9 Best Credit Cards for Immigrants and Newcomers of 2026

This list is for people who recently moved to the United States, including international students, workers on visas and new permanent residents, who have little or no U.S. credit history. We compared what each issuer says about applying without a credit score or Social Security number, using foreign credit history, deposits, annual fees and rewards, using each issuer's own U.S. page in November 2026. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not apply for the cards. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%; here, ease of use reflects how reachable the card is for someone without a U.S. credit file. Most U.S. issuers still ask for an SSN or ITIN, and approval is never guaranteed, so read each issuer's terms before you apply.

1. 01Top value

   

   Zolve Credit Card

   8.9/10

   U.S. Mastercard credit card from Zolve, built for international students and new arrivals, that Zolve says needs no SSN, no U.S. credit history and no security deposit.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee

   “Get your zero annual fee Credit Card even without SSN today” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.2

   Features (35%)

   8.3

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.4

   Best forNewcomers without a Social Security number

   The Zolve Credit Card ranks first because it answers the hardest problem a newcomer faces: Zolve says you can get the card without a Social Security number, with no U.S. credit history and no security deposit. That puts it within reach of international students and recent arrivals who cannot yet apply at most U.S. banks. Zolve accepts a passport, SSN or ITIN for its products, runs the application fully online, and states a maximum credit limit of $15,000, though the limit you get depends on verified income and creditworthiness. The annual fee is zero. Rewards reach up to 5x but are paid as ZPoints under separate rewards terms, and the card page does not list a purchase APR, so read the cardholder terms before you carry a balance. Zolve is a financial technology company rather than a bank, and its cards are issued through a partner bank under a Mastercard license.

   • ✓One of the few unsecured cards that states no SSN is needed
   • ✓Zero annual fee
   • ✓Zolve also offers a U.S. checking account you can open with a passport

   • ✕Rewards are ZPoints with category rules set in separate terms
   • ✕The card page does not show the purchase APR
   • ✕Zolve is a fintech, not a bank; cards are issued by a partner bank

   Annual fee:

   $0

   SSN required:

   No, per Zolve

   Security deposit:

   None

   Maximum credit limit:

   $15,000

   Network:

   Mastercard

   Bottom line: The Zolve Credit Card is the best choice for newcomers without an SSN because Zolve states no SSN, no U.S. credit history and no deposit are needed. Check the APR in the cardholder terms before you carry a balance.

   Visit zolve.com ↗

2. 02

   

   American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card

   8.8/10

   No annual fee cash back card from American Express, an issuer that partners with Nova Credit so immigrants from certain countries can apply with a foreign credit record.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee

   “The American Express Blue Cash Everyday ® Card has no annual fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   9.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.8

   Best forNewcomers with a strong credit file abroad

   American Express is the mainstream issuer that does the most for people who already built credit somewhere else. Amex says it partners with Nova Credit, so associated cards may let immigrants from certain countries apply with a foreign credit record instead of starting from zero. If you already hold an Amex card in another country, Global Card Relationship lets you apply for a U.S. card, Amex may use your existing account history to decide, and you can keep your original Member Since date. Blue Cash Everyday is the no annual fee choice in that lineup and pays 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases, each on up to $6,000 a year, then 1%. It ranks second because the foreign credit route depends on your home country, Amex notes that most applications require an SSN or ITIN, and the card charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee.

   • ✓Foreign credit history can count through the Nova Credit partnership
   • ✓Highest everyday rewards rates on this list
   • ✓No annual fee

   • ✕2.7% foreign transaction fee on each purchase abroad
   • ✕Foreign credit history only works for certain countries
   • ✕Amex says most applications still require an SSN or ITIN

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Rewards:

   3% at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail (up to $6,000 a year each), 1% elsewhere

   Foreign transaction fee:

   2.7%

   Foreign credit history:

   Accepted for certain countries through Nova Credit

   Bottom line: American Express Blue Cash Everyday is the best choice for newcomers with credit history abroad because Amex partners with Nova Credit to consider foreign credit records from certain countries. Use a no foreign fee card for purchases abroad.

   Visit americanexpress.com ↗

3. 03

   

   Capital One Platinum

   8.5/10

   Unsecured, no annual fee Capital One card that needs no credit score to apply and charges no foreign transaction fees.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee

   “Get the credit you need with no annual fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   7.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.9

   Best forNewcomers with an SSN or ITIN but no U.S. score

   Capital One Platinum is the simplest unsecured option for a newcomer who has a U.S. identification number but no credit score yet. Capital One states that no credit score is required to apply, and its eligibility check shows offers in as little as 90 seconds without affecting your score, which protects a thin file from needless hard inquiries. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, which matters if you buy things from home or travel back to visit family. Capital One automatically considers you for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months. The trade-offs are clear: the card earns no rewards and the purchase APR is 29.24% variable, so it works best when you pay the full statement balance every month.

