It may sound like the stupidest financial move ever: getting credit cards after bankruptcy. But done right, it may be one of the smartest moves you can make for your credit. The main purpose for getting new credit cards after bankruptcy is to help boost your credit scores, which most likely took a hit when you filed.

Let’s face it, there are certain situations in which you need a credit card. For example, at many places it is impossible to rent a car without a credit card. Booking a hotel, renting a car or buying an airline ticket online is virtually impossible without a credit card.

So, what is a FICO Score? It’s a number that is formulated based on your credit history helping lenders evaluate your credit risk. Your FICO Score is used to determine credit offers and interest rates — and now it’s free for you to view.

The Wells Fargo Secured Card has a few restrictions on eligibility. If you have declared bankruptcy within the past 12 months or have any unsettled liens, you won’t qualify. Interestingly, you only need to be 18 to qualify unless you live in Alabama (where you have to be 19) or in Mississippi or Puerto Rico (where you have to be 21).

Debt settlement, also known as debt arbitration, debt negotiation or credit settlement, is an approach to debt reduction in which the debtor and creditor agree on a reduced balance that will be regarded as payment in full.