Strategy to obtain US Amex

[_TheTraveller_]

And if you’re planning on using an App you’ll need to download the Amex App from the US App store

In my case, I have a US iTunes account and downloaded the app from that store to view my US Amex cards.

Of course this means that if you also hold Australian Amex cards you’d have two Amex apps on your phone

And without wishing to state the obvious, if you have an iPhone, you’ll need to sign out of ‘Media & Purchases’ and then sign in with your US iTunes account details to download the Amex App. Then sign out again and re-sign in with your local credentials. I make it a habit to re-boot the phone between each sign-in event

When the US App is first routinely updated you’ll get a prompt to enter your password. Remember this will be your US iTunes account password. No need to sign-out and in of anything. Just follow the prompt

Yep same thing for android as well.

 

[Shadowsfury]

Fascinated by this thread and spent a few hours going through the last 30 odd pages. Last I contacted Amex a few years back on whether I could get a US card I was told no - how time has changed.

Question - is this notice on the application form essentially going to migrate this application to the GT team, or is GT something completely different? Sounds like GT needs an existing AmexAU card to get that process started if its the same as ticking this box would do? From putting some dummy info in it looks like it is the Nova Credit route...."I don't have a credit history in the US, but have had a credit card or loan in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria or the United Kingdom. (If you have a Social Security Number, please enter it below.)" -

Looking to get the Marriott Boundless card to help me reach lifetime Platinum sooner (already at 9 years / 335 nights) - I have a few questions that perhaps were answered long ago but since I'm jumping in so late perhaps have missed it. Is what I need are:
1) MyUS account with mail forwarding address (done, based in FL)
2) A US phone number e.g. Hushed, Talkatone and use this in the application form?
3) Potentially proof of address if I get unlucky and asked for it - if this is the case does it need to match MyUS address or an actual residential address somewhere? I have changed my Wise account address to the MyUS one but if needed I can change it to a residential address of a friend. Similarly if needing a utility bill - MyUS address or a residential one?
4) When answering questions like income - take AU income and multiply by exchange rate

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Fascinated by this thread and spent a few hours going through the last 30 odd pages. Last I contacted Amex a few years back on whether I could get a US card I was told no - how time has changed.

Question - is this notice on the application form essentially going to migrate this application to the GT team, or is GT something completely different? Sounds like GT needs an existing AmexAU card to get that process started if its the same as ticking this box would do? From putting some dummy info in it looks like it is the Nova Credit route...."I don't have a credit history in the US, but have had a credit card or loan in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria or the United Kingdom. (If you have a Social Security Number, please enter it below.)" -

Looking to get the Marriott Boundless card to help me reach lifetime Platinum sooner (already at 9 years / 335 nights) - I have a few questions that perhaps were answered long ago but since I'm jumping in so late perhaps have missed it. Is what I need are:
1) MyUS account with mail forwarding address (done, based in FL)
2) A US phone number e.g. Hushed, Talkatone and use this in the application form?
3) Potentially proof of address if I get unlucky and asked for it - if this is the case does it need to match MyUS address or an actual residential address somewhere? I have changed my Wise account address to the MyUS one but if needed I can change it to a residential address of a friend. Similarly if needing a utility bill - MyUS address or a residential one?
4) When answering questions like income - take AU income and multiply by exchange rate

GT itself is a separate application and it isn't "transferred to GT team" I believe. You considered for GT on the basis of your existing relationship with AU Amex.

The process for GT is that you login to your AU Amex account. Change the site to the US site and attempt to apply. You should be prompted to use your data from AMEX AU. It should populate with your name and DOB. Proceed to fill in the details of the application.

Re the latter section of your post:

1. Good work
2. Correct
3. It should match your MyUS address although a Wise statement may not be sufficient. Most users on here have a US bank account.
4. Yep. That's what I've done.

Hope this helps.

 

[Franko Costa]

This is slight off topic and maybe everyone knows this already, but we get ripped off for Hilton points. Our conversion rate is 2:1 whereas US is 1:2!!!

If I had 100k Amex points, that would be 50k Hilton points in Australia. However, if I transferred them to US at a rate of 0.7 (if anyone has transferred recently please lmk the rate), and use those 70k US Amex points to get 140k Hilton points. That's 50k vs 140k - just crazy (unless I am missing something). This doesn't even count any special transfer offers either that might come up in the US

 

[neeyuese]

This is slight off topic and maybe everyone knows this already, but we get ripped off for Hilton points. Our conversion rate is 2:1 whereas US is 1:2!!!

