Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Spazmos]

Hi all.
Avid wanna-be 'travel hacker' here from Newcastle.
I run Ecommerce businesses and I've had Amex Platinum Charge Card for 2 years & Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card for 1 year, and only recently ventured into the world of hotel/airline status & loyalty programs since travel has started opening up again. I read about 15 pages back in this insanely long thread but thought I'd just make this post asking for some help from a newbies perspective about the US Amex cards because it would help out other possibly overwhelmed people in a similar position to me to compile a summary of strategies now after these 183 pages .
I have Gold Hilton status and Gold Marriott status (both complimentary with the personal Amex Platinum Charge Card) & I see that Amex offers in the US several Hilton Amex and Marriott Amex hotel branded credit cards (Aspire, Surpass, Bevy, Brilliant) with awesome point sign up bonuses which I want to take advantage of to get a nice 1-2 weeks of free hotel stay. I understand that these offers are "available to US Residents" as in Terms & Conditions, but how do us Aussies living in Australia go about getting these cards?

Cheers,
Tim
P.S. I greatly, greatly appreciate any help offered

Firstly before you apply via the AMEX GT route you need to have a U.S. phone number and address set up if you have not already done so. Easiest thing to do is if you have any friends or relatives living in the U.S. use their address, otherwise open a MyUS account to get a address that way. YMMV if your card seamlessly gets delivered to your MyUS account, sometimes it may get lost especially if you go for the lower tier cards, so you may need to provide tracking details to them so they can find your package, or just wait 10 days and get AMEX to send the card directly to you in Australia.
You can get a phone number using free TextNow but you gotta use it every couple of weeks or you lose your number, or you can just pay the annual fee.
The next tricky part is verifying your address, which usually requires a 3 way chat with AMEX and a local U.S. bank if you have an existing checking account with them. If you don't you may need to upload some other statement proving your address. I think citibank AU allows you to update to a U.S residential address.
Besides you passport, this is what is minimum required to start your US AMEX journey...

 

[sudoer]

The next tricky part is verifying your address, which usually requires a 3 way chat with AMEX and a local U.S. bank if you have an existing checking account with them. If you don't you may need to upload some other statement proving your address. I think citibank AU allows you to update to a U.S residential address.

I've opened two Amex US cards via GT and not had to do this. I use a MyUS address. I thought address verification is only needed after you graduate from global transfers and start opening directly with Amex US?

 

[travelguy83]

Firstly before you apply via the AMEX GT route you need to have a U.S. phone number and address set up if you have not already done so. Easiest thing to do is if you have any friends or relatives living in the U.S. use their address, otherwise open a MyUS account to get a address that way. YMMV if your card seamlessly gets delivered to your MyUS account, sometimes it may get lost especially if you go for the lower tier cards, so you may need to provide tracking details to them so they can find your package, or just wait 10 days and get AMEX to send the card directly to you in Australia.
You can get a phone number using free TextNow but you gotta use it every couple of weeks or you lose your number, or you can just pay the annual fee.
The next tricky part is verifying your address, which usually requires a 3 way chat with AMEX and a local U.S. bank if you have an existing checking account with them. If you don't you may need to upload some other statement proving your address. I think citibank AU allows you to update to a U.S residential address.
Besides you passport, this is what is minimum required to start your US AMEX journey...

Thanks for the reply!
So does doing the 'Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer' route first step mean I'll have my Australian Amex's service stopped & cancelled as part of the process? I want to keep existing AUS cards but also get the US ones.

Can I use the MyUS address for verifying my address with AMEX?

And do I need a US passport?

 

[nomad2000]

Thanks for the reply!
So does doing the 'Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer' route first step mean I'll have my Australian Amex's service stopped & cancelled as part of the process? I want to keep existing AUS cards but also get the US ones.

Can I use the MyUS address for verifying my address with AMEX?

And do I need a US passport?

No, your Australian passport is fine.
No need to close your AU amex, you’ll have different logins and 2 separate profiles and apps for your AU and US cards.
You need a bank statement or a utility bill or something as a proof of address in case Amex asks you for one after applying.
Doesn’t matter what US address you use, if they do ask for address verification they’ll need a bank statement or something to prove that address is yours.

 

[sudoer]

So does doing the 'Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer' route first step mean I'll have my Australian Amex's service stopped & cancelled as part of the process? I want to keep existing AUS cards but also get the US ones.

No, you simply authorise Amex US to access your Amex AU data in lieu of a US credit history. You can keep your Australian cards open.

Can I use the MyUS address for verifying my address with AMEX?

As above, I've used MyUS with two GT cards this year and not needed to verify my address. I'm unsure if that's the case for everyone.

And do I need a US passport?

No, you can use your Australian passport to apply in conjunction with your Amex AU history. If your card happens to be flagged for fraud you can use your Australian passport to verify your identity using NotaryCam. (you can read more about my experience with this here)

 

[nomad2000]

I've opened two Amex US cards via GT and not had to do this. I use a MyUS address. I thought address verification is only needed after you graduate from global transfers and start opening directly with Amex US?

