You have a problematic credit history? Don't worry. You can pull yourself out by these five easy ways.

1. Get a secured credit card. Secured credit cards report your credit payment history information to the credit bureaus just like a regular credit card. They are "secured" by your money, which you deposit in a FDIC or NCUA insured bank account for this sole purpose. You can get one for free if you look around.

2. Get a department store card. These cards are often easier to qualify for than a general-purpose bankcard. Be aware though, that they may carry a high interest rate. Be sure to pay your charges on time, and in full, each billing cycle to avoid paying interest. You will still accomplish your goal of building positive credit in your name, with the added bonus of staying out of debt.

3. Give yourself a loan. Open a passbook savings account in a bank or credit union. Then take out a low-interest loan using the passbook as security. The bank will report the loan payment experience to the credit bureaus and your credit will improve.

4. Get a copy of your credit report. If you are being turned down for credit you need to be sure the reason is valid. Many credit reports have errors. With over a billion items a month showing up at each bureau, it's no wonder some end up in the wrong credit report. Dispute any inaccuracies you find.

5. Get a credit report from all three bureaus. Each one may have different information and maybe errors in your file. You can't know which bureau's data will be used to evaluate your credit application, so check them all.