credit score when I'm ready? What are some good companies to get a secured credit card from? I am currently paying off hospital bills and never had a credit score in my life. I'm 36yo and would like to know what it's like to have credit for once. I know credit cards are bad. I'm mature enough to handle knowing I only want one to help me raise my credit score in case I want a house or need a small loan in the future for a car, etc. Thanks for any help.
I'm not happy with the first 3 answers because I knew all that stuff already. I already got the hospital to reduce my bills. I have a used car and I drive myself to work and back, but in case it breaks down I would like to be able to get a loan with no problem to get another used car for a couple of grand should the unfortunate occasion arise. I already have my credit reports and I already know my credit score is non-existent. That is why I'm asking about Secured Credit Cards.

Now to actually answer your question.

Yes secured cards do build credit. Any trade line paid as agreed does this.

Try Orchard bank, First Premier and H.S.B.C. they all offer these cards and all report to the credit bureaus.

Use them for everyday things make sure you never exceed 30% of your credit limit in any given month and pay in full before the due date.

After doing this for 8-10 months you should start to get offeres for better cards. Do the same thing with them.

I did this with two cardes for 24-months and raised my score over 150-points.