Best Credit Cards for Immigrants with No Credit History (2026)
Moving to the United States and building credit from scratch is challenging. Over 26 million immigrants in the US have limited or no credit history, making it difficult to get approved for traditional credit cards.
The good news? Several credit card issuers specifically design products for people starting their credit journey. I’ve researched every major issuer to find cards that actually approve immigrants with no US credit history.
What You Need to Know First
Why No Credit History Matters
When you move to the US, your credit history from your home country doesn’t transfer. To US banks, you’re starting from zero—even if you had excellent credit back home.
Without US credit history, you typically can’t:
- Get approved for traditional credit cards
- Qualify for auto loans with good rates
- Rent apartments without high deposits
- Get approved for mortgages
Building credit is essential, and a credit card is the fastest way to start.
What Credit Card Companies Look For
When you have no credit history, issuers evaluate:
- Income: Proof you can pay bills
- Employment: Stable job history
- Bank account: Shows financial responsibility
- ITIN or SSN: Required for all cards
Some cards are more lenient than others. Let’s look at your best options.
7 Best Credit Cards for Immigrants with No Credit
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card – Best Overall
Why it’s #1: No credit history required, $0 annual fee, cashback rewards
Key Features:
- Security deposit: $200 minimum
- Cashback: 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Free FICO score tracking
- Graduates to unsecured card after 8 months of responsible use
Requirements:
- SSN or ITIN
- US bank account
- Verifiable income
Why it works for immigrants: Discover specifically states they accept applicants with no credit history. The cashback feature means you’re not just building credit—you’re earning money back.
Apply for Discover it Secured →
Typical Timeline:
- Month 1-8: Use secured card, pay on time
- Month 8: Discover reviews account for graduation
- Month 9+: Unsecured card, deposit returned
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card – Most Flexible Deposits
Why choose this: Deposit as low as $49, easy approval
Key Features:
- Security deposit: $49, $99, or $200 (determines credit limit)
- $0 annual fee
- Automatic reviews for credit line increases
- Potential graduation to unsecured
Requirements:
- SSN or ITIN
- US address
- Bank account for deposit
Why it works: Capital One has lower deposit requirements than most secured cards. If you can only afford $49 to start, this is your card.
Apply for Capital One Platinum Secured →
Capital One Platinum vs Discover it Secured
3. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card – No Deposit Required
Why choose this: Skip the security deposit entirely
Key Features:
- No security deposit needed
- Cashback: 1% on eligible purchases (up to 1.5% after 12 months)
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Requirements:
- SSN (ITIN not accepted)
- US bank account with 3+ months history
- Regular income
How it works: Petal looks at your bank account activity instead of credit history. They analyze income and spending patterns to make approval decisions.
Why it’s unique: If you’ve been in the US for a few months with steady bank deposits, you can skip the secured card route entirely.
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card – No Credit Check
Why choose this: Guaranteed approval with deposit
Key Features:
- No credit check at all
- Security deposit: $200-$3,000
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Annual fee: $35
Requirements:
- Just a security deposit
- SSN or ITIN
- US address
The catch: $35 annual fee and no rewards. But if you’ve been denied elsewhere, this guarantees approval.
Best for: People who absolutely cannot get approved anywhere else.
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students – International Students Welcome
Why choose this: Designed for international students, no SSN initially
Key Features:
- No security deposit
- No SSN required to apply (can provide later)
- 1% cashback on all purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Requirements:
- Enrolled in US college/university
- US address
- Verifiable income or financial support
Why it’s special: One of the few cards that doesn’t require SSN at application. Perfect for F-1 visa students.
6. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card – No Interest, No Fees
Why choose this: Unique design prevents debt
Key Features:
- No interest charges (credit card linked to spending account)
- No annual fee
- No security deposit (uses your Chime balance)
- Automatic on-time payments
How it works:
- Open free Chime checking account
- Move money to Credit Builder secured account
- Use card—purchases pull from secured balance
- Automatic payment every month
Why it’s different: You literally cannot go into debt. It’s a secured card that acts like a debit card but reports as credit.
Requirements:
- Chime checking account
- SSN or ITIN
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card – Best for Existing Customers
Why choose this: Rewards on secured card
Key Features:
- 3% cashback in category of choice
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% on everything else
- Security deposit: $200-$5,000
- $0 annual fee
Requirements:
- SSN or ITIN
- Bank of America checking or savings account
- Deposit equal to credit limit
Best if: You already bank with BofA. Easier approval as existing customer.
