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Step 1
Check your credit report. Sometimes bad credit is worse because of old, outdated information, missing or incorrect information on your credit report or even identity theft. Find out if you may have this problem by getting a free copy of your credit history to check for errors lowering the credit score.
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Step 2
Find unsecured credit card offers online, specifically for individuals with less than perfect credit. Many applications state eligibility for the credit as being for "Bad Credit," "Needs Improvement" or "Poor Credit." Compare those lines of credit as well as those rated as "Good" if your credit score is boarding.
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Step 3
Make any loan or credit card payments on time. Car loans, home mortgages, personal loans, student loans and credit cards should be paid on time before applying for new credit. Lenders look more favorably on people that have bad credit if they are current and make payments on time.
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Step 4
Compare unsecured credit cards for interest rates. You can find offers online for credit even if you have bad credit. Compare the interest rates on these cards to find out which is the lowest.
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Step 5
Do read the terms and fine print. Many of these credit cards have higher interest rates because of your increased risk, but you should also know about the membership fees, annual fees or processing fees that may also apply.
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Step 6
Use a secured credit card to help you build up your credit. Secured credit cards require a deposit to be made to establish your credit limit. Choose those credit lines reporting to the credit bureaus and low fees. Then use it wisely by making timely payments every month.
