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How to get a US credit card with cashback and no annual fee.

Moving to the United States or starting your financial life there opens significant doors — but it also requires adapting to a very specific system.

One of the main challenges faced by those who are starting out is precisely not having a credit history.

In the American market, credit plays a central role in virtually all financial decisions.

Simply having available funds isn't enough: banks, property owners, and even service providers analyze your financial behavior before approving contracts or offering more advantageous terms.

For this reason, getting your first credit card isn't just convenient—it's a strategic move to establish a solid financial foundation.

The good news is that there are options developed specifically for this audience. Many of these cards offer cashback, have no annual fee, and feature more flexible approval criteria.

In this guide, you'll see how these cards work, why they're suitable for beginners, and how to use them effectively to build credit in the United States.

Why is credit history so important in the US?

In the United States, a credit history functions as a financial dossier that records how you handle debt and payments.

This history is summarized in a score known as credit scorewhich directly impacts your financial life.

Institutions use this score to measure risk before granting credit or closing deals. The higher the score, the better the terms offered tend to be.

See where this has a direct impact:

Property rentals

Landlords often review credit history before approving rentals. A good credit score can simplify the process and reduce requirements such as high deposits.

Vehicle financing

With a solid credit history, you're more likely to get lower interest rates when financing a car, which reduces the total cost over time.

Higher credit card limits

Users with good credit scores tend to receive higher limits and access to more robust benefits.

Contracting services

Telephone, internet, and utility companies may assess your credit before approving certain plans.

Career opportunities

In some sectors, financial history may be considered during selection processes.

Therefore, starting to build credit as early as possible tends to generate cumulative advantages in the medium and long term.

Is it possible to get a credit card without a history?

Yes — and that's one of the most frequently asked questions.

Although many traditional credit cards require a prior history, several institutions have created specific solutions for those who are just starting out.

These products generally have characteristics such as:

Approval based on income or bank statements.
possibility of online pre-assessment without impacting the score
More accessible criteria for new residents
Lower initial limits, with a progressive increase.

In addition, many already include significant benefits, such as cashback and annual fee waivers.

What is cashback on a credit card?

Cashback is a reward model in which part of the amount spent is returned to the user.

Unlike programs based solely on points or miles, here the return is financial — direct or indirect.

This amount can be made available in different ways:

credit on invoice
deposit into account
accumulated balance in the card program.

In the United States, cashback cards are widely used and can offer returns between 1% and 5%, depending on the type of spending.

Practical example

Suppose you use the card for monthly expenses — groceries, fuel, and everyday expenses — totaling approximately $700.

With a cashback of 2%, you would receive approximately $14 per month, or $168 per year.

Taken in isolation, it may seem like a modest amount. However, considering that these expenses are already part of your routine, it represents an additional return without extra effort.

Over time, this accumulation can become significant.

Why choose credit cards with no annual fee?

For those just starting out, reducing fixed costs is a rational decision.

Many premium cards charge an annual fee (annual fee), which can range from moderate values to higher figures.

Although these cards offer specific benefits, they are not always justifiable for beginners.

Credit cards with no annual fee offer clear advantages:

Immediate cost reduction

There is no charge just for keeping the card active.

More flexible use

You can use the card as needed, without the pressure of "making up for" an annual fee.

Building a long-term track record.

Keeping a credit card active for years contributes positively to your credit history.

Therefore, starting with a credit card that has no annual fee is usually the most efficient strategy.

Features of cards with easy approval

Credit cards designed for beginners use different analysis criteria than traditional products.

Some factors that may favor approval include:

Bank transactions

Some institutions analyze the inflow and outflow of your account to assess your financial capacity.

Declared income

Income from self-employment or freelance work may be considered.

Pre-qualification

It is possible to verify eligibility without negatively impacting the score.

Alternative data

Some issuers use supplementary information, such as payment history outside the traditional system.

These mechanisms broaden access to credit for those who do not yet have a consolidated credit score.

Examples of cards for beginners

The American market offers several options for those starting to build credit.

These cards vary in structure and benefits, including:

Fixed cashback on all purchases
rotating categories with the highest return
analysis based on bank transactions
products aimed at students or new residents

When comparing options, consider factors such as:

cashback percentage
presence or absence of an annual fee
initial limit
possibility of increasing the limit
digital control tools

These factors directly impact your experience and financial progress.

How to increase your chances of approval.

Even with more accessible criteria, some actions increase the likelihood of approval.

Establish a fixed address.

Proof of residency in the U.S. is often required.

Open a local bank account.

This demonstrates a link to the country's financial system.

Use SSN or ITIN.

Whenever possible, include one of these identifiers in the application.

Report your income correctly.

Include all legitimate sources, including independent income.

Avoid multiple requests.

Too many applications in a short period of time can compromise your analysis.

How to use your credit card to build credit efficiently.

Getting approved is just the first step. Proper usage is what truly builds your track record.

Always pay on time.

Payment history is one of the main components of the score.

Control the use of the limit.

Keeping usage below 30% is a recommended practice.

Monitor your expenses.

Apps help maintain control and avoid defaulting on payments.

Maintain regular activity.

Small monthly transactions are enough to keep the history active.

With consistency, it's common to see improvements in the score within a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a card with no history?

Yes. There are products developed specifically for beginners.

Is cashback worth it?

Yes. Especially when applied to recurring expenses.

Does having multiple cards help?

It can help, provided they are well managed.

Is having a Social Security Number (SSN) mandatory?

Not always. Some institutions accept ITIN or other alternative criteria.

Conclusion

Building credit in the United States may seem complex at first, but choosing the right card significantly simplifies the process.

Credit cards with cashback, no annual fees, and more accessible criteria represent an efficient entry point.

In addition to making it easier to build a history, they offer practical day-to-day benefits, such as financial returns on purchases and management tools.

With discipline — timely payments, controlled usage, and constant monitoring — it's possible to develop a solid track record over time.

This process opens access to better financial conditions, greater negotiating power, and new opportunities.

Starting early and using credit strategically is not only recommended—it's crucial for a more efficient financial trajectory in the United States.

John May 6, 2026

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