A bad credit history has a way of keeping you from getting an unsecured low-interest credit card. Unsecured credit cards, it would seem, are simply reserved for those with good credit ratings, not those who have experienced the need for debt relief. Credit Cards provide a sense of security when traveling and a substitution for cash that you don't always have immediately on hand. A form of debt management if you will, only this time it comes with low interest rate cards which often also offer fun and special rewards.

So, if you have a good credit rating and you have all but eliminated credit card debt -- meaning you do not use credit cards for much of anything other than emergencies – but want or need a small credit line, just for emergencies – say like just a few hundred dollars, low rate alternatives can reduce interest rates and thus, save you money. You, are in a unique position to decide what exactly you want in a credit card and a lender, and you can shop based upon that wish list. Say for example that you want a card with no annual fees and no APR% rate. Your options may then include:

Chase Platinum Credit is one of the few cards that can meet these requirements with no annual fee and their 0% APR rate for an introductory six months. In addition they have travel rewards that allow for earning points (or cash) back that can be used for hotels, flights, cruises, and car rental agencies. In addition they have travel insurance that is automatically in place for their card holders.

Discover® Platinum also has an introductory rate of 0%APR and cash back bonus opportunities between 2 and 5%.

Bank of America® has a Visa®Platinum that offers a fixed APR of 8.9% for all balance transfers in addition to high credit lines and no annual fees.

Of course, it is your responsibility to review the terms and conditions of each lender very carefully and make sure you understand them before signing an agreement. Once your signature is on the contract, you are bound by the terms, it's always best to know the terms beforehand.

If you have had credit issues in the past or have a high-risk rating, there are still sources online that have large databases designed around helping individuals find a card lender.

Small business owners have always had difficulties in finding credit card providers, but things are changing in that there are lenders willing to consider working with small businesses:

Advanta has a Platinum Business Card that offers 0% APR on balance transfers as well as a low introductory rate for non-balance transfer accounts. There is no annual fee and the credit line can be up to $50,000. Advanta does have some cash back or travel rewards built into their card advantages, as well.

Of course, again, it is imperative that someone searching for a credit card lender carefully review the terms and conditions that each provider offers as different companies offer different products.