Strategy to obtain US Amex

[blacksultan]

I just decided to take the plunge as I was shown an offer of 45K MR (usual sign up is 30K). I got the following message:
Thanks, albyd. We've received your application, but we can't give you a decision right now.

We'll process your application as soon as possible and send you a decision within 14 days.
While we're reviewing your application, please don't submit another application for the American Express® Green Card.

I received an email to the same effect as well.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is this going to be resolved with an approval? My FICO is in the high 700s but don't have a SSN. Have an appointment in a few weeks at the US consulate to "Notarize" my license so I can send it across to the IRS to get an ITIN. Starting to wonder whether I should've waited until I got my ITIN. Logging in via my existing Amex US login for the 'easy' application reduced my sign up bonus to 30K MR.

Hi Albyd,
Can anyone apply for an ITIN or does one need to have a reason? Can one just tick the others box for exception?

 

[albyd]

The information at the link below was quite helpful to me and includes a link to the IRS’ W7 form.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Form W-7

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals involved in a transaction which may be a

au.usembassy.gov

From re-reading the web page appears that the ITIN needs to be renewed every three years if not used to lodge a US tax return.

I Read somewhere it can take up to 7 weeks to get it back. I applied the last week of November. Might take longer because of the holidays. I’ve had a look on the form again doesn’t seem to ask for any reason. Mine if asked would be I intend to make investments in the US. Will post when I hear back. I notice (but haven’t used) there is a site EIN where it can be done electronically for a similar cost. I haven’t used that site so can’t give any feedback.

Keen to hear of others’ experiences in getting an ITIN if it took 7 weeks or longer and how well it’s worked.

 

[lilkid28]

Thanks @blacksultan

Amex online shows delivered and shows shipping address as:

4283 EXPRESS LN
SARASOTA
For your security, only a part of your address is shown.

In anyone's experience, does this mean Amex failed to put Suite number and I now need to contact MYUS to search their undistributed mail?

Update: Received my card today via DHL, activated card. And now to spend $4,000 in the first three months. And to set up the best way to pay off monthly balance.

 

[DC3]

Update: Received my card today via DHL, activated card. And now to spend $4,000 in the first three months. And to set up the best way to pay off monthly balance.

Thanks for the update. Fast delivery.

 

[tlam]

The information at the link below was quite helpful to me and includes a link to the IRS’ W7 form.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Form W-7

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals involved in a transaction which may be a

au.usembassy.gov

From re-reading the web page appears that the ITIN needs to be renewed every three years if not used to lodge a US tax return.

I Read somewhere it can take up to 7 weeks to get it back. I applied the last week of November. Might take longer because of the holidays. I’ve had a look on the form again doesn’t seem to ask for any reason. Mine if asked would be I intend to make investments in the US. Will post when I hear back. I notice (but haven’t used) there is a site EIN where it can be done electronically for a similar cost. I haven’t used that site so can’t give any feedback.

Keen to hear of others’ experiences in getting an ITIN if it took 7 weeks or longer and how well it’s worked.

just got my W7 form notarised back from the embassy in Sydney. I’ll then send it expressly to IRS in Texas tomorrow and will update here how long they process my application and issue the ITIN.

 

[blacksultan]

just got my W7 form notarised back from the embassy in Sydney. I’ll then send it expressly to IRS in Texas tomorrow and will update here how long they process my application and issue the ITIN.

Let us know how you go . Also the reason you mention on the form for applying . I spoke to an irs certified authorising agent here in Melbourne ( they are authorised to accept and certify documents ) , she said they have become more strict with issuing and one needs to have a reason for applying like a letter from an investment fund stating it is required for your investment etc

 

[Finale]

The information at the link below was quite helpful to me and includes a link to the IRS’ W7 form.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Form W-7

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals involved in a transaction which may be a

au.usembassy.gov

From re-reading the web page appears that the ITIN needs to be renewed every three years if not used to lodge a US tax return.

I Read somewhere it can take up to 7 weeks to get it back. I applied the last week of November. Might take longer because of the holidays. I’ve had a look on the form again doesn’t seem to ask for any reason. Mine if asked would be I intend to make investments in the US. Will post when I hear back. I notice (but haven’t used) there is a site EIN where it can be done electronically for a similar cost. I haven’t used that site so can’t give any feedback.

Keen to hear of others’ experiences in getting an ITIN if it took 7 weeks or longer and how well it’s worked.

You don't need to renew if you get it for CC purpose. Once the number is assigned to you, it will not be reused. You only need to renew if you have to file tax returns.

To obtain ITIN, you normally have to file tax. If you don't, you can still apply but you need to send some supporting documents with your application, depending on the exception you choose (tick box a and h if I remembered correctly). Unfortunately, it isn't easy anymore. See the list of document you need to send at Exceptions Tables Instructions for Form W-7 (09/2019) | Internal Revenue Service

 

[albyd]

Sounds like this might make it hard to open new accounts remotely. CCs will be out of the question and transaction accounts will need to be opened in person where a bank still lets you do so. Shame.

 

[glasszon]

I read through the whole thread and is about to jump into the action, I signed up for textnow, but will textnow display the caller ID when I call Amex? I am hoping to avoid having to go to the US Embassy to get my ID verified.

