Apply for department store credit cards, as they sometimes have less stringent requirements. Once you have received the card, charge a few items and pay them off over a couple months. This will begin to build a positive credit history, making it easier to receive more credit in the future.
Approach your credit union or bank and apply for a credit card. If you have an established relationship with them, you have a better chance of receiving a credit card. Once again, if you receive a card, charge a few items and pay them off quickly. Keep your charges at no higher than 25 to 35 percent of your available limit to boost your credit score.
There are companies that will provide you a credit card with a low limit. There may be an annual fee attached, so search for the lowest fees possible. As your credit improves, you can request to have the fees waived, or you can close the account after you open another with no fees. Search at sites like Credit.com and Bankrate.com for comprehensive lists of credit card offers.
Ask someone to co-sign a credit card application with you. Choose someone with a good credit history, but don't tarnish theirs by charging things you cannot afford to pay for. If you do have someone co-sign a credit card with you, you should pay off the balance each month, or let a balance carry for no more than 2 months. As soon as you have established better credit for yourself and get a card without a co-signer, you should cancel the co-signed card.
If none of the above options work, choose to open a secured card. These cards require that you deposit a certain amount of money with them, often equal to the limit on the card you are given. You use the card as any other credit card, including paying the charges off consistently. When choosing a secured card, look for ones with no or low fees and make sure they report to the credit bureaus.