If I had 100k Amex points, that would be 50k Hilton points in Australia. However, if I transferred them to US at a rate of 0.7 (if anyone has transferred recently please lmk the rate), and use those 70k US Amex points to get 140k Hilton points. That's 50k vs 140k - just crazy (unless I am missing something). This doesn't even count any special transfer offers either that might come up in the US

There are 5,610 Hilton Group Hotels & Resorts locations in the United States as of January 09, 2023. how about Australia ? only 8 . That's why.

 

[Franko Costa]

There are 5,610 Hilton Group Hotels & Resorts locations in the United States as of January 09, 2023. how about Australia ? only 8 . That's why.

I understand your point, but I would most people who book using points do so on o/s locations (but I could be wrong).

Still doesn't justify the rate

 

[kpc]

Some advice please. I have a HSBC premier account in Australia with my Australian address. i was hoping to open a US HSBC Premier check account....they will ask for proof of my US addresss....do I just give my Australian address for now as I don't have any "proof" of a US address but I do have a relative's US address to use. Is it then simply a matter of going online a month or two later to change my Australian address to the US one, or will I then be asked again of "proof" of US address. Thanks

 

[ithongy]

I don't have any recent experience but read some recent DPs and it's still possible but you might have to shop around a bit. Did you call specific branches? I would try to call the branches near where you will stay rather than using their main contact numbers. Different branches of the same bank could treat you differently as well. Don't forget to get the name of the banker as well if he says he can do it.

BoA was even more popular than Citi long time ago as they were willing to give a credit card to tourists (starting with a secure card). It is worth to try there as well. Chase wouldn't budge when I tried back in 2018. They wouldn't take my current Citi statement, ulitity bills only. My friend got a Chase account with his statement fine though. I didn't try more as I didn't really need the account.

Banks in LA should be easier too as they deal with a lot of nonducumented immigrants. Try some big branches especially in tourist areas or areas with large immigrant population. You will still need a valid US address as a mailing address. With Citi you can use an Australian address as a residential address or use the US one for both. In the past people used a hotel address but I'm not sure if you can do it these days since most will want a residential address and possibly not marked as commercial mail receiving agency and not a PO box.

For GT, some people were successful without getting asked to do an address verification after a few tries. It might be worth trying again as a couple of expired apps won't affect your future ones. My friend couldn't do verification then instantly approved a few months later.

BofA easy with DL & Passport
Wells Fargo will be fine with aliens opening an account.

Chase, Capitol One do not bother unless you have SSN, ITIN.

Setup a LLC or Inc and you can go to other major banks to open a business checking account and then access the world of US Business Credit Cards.

 

[albyd]

Some advice please. I have a HSBC premier account in Australia with my Australian address. i was hoping to open a US HSBC Premier check account....they will ask for proof of my US addresss....do I just give my Australian address for now as I don't have any "proof" of a US address but I do have a relative's US address to use. Is it then simply a matter of going online a month or two later to change my Australian address to the US one, or will I then be asked again of "proof" of US address. Thanks

If you’re Premier in AU, should be able to sort it out over the phone and the US account is opened with your AU address initially via the IBC. You can then change your address using HSBC US online banking.

 

[Franko Costa]

If you’re Premier in AU, should be able to sort it out over the phone and the US account is opened with your AU address initially via the IBC. You can then change your address using HSBC US online banking.

This is correct.

I just went through the process this week. The phone call is 45 mins long and they fill out a form and email it to you. You go to the branch and provide ID documents. I had my AU address on file with my AU number (I have a US number and a myUS address but didn't want to use it on the initial application).

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Does anyone have any updated preferences for obtaining and ITIN?

We have:

• Daniel Hagen (I've emailed him a few months back but no response)
• EIN Express (Expensive but good option)
• Frugal Flyer (DIY option?)

Also, does anyone know if any of the statement credits that need to be charged in USD might work with Australian versions of their stores? There's a Steelcase credit but based on the T&Cs doesn't look like it'll work?

