Credit card options for retirees

[SYD]

Got irritated with and cancelled 28 degrees MC as they wouldn't waive the monthly fee which they have for many. My main Fx fee free Credit card is BW World MC with a limit of 28K but I'm concerned they will block it when I'm OS if any fraudulent activity is suspected. I could then use Fx fee free Debit cards but I have just successfuly applied for a US Hilton Aspire Amex card which is Fx free and gives me automatic Hilton Diamond status. It comes with a generous US$20K limit. Also successfully applied for the Star Alliance HSBC credit card which gives Star Alliance gold status and lounge access, fee free for first year but $499 pa after ....I think I'm set for now but unfortunately things always change!

How did you manage to get those if retired? What hoops and jumps? Maybe starting with HSBC? The US CC are another league for most.

 

[kpc]

How did you manage to get those if retired? What hoops and jumps? Maybe starting with HSBC? The US CC are another league for most.

Not retired....yet! Preparing for retirement

 

[VPS]

Got irritated with and cancelled 28 degrees MC as they wouldn't waive the monthly fee which they have for many. My main Fx fee free Credit card is BW World MC with a limit of 28K but I'm concerned they will block it when I'm OS if any fraudulent activity is suspected. I could then use Fx fee free Debit cards but I have just successfuly applied for a US Hilton Aspire Amex card which is Fx free and gives me automatic Hilton Diamond status. It comes with a generous US$20K limit. Also successfully applied for the Star Alliance HSBC credit card which gives Star Alliance gold status and lounge access, fee free for first year but $499 pa after ....I think I'm set for now but unfortunately things always change!

How hard was it to get the US card though - do you have a SS number

 

[kpc]

How hard was it to get the US card though - do you have a SS number

There were a few hoops but I do not have a SSN. Applied via Global Transfer from my Aussie Amex acct:

Post in thread 'Strategy to obtain US Amex'

Feb 11, 2025

Updated Strategy for Obtaining US Credit Cards (2025).


What’s the deal with obtaining US credit cards?

• Lucrative Offers: The US market often has some of the best sign-up bonuses and rewards programs around. Compared to what's available in Australia, the deals can be significantly more attractive.
• Variety and Flexibility: There's a huge variety of credit cards in the US tailored to different needs, whether it's travel rewards, or points systems and other benefits.

Of course, your experience might vary, and what works for one person might not work for another...

• ithongy

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