text: It will take you 7 years to get bad credit history erased from your credit history files, You can get a secured credit card from banks offering them.\nFor info on a secured credit card http://www.creditcards.com/bad-credit.php?a_aid=1004&a_cid=1045&a_did=1020\n\nYou can also open a checkinng account and get a Visa or Mastercard Check card that works like a credit card and the charges are automaticaly withdrawn from your checking \naccount.\n\nYou can also purchase a preloaded Credit cards at wallgreens and other places including US Bank\nhttp://www.walgreens.com/store/promotion/greendot/default.jsp?ban=rib_greendot_search