Strategy to obtain US Amex

[QF_Flyer]

When I sign in to the Amex US Website there is a section relating to how much you spent so far to get the 2nd Free Weekend Night Reward (the $60k USD one ) for the Hilton Aspire so I suppose you can use that to track how much you spent so far this year.

Yes I did see that, $60k it'll definitely do as an overall tracker, as I can't see myself exceeding it!

 

[levelnine]

What has worked to get a US phone number is to simply sign up to a T-Mobile e-SIM plan - I haven't worked out how to get it to roam yet, but it does connect to Wifi calling, so receives calls and SMS that way.

How much does that cost you? The cheapest I can see is $40/month, which is quite a lot for verification purposes.

I also use the spending tracker that's part of the FNC.

And it is well worth the effort. US Amexes (and other credit cards) have been extremely profitable for me.

 

[QF_Flyer]

How much does that cost you? The cheapest I can see is $40/month, which is quite a lot for verification purposes.

I also use the spending tracker that's part of the FNC.

And it is well worth the effort. US Amexes (and other credit cards) have been extremely profitable for me.

US$10, if you expand the list of plans (I used the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM iOS app) you can select others, there's even a $5 data plan, but I wasn't sure if that was just data and didn't come with a phone number. I wasn't sure it'd work at all, it was a bit of a gamble.

Delving deeper into the terms too, it seems that for roaming the SIM needs to activate on the US T-Mobile network first, but as I say Wifi calling is working fine, even without a VPN (over a Telstra 5G connection).

Annoyingly I was in the US last week, but wasn't really thinking about this at the time, otherwise I'd have sorted something out while I was there, but never mind. I'll be heading back in a couple of months, so will see if I can properly activate it then.

 

[levelnine]

US$10,

Ahh, I see that is Connect by T-Mobile. A lot better, though still a little on the expensive side. Though I wonder if it is worth getting one of those plans to be able to use Chase text message verification (you can't use it with TextNow). Are you planning to apply for any Chase cards? Or just Amex?

 

[Tiki]

I am getting nervous about Cap One and Citibank. I was reading on here and FT that people were having hassles to prove their identity. So I think my next 3 credit cards should be 2 x Chase (since I have 2 cards in good standing with them and am under 5/24) and maybe the Amex Green. I wish I could get the gold but I had it before and it's once in a lifetime. Just a shame to miss out on the higher SUBs. Cap One has very few branches to walk into and prove my identity. Mainly in Texas and other states I wouldn't be visiting normally. Citibank has a branch in Culver City, near LAX so it's a possiblity for a walk in. Or there is a couple near SFO if I use the new BNE-SFO option.

I just renewed my US passport but it may take a couple months if they are backlogged.

 

[desafinado74]

Just out of curiosity, When does the annual fee for Aspire appear ? After the first statement ? (I just got it last month)

 

[blacksultan]

I am getting nervous about Cap One and Citibank. I was reading on here and FT that people were having hassles to prove their identity. So I think my next 3 credit cards should be 2 x Chase (since I have 2 cards in good standing with them and am under 5/24) and maybe the Amex Green. I wish I could get the gold but I had it before and it's once in a lifetime. Just a shame to miss out on the higher SUBs. Cap One has very few branches to walk into and prove my identity. Mainly in Texas and other states I wouldn't be visiting normally. Citibank has a branch in Culver City, near LAX so it's a possiblity for a walk in. Or there is a couple near SFO if I use the new BNE-SFO option.

I just renewed my US passport but it may take a couple months if they are backlogged.

I read somewhere you may still get the sub for Amex if the one you signed upto previously has dropped off your credit file

 

[thizho]

I have just received the letter from the IRS confirming they have issued me with an ITIN. I would like to apply for a card from Chase or Citi - should I try this now, or do I first need to apply for another AMEX card to get my ITIN associated with my credit file before applying to Chase/Citi?

 

[pyusha]

I have just received the letter from the IRS confirming they have issued me with an ITIN. I would like to apply for a card from Chase or Citi - should I try this now, or do I first need to apply for another AMEX card to get my ITIN associated with my credit file before applying to Chase/Citi?

One definitely need's an year's history for Chase cards. Start with Amex GT, wait for an year and then apply for Chase. Unsure on Cap1 cards.

 

[levelnine]

maybe the Amex Green.

What's the attraction of the Amex Green for you?

I struggle to see the value proposition in Amex MR cards outside the US. You can't use most of the credits, so have to put through a huge amount of money on the cards to break even on the annual fee after the first year.

I can see it making sense if you're trying to accumulate a lot of MR in a short period of time, in which case you hit all of them (Gold, Green, Platinum), but as an ongoing card I just don't see their value over, say, a CSP or Venture X.

Post automatically merged: Jul 4, 2022

After the first statement ?

In first statement.

 

[DC3]

I struggle to see the value proposition in Amex MR cards outside the US. You can't use most of the credits, so have to put through a huge amount of money on the cards to break even on the annual fee after the first year.

I can see it making sense if you're trying to accumulate a lot of MR in a short period of time, in which case you hit all of them (Gold, Green, Platinum), but as an ongoing card I just don't see ..

These cards will not suit everyone, but for some they have worthwhile benefits.

If anyone is struggling to see value, then maybe these cards are not for them.

 

[Tiki]

What's the attraction of the Amex Green for you?

I struggle to see the value proposition in Amex MR cards outside the US. You can't use most of the credits, so have to put through a huge amount of money on the cards to break even on the annual fee after the first year.