 

[QF029]

I've had the Surpass card or equivalent for over 5 years. I recently applied for the basic card to get the 100k points and I closed it after the points were credited and I paid off and closed the card. Today I got an email saying I did not meet the Terms & Conditions which presumably means they will claw back the points. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm trying to get the card reinstated but I'm not confident.

 

[levelnine]

I've had the Surpass card or equivalent for over 5 years. I recently applied for the basic card to get the 100k points and I closed it after the points were credited and I paid off and closed the card. Today I got an email saying I did not meet the Terms & Conditions which presumably means they will claw back the points. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm trying to get the card reinstated but I'm not confident.

From what I've read on various forums, Amex does not budge on these issues. Amex USA has basically no flexibility. You break the rules, you pay the penalty.

I assume it was because you closed the card prior to having it open for 12 months? It's one way in which the US is different from Australia. Never close a card early.

 

[desafinado74]

Does anyone have any updated preferences for obtaining and ITIN?

We have:

• Daniel Hagen (I've emailed him a few months back but no response)
• EIN Express (Expensive but good option)
• Frugal Flyer (DIY option?)

Also, does anyone know if any of the statement credits that need to be charged in USD might work with Australian versions of their stores? There's a Steelcase credit but based on the T&Cs doesn't look like it'll work?

I was considering EIN but decided to use an Acceptance Agent from the Fiverr website.
Please see link below :

https://www.fiverr.com/search/gigs?query=itin&source=top-bar&ref_ctx_id=1d8ab6abf089ee0de157a3afe0986ac4&search_in=everywhere&search-autocomplete-original-term=itin

There are a few of them, and i picked SH Studio to do my ITIN application in early December. I hope to get my ITIN by the end of March.

 

[Shadowsfury]

GT itself is a separate application and it isn't "transferred to GT team" I believe. You considered for GT on the basis of your existing relationship with AU Amex.

The process for GT is that you login to your AU Amex account. Change the site to the US site and attempt to apply. You should be prompted to use your data from AMEX AU. It should populate with your name and DOB. Proceed to fill in the details of the application.

Re the latter section of your post:

1. Good work
2. Correct
3. It should match your MyUS address although a Wise statement may not be sufficient. Most users on here have a US bank account.
4. Yep. That's what I've done.

Hope this helps.

Thank you makes a bit more sense.

I am 15 months into my waiting period before applying for my next Amex - but my login details still work just fine on my previous card - should I be an existing Amex card holder before pulling the trigger on GT?

Looks like I should, in anticipation, at least get HSBC Premier and/or a utility bill setup with MyUS address (or better yet, a friend's address).

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I was considering EIN but decided to use an Acceptance Agent from the Fiverr website.
Please see link below :

https://www.fiverr.com/search/gigs?query=itin&source=top-bar&ref_ctx_id=1d8ab6abf089ee0de157a3afe0986ac4&search_in=everywhere&search-autocomplete-original-term=itin

There are a few of them, and i picked SH Studio to do my ITIN application in early December. I hope to get my ITIN by the end of March.

Thank you. Did you use the 5 day or 3 day package? I'm thinking about concerns I might have with tracking and delivery.

Thank you makes a bit more sense.

I am 15 months into my waiting period before applying for my next Amex - but my login details still work just fine on my previous card - should I be an existing Amex card holder before pulling the trigger on GT?

Looks like I should, in anticipation, at least get HSBC Premier and/or a utility bill setup with MyUS address (or better yet, a friend's address).

I'm not sure if they'll have access to your records if you're no longer a card holder? I also recall someone mentioning that you need to have your card for at least 1 year before GTing. Best to search upthread for more info.

 

[nomad2000]

Just wanted to share a data point for peeps here, I've got my first AmEx (US) card end of March 2022, so a fairly short credit history and a 720 credit score. Got an LLC, EIN and ITIN as well.

I applied for the Chase Ink Cash card with the current 90k points offer end of Nov last year and after a couple rounds of asking for recon got approved for $3k.
I made the move start of Jan and applied for the Sapphire Preferred card to for the points transfer options, got denied after a couple days, asked for a recon, got denied again, asked for a recon again and got denied in 2 days, then after a week called again and asked for a another recon explaining that I got the hard pulls (I got 4 total HPs which was even odd to the agent) and it'd be disappointing to get denied.
Aaaaannnd, I just got the approval email this morning!

