If your credit is poor

If you have a low credit score, your only option might be a secured card, which requires a security deposit. But some cards are far better than others, and you need to be on alert for onerous fees.

The Orchard Bank secured MasterCard, which has a 7.9 percent variable APR for purchases and balance transfers, is a decent option for people who want to repair or build their credit history. And its $35 annual fee doesn't kick in until the second year. Citi Secured MasterCard is another good option, even with its variable 18.24 percent APR on purchases. It charges a $29 annual fee, and after 18 months you might become eligible for an unsecured Citi Platinum Select card. Both cards require you to put up a minimum security deposit of $200, which earns interest.

Watch out

The First Premier Bank Gold Card has a 49.9 percent APR for purchases and cash advances and a $75 annual fee for the first year, which drops to $45 the next year. But at that time a monthly service fee of $6.50 kicks in, for a total of $123 in setup and maintenance fees from year two onward—all for a card that has an initial credit limit of $300.