I can see it making sense if you're trying to accumulate a lot of MR in a short period of time, in which case you hit all of them (Gold, Green, Platinum), but as an ongoing card I just don't see their value over, say, a CSP or Venture X.

Post automatically merged: Jul 4, 2022

In first statement.

It would be for the SUB, then cancel after 1st year. I wouldn't get the plt, annual fee too high. And the fact that I have now been "validated" with Amex as to my identity. B of A put me through the wringer and that after having a relationship with them for 35 years. I shudder to think what Citibank and Cap One would put me through. I may get away with Chase because I do have a good relationship with them on the IHG card for 10 years.

 

[sudoer]

What's the attraction of the Amex Green for you?

I struggle to see the value proposition in Amex MR cards outside the US.

The arbitrage on MR transfers and wider ranger of partners is a significant attraction of the Amex Green for me. Once I have a FICO score I think that'll be my next sign-up.

 

[http_x92]

Having a points earning card with no foreign transaction fees where I don't have to jump through massive hurdles is a win for me, and that's what the US Amex cards do. Also good FX rates with Amex.

Especially with the Hilton Aspire where I can get more than $450 USD of value back ($250 Resort Credit, Free Night and $250 United Travel Bank)

 

[levelnine]

If anyone is struggling to see value, then maybe these cards are not for them.

The reason I ask is I'm interested in seeing how people's value calculations play out.

For example, it is relatively easy to earn ~100K UR (including referrals if you have a P2) every three months through the Inks for $0/$95 (downgraded to $0 in second year). I can't see how any Amex MR comes even close to that proposition. The only downside of the Inks is that the $0AF come with a 3% foreign exchange fee, but even that nets out at only $225 for the $7500 minimum spend — less than the Gold.

It would be for the SUB, then cancel after 1st year. I wouldn't get the plt, annual fee too high. And the fact that I have now been "validated" with Amex as to my identity. B of A put me through the wringer and that after having a relationship with them for 35 years. I shudder to think what Citibank and Cap One would put me through. I may get away with Chase because I do have a good relationship with them on the IHG card for 10 years.

Yes, SUB always makes sense. It's the ongoing AF that I struggle to see the value in for people outside of Australia.

he arbitrage on MR transfers and wider ranger of partners is a significant attraction of the Amex Green for me. Once I have a FICO score I think that'll be my next sign-up.

I can see the arbitrage as a unique feature. But does it make much sense given the exchange rate is applied to the transfer? Doesn't that wipe out a lot of the arbitrage? Do the Chase partners not hold enough attraction for you? You're essentially paying $105 more than the CSP (effective AF after hotel credit subtracted) for the same earn on dining and 1x more on travel, which means you need to spend $US10K on the Amex Green just to break even on the CSP. I can't see the value.

Especially with the Hilton Aspire where I can get more than $450 USD of value back ($250 Resort Credit, Free Night and $250 United Travel Bank)

Yes, the Aspire is an easy one to justify, especially outside the US where you get some recognition of Diamond.

 

[mrsquare]

The reason I ask is I'm interested in seeing how people's value calculations play out.

For example, it is relatively easy to earn ~100K UR (including referrals if you have a P2) every three months through the Inks for $0/$95 (downgraded to $0 in second year). I can't see how any Amex MR comes even close to that proposition. The only downside of the Inks is that the $0AF come with a 3% foreign exchange fee, but even that nets out at only $225 for the $7500 minimum spend — less than the Gold.

Wouldn’t you hit 5/24 pretty quickly doing this though?

 

[levelnine]

Wouldn’t you hit 5/24 pretty quickly doing this though?

Chase Inks don't count towards 5/24, but you need to be under 5/24 to apply. That's why I'm especially interested in hearing contrary opinions. P2 and I deliberately stay under 5/24 to make use of Chase Inks, but if Amexes offer a better ROI, I'm all ears.

I just can't see how Amexes work (outside of special cases like the Aspire) if you aren't able to make use of most credits and offers.

There are, of course, scenarios in which they make sense. For example, if you can't access Chase products for some reason. But if you're willing to put in the effort to get a US Amex, it's not a lot more effort to get a US Chase or US Cap 1.

 

[Tiki]

Chase Inks don't count towards 5/24, but you need to be under 5/24 to apply. That's why I'm especially interested in hearing contrary opinions. P2 and I deliberately stay under 5/24 to make use of Chase Inks, but if Amexes offer a better ROI, I'm all ears.

I just can't see how Amexes work (outside of special cases like the Aspire) if you aren't able to make use of most credits and offers.

There are, of course, scenarios in which they make sense. For example, if you can't access Chase products for some reason. But if you're willing to put in the effort to get a US Amex, it's not a lot more effort to get a US Chase or US Cap 1.

How did you get a Cap One? What kind of verification did they want?

 

[levelnine]

How did you get a Cap One? What kind of verification did they want?

Nothing out of the ordinary. But my credit file was in order — high credit score, address on application matched address reported by other agencies, already had a Cap One checking account (easy to open online), etc. You also need a low velocity for a VX card, so I suggest not doing it if you've been churning through a lot of cards recently. Best to start early in your journey rather than late, or after a time off churning.

 

[blacksultan]

Nothing out of the ordinary. But my credit file was in order — high credit score, address on application matched address reported by other agencies, already had a Cap One checking account (easy to open online), etc. You also need a low velocity for a VX card, so I suggest not doing it if you've been churning through a lot of cards recently. Best to start early in your journey rather than late, or after a time off churning.

Since cap 1 do not accept cmra , are you using a friend or relatives adresss Witth them ? Or is a cmra acceptable to them only as a mailing address and not residential ?