving your credit again. This can be a frustrating dilemma. However, if you know how to get a new credit card, you can start moving toward better credit. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best credit card for poor credit.

1. Consider a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is one where you give a certain amount of money to the credit card company, corresponding to the credit line that you wish to have. Many credit card companies start as low as a $200 credit line or even lower. Secured credit cards are often much easier to get than unsecured credit cards, as the company has the money they need to recover their losses if you can’t pay back your credit card purchase. However, it requires you to have the money available up-front.

2. Choose a Credit Card Specifically for Rebuilding Credit

There are some credit cards out there that are meant to help people build back to good credit. If your problem is that you have bad credit, not that you have no credit, you might want to choose one of these cards. They typically have a lower credit check requirement, and they may include multiple tools that can help you avoid overdrafting your account or spending too much money in general.

3. Become an Authorized User on Someone Else’s Card

Many companies allow you to add an authorized user to your account, giving them a card with their name on it and the same access to the account that you have. Most companies then report authorized user information to credit bureaus. If you have someone close to you who’s very good with their credit, you may want to ask them if you can be added as an authorized user.

4. Look for Pre-Approved Offers

Pre-approved credit card offers are a great way to avoid going through the approval process and potentially applying for multiple credit cards without getting accepted, which may negatively impact your credit score all by itself. Many companies offer pre-approved offers for their credit cards, so if you get them in the mail or you find them on the credit card website, you might want to opt for one of them to start bolstering your credit score.

Conclusion

Just because you have bad credit, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stay with the bad credit for years. You can rebuild your bad credit – you just need to know how to do it. These four options are all great ways to maximize your credit score in the easiest way possible. From signing up for a secured credit card to adding your name to someone else’s credit card account, these are all ways you can work to improve your credit score when you have bad or no credit.