Also, I assume Amex won't require an address verification when a card is requested via the global transfer process? As it won't work trying to verify the myUS address, I will sign up for the mail + premium service with myUS just to be safe, looking to apply for the Hilton Aspire card.

 

[DC3]

I read through the whole thread and is about to jump into the action, I signed up for textnow, but will textnow display the caller ID when I call Amex? ...

Have you tried using the textnow phone app to dial your (or another) Oz mobile number? What sender number is displayed?

Edit: From reading previous posts, Amex may send a security code to your textnow number. You quote that security number?

Also, some useful information in post # 292, above, by jasonfungsing:

... Sometimes when I call, on amex side, the caller ID shows my US number which registered with amex, so they just need my AUS address and send it to me. However, there are times that the caller ID on their side does not show my US number, so they need me to hang up and they call me on the US number I have registered with them so that they know they are speaking to me.

 

[tlam]

Let us know how you go . Also the reason you mention on the form for applying . I spoke to an irs certified authorising agent here in Melbourne ( they are authorised to accept and certify documents ) , she said they have become more strict with issuing and one needs to have a reason for applying like a letter from an investment fund stating it is required for your investment etc

I ticked the box a and h in the application form and the supporting document is a letter from Citibank US, they required ITIN for the form W9 Otherwise, they will withhold 24% interest on the reportable tax on my account. I think this is a very appealing reason to apply for an ITIN.

 

[glasszon]

Have you tried using the textnow phone app to dial your (or another) Oz mobile number? What sender number is displayed?

Edit: From reading previous posts, Amex may send a security code to your textnow number. You quote that security number?

Also, some useful information in post # 292, above, by jasonfungsing:

Thank you, I thought I have to top up to make calls outside of US/Canada but apparently I am wrong! Tested everything and it is working as intended, going ahead with the application now, wish me luck!

 

[blacksultan]

I ticked the box a and h in the application form and the supporting document is a letter from Citibank US, they required ITIN for the form W9 Otherwise, they will withhold 24% interest on the reportable tax on my account. I think this is a very appealing reason to apply for an ITIN.

Are you able to advise how you opened the citibank US account? Did you go to the mainland?Can it be done from oz? I intend visiting Hawaii in April but I don`t believe they have a branch in Honlulu.Thanks in advance

 

[blacksultan]

Not sure what's your question. I never call them, just open an account with them, fill in the amex@chase details, follow the steps to make the transfer.

Hi For those who are using XE to pay Amex, where exactly in the XE portal account do you mention your card/acct no so amex can allocate the payment to your card? I have the details from amex chat but they were not clear on where I mention those details. Is anyone able to kindly advise?
Thanks in advance.

 

[blacksultan]

Thank you, I thought I have to top up to make calls outside of US/Canada but apparently I am wrong! Tested everything and it is working as intended, going ahead with the application now, wish me luck!

Good Luck!

 

[tlam]

Are you able to advise how you opened the citibank US account? Did you go to the mainland?Can it be done from oz? I intend visiting Hawaii in April but I don`t believe they have a branch in Honlulu.Thanks in advance

I opened the account when I visited LA a couple years before, and using my Aussie address. It was quick and easy for Aussie. You cannot open one remotely in Au, need to be in person at brand. Also, I went to Hawaii and there are no popular banks there, no Citi, BOA, or Chase. You should go to LA or NY if you want to go with some popular US banks.

 

[blacksultan]

I opened the account when I visited LA a couple years before, and using my Aussie address. It was quick and easy for Aussie. You cannot open one remotely in Au, need to be in person at brand. Also, I went to Hawaii and there are no popular banks there, no Citi, BOA, or Chase. You should go to LA or NY if you want to go with some popular US banks.

Lucky you! Thanks for your response.
But does one really need a `popular` bank?
I thought any back which could provide a checking account to pay the amex and possibly provide a letter stating they require an ITIN would do. I suppose one has the ITIN one can then open account with larger bank online using the ITIN.
A Melbourne CAA advised me that ASB was one of the larger banks in Hawaii.

 

[tlam]

Lucky you! Thanks for your response.
But does one really need a `popular` bank?
I thought any back which could provide a checking account to pay the amex and possibly provide a letter stating they require an ITIN would do. I suppose one has the ITIN one can then open account with larger bank online using the ITIN.
A Melbourne CAA advised me that ASB was one of the larger banks in Hawaii.

Not all banks will accept your passport without SSN or ITIN and US residential address. Citi only needs Aussie passport and driver license and can use Aussie address, and mobile number, they send the debit card to my address in Australia directly.

I got Citi, Wells Fargo and Chase and I am going with my plan to get the Chase Reserve, unfortunately they just increased the annual fee to $550, not sure if it is still worth to get it.

 

[glasszon]

Good Luck!

Thank you, turned out to be very straight-forward as they only asked me for my ID, US address, phone number and income and it is auto-approved. The only drawback is the limit they gave is only 5k USD, but I am not complaining!

 

[blacksultan]

Thank you, turned out to be very straight-forward as they only asked me for my ID, US address, phone number and income and it is auto-approved. The only drawback is the limit they gave is only 5k USD, but I am not complaining!

Thats great .i believe with most US Amex cards the limit is flexible and you can test your spending power from time to time.