If you’ve got bad credit because of a bankruptcy, foreclosure or just poor debt management, it can be hard to get the credit you need to boost your credit score. That’s where bad credit credit cards come in.

Bad credit credit cards are specifically marketed for people with bad credit.

These cards have are secured by a bank account or some other form of collateral. You either send the card company an initial deposit or you link the card to an existing checking or savings account. Because of this collateral, there is very little risk to the credit card provider. Interest rates are often lower too.

As long as you get a card that reports to credit bureaus, you will be able to boost your credit score by using the card responsibly.

You can start rebuilding your credit using bad credit credit cards.

Use your bad credit credit card for things you would normally buy, such as gas, groceries and prescription medicines. Always pay your bills on time. By making timely payments and keeping your balances low, you can start rebuilding your credit.

These cards can also help you build account history if all of your previous cards were charged off and closed as part of a bankruptcy or debt settlement.

It works just like regular credit cards.

Bad credit credit cards work just like other cards when it comes to interest rates and fees. If you carry a balance on the card, you will pay finance charges and if you pay late you will incur late fees. Many of these cards also carry an annual fee.

Prepaid credit cards are also an option. This is a credit card that you essentially “buy,” like a gift card. If you choose to use any of these cards, make sure it has a credit builder option and that they report your usage to the credit bureaus.