In my experience, it’s usually random, sometimes they ask for it sometimes they dont.
I applied for 2 GT cards, and a business card with my ITIN directly on the US website and never had to provide proof of address

 

[nj12]

As above, I've used MyUS with two GT cards this year and not needed to verify my address. I'm unsure if that's the case for everyone.

This was my experience also with my first two Amex cards through GT. I was only asked for address verification with Amex Green application when using ITIN for the first time.

 

[Spazmos]

Thanks for the reply!
So does doing the 'Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer' route first step mean I'll have my Australian Amex's service stopped & cancelled as part of the process? I want to keep existing AUS cards but also get the US ones.

Can I use the MyUS address for verifying my address with AMEX?

And do I need a US passport?

as above, all questions answered.

I've opened two Amex US cards via GT and not had to do this. I use a MyUS address. I thought address verification is only needed after you graduate from global transfers and start opening directly with Amex US?

you must be lucky, as mentioned above it could just be luck of the draw. I did my first GT for myself which did not need any address verification, and one for my partner which did require a 3 way verification.

 

[travelguy83]

Great, thank you everyone.

So if I've submitted a MyUS address as my US address for GT and Amex asks for a bank statement/utility bill/ to verify my address, what do I do then? I understand the chance of this is low but I just want to know the best plan of action beforehand in case.

Also is there a particular order of credit cards you guys would recommend going for to reap the maximum reward from signup bonuses? I plan to go for the Hilton Aspire and Marriott Brilliant then some airline cards.

 

[http_x92]

Great, thank you everyone.

So if I've submitted a MyUS address as my US address for GT and Amex asks for a bank statement/utility bill/ to verify my address, what do I do then? I understand the chance of this is low but I just want to know the best plan of action beforehand in case.

Also is there a particular order of credit cards you guys would recommend going for to reap the maximum reward from signup bonuses? I plan to go for the Hilton Aspire and Marriott Brilliant then some airline cards.

This happened to me - you will need to open a Wise Borderless account so you will need to go through their verification process. Showing that you have a statement of a US Bank account will do.

You will eventually need Wise anyway to convert money from AUD to USD.

 

[travelguy83]

This happened to me - you will need to open a Wise Borderless account so you will need to go through their verification process. Showing that you have a statement of a US Bank account will do.

You will eventually need Wise anyway to convert money from AUD to USD.

Already have and use my Wise account everyday so that's great thanks mate!

 

[levelnine]

Also is there a particular order of credit cards you guys would recommend going for to reap the maximum reward from signup bonuses? I plan to go for the Hilton Aspire and Marriott Brilliant then some airline cards.

My suggestion is that you do some reading of US credit card application rules. You can start with the Amex ones — you need to know about once per lifetime SUB, 1/5, 2/90, 5+10, popup jail, etc. That will help you decide the best order for you. This site has some of the basics: Amex Application Rules — What You Need to Know Before Applying for an Amex Credit Card

As a general rule, start with the ones you value the most because you never know when something like popup jail might stop you dead in your tracks.

 

[sudoer]

Do you know how long it should be before a FICO starts appearing? Today is two months I've had the account, so not expecting anything immediately, but it'd be good to manage my expectations. If I can apply for a second at the 4-6 month mark, that would be great.

7 months here - just noticed today that my FICO score is finally showing. First GT card activated in mid Feb.

 

[timmy1234]

Hi everyone

I've been reading this long thread for a while now, read the whole pages perhaps twice already. Lots of useful information here, thank you all for sharing.
I've been looking into establishing US credit and getting US bank/credit cards as well.
So I thought I'd share some of my experiences that I've had in the past few weeks.

US business bank account:
- Mercury
- Novel (trynovel.com) -> this is what EINExpress is selling as their Evolve and Trust US Business Bank account, this is free essentially if you wanna register.
- Brex

I've got Mercury and Novel myself.

US personal bank account:
- The easiest option to open one remotely is through HSBC, it's easy to become a premier with HSBC in Australia at the moment, I've called them up to open a new account and requested if I can become a premier right from the beginning, they said do you verbally agree to deposit $9k+ a month and I said yes, they marked my application as premier.
Of course you need to deposit $9k+ a month to keep your status.
But the good thing is all you need to do is just deposit it, once it hits the account you can get it all out.
Call up their international banking center once you become AU Premier and they will help you open a US account, mine was done in like 6 days or so.

I'd like to open up a BoA and Capital1 360, but still waiting for my ITIN and not planning to go to US anytime soon.

