INDIANAPOLIS -- Credit cards can be convenient, but most everyone knows they can also lead to serious debt.

But one card can restore a person's credit and, in the long run, save a consumer thousands of dollars, 6News' Todd Wallace reported.

A secured credit card is often a good alternative for those who have poor credit scores or are just trying to build credit.

"They provide an opportunity for consumers to reestablish credit or to establish new credit," said Kathy Perron, of Momentive Consumer Credit Counseling. "They report to the three main credit bureaus."

Instead of borrowing money from a creditor, consumers establish a line of credit by depositing their money into an account. The money can then be withdrawn, similar to a debit card.

Consumers can get a secured credit card by filling out an application at banks that offer them.

The cards can also be obtained by going to bankrate.com. The site has a long list of cards that are available.

"This will give you some hope. If you have bad credit, it will take a little bit of time to restore it," Perron said. "But having good credit is well worth the wait."

A better credit score leads to a lower rate, and lower rates mean lower payments. Lower payments, of course, lead to more money in a consumer's pocket.