Strategy to obtain US Amex

[StochasticFlyer]

Thanks, Just got approved, however was 31hrs since I applied which seems longer wait than normal. Anyways in regards to paying off the card, has anyone looked at the citibank global currency account? (Citi Australia)
Looks like when you open an account you can have multiple currencies including USD available to you, haven't opened it yet but would be interesting if you can use that to directly pay a US credit card.

I don't think you can. However, you can initiate an international transfer from your Citi bank into the Amex payment account in US chase bank.
Make sure you check the transfer cost and FX rates. Sometimes it is more worth it to do in via a FX platform

 

[tlam]

Thanks, Just got approved, however was 31hrs since I applied which seems longer wait than normal. Anyways in regards to paying off the card, has anyone looked at the citibank global currency account? (Citi Australia)
Looks like when you open an account you can have multiple currencies including USD available to you, haven't opened it yet but would be interesting if you can use that to directly pay a US credit card.

Which card did you apply? I am thinking to apply the Charge card but not sure if it is worth the annual fee.

 

[albyd]

Which card did you apply? I am thinking to apply the Charge card but not sure if it is worth the annual fee.

Given the continuing fall in the $A, from a points perspective, not worth it. Might be looking at the other perks of the card. YMMV.

 

[Spazmos]

Which card did you apply? I am thinking to apply the Charge card but not sure if it is worth the annual fee.

Hey tlam, I applied for the hilton aspire amex cc. Was eyeing that for quite a while for all the perks but had no idea how to get it (thanks jasonfungsing for showing us). I think if you are able to use all the perks every year that will be well worth the annual fee. Also if you manage to keep your diamond status for 10 years you have ticked one requirement off the list for lifetime hilton diamond qualification (the other requirement is 1000 nights or earn 2 million base points).
Speaking of perks, Has anyone activated and received their priority pass membership? does that get sent via USPS? might need to upgrade myUS to include mail if thats the case...

 

[StochasticFlyer]

Hey tlam, I applied for the hilton aspire amex cc. Was eyeing that for quite a while for all the perks but had no idea how to get it (thanks jasonfungsing for showing us). I think if you are able to use all the perks every year that will be well worth the annual fee. Also if you manage to keep your diamond status for 10 years you have ticked one requirement off the list for lifetime hilton diamond qualification (the other requirement is 1000 nights or earn 2 million base points).
Speaking of perks, Has anyone activated and received their priority pass membership? does that get sent via USPS? might need to upgrade myUS to include mail if thats the case...

To be honest, your card will be sent as a mail as well no matter it is sent by USPS or UPS. Sometimes it would pass through myUS's watch. But if it doesn't, they will hold the mail and ask you to upgrade to include mail.
Regard to PP membership card, you can ask them to create the membership first and then call back in a few days to ask for your PP membership number. Once you got the PP membership number, call PP and activate your online account. Therefore you can use it on your phone hasslefree.

 

[Spazmos]

So here is my story so far... I had tracked my CC delivery from AMEX via UPS to myUS and it was shown as delivered. As stated on their website it usually takes 24hrs for them to log all deliveries into each individual suite. I waited 2 days, nothing showing up in my suite so I talked to someone via chat asking if they have my package. The chat rep said that they wouldn't know specifically which one is mine as they all get accepted as bulk and usually takes 24-48hrs to log all incoming packages as it has been busy the past few days. I had also entered my tracking number in the "wheres my package widget?" in my suite and got pop up saying to wait 24-48hrs while they look into it. Another 2 days past and still nothing. Talked to a chat rep again who asked for my UPS tracking number, and eventually found it but was not sent to my suite as the package did not have my suite number on it, but I did include my suite number on my application form, so I'm not sure who's at fault here. Next they said they can transfer it to my suite but there will be a $7.99 fee to do so, which I'm not too bothered about as I just want my card sent out to me ASAP. But then they ask me for a merchant invoice!!!??? so as to prove that the package is indeed mine. I said that it is not something that comes with and invoice, as in it is not merchandise and I did not buy it. I told them it was a bank card and that the only way I can prove its mine is via screenshots of the AMEX chat that I had asking if the card had been shipped and for the tracking number. So I send them the screenshots as well as my Aussie drivers license and the rep said that it will have to be reviewed by their supervisors?!?!. I mean how much more proof do they need, I have told them what was expected in the package (since they open up all incoming packages anyway to inspect them) and gave them the tracking number. 24 Hrs later still no reply, and chat says that they are still awaiting the supervisors to review it. So now I'm just waiting in limbo... If they want more proof, I could take a screenshot of my AMEX account logged in and showing my personal details and last 5 digits of the card number, but not sure how much personal info I want to give them, but other than that i'm stumped. I was thinking of changing my address in AMEX account management to that of relos who live in US, but that requires the 4 digit number on the front of the card that I do not possess, and if I did I'm not sure if changing my address so soon after approval and not even activating my first card would raise any fraud/FR red flags on my account with amex, which im dreading. Also if myUS just returns the card to sender because they can't validate my claims of ownership would that likely set of any red flags?
There's another option in the AMEX account management that I could order a replacement card.
- "You can order a replacement Card if you never received your new one, or if you need one for an additional Card Member. If you need to change the shipping address, please contact us. "

