Secured credit cards are specifically designed for individuals with poor or limited credit history. Unlike traditional cards, they require a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. By using the card responsibly—keeping balances low and making on-time payments—you can build a positive credit history that’s reported to the major credit bureaus. Over time, this can help improve your credit score and even qualify you for unsecured cards. Many financial experts recommend starting with a secured card as the safest and most effective first step toward credit recovery or establishment.