Up here in Canada we have what are called secured credit cards, that are different from prepaid credit cards. You have to put up a security deposit that the bank holds in a trust account, and the amount you put up is the limit on your card. So say you give the bank $1,000, then the limit on the card is $1,000. In all other aspects it's a totally normal credit card, that you charge stuff to, and have to pay every month. They're a good way for people with no or poor credit to get a credit card. And if you pay it off every month, then it help builds your credit score.

When I went for my mandatory credit counselling after my bankruptcy last year, I was told to apply for a secured credit card, as soon as I got a job, so that I could start rebuilding my credit rating.

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