I wonder if I can get them to send a replacement it to my aussie address, saying that I am out of USA and won't be back to receive the new card... and that I am in urgent need of it... but if I do that now sure how many flags will be raised.

Anyone have any thoughts on how I should proceed? Why can't AMEX just make these card offers available Australia!!
Thanks

 

[StochasticFlyer]

So here is my story so far... I had tracked my CC delivery from AMEX via UPS to myUS and it was shown as delivered. As stated on their website it usually takes 24hrs for them to log all deliveries into each individual suite. I waited 2 days, nothing showing up in my suite so I talked to someone via chat asking if they have my package. The chat rep said that they wouldn't know specifically which one is mine as they all get accepted as bulk and usually takes 24-48hrs to log all incoming packages as it has been busy the past few days. I had also entered my tracking number in the "wheres my package widget?" in my suite and got pop up saying to wait 24-48hrs while they look into it. Another 2 days past and still nothing. Talked to a chat rep again who asked for my UPS tracking number, and eventually found it but was not sent to my suite as the package did not have my suite number on it, but I did include my suite number on my application form, so I'm not sure who's at fault here. Next they said they can transfer it to my suite but there will be a $7.99 fee to do so, which I'm not too bothered about as I just want my card sent out to me ASAP. But then they ask me for a merchant invoice!!!??? so as to prove that the package is indeed mine. I said that it is not something that comes with and invoice, as in it is not merchandise and I did not buy it. I told them it was a bank card and that the only way I can prove its mine is via screenshots of the AMEX chat that I had asking if the card had been shipped and for the tracking number. So I send them the screenshots as well as my Aussie drivers license and the rep said that it will have to be reviewed by their supervisors?!?!. I mean how much more proof do they need, I have told them what was expected in the package (since they open up all incoming packages anyway to inspect them) and gave them the tracking number. 24 Hrs later still no reply, and chat says that they are still awaiting the supervisors to review it. So now I'm just waiting in limbo... If they want more proof, I could take a screenshot of my AMEX account logged in and showing my personal details and last 5 digits of the card number, but not sure how much personal info I want to give them, but other than that i'm stumped. I was thinking of changing my address in AMEX account management to that of relos who live in US, but that requires the 4 digit number on the front of the card that I do not possess, and if I did I'm not sure if changing my address so soon after approval and not even activating my first card would raise any fraud/FR red flags on my account with amex, which im dreading. Also if myUS just returns the card to sender because they can't validate my claims of ownership would that likely set of any red flags?
There's another option in the AMEX account management that I could order a replacement card.
- "You can order a replacement Card if you never received your new one, or if you need one for an additional Card Member. If you need to change the shipping address, please contact us. "

I wonder if I can get them to send a replacement it to my aussie address, saying that I am out of USA and won't be back to receive the new card... and that I am in urgent need of it... but if I do that now sure how many flags will be raised.

Anyone have any thoughts on how I should proceed? Why can't AMEX just make these card offers available Australia!!
Thanks

I feel sorry for the trouble you got.
I'm going to share my story here:
I initially waited for 5 days for my card. MyUS couldn't find it and I realised I filled in the wrong mailing address.
So I was in a similar circumstance with yours. I called US AMEX to see if they can order a replacement card directly to Australia. They agreed, but they asked for SMS verification. I couldn't do it as I filled in the wrong phone number during my online account registration, by a digit. So they had to send to the mail forwarding address again.
5 days later, the card shown delivered, but MyUS couldn't find it. It turned out Amex didn't include suite number on the parcel.
I called AMEX again, and ask them to send out a second replacement card. They kindly advised me that this has raised a flag on the account and I needed to wait for 10 days to get the second one got sent. Luckily, the second one was received fine and I got my card roughly a month after the initial application.

I think you can definitely try ordering the replacement card directly to Australia. But just be aware that there will be extra verifications.
Also, wait for MyUS's action as well. Since they said they've got the parcel already, you should be fine. What you might need to do, is to contact them regularly to make sure someone is actually onto your matter.

