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Best Credit Cards for No Credit History with Travel Benefits
By Jack Barnes
Starting your credit journey can feel a bit like stepping onto a plane for the very first time: exciting, a bit nerve-wracking, and full of unknowns. If you have no credit history but dream of traveling and making the most of travel perks, you’re in luck. Today, I’ll guide you through the best credit cards designed specifically for individuals with no credit history — and that also come loaded with travel benefits to enhance your journeys.
Why Getting a Credit Card with Travel Benefits Matters Even If You Have No Credit History
Travel rewards credit cards often come with perks like airline miles, hotel discounts, and airport lounge access — benefits that can make your trips more enjoyable and affordable.
But here’s the catch: many travel rewards cards require established credit history to qualify. Fortunately, some issuers have recognized that everyone has to start somewhere and now offer cards tailored for newcomers to credit, including travel benefits. Not only can these cards help you build your credit profile, but they also reward you for spending you’d do anyway.
What to Look For in a No Credit History Travel Card
When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to chase the biggest rewards. But it’s more important to pick a card that fits your current financial situation and goals. Here are the key features to keep an eye on:
- Approval Odds: Cards designed for people with no credit history or limited credit are best.
- Travel Perks: Look for cards offering airline miles, hotel discounts, or no foreign transaction fees.
- Annual Fees: Some cards have fees; make sure the benefits outweigh the costs.
- Sign-up Bonuses: A solid bonus can boost your miles or points quickly, but not all beginner cards offer these.
- Credit Reporting: Confirm the card reports to all three major credit bureaus so you can start building your credit score.
Top Credit Cards for No Credit History with Travel Benefits
| Card Name | Travel Benefits | Annual Fee | Credit Needed | Bonus Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | 1% cashback on all purchases; 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter); no foreign transaction fees | $0 | No credit or limited credit | Cashback match at end of first year |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 1.5% cashback on all purchases; no foreign transaction fees | $39 | Fair credit (no history often qualifies) | $200 after spending $500 in first 3 months |
| Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card | 1% to 1.5% cashback on everyday purchases; no foreign transaction fees | $0 | No credit history required | Up to 1.5% cashback after 12 on-time payments |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students | 1.5 points per $1 spent; no foreign transaction fees; no blackout dates for travel redemptions | $0 | Students with limited or no credit history | 25,000 bonus points after $1,000 spent in first 90 days |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card – Great Starter with Travel-Friendly Features
If you’re just starting out, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice. It doesn’t require any credit history, and you put down a security deposit that becomes your credit line. Although it’s a secured card, it offers travel perks like no foreign transaction fees — a big plus for international travelers.
What sets it apart? The ability to earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants, capped quarterly, and 1% on everything else. Plus, Discover will match all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards [1]. Building credit with this card is straightforward since Discover reports to all three bureaus.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – Simple Rewards and Travel Perks
This card is designed for people with fair credit or those building credit, which often includes those with no or thin credit files. It offers a flat 1.5% cashback on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees — essential for travel abroad.
While it carries a modest $39 annual fee, the $200 sign-up bonus after spending $500 in three months can help offset that cost. It also reports to all three credit bureaus to help you establish your credit history [2].
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card – Technology-Driven and Transparent
The Petal 2 card is unique because it uses your banking history and income in addition to your credit score to make approval decisions, making it accessible for those without credit history. It comes with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees.
You’ll earn 1% cashback right away, and after 12 on-time monthly payments, your cashback increases to 1.5%. The card also offers modern features like budgeting tools and no late fees (though interest accrues on unpaid balances) [3].
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students – Student-Friendly Travel Rewards
Specifically designed for students — many of whom have limited or no credit history — this card awards 1.5 points per dollar spent and comes with a nice 25,000 points sign-up bonus after meeting minimum spending. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a natural fit for the young traveler.
Points can be redeemed for travel purchases, and there are no blackout dates or restrictions, so you have the freedom to book flights, hotels, and more with ease.
How to Maximize Travel Benefits With No Credit History Cards
Even when your card offers modest rewards, you can stretch your travel budget further by:
- Using signup bonuses wisely: Take advantage of introductory offers by timing your purchases.
- Paying balances in full: Avoid interest charges that can negate rewards value.
- Booking travel early: Redeem points or cashback for flights or hotels to get the best value.
- Combining perks: Use cards with no foreign transaction fees abroad and stack rewards with airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Common Questions About Credit Cards for No Credit History with Travel Benefits
1. Can I get a travel rewards credit card with no credit history?
Yes! Several credit cards are designed for people with no credit history that also offer travel benefits such as no foreign transaction fees or points redeemable on travel. Secured cards or student cards are often the best starting points.
2. What’s the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards?
A secured credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, which typically becomes your credit limit. Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit but usually require some credit history for approval. Both types can help build credit.
3. Are there annual fees on these cards?
Some cards have no annual fees, while others charge a small fee ($0-$40 range). Weigh the fees against the benefits and bonuses to see if the card is worth it.
4. How does having no credit history affect my chances of approval?
No credit history means issuers have less information to assess risk, making approvals tougher for some cards. However, many cards are designed to approve applicants with no or limited credit if you meet income and other criteria.
5. How long does it take to build credit using these cards?
Consistent, on-time payments will start reflecting on your credit report within a month or two. Typically, after 6-12 months, you can see a noticeable improvement in your credit score, opening doors to better credit cards and loans.
Final Thoughts: Take Flight with Confidence
Building credit from scratch while earning travel benefits might seem like a tall order, but the cards listed here prove it’s entirely possible. Whether you go with a secured card like Discover it® or a student-focused Travel Rewards card from Bank of America®, you’re setting yourself up for a strong credit foundation and exciting travel opportunities.
Ready to start your journey? Apply for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card today and begin building credit with travel perks you’ll appreciate. Or, if you want a simple yet rewarding card, check out the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card — perfect for earners with limited credit history.
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