The two basic types of cards are secured ones and unsecured ones. There is a big difference between secured credit cards and regular credit cards. Regular credit cards are known as unsecured credit cards because they are not backed by any type of investment or collateral whatsoever. The bank is basically trusting you enough to let you have access to credit even though it is not backed up by anything. It is free credit that is given o you on the basis of your credit score. If you have a high credit score, you can get access to a whole lot of credit. If your credit score is a lot lower, you will not get access to as much money. For people that fail to qualify for this type of credit, they should take a look at a secured card. You have to pit down a deposit but you get access to credit which is sorely needed in certain circumstances.