Strategy to obtain US Amex

travelguy83 said:
Hi All,
So I was approved for my first US Amex card (Marriott Brilliant) through GT 3 weeks ago, have already met the MSR and paid back my debts. I am now keen to get my second US Amex card through GT also, I'm thinking I'll go the Hilton Surpass card (the middle Hilton Amex card) before the limited time offer ends on 26th this month.
However, do you think it would be too soon to get my second US Amex after getting my first just 3 weeks ago?
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Do you have a FICO? You can only normally get 1 card via GT, more once you generate FICO which can take anywhere between 4-10 months.
 
levelnine said:
This is the recommended course of action.
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Is there a way to apply using your FICO score if you do not have SSN/ITIN? I tried applying by logging into my Amex US account that has a FICO score, but the application requires SSN/ITIN and there isn't a way to skip that field, unlike via GT or Nova Credit.
 
glasszon said:
Is there a way to apply using your FICO score if you do not have SSN/ITIN? I tried applying by logging into my Amex US account that has a FICO score, but the application requires SSN/ITIN and there isn't a way to skip that field, unlike via GT or Nova Credit.
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Not to my knowledge. There were some people mentioned earlier in this thread that can arrange ITINs. You can, of course, try the GT route again, but I wouldn't count on that being a long-term solution and does carry some risk (the T&Cs say only 1 Amex through GT).
 
glasszon said:
Is there a way to apply using your FICO score if you do not have SSN/ITIN? I tried applying by logging into my Amex US account that has a FICO score, but the application requires SSN/ITIN and there isn't a way to skip that field, unlike via GT or Nova Credit.
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You can call to apply. You cannot use a referal link and will only get signup bonus available to public ( ie no incignito mode), unless you have a targeted RSVP code. That is pretty much the same as GT anyway. Call during their work hours (not sure about the time) and get the decision on the spot. I did a few times before getting ITIN and each time it took only about 10-15 minutes. Just tell them you will use your passport number to apply when asked for SSN. Some agents mightn't be familiar with using a passport number but it won't take them long to figure it out.
 
Just got off the phone with AMEX in the US and they advised that WISE is no longer accepted as address verification.
Also, the verification documents must have at least a 30 day period (such as a monthly utility bill)
Great I'm stuck.... how do others go about address verification?
 
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larrymull said:
Isn't that a lot of money to put down first off?
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Not sure of the details as I haven't used that path. Will depend on your personal circumstances and how badly you want a US Amex. Another option is to open a US checking account when you next visit the US.
 
Just for info, HSBC Premier in Australia ways to attain/retain are below (savings balance can't be in an offset account):
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You could transfer money in (non-HSBC source) and transfer out each month to maintain option 1, but there are some caveats.
 
I really wanted to get the Marriott Bonvoy card for the extra night credits, but it looks like I'll have to do a mattress run to maintain my status with Marriott instead of the easy way (obtain US AMEX)
 
CSS said:
I really wanted to get the Marriott Bonvoy card for the extra night credits, but it looks like I'll have to do a mattress run to maintain my status with Marriott instead of the easy way (obtain US AMEX)
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There's gotta be other ways to get a bank statement/utility bill using your US address
 
For those on the journey to Lifetime Diamond, all points earned on spend with the HH credit cards are extended to the end of 2023. YMMV. 2 million base points is... a lot.

About Hilton Honors - FAQ and Details on the Program

Need more detail on what the Hilton Honors program has to offer? Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding Points, tiers, and much more.
www.hilton.com www.hilton.com

How long will Bonus Points count towards Elite tier qualification? ​

Bonus Points earned through eligible purchases on your Hilton Honors American Express card that post to your Hilton Honors account between now and December 31, 2023 will be considered Base Points that count toward Elite tier qualification and Lifetime Diamond Status.
Click to expand...
 
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http_x92 said:
For those the journey to Lifetime Diamond, all points earned on spend with the HH credit cards are extended to the end of 2023. YMMV. 2 million base points is... a lot.

About Hilton Honors - FAQ and Details on the Program

Need more detail on what the Hilton Honors program has to offer? Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding Points, tiers, and much more.
www.hilton.com www.hilton.com
Click to expand...
How does one view his points tally towards lifetime diamond?
 
lilkid28 said:
How does one view his points tally towards lifetime diamond?
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According to the posters on Flyertalk, you have to chat to them or call them up. Then they will email you with the lifetime nights and base points you have so far.
 

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