When your credit score is in the rocky zone, trying to get a credit card is like trying to attend a party with a pencil invitation. Even if you’ve made a few mistakes in the past, you’d be shocked at how many ways there are to push the velvet rope aside, even though it might seem tighter. Visit us if you’re looking for bad credit car dealerships.

The majority of credit cards are “secured.” “You pay them, not the other way around” is what that means. A deposit, say $250, protects you in case you forget and build up the bill. Your deposit is typically equivalent to your credit line. It’s similar to bumper bowling. However, if you utilize it wisely, you begin to accumulate good credit bureau ratings. Paying on time earns you a perfect score on your report card.

Due to poor credit, some businesses now reject “unsecured” bids. Don’t celebrate just yet, even though there is no deposit required for these. They have a lot of baggage, including high interest rates, potentially strange monthly fees, and fees for simply having a card. Sometimes, when the early costs hit you, you’re left with a plastic rectangle and hardly enough money to buy coffee.

It’s tempting to submit applications everywhere in the hopes that they would be accepted. But wait—submitting too many applications in a short period of time actually frightens lenders. “Why does this person need so much credit so fast?” they begin to inquire. You don’t want a curious look to turn into suspicion.

Before you sign, read the fine print. What is the yearly cost? There are even set-up fees for certain cards. After you swipe, is there an exorbitant APR waiting? Is there a “maintenance” fee simply for keeping the card? In order to surprise you later, the specifics are concealed in those few paragraphs.

Here, even little wins count. Select a card. Make a little purchase, such as gas or groceries. In the same month, pay it off. The balance should never be allowed to inflate. Since negative credit credit limits are initially low, maxing out will actually lower your score. Give that card room and allow it to breathe.

Missed a payment? Keep your head up. Make it right. Make your payment and continue. Improvements in credit are more gradual than abrupt. Consider a slow cooker rather than a microwave.

The benefits become apparent after a few months. One payment at a time, your score starts to rise. You will eventually receive offers with more favorable conditions. At that time, you may be able to cancel the starter card, receive your money refunded, and upgrade to something a little fancier.

Rebuilding credit is about showing up, paying your payments, and repeating—it’s not about flair. The “bad credit” stage is not the end goal; rather, it is merely a stop on the journey.