Aussie wanting Credit Card for AAdvantage program

[zan5hin]

Hi, I'm going backpacking RTW next year, and at the moment I don't have a credit card. I've been doing a bit of research and find that I'm going to join the AAdvantage platinum challenge and earn points through them instead of Qantas because they offer a much better deal.

On top of all the miles I'll earn by flying, I also want to earn miles by using a credit card. I will be spending about $40,000 all up.

Are there any credit cards here which can convert what I spend to AAdvantage miles? Or can I apply for a US card of some sort from here for use RTW?

I just found out about Wizard's Clear Advantage Mastercard which has no fees for overseas purchases, so would it be worthwhile just to forget about points and just get this to get actual monetary savings?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ANDREWCX]

Generally the answer is - not possible. No Australian issued card offers American Airlines miles due to the agreement between Qantas and AA.

You can see all the Australian CC's that offer mileage cards on my website @ http://www.andrewcram.com/frequentflyer.html

As for getting a US card - also not possible. To get any form of bank account in the US you will need a US Social Security number which you can only get as a legal resident or citizen. Even if you have a SSN you would need at least 2 years worth of credit report showing payments on a loan or use of a US issued CC to be eligable for a US credit card. (The US credit report system works completely differently from Australia's). If you have a SSN and you can deposit your spending in a US account you might be able to get an AAdvantage Mastercard DEBIT card but I really think the effort and difficulties mean you might as well not bother.

I would just get an EzyBanking Mastercard since it is cheap ($39 annual fee total) and you can earn qantas miles through it and if you have the money you plan to spend in a bank account or similar you could open 2 EzyAction cheque / savings accounts (after you get the MCard) - deposit at least $3000 in each and earn 600 points per month plus makes paying the card via online transfer easier.

 

[BlacKnox]

Generally the answer is - not possible. No Australian issued card offers American Airlines miles due to the agreement between Qantas and AA.

You can see all the Australian CC's that offer mileage cards on my website @ http://www.andrewcram.com/frequentflyer.html

As for getting a US card - also not possible. To get any form of bank account in the US you will need a US Social Security number which you can only get as a legal resident or citizen. Even if you have a SSN you would need at least 2 years worth of credit report showing payments on a loan or use of a US issued CC to be eligable for a US credit card. (The US credit report system works completely differently from Australia's). If you have a SSN and you can deposit your spending in a US account you might be able to get an AAdvantage Mastercard DEBIT card but I really think the effort and difficulties mean you might as well not bother.

I would just get an EzyBanking Mastercard since it is cheap ($39 annual fee total) and you can earn qantas miles through it and if you have the money you plan to spend in a bank account or similar you could open 2 EzyAction cheque / savings accounts (after you get the MCard) - deposit at least $3000 in each and earn 600 points per month plus makes paying the card via online transfer easier.

Wow, what a great response :!:

 

[zan5hin]

Yeah, thanks for the good response.

I'm thinking I might just not bother about rewards and go with this new card from Wizard. If I'm going to be travelling around mostly withdrawing from ATMs it means I can withdraw more often, small amounts instead of withdrawing larger amounts just to justify the transaction fee.

 

[robertz]

Generally the answer is - not possible. No Australian issued card offers American Airlines miles due to the agreement between Qantas and AA.

You can see all the Australian CC's that offer mileage cards on my website @ http://www.andrewcram.com/frequentflyer.html

As for getting a US card - also not possible. To get any form of bank account in the US you will need a US Social Security number which you can only get as a legal resident or citizen. Even if you have a SSN you would need at least 2 years worth of credit report showing payments on a loan or use of a US issued CC to be eligable for a US credit card. (The US credit report system works completely differently from Australia's). If you have a SSN and you can deposit your spending in a US account you might be able to get an AAdvantage Mastercard DEBIT card but I really think the effort and difficulties mean you might as well not bother.

I would just get an EzyBanking Mastercard since it is cheap ($39 annual fee total) and you can earn qantas miles through it and if you have the money you plan to spend in a bank account or similar you could open 2 EzyAction cheque / savings accounts (after you get the MCard) - deposit at least $3000 in each and earn 600 points per month plus makes paying the card via online transfer easier.

Wow, what a great response :!:

I agree. Especially the part about "As for getting a US card" .
Im an Aussie in the US for over 15 months now, with SS card and bills history, I still dont have a credit history. Hey, they wont even give me a Target card store card. The low point of my credit chasing history was trying to finance a $60 box of contacts at Lenscrafters. Nope. No contacts for you.
(Lucky I still have my AUS cards!!)

Robert

 

[robertz]

Yeah, thanks for the good response.

I'm thinking I might just not bother about rewards and go with this new card from Wizard. If I'm going to be travelling around mostly withdrawing from ATMs it means I can withdraw more often, small amounts instead of withdrawing larger amounts just to justify the transaction fee.

Your really taking about 2 different things here.

If you plan to withdraw $$$ from ATM using your credit card, then you are going to pay a fortune in interest. Also somebody has to pay the card, while your way backpacking. The banks wont let the balance sit there for over 1 month without paying anything, especially if your withdrawing $$$ in strange countries all over the world.

If you have $40k in $$$, then you can stick it on a CC and it wont cost you anything. It will be just like taking your ATM card around, but safer and more convenient But the fee's for withdrawing $$$ this way is higher. Citibank have a great program with international withdrawals using debit card. The conversion is similar to the cash rate and they charge $2 per withdrawal.

Another thing that comes to mind, if you have never had a CC before, then the limit will probably be $1k or $2K, depending on your assets and work history. Telling a bank that your leaving your job to go backpacking for a year, with no real income wont help the cause, either.

Oh, and one final thing. AA Plat challenge, hasn't got anything to do with miles earnt with a CC. You can still sign up for the challenge, to get the status, depending on the classes of tickets you have.

Personally, I would buy a QC membership and get an Visa card that has 1 for 1 QF points.

Rob