Best Credit Cards in the USA (2025)
With Eligibility, Documents, Benefits & Fees
🥇 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Eligibility:
Age: 18+
Good to Excellent credit score (670+)
US Resident with SSN or ITIN
Required Documents:
Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
Proof of income (bank statements or pay stubs)
Valid photo ID (Driver’s license or passport)
US address proof
Benefits:
60,000 bonus points (after $4,000 in 3 months)
2x points on travel and dining
Travel insurance and purchase protection
Fees:
Annual Fee: $95
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
🥈 2. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Eligibility:
Fair to Good credit score (650+)
US Citizen or Resident
Regular income source
Required Documents:
SSN
Valid ID
Income proof
Benefits:
1.5% unlimited cashback on every purchase
No minimum to redeem cashback
Extended warranty and fraud protection
Fees:
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
🥉 3. American Express® Gold Card
Eligibility:
Good to Excellent credit score (700+)
High and stable income preferred
Required Documents:
SSN
Proof of income and residence
Valid ID
Benefits:
4x points at supermarkets and restaurants
Monthly dining credit
Travel insurance, return protection
Fees:
Annual Fee: $250
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
✅ 4. Discover it® Cash Back
Eligibility:
Fair to Good credit score (650+)
US resident
Required Documents:
SSN
ID and income proof
Benefits:
5% cashback on rotating categories
Cashback Match (first-year double rewards)
Free credit score tracking
Fees:
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
🎓 5. Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Eligibility:
No credit history or SSN needed
Must be a student (US or international)
Required Documents:
Passport + Student Visa
I-20 or university admission letter
US address
Benefits:
1% cashback on all purchases
1 year of Amazon Prime Student free
No SSN required to apply
Fees:
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
📌 Summary Table
| Card | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Foreign Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 670+ | $95 | $0 | Travel & Rewards |
| Capital One Quicksilver | 650+ | $0 | $0 | Simple Cash Back |
| Amex Gold | 700+ | $250 | $0 | Dining & Groceries |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 650+ | $0 | 3% | Cashback Categories |
| Deserve EDU (Students) | None | $0 | $0 | Students without SSN |
Looking for the best credit cards in the USA for 2025 This detailed guide compares the credit cards based on rewards, fees, eligibility, and benefits. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or first-time applicant, discover which card suits your needs — even if you don’t have a credit history or Social Security Number (SSN). We cover cashback, travel perks, zero annual fee cards, and secured options to help you build or boost your credit score. Learn the required documents, application tips, and how to maximize your card benefits with confidence.
Best Credit Cards in USA – FAQ (2025)
❓1. What is the minimum age to apply for a credit card in the USA?
✅ Answer: You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 21, you may need to show proof of income or have a co-signer.
❓2. Can I get a credit card without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
✅ Answer: Yes. Some cards like Deserve EDU and secured cards accept an ITIN or support international students without SSN.
❓3. What credit score is needed to apply for a good credit card?
✅ Answer:
300–579: Poor (secured cards only)
580–669: Fair (basic cards may be approved)
670–739: Good (most cards available)
740+: Excellent (eligible for top rewards and travel cards)
❓4. What documents are needed to apply for a credit card?
✅ Answer:
SSN or ITIN
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
Valid ID (passport, driver’s license)
US address proof (utility bill or lease)
❓5. Do I have to pay a fee to get a credit card?
✅ Answer: Many cards have $0 annual fees (like Discover it®, Capital One Quicksilver). Premium cards may charge $95–$695 per year but offer better rewards.
❓6. What is a secured credit card?
✅ Answer: A secured card requires a refundable security deposit (e.g., $200), and it’s ideal for building or repairing credit.
❓7. What is a foreign transaction fee?
✅ Answer: It’s a fee (usually 1%–3%) charged when you use your card outside the U.S. Many travel cards like Chase Sapphire have no foreign transaction fees.
❓8. Can students apply for credit cards?
✅ Answer: Yes. Students can apply for cards like:
Deserve EDU (no SSN needed)
Capital One Journey Student
Discover it® Student Cash Back
❓9. Will applying for a credit card hurt my credit score?
✅ Answer: A hard inquiry may lower your score by a few points temporarily, but using the card responsibly will help build your credit over time.
❓10. Can I have more than one credit card in the USA?
✅ Answer: Yes. You can hold multiple cards. It helps improve your credit utilization ratio, but only if you manage payments carefully.