 

[Spazmos]

I feel sorry for the trouble you got.
I'm going to share my story here:
I initially waited for 5 days for my card. MyUS couldn't find it and I realised I filled in the wrong mailing address.
So I was in a similar circumstance with yours. I called US AMEX to see if they can order a replacement card directly to Australia. They agreed, but they asked for SMS verification. I couldn't do it as I filled in the wrong phone number during my online account registration, by a digit. So they had to send to the mail forwarding address again.
5 days later, the card shown delivered, but MyUS couldn't find it. It turned out Amex didn't include suite number on the parcel.
I called AMEX again, and ask them to send out a second replacement card. They kindly advised me that this has raised a flag on the account and I needed to wait for 10 days to get the second one got sent. Luckily, the second one was received fine and I got my card roughly a month after the initial application.

I think you can definitely try ordering the replacement card directly to Australia. But just be aware that there will be extra verifications.
Also, wait for MyUS's action as well. Since they said they've got the parcel already, you should be fine. What you might need to do, is to contact them regularly to make sure someone is actually onto your matter.

Thanks for sharing your experience, yeh I am leaning towards ordering a replacement card now mailed to Australia. I will give myUS 1 more day to sort this out... I would probably get the card faster doing this way rather than wait for myUS anyways. Did you have to give an excuse when asking them to send it to Australia or do they ask why? My number is enrolled for sms account alerts with amex so that covers that. Also what do you think happens to all the cards that remain at myUS warehouse? I hope they just destroy them...

 

[StochasticFlyer]

Thanks for sharing your experience, yeh I am leaning towards ordering a replacement card now mailed to Australia. I will give myUS 1 more day to sort this out... I would probably get the card faster doing this way rather than wait for myUS anyways. Did you have to give an excuse when asking them to send it to Australia or do they ask why? My number is enrolled for sms account alerts with amex so that covers that. Also what do you think happens to all the cards that remain at myUS warehouse? I hope they just destroy them...

Nah, I don't think you really need an excuse. Since you did global transfer anyway, a responsible CR should be able to discover that himself/herself. You may just say" I'm not in US right now, can you please order a replacement card to AUS? Just verify me!" Try to speak to a supervisor if they refuse to do so. To be aware, some CR might not have the authority to do so if they are located outside US. I've got several CRs stated they couldn't do it as they based on India and advised me to call back during standard US time.
Every replacement card comes with a different number. So your old cards are useless to anyone.

 

[potm]

If you have a friend or relative in the USA, I would definitely go with their address instead.
You don’t actually need the physical card.
The associated benefits don’t need to have the card. If you want to spend on it, you can add the details to your phone and use apple/google pay. Online payments you just need the number.
I only have my Bonvoy card for the benefits and don’t spend on it except when I go to the USA.
They’re sending out a new one due to the rebranding from SPG which is annoying but doesn’t really have an impact. The friend/relative in the USA just has to keep the physical card safe for you.

 

[Spazmos]

Nah, I don't think you really need an excuse. Since you did global transfer anyway, a responsible CR should be able to discover that himself/herself. You may just say" I'm not in US right now, can you please order a replacement card to AUS? Just verify me!" Try to speak to a supervisor if they refuse to do so. To be aware, some CR might not have the authority to do so if they are located outside US. I've got several CRs stated they couldn't do it as they based on India and advised me to call back during standard US time.
Every replacement card comes with a different number. So your old cards are useless to anyone.

Yeh called just before, but got someone from India who was really nice but couldn't help me as he couldn't verify me from his side. He advised I call back around 8AM EST which is when the US opens for business...

BUT just as I am about to call amex again at 8:20AM EST got an email myUS has just approved my ownership. Hurray it is in my suite! However before they can send it they want me to place a value on the package as required for US customs... Here are the options:
How to provide item values:
Option 1:Enter the values of each item. If the values are accepted, you will be able to ship right away. If the values are declined, a merchant invoice will be required.
Option 2:Upload merchant invoice. Your package will be placed "In Review" until the values are verified by MyUS..

Cards Incorporating A Magnetic StripeSchedule B: 8523.21.0000 : Cards Incorporating A Magnetic Stripe
TOTAL WEIGHT: 1.90 lbs

Would $5 USD for a piece of plastic and possibly some paperwork be acceptable? I wouldn't want another one of their "reviews"

If you have a friend or relative in the USA, I would definitely go with their address instead.
You don’t actually need the physical card.
The associated benefits don’t need to have the card. If you want to spend on it, you can add the details to your phone and use apple/google pay. Online payments you just need the number.
I only have my Bonvoy card for the benefits and don’t spend on it except when I go to the USA.
They’re sending out a new one due to the rebranding from SPG which is annoying but doesn’t really have an impact. The friend/relative in the USA just has to keep the physical card safe for you.

