As a foreigner living in the USA, obtaining a credit card can be a crucial step in building your financial future. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a long-term resident, having a U.S. credit card not only helps you build a credit history but also offers rewards, discounts, and convenient payment options.
However, getting approved for a credit card as a non-U.S. citizen can be challenging. Many credit cards require a credit history in the U.S., but there are options available for foreigners, including those with little or no U.S. credit history. In this article, we’ll discuss the best credit cards for foreigners in the USA in 2025, focusing on those that are accessible to non-citizens and newcomers.
Why Foreigners Need a Credit Card in the USA
Building a U.S. credit history is important for several reasons:
- Establishing Credit: A credit card allows you to establish a U.S. credit score, which is necessary for renting apartments, applying for loans, and even getting better insurance rates.
- Convenience: Credit cards are widely accepted and provide a safe, secure way to pay for goods and services in the USA.
- Rewards: Many credit cards offer cashback, travel rewards, and other perks that can help you save money and make the most of your spending.
- Emergency Situations: Having a credit card can help in emergencies, providing you with financial flexibility when needed.
Let’s explore some of the best credit cards for foreigners in the USA.
Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in the USA
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best all-around cards for new arrivals in the U.S. and foreigners looking to build a credit history. While it’s typically a great travel card, it also offers solid benefits for those new to the country who want to earn rewards on their spending. Foreigners can apply for the card with no U.S. credit history, though they may need to provide proof of income or other financial documentation.
New cardholders can earn a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. The card also offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Key Highlights:
- 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- 2x points on travel and dining
- Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards program for travel redemption
- $95 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
2. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card is a fantastic option for foreigners who are new to the U.S. and looking to build credit with a no-annual-fee card. Discover is known for offering a simpler credit-building process and may be more accessible to those without a U.S. credit history.
This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc.) each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also offers a cashback match for the first year, meaning all the cash back you earn during the first year will be doubled.
Key Highlights:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to the quarterly limit)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Cashback match for the first year
- No foreign transaction fees
3. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a great option for foreigners who are just starting to build their credit history in the U.S. With no annual fee and a relatively low interest rate, this card offers a straightforward approach to building credit.
Although this card does not come with rewards, it offers access to credit-building tools and the potential for a higher credit limit after making your first 5 monthly payments on time. This can help increase your purchasing power as you establish a good credit history.
Key Highlights:
- No annual fee
- Access to credit-building tools and higher credit limit potential
- Automatic credit line reviews after the first 5 months
- No foreign transaction fees
4. American Express® Green Card
The American Express® Green Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards while building credit. This card is particularly useful for people who frequently spend on travel and dining, as it offers 3x points on travel, including airfare, hotels, transit, and taxis, and 3x points on restaurants and eligible takeout purchases.
For foreigners without a U.S. credit history, American Express may require additional documentation (such as income or a U.S. bank account). Still, the American Express Green Card is an excellent option for those who qualify, as it offers flexibility, access to American Express travel services, and a solid rewards structure.
Key Highlights:
- 3x points on travel, restaurants, and eligible takeout
- $150 statement credit for eligible travel purchases (for new cardholders)
- $150 annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to American Express Travel benefits
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students
For foreign students, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is one of the best credit card options available. This card doesn’t require a credit history in the U.S. to apply, making it a great option for international students new to the country. It offers 1% cash back on every purchase, along with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Students can also take advantage of cell phone protection and Amazon Prime Student subscription perks when they make their purchases with this card.
Key Highlights:
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Perks like cell phone protection and Amazon Prime Student subscription
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is another great option for foreigners looking to earn rewards while building credit. With a 1.5% cash back on every purchase, including groceries, gas, and dining, this card is ideal for individuals who don’t want to keep track of rotating categories. The card also offers a $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® can be a great starting point for newcomers to the U.S. since it has no annual fee and a simple, consistent rewards structure.
Key Highlights:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months
- No foreign transaction fees
7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
For foreign residents who travel frequently or plan to travel in the future, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, and points can be redeemed for statement credits to cover travel expenses. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international spending.
For foreigners who are new to credit in the U.S., this card provides an easy way to earn travel rewards with no complicated categories or limits.
Key Highlights:
- 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points can be redeemed for travel-related statement credits
Final Thoughts
For foreigners living in the USA, building a credit history is essential for your financial success. The right credit card can help you establish that history while offering valuable rewards and benefits. The cards listed above are some of the best options for non-U.S. citizens, from those with no credit history to those looking to maximize rewards on travel, dining, and everyday purchases.