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Starting from Zero: How to Get a Credit Card with Cashback, No Annual Fee, and Easy Approval in the U.S.

When you first arrive in the United States, you quickly realize something: in this country, credit is king. It doesn’t matter if you have cash in your bank account or even own property abroad — if you don’t have a U.S. credit history, you’re starting from scratch.

Credit isn’t just for borrowing money; it’s a measurement of your reliability as a consumer. Landlords, lenders, and even some employers check your credit report to decide if they can trust you. Without it, you might find yourself paying higher deposits, facing higher interest rates, or even getting denied for simple services.

The good news? You don’t need to wait years to start building credit. In fact, one of the smartest moves you can make is to apply for a credit card designed for beginners — one that offers cashback, doesn’t charge an annual fee, and has an approval process that doesn’t shut the door on people without established credit.

This guide will walk you through why these cards are the best starting point, how to choose one, and how to use it strategically to build a strong financial foundation in the United States.

The Importance of Credit in Everyday American Life

Let’s start with the reality: in the U.S., your credit score follows you everywhere. It’s a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, calculated based on your credit history. And it plays a role in more situations than you might expect:

• Renting an apartment – Landlords often require a certain credit score before approving a lease.
• Buying a car – Your score influences the interest rate on your loan.
• Setting up utilities – Electricity, water, and internet providers may check your credit.
• Getting a cell phone plan – Many carriers won’t offer postpaid plans without a credit check.
• Employment opportunities – Certain jobs, especially in finance, review your credit history before hiring.

Without a score — or with a low score — your options become limited and expensive. That’s why the sooner you begin building credit, the better.

Why Cashback, No Annual Fee, and Easy Approval Is the Ideal Combo

You might be wondering: why focus on these three features? The answer is simple — they help you save money, avoid unnecessary costs, and start building credit without extra hurdles.

1. Cashback: Get Money Back for Spending You’re Already Doing

Cashback means that for every dollar you spend on your credit card, you get a small percentage back — usually between 1% and 5%. This is actual money, not just points or miles, and it can add up over time.

Example: If you spend $1,200 a month on groceries, gas, and bills, and your card offers 2% cashback, that’s $24 back every month, or $288 a year. Over several years, this can turn into thousands of dollars simply by paying for your usual expenses with the right card.

Some cards offer:

• Flat-rate cashback – The same percentage back on all purchases.
• Rotating categories – Higher percentages (like 5%) in specific spending areas that change every quarter.
• Tiered rewards – Different rates for different types of purchases.

2. No Annual Fee: Keep Your Costs Low

Many premium cards in the U.S. charge annual fees from $39 up to $695 or more. While they often come with perks, these benefits are only worth it if you use them enough to offset the cost.

When you’re starting out, a no-annual-fee card is almost always the best choice. It lets you:

• Keep the card open indefinitely without paying to maintain it.
• Build a long credit history (length of credit accounts is a major factor in your score).
• Use your card without the pressure of “earning back” an annual fee.

3. Easy Approval: Start Without a Credit History

Traditional credit cards often require good or excellent credit. But there are cards specifically designed for newcomers that:

• Accept limited or no credit history.
• Consider alternative factors like your bank account activity and income.
• Offer pre-approval so you can check eligibility without lowering your score.

This is a crucial step for new immigrants, students, and anyone rebuilding after financial difficulties.

Recommended Cards for Beginners

While there are dozens of options, here are some of the most popular and effective credit cards that offer cashback, no annual fee, and an easier path to approval.

Discover it® Cash Back

• 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (up to a spending limit, then 1%).
• 1% cashback on all other purchases.
• Cashback Match – All cashback earned in your first year is doubled.
• No annual fee.
• Accepts applicants with limited credit history.

Wells Fargo Active Cash®

• 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases.
• No annual fee.
• Intro APR of 0% for 15 months.
• Simple, flat-rate structure with no categories to track.

Petal® 2 Visa

• Up to 1.5% cashback after 12 on-time payments.
• No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees.
• Approval based on cash flow and banking history — ideal for those without an SSN.
• Modern mobile app with budgeting tools.

Chase Freedom Rise℠

• 1.5% unlimited cashback.
• No annual fee.
• Easier approval with a Chase checking account.
• Designed for newcomers and those with limited credit.

How to Improve Your Approval Odds

Even with beginner-friendly cards, you can take steps to increase your chances:

1. Have a U.S. address — Most issuers require this.
2. Open a checking account — Preferably with the same bank you’re applying to.
3. Use pre-approval tools — Many issuers allow you to check eligibility without a hard credit pull.
4. Report all income — Include freelance or self-employment earnings.
5. Avoid multiple applications — Each hard inquiry can lower your score temporarily.

Using Your Card Strategically to Build Credit

Approval is only the first step — how you use your credit card will determine how quickly your score grows.

• Always pay on time – Late payments can hurt your score for years.
• Pay in full whenever possible – Avoid interest charges that can cancel out cashback benefits.
• Keep utilization low – Use less than 30% of your available limit; under 10% is even better.
• Maintain your oldest accounts – Closing them shortens your credit history.
• Use the card regularly – Consistent, responsible usage shows lenders you can manage credit well.

Common Questions

Can I get a card without a Social Security Number?
Yes, some cards (like the Petal® 2) accept ITINs or other forms of identification.

Is cashback better than points or miles?
For beginners, cashback is simpler and more flexible — you can use it as a statement credit or deposit it directly into your bank account.

Will having more than one card help my score?
It can, as long as you manage them responsibly and keep balances low.

How long before my score improves?
Many people see progress within 6–12 months of responsible use.

The Bottom Line

Building credit in the U.S. is a journey, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one.

By choosing a card that offers cashback, no annual fee, and easy approval, you set yourself up for financial growth without unnecessary costs.

The keys to success are:

• Choosing the right beginner-friendly card.
• Using it consistently and responsibly.
• Keeping utilization low and payments on time.

With patience and good habits, you’ll not only improve your score but also open the door to premium cards, better loan rates, and more financial freedom in the years ahead.

Victor 5 de August de 2025