Moving to the U.S.? Here’s Your First Smart Financial Move: A Secured Credit Card
If you’re new to the United States, one of the first challenges you’ll face is building your credit history. Without a U.S. credit file, getting approved for a loan, renting an apartment, or even getting a phone plan can be surprisingly difficult.
The best first step? A secured credit card. It’s designed for people just like you—newcomers with no credit score but a strong desire to build one.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best secured credit cards in the U.S. for immigrants in 2025, what makes them great, and how you can start using one to build your financial foundation.
What Is a Secured Credit Card and Why Should Immigrants Start Here?
A secured credit card works just like a regular credit card except it requires a security deposit, which usually becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $300, you can spend up to $300 on the card.
Why is it useful for immigrants?
- No U.S. credit history required
- Your usage is reported to the credit bureaus
- Great way to build or rebuild credit from scratch
- You can “graduate” to an unsecured card after responsible use
Top 5 Secured Credit Cards for Immigrants in the US (2025)
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Earning cash back while building credit
Deposit: $200 minimum
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3 (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations/restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on all other purchases
Perk: Automatic review for upgrade after 7 months
Why we love it: Rare to find cash back on a secured card. Great for immigrants with good financial habits but no U.S. credit.
Apply on Discover’s official site
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for: Lower deposit options
Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 depending on eligibility
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3 major bureaus
Perk: Potential upgrade to unsecured version after 6 months
Why we love it: Capital One may approve you with a lower deposit based on your income and situation—a great break for newcomers.
3. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Card
Best for: No interest, no fees
Deposit: Based on amount in your Chime secured account
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% (yes, really!)
Perk: No credit check required to apply
Why we love it: No interest, no fees, and no credit check. A rare combo. You need a Chime Spending Account to get started.
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No bank account required
Deposit: $200 minimum
Annual Fee: $35
Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3
Perk: No credit check required
Why we love it: Perfect for immigrants who don’t yet have a Social Security Number or U.S. bank account. Great as a first option.
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card
Best for: Flexible cash back categories
Deposit: $300 minimum
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 3% cash back on a category of your choice (gas, dining, etc.), 2% at grocery stores, 1% on everything else
Perk: Converts to unsecured after review
Why we love it: High-end perks for a secured card. Great if you want to earn rewards and build credit.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
When picking your first U.S. credit card as an immigrant, consider:
- Deposit flexibility: Can you afford to put down $200+?
- Fees: Avoid high annual fees unless the card offers serious value.
- Credit bureau reporting: Make sure the card reports to all three bureaus.
- Path to upgrade: Look for cards that offer a path to an unsecured card.
- Bonus perks: Some cards offer cash back, which adds extra value.
Pro Tip: Always pay your balance in full and never miss a payment. It’s the fastest way to build credit and eventually qualify for premium cards, car loans, or even mortgages.
FAQs for Immigrants Applying for Credit Cards in the U.S.
Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Most major cards require it, but some (like OpenSky or cards through Nova Credit) allow other IDs.
Will applying hurt my credit?
Yes, a hard inquiry might occur, but one or two won’t hurt much. Just don’t apply for multiple cards at once.
Can I build U.S. credit if I had great credit in my home country?
Unfortunately, credit scores don’t transfer between countries. But services like Nova Credit help convert foreign credit into a U.S.-friendly report.
Final Thoughts: Your U.S. Credit Journey Starts Here
A secured credit card is more than just plastic, it’s your first step toward building a solid credit score, unlocking better financial tools, and making your U.S. journey smoother.
Pick the right one, use it responsibly, and within 6 to 12 months, you’ll be in a much stronger position.
You’ve already made the big move. Now let’s build your financial future one payment at a time.