Depending on your specific situation, debt consolidation, use of introductory APRs on balance transfers or other options may be the best choice. However, if you still need credit or want to start repairing your credit by proof of action, there are several credit cards designed to help "rebuild" poor credit histories.

Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards require collateral for approval. With secured credit cards, a security deposit of a predetermined amount is needed in order to secure the credit card. Generally, the security deposit needs to be of equal or greater value to the credit amount. Collateral can come in the form of a car, a boat, jewelry, stocks or anything else of monetary value. Secured credit cards are for people with either no credit or poor credit who are trying to build or rebuild their credit history.

Often, cards that help to rebuild credit come with low credit lines ($250 or so) and additional fees may apply (application fees, etc.). Be sure to read over any terms and conditions for these add-on services before applying. Be certain of any fees you may incur before proceeding with the application process. If you use the card responsibly and pay all of your bills on time, however, you can ask for a credit increase down the road. The extra fees and low credit lines will be worth it if a secured credit card helps you get your overall credit back on track.

Prepaid Credit Cards
Prepaid cards are, in fact, not credit cards at all BUT rather are used just like credit cards, wherever credit cards are accepted. The advantages of prepaid cards is that there are no finance charges and they help you avoid debt, in that all purchases are paid for beforehand. With prepaid cards you determine the credit line. Generally speaking, a cardholder's credit line depends on how much money he/she transfers to the card. Therefore, there is little risk of running up credit card debt, while budgeting is made easier.

Although most prepaid cards do not charge finance fees, other fees may apply, including: monthly fees, startup or application fees, overlimit fees, ATM fees and more. Be sure to thoroughly look over the terms and conditions for each specific card before applying.