Update: This offer may have changed since this article was published. Check out the most up-to-date information on this card here: Citi ThankYou® Preferred Rewards Card.

The answer may surprise you but, YES - if you have bad credit, unsecured cards for bad credit can cost you in the short term but save you some serious cash over the long haul when used correctly.

This isn't the first time we've brought up the pros of bad credit credit cards, but with so few defenders in their corner we decided it was worth an updated look at two of the most popular unsecured options for poor credit available on the market today.

Citi credit cards are some of our favorites because they make a card for just about every kind of consumer, and they're always in the good-to-excellent range. Whether you're a frequent business flyer or a college student in search of your first or second card, there's likely a Citi card that matches your profile.

Check out our picks for the best Citi cards of 2013 below based on category...

If you drive a car, odds are you've noticed a huge spike in gas prices over the last few months and, consequently, a lot less money in your wallet. And while you might be breaking out that bike a little more often or driving your car as little as possible, it's all but impossible to avoid the gas pump completely. That's where credit cards that award you for gas purchases become especially useful.

Update: This offer is no longer available. Check out the Chase Credit Cards page to view Chase cards that are currently available.

The Chase Freedom® Card announced that cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases at Lowe's beginning April 1st and ending on June 30th, 2013. This is great news for DIY-homeowners looking to get a jump on spring cleaning and improvements as the weather (finally) begins to warm up in April.