Legitimate credit card issuers don't ask for a fee upfront. If there is an application or a processing fee, it should be very small, not hundreds of dollars like criminals ask for. Annual fees usually appear on your first credit card statement.
You should be very cautious about emails that offer to get you a credit card. Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent and are part of a credit card scam.
If your credit history is bad, your best bet really is to get a secured credit card. A secured credit card requires you to place a deposit in an account at the issuing bank equal to your credit limit. This is not a credit card scam. The secured credit card is a good deal for banks that issue them because if you don't pay your bill, the bank will use your deposit to cover the accrued charges. Secured credit cards are a good way to rebuild credit.
"Gold" or "silver" cards are not always what you think they are. Some credit card scam offers promise "gold" or "silver" cards from a major card issuer. If you take the bait for this credit card scam, you may receive, if you get anything at all, a gold or silver-colored charge card that can only be used to buy overpriced goods from the company's own catalogue.
You should avoid a credit card scam by applying for credit cards directly from the issuers. It really isn't necessary to pay another company to help you get a credit card and it does not really improve your chances of obtaining one.
A Credit card scam is usually directed at people with credit problems. If you have credit problems, get counseling. Do not fall for fraudulent credit card companies that claim that they can repair your bad credit for a large upfront fee. You can correct inaccurate information in your credit files yourself for free and no one can erase negative information that is accurate.
Knowledge can protect you against a credit card scam. It is important to get some knowledge about credit before you participate unwittingly in a credit card scam.
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