   • ✓Unsecured with no deposit
   • ✓No foreign transaction fees for trips home
   • ✓Free CreditWise monitoring of your FICO Score 8

   • ✕No rewards
   • ✕29.24% variable APR if you carry a balance
   • ✕Starting credit limit is not published on the card page

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Credit score to apply:

   Not required

   Purchase APR:

   29.24% variable

   Foreign transaction fee:

   None

   Credit line review:

   As little as 6 months

   Bottom line: Capital One Platinum is the best choice for newcomers with an SSN or ITIN but no score because Capital One requires no credit score to apply and asks for no deposit. Pay in full each month to avoid the 29.24% variable APR.

   Visit capitalone.com ↗

4. 04

   

   Chase Freedom Rise

   8.4/10

   Chase's no annual fee card for people new to credit, paying 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee

   “$0 Annual Fee” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   9.0

   Features (35%)

   8.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.9

   Best forNewcomers who bank with Chase

   Chase Freedom Rise suits newcomers who open a Chase bank account first. Chase labels the card best for people new to credit and students, and says that having at least $250 in Chase checking or savings increases your chances of approval, which gives someone without U.S. history a practical lever. The card is unsecured, has a $0 annual fee and pays 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus $25 for enrolling in automatic payments. It ranks behind Capital One Platinum for this audience because Chase notes you may need to provide a U.S.-issued driver's license and Social Security card after applying, which many recent arrivals do not have yet. Once you have those documents and a Chase account, it is one of the better free starter cards.

   • ✓Earns 1.5% back from the first purchase
   • ✓A Chase deposit account gives thin-file applicants a concrete way to improve odds
   • ✓No annual fee

   • ✕Chase may ask for a U.S.-issued driver's license and Social Security card after you apply
   • ✕Works best if you already have a Chase account
   • ✕Small $25 autopay bonus is the only welcome offer

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Rewards:

   1.5% cash back on all purchases

   Approval tip:

   At least $250 in Chase checking or savings

   Security deposit:

   None

   Bottom line: Chase Freedom Rise is the best choice for newcomers who bank with Chase because $250 in a Chase account improves approval odds and the card pays 1.5% back. Expect Chase to ask for a U.S. driver's license and Social Security card.

   Visit chase.com ↗

5. 05

   

   Discover it Secured Credit Card

   8.4/10

   Secured Discover card with no annual fee, no credit score required to apply and rotating 5% cash back categories.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee; refundable deposit of $49, $99 or $200

   “No annual fee” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   8.3

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.4

   Best forNewcomers who want rewards on a secured card

   Discover it Secured is the strongest secured card here for newcomers who want rewards while they build a U.S. file. Discover says no credit score is required to apply, though it may use one if available, and the refundable deposit is $49, $99 or $200 depending on creditworthiness, for a credit line starting at $200. The card earns 5% cash back in quarterly categories up to the quarterly maximum when you activate them, 1% elsewhere, and Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year. With a positive track record you earn the deposit back and upgrade to the Discover it Cash Back card. It ranks below the unsecured picks because you must tie up a deposit and the 5% categories need quarterly activation.

   • ✓Rewards and a first-year Cashback Match on a secured card
   • ✓Deposit can be as low as $49
   • ✓No annual fee

   • ✕Requires a refundable deposit
   • ✕5% categories must be activated each quarter
   • ✕Deposit amount depends on creditworthiness, not your choice

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Deposit:

   $49, $99 or $200

   Starting credit line:

   $200

   Rewards:

   5% rotating categories when activated, 1% elsewhere

   Bottom line: Discover it Secured is the best choice for newcomers who want rewards on a secured card because it pays 5% in activated categories and matches first-year cash back. The deposit starts at $49.

   Visit discover.com ↗

6. 06

   

   Petal 2 Visa

   8.2/10

   Unsecured Visa issued by WebBank with no annual, late or returned payment fees and 1% to 1.5% cash back.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee

   “No annual membership fee, late fee, or returned payment fee.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   8.8

   Features (35%)

   7.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.2

   Best forNewcomers who want no fees at all

   Petal 2 is a fee-free unsecured Visa issued by WebBank. Petal states there is no annual membership fee, no late fee, no returned payment fee and no foreign transaction fee, which removes most of the penalties that can hit someone still learning how U.S. statements and due dates work. You can request pre-approval with no credit check and no credit score impact, and one request checks you for all three Petal cards. Cash back runs from 1% to 1.5% on everyday purchases, and the Leap program offers a credit line increase after 6 months of qualifying on-time payments. It ranks below Capital One Platinum because the variable APR of 28.24% to 30.24% is the highest on this list and the vendor page does not say whether it accepts applicants without an SSN.