US credit card:
- Easiest option is through your AU Amex relationship and through GT.
I found out that GT is easier to get approved for than Nova credit generally.
I got 2 cards in a space of 5 days both through GT. For the second card I just needed to call in using the phone number on my profile so they could verify me. No bank statements or anything needed.
- HSBC Premier US mastercard which you can get through your US relationship manager, change your HSBC US account address to US to establish credit through that. I'm still waiting for my card to be approved though.
- I wanna open more cards but I still dont have my FICO score or any other credit cards, I guess once my ITIN comes in, I'll get a couple secure cards through Capital1, USBank or Citi (they allow ITIN online I hear) to expedite the process.

US Phone:
- I found this cool service, relatively cheap ($15/mo) and they got ESim so if you got a new phone that supports Embedded Simcards you can get connected instantly. They're on TMobile network and have Wifi calling so you dont need coverage in AU, can make/receive calls and texts on wifi. I've had success with Amex short codes and responding to those messages not sure about others though, so YMMV. But its a real wireless service.
Mint Mobile. Here's my referral link if you wanna register: Mint Mobile | Wireless that's Easy, Online, $15 Bucks a Month


Hope someone finds these useful.

I'd be happy to know if anyone else has got suggestions to expedite the US credit history building and any type of remote US bank account opening etc for me.



Thanks
Cheers

What documentation you had to provide to open a Business Bank Account?

 

[travelguy83]

This happened to me - you will need to open a Wise Borderless account so you will need to go through their verification process. Showing that you have a statement of a US Bank account will do.

I just downloaded a Wise statement from my account although it only shows AU addresses (both Wise AU address and my Account Holder address). See my screenshot

 

[timmy1234]

Apologies, 2 questions on paying the card:

1. Has anyone had success using Revolut to Citibank after NAB took over? I've tried the new SWIFT code from NAB but got rejected. Tried the routing number and got rejected as well. Live chat just keeps regurgitating these are our details etc so haven't been helpful.
2. Trying to set up Wise like many here. Tried to transfer from Revolut and Wise said they don't accept payments from Revolut so got rejected as well.

I've found Revolut to have the best exchange rates so was keen to keep using it. How are people transferring USD to Wise or Citibank? Thanks.

I have used NAB on revolut during past couple of months with no issues

 

[timmy1234]

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

As a guide it is 7 years. With the new feature from Amex..you can apply for the card and a popup will let you know if you are elegibile for the SUB before you can back out. But it is not bullet proof. BTW - I got 2 Amex Biz Plat and 2 Amex Gold Biz...held at the same time. The second cards did not say lifetime wording. I recently cancelled the amex Biz Plat cause the retention offer was cough too keep 2 Amex Biz Plat card

 

[timmy1234]

I've activated T-Mobile Prepaid E-Sim in Australia with Wifi calling. I used Mint Mobile's E-Sim here and it was easy to activate and use With Wifi calling too. Mint mobile is basically the same company as Ultra mobile. The difference is Ultra doesn't provide E-Sims and is a bit cheaper.

Which provider and what plan you got your short codes issue to receive agent validation sms working. I have been using GV, T mobile - $3 and Textnow ...I had the short codes enabled on the Tmobile and could not get the Agent issued validation code. I do get the Two Factor sms.

 

[nomad2000]

Which provider and what plan you got your short codes issue to receive agent validation sms working. I have been using GV, T mobile - $3 and Textnow ...I had the short codes enabled on the Tmobile and could not get the Agent issued validation code. I do get the Two Factor sms.

I went with AT&T
I've basically tried T-mobile prepaid, Verizon postpaid which is crazy expensive, but decided to go with AT&T.
I can do Wifi calling to US from Australia, called them and got short codes enabled, receive Chase verification messages and all other texts with no problems. It does cost a bit so depends on what you wanna pay.
They've got an E-Sim option and recently activated roaming with Optus (i'm only using wifi and calling through my AU line's data so not paying for roaming anyways)
Personally, I couldn't be bothered having issues with text everytime I tried calling/applied or used my card so I opted in to pay a bit more and just relax.

I think Mint should also work and its cheaper, you can talk to their online sales and ask about it

 

[timmy1234]

I don't want to divulge anything too personal here, but let me give you a few tips:
- Go for Amex first, both personal and business — they are very lax with approvals and, once your identity is verified, will often give you an instant card number. Main thing you need to keep in mind is velocity rules — 2/90 with credit cards, etc.
- Move to Chase second, starting with the IHG cards — they are rumoured to be the easiest on approvals. Keep in mind 5/24 and requirement for CSP/CSR to have 12+ months of credit history.
- Move to others third — Barclays wants to see a fairly long credit history (3+ years) before approving business cards, etc.

I have SSN with Personal cards (Amex, Chase, Cap1 and Citi) and Biz cards (Amex). I am a bit nervous of going for the Chase Biz which is my future target. So based on your above note, I could ask my family to have a utility bill under my name that could get me across the line? I have my citibank with US address. Chase has been sending me ads for opening chequing account with SUB but they need government ID.