If you think you'll never again enjoy the convenience of plastic because of bad credit, get a secured credit card. Almost 2 million such cards are now in use; they look and work like a regular Visa or MasterCard but require a security deposit, which sets the card's limit. However, some issuers offer much higher limits. 

You can use the secured card as you would any credit card as long as your monthly payment is on time. If you default, the bank can use your deposit to cover the debt. By making payments on time, you demonstrate ability to manage debt, which helps to reestablish creditworthiness.

For more information, log on to www.consumer-action.org or call (800) VISA-511 for a free copy of Knowledge Pays: A Guide to Payment Products and Responsible Money Management. 

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