   • ✓No late fees protects a new cardholder from costly mistakes
   • ✓No foreign transaction fees
   • ✓Checks offers across three Petal cards with one application

   • ✕28.24% to 30.24% variable APR
   • ✕Cash back tops out at 1.5% on everyday purchases
   • ✕Fees and terms differ for members acquired before 5/16/23

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Late fee:

   None

   Purchase APR:

   28.24% to 30.24% variable

   Cash back:

   1% to 1.5%

   Issuer:

   WebBank

   Bottom line: Petal 2 is the best choice for newcomers who want no fees at all because it charges no annual, late, returned payment or foreign transaction fees. Pay in full, since the APR runs up to 30.24%.

   Visit petalcard.com ↗

7. 07

   

   Capital One Platinum Secured

   8.0/10

   Secured Capital One card with no annual fee and a $49, $99 or $200 minimum refundable deposit.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee; minimum refundable deposit of $49, $99 or $200

   “A $49, $99 or $200 minimum refundable deposit opens your account.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   8.4

   Features (35%)

   7.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forNewcomers who need a low deposit

   Capital One Platinum Secured is a fallback for newcomers whom unsecured issuers turn down. Capital One says no credit score is required to apply, and a $49, $99 or $200 minimum refundable deposit opens the account, with the option to deposit more for a higher limit. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, and you can earn back your deposit and upgrade to an unsecured card. It ranks below Discover it Secured because it pays no rewards, and the 29.24% variable APR matches the unsecured Platinum card.

   • ✓Low minimum deposit
   • ✓No foreign transaction fees
   • ✓Eligibility check without a credit score impact

   • ✕No rewards
   • ✕29.24% variable APR
   • ✕Deposit is tied up until you upgrade or close the account

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Minimum deposit:

   $49, $99 or $200

   Purchase APR:

   29.24% variable

   Foreign transaction fee:

   None

   Bottom line: Capital One Platinum Secured is the best choice for newcomers who need a low deposit because the minimum can be $49 and no credit score is required. Choose Discover it Secured instead if you want rewards.

   Visit capitalone.com ↗

8. 08

   

   Self Visa Credit Card

   7.5/10

   Secured Visa from Self with a $100 minimum deposit and no credit inquiry required to apply.

   Price

   $25annual fee

   $0 annual fee in the first year, then $25 per year

   “Intro annual fee for new customers (first year) $0 Standard annual fee $25” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   7.6

   Features (35%)

   6.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forNewcomers avoiding a hard inquiry

   The Self Visa Credit Card is a secured card that Self says requires no credit inquiry to apply, so applying does not add a hard inquiry to a brand-new file. You open it with a security deposit of at least $100, which becomes your credit limit, and you can fund it from a debit card, a bank account or a Self Credit Builder Account. Self reports to all three credit bureaus. The first year has no annual fee, but the standard annual fee is $25, the APR is 27.74%, and late or returned payments cost up to $15. It ranks near the bottom because it is the only card here with an ongoing annual fee and it earns no rewards.

   • ✓No hard credit inquiry
   • ✓Can be funded from a Self Credit Builder Account
   • ✓Reports to all three bureaus

   • ✕$25 annual fee after the first year
   • ✕Late fee and returned payment fee of up to $15
   • ✕No rewards

   Annual fee:

   $0 first year, then $25

   Minimum deposit:

   $100

   APR:

   27.74%

   Hard inquiry:

   Not required

   Bottom line: The Self Visa Credit Card is the best choice for newcomers avoiding a hard inquiry because Self requires no credit inquiry to apply. Budget for the $25 annual fee from year two.

   Visit self.inc ↗

9. 09

   

   U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card

   7.1/10

   Secured Visa from U.S. Bank with no annual fee and a deposit of $300 to $5,000 held in a U.S. Bank secured savings account.

   Price

   Freeannual fee

   $0 annual fee; deposit of $300 to $5,000

   “Enjoy no annual fee” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.

   Free plan

   Yes

   Value (40%)

   7.8

   Features (35%)

   6.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.0

   Best forNewcomers who want a larger secured limit

   The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card suits newcomers who arrive with savings and want a larger secured limit than the $200 lines common elsewhere. U.S. Bank says you start with a security deposit of $300 to $5,000, held in a U.S. Bank secured savings account, and your card limit equals that deposit. There is no annual fee, you can choose your payment due date, and U.S. Bank reports your card status to the three major credit bureaus. It ranks last because the $300 minimum deposit is the highest here, the card earns no rewards, and the APR is not listed on the card page itself.

   • ✓Deposit up to $5,000 allows a larger limit
   • ✓No annual fee
   • ✓Deposit sits in a U.S. Bank savings account

   • ✕$300 minimum deposit is the highest on this list
   • ✕No rewards
   • ✕APR is not shown on the card page

   Annual fee:

   $0

   Deposit:

   $300 to $5,000

   Credit limit:

   Equal to deposit

   Bottom line: The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card is the best choice for newcomers who want a larger secured limit because deposits go up to $5,000. Start elsewhere if $300 is too much to set aside.

   Visit usbank.com ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.