Got a $5k limit which is the minimum for CSP and not huge but with my short history and no bank accounts with Chase, it's still good.

So if you get denied with Chase, don't get discouraged, try again a couple more times, it's still possible to get approved.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Just wanted to share a data point for peeps here, I've got my first AmEx (US) card end of March 2022, so a fairly short credit history and a 720 credit score. Got an LLC, EIN and ITIN as well.

I applied for the Chase Ink Cash card with the current 90k points offer end of Nov last year and after a couple rounds of asking for recon got approved for $3k.
I made the move start of Jan and applied for the Sapphire Preferred card to for the points transfer options, got denied after a couple days, asked for a recon, got denied again, asked for a recon again and got denied in 2 days, then after a week called again and asked for a another recon explaining that I got the hard pulls (I got 4 total HPs which was even odd to the agent) and it'd be disappointing to get denied.
Aaaaannnd, I just got the approval email this morning!

Got a $5k limit which is the minimum for CSP and not huge but with my short history and no bank accounts with Chase, it's still good.

So if you get denied with Chase, don't get discouraged, try again a couple more times, it's still possible to get approved.

Good job! Where do you find out immediately whether it was HP or SP? Equifax? I'm assuming you applied for CSP with <12M credit history but how long did you have your ITIN for? Did you ask for recon x3 on the same application in order to be approved?

CSP will be my next card if/when possible.

 

[nomad2000]

Good job! Where do you find out immediately whether it was HP or SP? Equifax? I'm assuming you applied for CSP with <12M credit history but how long did you have your ITIN for? Did you ask for recon x3 on the same application in order to be approved?

CSP will be my next card if/when possible.

I applied for an ITIN last March through EINExpress and got it around May/June.
I got an Equifax account and requested a new report (you can get free reports before it's refreshed monthly) and saw the first hard pull. I got a credit.com account too which showed me the Experian pull.

I managed to get an account with myfico.com which gives me my 3 scores/reports with their Premier surprisingly (found out about TU pull this way)
I couldn't get my Transunion anywhere online except for this.

However the Myfico Premier subscription keeps getting cancelled after a few days automatically I'm guessing cause I got an ITIN.
They offer a free Equifax Fico score as well (works with ITIN) but that also gets cancelled automatically, I called them and they had no idea and told me it's probably because of Equifax system sending them something... Equifax is weird!

So I got 2 Equifax HPs (perhaps for the second recon) and 1 on TU and EX each. Glad I got the card in the end after all these HPs though haha

Post automatically merged: Jan 30, 2023

Good job! Where do you find out immediately whether it was HP or SP? Equifax? I'm assuming you applied for CSP with <12M credit history but how long did you have your ITIN for? Did you ask for recon x3 on the same application in order to be approved?

CSP will be my next card if/when possible.

And yes, I got the application reference Id from one of the representatives and used it for all the recons. All on the same application and apparently they may or may not pull your credit multiple times for the same application.

Last recon went to their "back office" as they said to be manually reviewed.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I applied for an ITIN last March through EINExpress and got it around May/June.
I got an Equifax account and requested a new report (you can get free reports before it's refreshed monthly) and saw the first hard pull. I got a credit.com account too which showed me the Experian pull.

I managed to get an account with myfico.com which gives me my 3 scores/reports with their Premier surprisingly (found out about TU pull this way)
I couldn't get my Transunion anywhere online except for this.

However the Myfico Premier subscription keeps getting cancelled after a few days automatically I'm guessing cause I got an ITIN.
They offer a free Equifax Fico score as well (works with ITIN) but that also gets cancelled automatically, I called them and they had no idea and told me it's probably because of Equifax system sending them something... Equifax is weird!

So I got 2 Equifax HPs (perhaps for the second recon) and 1 on TU and EX each. Glad I got the card in the end after all these HPs though haha

Post automatically merged: Jan 30, 2023

And yes, I got the application reference Id from one of the representatives and used it for all the recons. All on the same application and apparently they may or may not pull your credit multiple times for the same application.

Last recon went to their "back office" as they said to be manually reviewed.

May I ask what's "TU"?

Also a question for you and others, most people recommend having 1Y credit score/credit profile(?) before applying for CSP, does anyone know whether we can link our ITINs to our existing amex records and have the credit score backdated?