Yes I think once this ordeal is over I will definitely seek out my relos for their mailing address. The thing is would AMEX get suspicious if I change my address so soon?
Thanks

 

[StochasticFlyer]

Yeh called just before, but got someone from India who was really nice but couldn't help me as he couldn't verify me from his side. He advised I call back around 8AM EST which is when the US opens for business...

BUT just as I am about to call amex again at 8:20AM EST got an email myUS has just approved my ownership. Hurray it is in my suite! However before they can send it they want me to place a value on the package as required for US customs... Here are the options:
How to provide item values:
Option 1:Enter the values of each item. If the values are accepted, you will be able to ship right away. If the values are declined, a merchant invoice will be required.
Option 2:Upload merchant invoice. Your package will be placed "In Review" until the values are verified by MyUS..

Cards Incorporating A Magnetic StripeSchedule B: 8523.21.0000 : Cards Incorporating A Magnetic Stripe
TOTAL WEIGHT: 1.90 lbs

Would $5 USD for a piece of plastic and possibly some paperwork be acceptable? I wouldn't want another one of their "reviews"


Yes I think once this ordeal is over I will definitely seek out my relos for their mailing address. The thing is would AMEX get suspicious if I change my address so soon?
Thanks

Congratulations!
I believe that is the problem with parcel posting that you must enter a value. "mail" post doesn't require that input. I reckon $5 USD is reasonable as it is not really a purchase.

 

[ithongy]

Sadly no more PP pass on Amex issued cards.

I am actually not chasing the point per dollar for US cards, more on the benefits come with the card. For example, the Bonvoy card comes with $300 annual hotel credit, a free night, then priority pass etc, only for $450 annual fee. Just for the $300+free night, it's already worth it.

 

[jasonfungsing]

Sadly no more PP pass on Amex issued cards.

Yes, unfortunately, most the PP in AUS is non-louges, but it's a good use for overseas airports.

 

[albyd]

I've already got the Marriott Card (originally base SPG card via Global Transfer. I'm interested in the new Green card with 30K MR sign up bonus (assuming I can get it even though I have a Bonvoy card). Can I apply for a second card via the global transfer method or will they want to see US earnings (which I don't have) now for my second card?

Does anyone know if the 3x Travel bonus applies to "Global" spend or only to US spend? The Restaurant spend is specifically mentioned as "worldwide". Might otherwise be a good way of earning 2MR/$A at the current exchange rate - for instance to tap on NSW public Transport. Also has no FX fees which is interesting for a "base" card - not just limited to "premium" cards anymore in the US.

I know the US Citi Premier honors bonus categories worldwide (have been getting the bonus points on Australian spend).

 

[cove]

I have the Gold US Amex and I think it is time for Mrscove to get a Platinum US Amex to pick up 100,000 sign on. If I upgrade my Gold I think I can only get 30,000 to 50,000 sign on.

 

[tlam]

I just got approved for the new Green card and it should arrive at my US address within this week and at my house in Aus next week. I’ll make some test spend on various stores, I read the article on the point guy and the categories should apply worldwide, basically, this new Green amex card is the Chase Reserved.

 

[albyd]

Thanks for sharing. I’m thinking I’ll apply this week. Do you have any other Us Amex cards? I’d like to apply via global transfer just as long as they don’t have a limit on how many US cards you can apply for.

 

[tlam]

Thanks for sharing. I’m thinking I’ll apply this week. Do you have any other Us Amex cards? I’d like to apply via global transfer just as long as they don’t have a limit on how many US cards you can apply for.

No I don’t, let me know if you can apply the second card. Then, I’ll apply the Aspire Hilton, it’s good, and the benefits are outweighed the annual fee.

 

[jasonfungsing]

Thanks for sharing. I’m thinking I’ll apply this week. Do you have any other Us Amex cards? I’d like to apply via global transfer just as long as they don’t have a limit on how many US cards you can apply for.

Can only get one US AMEX card via Global Transfer. From then, start building a US credit history with amex. After 6 months, you can apply the 2nd card with AMEX, which only does a soft pull. So make sure you didn’t do anything stupid with ur 1st us amex card.

P.S. I got my 1st US Amex card (Hilton Aspire) via Global Transfer at Dec 2018. Then applied my 2nd US Amex card(Bonvoy Brilliant) June 2019 and went crazy since then..... just got my 7th US Amex card....