Depending in what manner you use your credit card, this can be a good and beneficial means of borrowing as it can also bring damaging results.  When you are diligent in settling your outstanding balance in the time allotted to paying it, so it becomes a proficient means. But then, when you not settle your dues punctually, you will be subjected to higher charges in interests.

Acquire a credit card even if you have a record of bad credit :
  
1.      Apply and request for credit cards in small stores. Occasionally these establishments are more eager to provide you a better chance. When your request is granted, make sure that you get small purchases only and pay no less than the minimum sum monthly and punctually.
 
2.      Visit your local bank, credit union or savings establishment since if you already are their regular client, your chances of getting a credit card from them is high.
 
3.      If everything fails, request for an unsecured credit card. Here, you are obligated to start and keep up a savings account; this serves as guarantee for your credit line, wherein it is determined by a certain percentage of how much your deposit is.
 
4.      You can request your friend or a certain family member that he/she will co-sign you for your credit card. Take note your friend’s credit also counts; select somebody having a very good credit. Be sure though, to be responsible since at such time that you won’t be able to repay your loan, they will have to pay it for themselves, and otherwise it will show on their rating and you can damage it.

5.     In such time that you are still in the process of your credit card application, try to pay or settle all your dues punctually.

6.    When you do obtain a credit card, many other credit card offers will come your way.  Remember though, that you must only have at a maximum of three.

7.    Never acquire a credit card coming from only one source.  Master Card, Visa, American express and Discover are accepted generally.

8.    Never acquire a credit card which requires you to pay a fee annually. 

9.    When you are refused a credit, keep in mind that the law requires the establishment to explain to you the reason why.  Ask for a duplicate of your credit report and examine it.

Clever use of credit card:

1.    Do settle your dues timely. This is a very vital plan that you can accomplish so that you can maintain and improve your own credit rating.

2.    Whenever possible, settle your balance every month in full. When you can not do this, manage to put a large amount once you are able and is already well off to pay for it. This can be a wise l move financially; you can save a lot on interest.

3.    When you feel that you can not settle your credit balance in full, cut down on your credit card expenditure for a while until such time that you can afford it.  Budget your spending; do not spend more than what you can afford.

4.    Examine carefully your monthly statement.  Make sure that all the charges are correct. 

The most important thing to keep in mind, it that you should handle your finances wisely.  If you can not control your spending as to make a practical and workable financial planning and can not comply to it, figure out a settlement scheme among your creditors, or monitor the mounting of bills, take into consideration of getting in touch with an organization for credit counseling. Several credit therapy group offer services without payment and can work and spend time with you so that you can deal with your financial difficulties and problem successfully.