how to apply for a credit card when you don't have perfect credit.

You can apply for a credit card but the type of the card will depend on your particular situation. If your credit is less than perfect because you're just building your payment history and there are insufficient payment records in your name yet, you can consider getting one of the "limited" credit cards offered by Capital One Bank.

Capital One Standard Platinum is a great no annual fee, low rate deal for people building up their credit history. Capital One Platinum - Visa does charge a mild annual fee but allows you to save with a lowest APR on purchases. These cards would be perfect for young adults with a job who are short of credit history but who have a valid credit score at one of the bureaus. You are required to have no bad payments with any current or previous financial companies. If you are a college student, these cards will also suit.

In case you have damaged credit, meaning that you've made late payments and exceeded the credit limit, you need to apply for a bad credit card. The best deal is offered by Centennial Gold MasterCard®/Visa from First PREMIER Bank, a low rate plastic designed for credit repair purposes. After a certain period of responsible payments, you'll upgrade your credit and will be able to qualify for good credit cards with beneficial terms and rates.

Find which of the cards you qualify for and apply online.