If you have bad credit and have been looking for ways to get a credit card, you’ve probably faced rejection time and time again. These days, credit card companies are exceptionally picky about extending lines of credit to new customers. Most likely, you’ve been advised to get a secured credit card to help build up your credit score and set you on the path to a better rating. Let’s face it, though: secured credit cards are essentially debit cards and don’t usually give you access to the extra funds that you probably need. There are ways to get a bad credit unsecured credit card, though; you just need to know how to go about it.

Head Over To Your Bank

The number one way to get approved for an unsecured credit card when you have bad credit is by applying for one with your very own bank. It especially helps if you’ve been a customer of theirs for a long time, and if you have both checking and savings accounts with them. Naturally, they will still have to run a credit check on you and may start you off at a very low initial limit – but over time, that limit will start to rise as you demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

Why Your Bank Can Help

Unlike companies that strictly issue credit cards, your bank has a history with you. They have complete and total access to your financial records. If you get your paycheck automatically deposited into your account, they even have demonstrable proof of your income and your ability to pay a monthly credit card balance. The majority of people looking for bad credit unsecured credit cards have the most success by simply inquiring at their own bank. If you have a bank account, go there in person and apply for a card.

Unsecured Cards – Other Options

If you don’t have a bank account – or if your banking history is not very good – you will most likely have to put up with a secured credit card before getting an unsecured one. It’s definitely a hassle, but by paying off your secured credit card balance every month your credit rating will start to improve. When it hits a certain level, you’ll start receiving offers for unsecured credit cards. This strategy involves a bit more time than the bank route, but it will work if you are persistent and willing to stick to the rules.