U.S. Newcomers Credit Cards | LendingTree
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U.S. Newcomers Credit Cards

Using a credit card is a way newcomers to the U.S. could quickly start building credit history, a key ingredient to help you achieve your financial dreams. You may be approved for the cards on this page with limited or no credit history.

Compare cards from our partners below and choose the best match for you. It only takes a few minutes to apply through the quick and secure application process. Get started today!

While this site receives compensation from companies listed here, this does not influence our ratings or reviews. Learn more here.

American Express Platinum Card®
 

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Rates & Fees

 | Terms Apply


  • Annual Fee $895
  • Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
    • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
    • Terms apply. 
    5X points
  • Credit Needed Good / Excellent

The Bottom Line

American Express Platinum Card® offers a number of features, benefits, and 5-star amenities. Depending on card usage, you could rack up hundreds of dollars worth of VIP perks, credits, and discounts at select hotels, airlines, and other merchants. To see rates & fees for American Express Platinum Card®, please click here.

Our Take

The Good

The travel rewards on this card don’t expire and are good on any airline with no seat restrictions or blackout dates. The amenities for cardholders are extensive and top-notch.

The Not So Good

The annual fee is an eye-popping $895, but the perks are massive.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card
 

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Rates & Fees

 | Terms Apply


  • Annual Fee $325
  • Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
    • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
    • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
    • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
    • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
    • Terms apply. 
    1X - 4X points
  • Credit Needed Good / Excellent

The Bottom Line

The card offers a much faster way to earn rewards points on various purchases such as restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. To see rates & fees for American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

Our Take

The Good

You can fast-track your rewards and earn major points on frequent purchase categories while enjoying all the prestige and benefits of an American Express® Gold Card.

The Not So Good

Prestige comes at a price. You pay $325 annually.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
 

Rated 4/5.0 stars by our editorial team

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Rates & Fees

 | Terms Apply


  • Annual Fee $0
  • Regular APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
    1% - 3% cash back
  • Credit Needed Good / Excellent

The Bottom Line

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a robust card with no annual fee. There is a great welcome offer, and you get the exceptional service you’d expect with any Amex credit card. To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

Our Take

The Good

With no annual fee, generous rewards rates, and the welcome offer, this is a great card for any consumer. You'll also receive the legendary American Express perks and customer service.

The Not So Good

Outside of the the special bonus categories, you only earn 1% cash back on purchases.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.49% to 28.49% variable APR.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
  • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees

AvantCard Credit Card
 

Rated 4/5.0 stars by our editorial team

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OFFER VALUATION

Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.

Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.

  • Est. Intro Rewards
    $0
  • Est. Monthly Rewards
    $0
  • Est. First Year Rewards
    $0

The Bottom Line

This card is a solid choice for consumers who don't want to put down $200 or more as a security deposit on a secured credit card.

Our Take

The Good

The annual fee is fairly low compared to other cards. Plus you'll pay no foreign transaction fees.

The Not So Good

The APR is quite high, so if you don't pay off your balance in full each month you could rack up steep interest charges.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • Fast and easy application process
  • No deposit required
  • No hidden fees
  • No penalty APR
  • Report to all three major credit bureaus
  • Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
  • Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
  • Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
  • Late Fee up to $39
  • Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25
  • Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
 

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Rates & Fees

 | Terms Apply


  • Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Regular APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%)
    • Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
    • Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases
    • Earn 1% cash back on other purchases
    • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
    1% - 6% cash back
  • Credit Needed Good / Excellent

The Bottom Line

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the ultimate cash back rewards card for consumers who spent a lot of money on groceries and gas. This card not only comes with some of the most generous rewards, but there is a nice intro APR as well. To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

Our Take

The Good

The cash back rate on supermarkets is the one of highest we've found on any credit card! When you include the cash back on gas and all other purchases, this card is a no-brainer for many consumers.

The Not So Good

There is a foreign exchange fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.49%.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
  • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Chrome
 

Rated 4/5.0 stars by our editorial team

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  • Annual Fee $0
  • Cashback Match
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
    • Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
    1% - 2% cash back
  • Credit Needed Limited / Fair

OFFER VALUATION

Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.

Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.

  • Est. Intro Rewards
    $0
  • Est. Monthly Rewards
    $34
  • Est. First Year Rewards
    $405

The Bottom Line

The Discover it® Student Chrome credit card has a slew of fee-free services and an excellent rewards program. If you’re trying to build your credit while in college, this is a great choice.

Our Take

The Good

Earning extra cash back on every day purchases such as at gas stations and at restaurants is appealing enough for students to want this card. Card holders will also receive 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Not So Good

The minimum line of credit is a bit low, beginning at $500.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back
 

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  • Annual Fee $0
  • Cashback Match
  • Rewards Rate
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 
    • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically
    1% - 5% cash back
  • Credit Needed Limited / Fair

OFFER VALUATION

Our valuation is an estimate only, based on LendingTree's analysis of average consumer spending habits using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and each card's unique rewards system. Actual results may vary.

Note that monthly estimates only apply to usage across the first year. Monthly estimates may change after the first year.

  • Est. Intro Rewards
    $0
  • Est. Monthly Rewards
    $25
  • Est. First Year Rewards
    $298

The Bottom Line

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is the perfect credit card for students to get to build credit and earn cash back while they are in school.

Our Take

The Good

There's no limit to how much extra cash you can earn with the Cashback Match™ offer in your first year, and there are opportunities for tons of extra cash back. Also, you won't ever have to worry about paying an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

The Not So Good

The minimum line of credit is a bit low, beginning at $500.


Card Details

  • Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • Rates & Fees

Methodology
Our editors take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best credit cards in various categories. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 100 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. While this site receives compensation from companies listed here, this does not influence our ratings or reviews. Learn more here.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

*General Disclaimer: See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. We make every effort to maintain accurate information. However, all credit card information is presented without warranty. To confirm terms and conditions, click the "Apply Now" button and review info on the secure credit card terms page.
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