So I need to build back up some credit history. I tried applying for an unsecured credit card for folks with bad credit history and was denied

, well THAT is not a good sign.
But at some point here I need to build a history of paying debt on time and all that jazz. So I need to look into a good secured credit card that.
Things I am looking for:
Low fees and stuff...cause if I am going to give them my money I don't want to be dinged too badly to build my credit history.
Report to the credit reporting agencies. Otherwise...whats the point?
I can have no problems funding the secured credit card with $500-$1000 and plan on using it to buy groceries each month and paying it off monthly. No problems with that since I have been diligent keeping on a budget and using a cash only system for over a year now.
How should I go about researching credit cards, what else should I look for, and what does API mean?