Just Got Your SSN and Have No U.S. Credit History? Here’s the Best First Credit Card to Start Building Credit — Plus a $100 Bonus!
If you’re new to the U.S. and recently got your Social Security Number (SSN), you might be wondering: How do I start building my credit from scratch? The good news is, you’re not alone — and there’s a great way to get started, even if you have zero American credit history.
💡 Why Building Credit Early Matters
In the U.S., your credit score is more than just a number — it affects your ability to:
- Rent an apartment 🏠
- Get approved for a mortgage or car loan 🚗
- Apply for premium credit cards and travel rewards ✈️
- Even qualify for better insurance rates and job offers! 💼
So if you’ve just arrived and want to build a strong financial foundation, your first credit card plays a huge role.
🌟 Our Top Pick: Discover it® Cash Back – The Ideal First Credit Card
The Discover it® Cash Back credit card is an excellent choice for people new to the U.S. credit system. Discover is one of the few credit card companies known for being friendly to newcomers — even if you have no U.S. credit score yet.
Apply through this [referral link] and get a $100 bonus after your first purchase!
(Bonus offer is only valid through referrals — don’t miss this free $100!)
🔑 Key Benefits of the Discover it® Cash Back Card
- 💰 5% Cash Back on rotating categories every quarter (like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, and more). You need to activate these categories each quarter, and the 5% applies to the first $1,500 you spend in those categories.
- 💳 1% Cash Back on all other purchases with no limits.
- 🎉 Cashback Match – At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earned. If you earned $200 in cash back, they’ll give you another $200. That’s double rewards!
🏆 Why It’s Perfect for Beginners
If you’re just getting started in the U.S. and have no credit score, this card checks all the boxes:
✅ No Credit History? No Problem.
Discover often approves applicants with little or no U.S. credit history — especially if you have an SSN and basic income.
✅ No Annual Fee
Keep your costs low while building credit. This card is completely free to keep forever — no annual fee, ever.
✅ Flexible Redemption Options
Use your cash back for statement credits (to reduce your balance), direct deposit, gift cards, or even to pay at Amazon.com and PayPal.
✅ 0% Intro APR for 14 Months
Enjoy 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months — perfect if you’re furnishing a new apartment or covering initial moving expenses.
⚠️ A Few Things to Remember
- 📅 Activate 5% Categories Each Quarter
To earn 5% cash back, you must activate the categories online or in the app — it takes just a few seconds! - 💸 $1,500 Quarterly Limit on 5% Cashback
After you spend $1,500 in the bonus categories for the quarter, you’ll earn 1% cash back on those purchases instead.
✍️ How to Apply (and Get $100 Bonus!)
- Click on this [referral link]
(Must use a referral link to get the $100 bonus) - Fill out the application — no need for a long credit history. You’ll need:
- Your SSN
- U.S. mailing address
- Basic employment or income info
- Make your first purchase (any amount) to qualify for the $100 bonus!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Build Strong
Building credit from zero might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The Discover it® Cash Back card makes the process rewarding — literally. With strong cashback benefits, no fees, and beginner-friendly approval, it’s a powerful tool for anyone starting their U.S. financial journey.
Don’t miss out on the $100 bonus — it’s a nice boost to start your credit-building journey on the right foot.
👉 Ready to apply? Click here to apply and claim your $100 bonus