Top 5 Credit Cards in the USA – Eligibility, Documents, Benefits & Fees (2025)
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
✅ Eligibility:
Age 18+
Good to excellent credit score (690+)
Stable income
📄 Required Documents:
SSN or ITIN
Government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
Proof of income (pay stub, tax return)
⭐ Benefits:
60,000 bonus points on $4,000 spend (first 3 months)
2x points on travel & dining
Travel protections & no foreign transaction fees
💰 Fees:
Annual fee: $95
APR: 21.49%–28.49% variable
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
✅ Eligibility:
Age 18+
Good to excellent credit (700+)
Steady income source
📄 Required Documents:
SSN or ITIN
ID proof
Employment or income proof
⭐ Benefits:
75,000 miles after $4,000 spend (first 3 months)
2x miles on every purchase
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
💰 Fees:
Annual fee: $95
APR: 19.99%–29.99% variable
3. American Express® Gold Card
✅ Eligibility:
Excellent credit (700+ score)
U.S. resident with SSN
Proof of strong income
📄 Required Documents:
SSN
Photo ID
Income source or employer info
⭐ Benefits:
60,000 points after $4,000 spend
4x points at restaurants, 3x on flights
Dining credits & travel perks
💰 Fees:
Annual fee: $250
APR: 21.24%–29.24% variable
4. Citi® Double Cash Card
✅ Eligibility:
Fair to good credit score (670+)
Stable income
📄 Required Documents:
SSN
ID
Proof of income
⭐ Benefits:
2% cash back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
No annual fee
Simple flat-rate rewards
💰 Fees:
Annual fee: $0
APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
5. Discover it® Cash Back
✅ Eligibility:
Good credit score (680+)
Valid U.S. SSN or ITIN
📄 Required Documents:
SSN
Government-issued ID
Proof of income/employment
⭐ Benefits:
5% cash back on rotating categories
1% on all other purchases
Cashback match in first year
💰 Fees:
Annual fee: $0
APR: 17.24%–28.24% variable
Here are 5 FAQs for the topic Top 5 Credit Cards in the USA – Eligibility, Documents, Benefits & Fees:
1. What credit score is needed to apply for top credit cards in the USA?
Most premium credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically 690 or higher. Some cash back cards may accept scores starting at 670.
2. What documents are required to apply for a credit card in the USA?
You generally need:
Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns)
3. Can I get approved for a U.S. credit card without a credit history?
It’s difficult, but possible. You may qualify for a secured credit card, or try cards from issuers that accept international credit history or ITIN.
4. Are there annual fees on these credit cards?
Yes, some cards charge annual fees (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred – $95, Amex Gold – $250), but others like Citi Double Cash and Discover it are $0 annual fee.
5. What are the main benefits of using these top credit cards?
Benefits include:
Reward points or cash back
Travel and purchase protection
Introductory bonuses
No foreign transaction fees (on some cards)