Why we recommend it...

Getting a credit card with poor credit can be next to impossible in this economic environment. Virtually all credit card companies have increased their credit score requirements to hedge against defaults in this poor economy. For people with poor credit, the only options are pre-paid or secured credit cards. The bad thing about pre-paid cards is that they don't help build your credit since they don't report to the credit bureaus.

When it comes to secured credit cards, the Public Savings Bank Secured Visa looks like a great option. It has a low one time of fee of $79 with no annual fee. It also boast a credit limit based on your deposit up to $25,000. This is a great way to rebuild your credit while gaining the benefits of a credit card.

Why we recommend it...

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard is consistently the highest rated secured credit card by Credit Karma users. The Orchard Bank secured credit card has no processing fee and the annual fee is waived the first year. It has been reported that Orchard Bank has good customer service. Members have also reported healthy credit limit increases and upgrades to unsecured cards with responsible payment history.

It is important to note that Orchard Bank does have a unique application process. When you apply, Orchard Bank will perform a soft credit inquiry (does not lower credit score) to determine the best product for you. If you have strong credit, they will provide an unsecured card. The secured MasterCard has an APR of 7.9%, an annual fee of $35 that is waived the first year, and no processing fee for people with poor or no credit. The minimum security deposit is $200.

Why we recommend it...

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard is consistently the highest rated secured credit card by Credit Karma users. The Orchard Bank secured credit card has no processing fee and the annual fee is waived the first year. It has been reported that Orchard Bank has good customer service. Members have also reported healthy credit limit increases and upgrades to unsecured cards with responsible payment history.

It is important to note that Orchard Bank does have a unique application process. When you apply, Orchard Bank will perform a soft credit inquiry (does not lower credit score) to determine the best product for you. If you have strong credit, they will provide an unsecured card. The secured MasterCard has an APR of 7.9%, an annual fee of $35 that is waived the first year, and no processing fee for people with poor or no credit. The minimum security deposit is $200

Why we recommend it...

Getting a credit card with fair credit is more difficult in this economy. Virtually all credit card companies have increased their credit score requirements to hedge against defaults in this poor economy. For people with fair credit, you may want to consider a secured credit card if you are looking to improve your credit.

When it comes to secured credit cards, the Public Savings Bank Secured Visa looks like a great option. It has a low one time of fee of $79 with no annual fee. It also boast a credit limit based on your deposit up to $25,000. This is a great way to rebuild your credit while gaining the benefits of a credit card.

Why we recommend it...

As the economic environment continues to narrow consumers’ credit card options, the Chase Freedom Card is bellwether for consumers with good credit. The Chase Freedom Credit Card has some of the best features in this market including a $50 cash back bonus, 1% cash back (up to 20% with certain merchants), and up to 12 months of 0% APR for purchases.

The Chase Freedom Card is the most popular credit card on Credit Karma with over 100,000 members carrying this card. The average credit limit for this card for consumers with good credit is $4,680.

Why we recommend it...

If you carry a balance on your credit card, a low interest rate is key to saving money over the long term. Don't get fooled into getting a rewards card with a high APR. You'll pay for those rewards several times over in higher interest payments. The Citi® Platinum Select® Card has a variable interest rate as low as P+8.74%(V). The interest rate is determined based on your credit, so make sure your credit is at least 720 if you want to take advantage of this rate.

Why we recommend it...

The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card is often considered the best rewards credit in the market due to its flexible point system. Each dollar spent on the Starwood Preferred Guest card earns 1 Starwood point. Starwood points can be converted to frequent flier miles with over 30 major airlines. Transfer 20,000 Starwood points and get a 5,000 bonus Starwood points, meaning you can accrue miles at a rate of 1.25 miles per dollar spent.

In addition to a low annual fee, this card allows you to accumulate miles faster without being locked into any one particular airline making it in our opinion one of the best rewards card in the market today.

Why we recommend it...

The Chase Slate Card is a new offering targeting consumers with good credit. The most unique feature of the Chase Slate is the ability for consumers to better manage their finances with Blueprint. The new feature allows cardholders to determine how they want their payments applied. Cardholders can avoid paying interests certain items by paying them off in-full while carrying a balance on items. In addition, Blueprint allows you to set goals and track your spending times over time. Combined with a low interest rate and no annual fee this card is great for people looking to better manage their debt.