Best Credit Card for Expats in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]

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Points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases. The first $300 goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Expats

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For expats, getting a credit card in a new country can feel like a classic catch-22: you need a local credit history to be approved, but you need a credit card to build that history.

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It can be tempting to jump at the first approval, but this is where many expats stumble. Watch out for cards with sky-high annual fees or interest rates, as some lenders specifically target newcomers. Crucially, confirm that the card reports to the main credit bureaus in your new country; otherwise, you won't be building the local credit history you need.

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Key Factors

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• No Local Credit History Options: Look for lenders that cater to newcomers. This includes secured credit cards, which require a cash deposit, or international banks that may consider your credit history from your home country.
• Credit Bureau Reporting: To build your new credit profile, verify that the card issuer reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus in your new country of residence.
• Fees and Interest Rates: Scrutinize the fine print for annual fees, foreign transaction fees (especially if you travel home often), and the ongoing Annual Percentage Rate (APR) after any introductory period ends.
• Relevant Rewards and Benefits: Choose a card with perks that fit your new life. This could mean travel rewards for flights home, no foreign transaction fees, or cash back on local spending like groceries and public transit.
• Application Process: Check what documentation is required. Some cards have a more streamlined process for expats, requiring only a passport and proof of income, while others may demand a local social security number and utility bills.

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What to Watch Out For

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Many expats fall into the trap of accepting the first approval they get, only to be saddled with high-interest cards that don't even report to local credit bureaus. This effectively negates the primary goal of building a new credit history. Another common oversight is choosing a card for its flashy travel rewards, without considering if those benefits are practical for your new life and location.

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Decision Flow

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• If your primary goal is to build a local credit history, your best bet is a card that guarantees reporting to the major local credit bureaus. A secured credit card is often the most straightforward path. It requires a security deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit, but approval rates are high even with no prior history.
• If you have a strong credit history in your home country, don't let it go to waste. Some international issuers may consider your existing credit relationship with them in another country when you apply for a new card. This can help you bypass the “no local history” problem and qualify for a better, unsecured card from the start.
• If you frequently travel or send money home, prioritize a card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees, usually around 3%, can add up quickly. A travel rewards card that earns miles with airlines you use to fly home can also provide significant value, turning your local spending into discounted flights.
• If you want to maximize rewards on daily spending, look for a cash back card that aligns with your new lifestyle. If you're commuting and eating out a lot in a new city, a card offering high returns on transit and dining will be more beneficial than one focused on categories that no longer fit your routine.
• If you're on a tight budget while getting settled, focus on cards with no annual fee. While premium cards offer tempting perks, their high fees can be a burden. A no-fee card that still reports to credit bureaus will help you build credit without the extra cost.

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Maximize Your Return with Expats

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To get the most out of every dollar you spend with Expats, it pays to be strategic with your credit cards. Here are some key tips to boost your rewards:

• Stack your rewards: Don't just rely on your credit card's earning rate; combine it with shopping portal bonuses or Expats' own loyalty program to double-dip on earnings.
• Use the right card for the purchase: Select a card that offers a high rewards rate for the specific spending category of your Expats purchase, such as travel, dining, or online retail.
• Activate card-linked offers: Before you shop, check your card issuer's app for special offers that provide extra points or statement credits for spending with partners like Expats.
• Redeem points for maximum value: Avoid redeeming points for low-value options like cash back or merchandise if your card allows high-value transfers to airline and hotel partners.
• Leverage welcome offers: Time your larger Expats purchases to help meet the minimum spending requirement for a new credit card's lucrative welcome offer.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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This free app automatically selects your best card at checkout to maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks, helping the average user earn up to $750 more per year. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the major card networks, consider if a store-specific card makes sense for your spending habits, especially if you frequently shop at one retailer offering significant rewards. Regardless of the card you choose, disciplined financial management is paramount; always aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid accumulating high-interest debt. It's also wise to create a clear strategy for how you'll use credit, cash, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. Juggling multiple payment methods without a plan can quickly lead to unmanageable debt, so a holistic approach ensures your credit card remains a useful tool, not a financial trap.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I get a U.S. credit card without a Social Security Number (SSN)?

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Yes, it is possible to get a U.S. credit card without an SSN. Some issuers allow you to apply using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other forms of identification.

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Do I need a U.S. credit history to be approved for a credit card?

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While a U.S. credit history is helpful, it's not always required. Some credit card companies consider your banking relationship or international credit history, and secured credit cards are another great option for building credit from scratch.

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What are the benefits of using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees?

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A card with no foreign transaction fees saves you money, typically around 3%, on every purchase made outside the U.S. This is essential for expats who frequently travel or make purchases in their home currency.

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