The Best U.S. Credit Cards for Non-Residents – and Why It All Starts With a U.S. LLC
For anyone living outside the United States, American credit cards can seem like a distant dream — with their high limits, lucrative reward systems, and generous travel perks that European banks simply don’t match.
But what most people don’t realize is this: you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or even live in the U.S. to get them.
All you need is a U.S. LLC and an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
That’s your gateway into the American financial system — and it’s far easier than it sounds.
At Nullsteuer.LLC, we set up your U.S. LLC for you — including the free ITIN registration — so you can open a U.S. bank account and begin building your personal and business credit. Once your credit score is established, you’ll qualify for the same top-tier cards that Americans use — and later, even business credit cards for your LLC.
Below, I’ll walk you through the best U.S. multi-currency credit cards for non-residents, all with no foreign transaction fees and benefits that make European cards look like toys.
1. Bank of America Travel Rewards Card
Annual fee: $0
Perfect starter card for newcomers
This is the card many expats start with — including me. It’s available with an ITIN (no SSN required) and has no foreign transaction fees.
Key features:
1.5 points per dollar on every purchase, no categories
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees – pay in euros, pesos, or pounds
Basic travel benefits: car rental insurance, purchase protection, emergency travel assistance
Redeem points for travel, hotels, or restaurant credits (roughly 1% cashback equivalent)
Simple, clean, and reliable — the perfect first step to build your U.S. credit score through regular use and on-time payments.
2. American Express Gold Card
Annual fee: $250
The dining and travel powerhouse
One of the most popular cards in the U.S., especially for those who travel and dine out globally.
Highlights:
4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year) and restaurants worldwide (including delivery)
3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
1 point per dollar on everything else
Welcome bonus: up to 75,000 Amex points
Credits: $120 dining + $120 Uber Cash + $100 hotel credit
No foreign transaction fees
No preset spending limit – your limit grows with your payment history
If you already have an Amex card abroad, you can often apply through the Global Transfer Program, making this one of the easiest premium cards to obtain with an ITIN. For frequent travelers, the annual fee pays for itself quickly.
3. Bank of America Premium Rewards Card
Annual fee: $95
Solid mid-range travel card
For those ready to move beyond entry-level cards, this is an excellent next step.
Benefits:
2 points per dollar on travel and dining
1.5 points per dollar on everything else
60,000 bonus points (worth around $600) after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days
No foreign transaction fees
Travel insurance and purchase protection
If you join Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards Program, your points increase by 25–75% depending on your balance.
A great “everyday” card for those who travel but don’t want a $400+ annual fee.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card
Annual fee: $0
Simple cashback card
No frills, no games, no categories — just solid cashback on everything.
1.5% cashback on all purchases
$200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months
No foreign transaction fees
Purchase and travel protection
Perfect if you want a secondary card for everyday spending without worrying about point categories or fees.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Annual fee: $95
For serious travelers
The Venture card is a major upgrade for international travelers.
2 miles per dollar on every purchase
5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in 3 months
No foreign transaction fees
Access to airport lounges and travel insurance
Transfer miles to multiple airline partners
This card is ideal if you travel frequently and want flexibility in redeeming your miles. It also includes TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit worth $100.
6. Capital One Venture X
Annual fee: $395
Premium version for frequent flyers
Capital One’s top-tier travel card, comparable to Amex Platinum or Chase Reserve — but cheaper.
10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals
5 miles per dollar on flights
2 miles per dollar on everything else
75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months
$300 annual travel credit
Free airport lounge access (Capital One + Priority Pass)
Hilton Gold + Marriott Gold status
Comprehensive travel insurance
It requires an excellent credit score (usually 750+), but if you travel even twice a year, you’ll easily offset the annual fee.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee: $95
A favorite among travel hackers
2 points per dollar on travel and dining
1 point on all other purchases
60,000 bonus points (worth $600–$1,200 when redeemed smartly)
No foreign transaction fees
Comprehensive travel insurance
Chase’s Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable in the world. You can transfer them to Emirates, Marriott, Hyatt, United, British Airways, and more — often yielding first-class flights for economy prices.
8. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee: $550
The premium option for professionals
10x points on hotels and dining through Chase Travel
5x points on flights
3x points on other travel and dining
60,000 bonus points after $4,000 spend
$300 annual travel credit
Priority Pass lounge access, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry
Trip delay and cancellation insurance
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s also one of the most rewarding cards on the market. If you travel frequently, you’ll recover the fee several times over.
9. American Express Platinum
Annual fee: $695
The luxury travel card
5x points on Amex Travel bookings
1x point everywhere else
$200 airline fee credit, $200 Uber Cash, $189 CLEAR credit
Access to Centurion and Delta Sky Lounges
Hilton Gold & Marriott Gold status
Top-tier insurance and purchase protection
Amex is also more flexible with applicants who have a new or short U.S. credit history — as long as you have a verifiable LLC and income.
How to Get These Cards as a Non-Resident
The process is straightforward once you understand the sequence:
Form a U.S. LLC through us – ideally in Texas, Wyoming, or New Mexico.
Open a U.S. bank account for your LLC.
Obtain your ITIN – which is included free with your LLC package from Nullsteuer.LLC.
Apply for an entry-level card like the Bank of America Travel Rewards or Capital One Quicksilver.
Use it regularly and pay it off monthly to build your credit score.
After 6–12 months, move up to Amex Gold, Venture X, or Chase Sapphire.
Once your personal credit is strong, your LLC can qualify for business credit lines — allowing you to leverage your company for financing or investments.
That’s the true power of the U.S. system: personal credit unlocks business credit, and business credit unlocks opportunity.
Why It’s Worth It
Building U.S. credit isn’t just about getting nice cards — it’s about gaining access.
Access to real credit limits in USD
Access to high-value reward systems that Europe doesn’t offer
Access to non-CRS bank accounts and private business credit lines
If you want to build a financial Plan B outside the European system, this is one of the smartest and most legal ways to do it.
And best of all, you don’t have to do it alone — we handle the LLC formation, the bank account, and the ITIN registration for you.
Ready to Start?
You can order your U.S. LLC setup directly online at
👉 Nullsteuer.LLC
Your package includes:
U.S. LLC formation
Free ITIN registration
U.S. address and bank introduction
Step-by-step guidance on applying for your first American credit card
From there, the sky’s the limit — quite literally, when you start collecting those 75,000-mile sign-up bonuses.
