If your credit isn’t stellar but you’re still in the market for a credit card, it may seem like you have zero options. Even though you can’t get a credit card with ideal rates, the best credit card for bad credit is one specifically designed for those with a low FICO® score.

Two types of credit cards are intended for people with bad credit: “Rebuilding” (unsecured/secured), and Prepaid. (Note: secured credit cards and prepaid credit cards require you to supply some amount of money to establish your credit line.)

If you have bad credit, you need to start rebuilding it as soon as possible. Rebuilding cards are often the best credit card for bad credit.

How can these cards help you improve your credit? By reporting to the 3 major credit bureaus each month. Thus, when you manage your card wisely (i.e., use it modestly and pay off the balance by the due date each month), this will be positively reflected in your credit profile. Likewise, if you don’t manage your card wisely (i.e., carry a high-percentage balance and make late payments), this will be negatively reflected in your credit profile.

Once you’ve used a rebuilding credit card responsibly for 12 months, your credit will likely increase enough to start getting better credit offers. You generally don’t want to keep a rebuilding credit card for too long, as they often include higher interest rates and fees.