Bad credit scores will definitely reduce your options, but they don’t make it impossible to get enough credit to begin raising your scores.

Secured credit cards have long been a quick and easy way to begin establishing good credit. They still are, but fewer banks are offering them, so you’ll have to search a little harder to find them.

A secured card is simply credit against a deposit you’ve made and which is held by your credit issuer as security in the event you don’t pay. Because the best way to handle a secured card is to charge very little and pay it off monthly, lenders make most of their money from the set up fees – and they want more than that. That’s why fewer banks are offering this option.

Credit unions are another good source of credit when you’re trying to rebuild. Their guidelines are less rigid and they’re more apt to see you as a whole person rather than a number. Be sure to ask for a very small amount and then pay it back promptly.

“Minor” credit cards are another option – these are cards from department stores and gas companies. Before you ask for one of these, make sure it reports to the credit bureaus – otherwise they won’t help your credit-building efforts.

Remember that these cards carry high interest and low limits. So use them sparingly. Always try to stay below 30% of your credit limit, and of course – pay them off promptly.

Getting a co-signor is an option you should approach with care. There’s no doubt that riding the coat-tails of another person’s good credit is a fast and easy way to not only build credit, but access needed funds.

But unless you feel secure in the knowledge that you will pay as agreed – on time, every time, without fail – don’t do it! Some things in life cannot be purchased with money – but they can be lost through betrayal with money.

Because both of your names will be on the account, any mis-steps you make will be reported to your friend or loved one’s credit file as well – even though they had nothing to do with it.

And there are few surer ways to alienate a friend or a loved one than to destroy his or her credit.