Quick Comparison Table
| Card | Deposit | Annual Fee | Rewards | SSN Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Secured | $200+ | $0 | 2% gas/restaurants | Yes |
| Capital One Platinum | $49+ | $0 | None | Yes |
| Petal 2 | $0 | $0 | 1-1.5% | Yes (no ITIN) |
| OpenSky | $200+ | $35 | None | ITIN OK |
| Deserve EDU | $0 | $0 | 1% | No (students) |
| Chime Credit Builder | Uses balance | $0 | None | Yes |
| BofA Secured | $200+ | $0 | 3% category | Yes |
How to Choose the Right Card
Choose Discover it Secured if:
- You have $200 for deposit
- Want to earn rewards while building credit
- Plan to use card regularly
Choose Capital One Platinum if:
- You can only afford $49-99 deposit
- Want lowest entry barrier
Choose Petal 2 if:
- You’ve been in US 3+ months with bank account
- Want to avoid security deposit
- Have steady income showing in bank account
Choose OpenSky if:
- You’ve been denied everywhere
- Don’t mind $35 annual fee
- Want guaranteed approval
Choose Deserve EDU if:
- You’re an international student
- Don’t have SSN yet
- Want rewards without deposit
How to Get Approved (Step-by-Step)
Before You Apply
1. Get your documents ready:
- SSN or ITIN
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Proof of income (paystub, bank statements)
- Valid ID
2. Open a US bank account if you haven’t:
- Most cards require this
- Shows financial stability
- Needed for security deposit
3. Have your deposit ready:
- For secured cards: $49-$200 minimum
- Typically matches your credit limit
- Refunded when you graduate to unsecured
Application Tips
✅ Apply for ONE card at a time
- Multiple applications hurt your chances
- Space applications 3-6 months apart
✅ List all income sources:
- Employment income
- Freelance work
- Regular transfers from family
- Government benefits
✅ Start with your deposit amount:
- $200 is standard
- Higher deposit = higher limit
- Don’t overpay if $200 works
✅ Be truthful:
- Lying on application is fraud
- Banks verify information
After Approval
Month 1-6: Build Foundation
- Use card for small purchases ($20-50/month)
- Pay full balance before due date
- Set up automatic payments
- Keep utilization under 30%
Month 6-12: Show Consistency
- Continue on-time payments
- Gradually increase usage
- Request credit limit increase if available
- Monitor credit score (many cards offer free tracking)
Month 12+: Graduate
- Some cards automatically review for graduation
- Request upgrade if eligible
- Get deposit back
- Apply for second card to build credit faster
Building Credit: What Actually Matters
Payment History (35% of score)
Most important factor. Pay on time, every time. Even one late payment hurts.
Best practice: Set up automatic payments for at least minimum payment.
Credit Utilization (30% of score)
Keep balances below 30% of limit. Ideally under 10%.
Example:
- $500 limit → Keep balance under $150 (under $50 is best)
- $1,000 limit → Keep balance under $300
Length of Credit History (15% of score)
Longer is better. Keep your first card open forever, even after you get better cards.
Credit Mix (10% of score)
Having different types of credit (cards, loans) helps. But don’t take on debt just for this.
New Credit (10% of score)
Too many applications hurt your score. Apply strategically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Carrying a Balance “To Build Credit”
Myth: You need to carry a balance to build credit. Reality: Pay in full every month. Interest doesn’t build credit faster—it just costs you money.
❌ Applying for Too Many Cards
Each application is a “hard inquiry” that drops your score 5-10 points. Space applications 3-6 months apart.
❌ Closing Your First Card
Your first card establishes your credit history length. Keep it open even if you get better cards later.
❌ Maxing Out the Card
Using 100% of your limit hurts your credit score. Keep it under 30%.
❌ Missing Payments
One missed payment can drop your score 100+ points. Set up autopay.
Timeline: Zero to Good Credit
Months 1-3
- Get secured card approved
- Make small purchases
- Pay on time
- Credit score: Building (500-600)
Months 4-8
- Continue perfect payment history
- Credit score starts appearing
- Some issuers review for graduation
- Credit score: Fair (600-650)
Months 9-12
- Possible graduation to unsecured card
- Deposit refunded
- Can apply for second card
- Credit score: Good (650-700)
Year 2+
- Qualify for better cards with rewards
- Get approved for auto loans
- Rent apartments without high deposits
- Credit score: Good to Excellent (700+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card without SSN?
Yes, but options are limited:
- With ITIN: Discover, Capital One, OpenSky accept ITIN
- Without SSN or ITIN: Deserve EDU for international students only
- Best path: Get ITIN first (apply with IRS Form W-7)
What’s the difference between secured and unsecured cards?
Secured: You pay a refundable security deposit. Your credit limit equals your deposit. Reports to credit bureaus the same as unsecured cards.
Unsecured: No deposit required. Must qualify with credit history. Not available to people with no credit.
How long until I can get a regular credit card?
Typically 6-12 months with secured card usage. Some cards graduate automatically. Others require you to apply for upgrade.
Will applying hurt my credit?
Hard inquiry from application drops score 5-10 points temporarily. But having a credit card and using it responsibly increases score over time.
Can I use these cards to bring family to US?
Credit cards don’t directly affect immigration status. However, good credit helps you:
- Rent apartments (needed for affidavit of support)
- Show financial stability
- Get loans for immigration expenses
What if I’m denied?
Call reconsideration line. Banks can override automated denials. If still denied:
- Try OpenSky (no credit check)
- Wait 3 months, reapply
- Build relationship with bank first (open checking account)
Next Steps: Start Building Credit Today
If you have $200 and want rewards: Apply for Discover it Secured. Best overall option for building credit while earning cashback.
If you have limited funds: Start with Capital One Platinum with $49 deposit. Lowest barrier to entry.
If you’ve been in US 3+ months: Try Petal 2 first—no deposit needed if approved.
If you’re a student: Deserve EDU lets you apply without SSN initially.
If denied everywhere: OpenSky guarantees approval with deposit. $35 annual fee is worth it to start building credit.
Remember: Your goal isn’t just to get a card—it’s to build excellent credit. Use your card responsibly, pay on time every month, and within a year you’ll have good credit that opens doors to better financial opportunities.
Ready to start building credit? Pick the card that fits your situation and apply today. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have the credit history needed for your financial goals in America.