Strategy to obtain US Amex

[levelnine]

Thanks I will. Perhaps I should sort out what my credit reports look like first? I’ve got no clue what shape they’re in or if they even exist, tried signing up to EQ and EX but getting errors.

I wouldn't prioritise that. But I've found EQ & EX both very helpful on the phone when I had trouble setting up my account. EQ doesn't like people accessing their website from overseas, so it can be very hit and miss trying to access even with a VPN as they block many VPN addresses. I ended up signing up for MyFico for EQ — it is included in their free plan.

 

[larrymull]

Hi Guys,

I've just got my FICO score, and looking at adding another US card. I don't have SSN or ITIN. What is my best option? I was hoping to go direct rather than through the GT process.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

Does applying for Chase cards via the phone app make any difference?

 

[Tiki]

I'm currently in MIA in the TK lounge with PP. The AA crew were handing out Barclays Aviator applications with a great deal - 50k AA no minimum spend (buy coffee is enough) and first year fee waived. Instant approval! I don't think they will ship to Australia but I can get my friend to send the details and the physical card. I need a card number to create an online account.

 

[levelnine]

I'm currently in MIA in the TK lounge with PP. The AA crew were handing out Barclays Aviator applications with a great deal - 50k AA no minimum spend (buy coffee is enough) and first year fee waived. Instant approval! I don't think they will ship to Australia but I can get my friend to send the details and the physical card. I need a card number to create an online account.

This card is regularly 60K after first purchase with first year annual fee waived. Always worth checking uscreditcardguide.com before signing up for a new offer to check if there's a higher bonus or likely to be one in the future.

Still a good deal. I will be looking to get it once my 5/24 status drops next year.

Just got approved for the Amex Gold: 90K MR + $200 cash back (meaning $50 annual fee in the first year) was too good to refuse.

 

[http_x92]

Hmm looks like even for the mid tier US Amex cards MyUS still comes through with it. Not sure if its because I have a unique name and its the only one on their system.

Have to still cop $20.99 USD to send the package but I will accept it.

Sort of thinking about the Bonvoy Brilliant but holding the Aspire at the same time... $1100 USD total... that is a lot. Was hoping for the Bevy to be $95 which would have been acceptable for me.

 

[Franko Costa]

Hmm looks like even for the mid tier US Amex cards MyUS still comes through with it. Not sure if its because I have a unique name and its the only one on their system.

Have to still cop $20.99 USD to send the package but I will accept it.

Sort of thinking about the Bonvoy Brilliant but holding the Aspire at the same time... $1100 USD total... that is a lot. Was hoping for the Bevy to be $95 which would have been acceptable for me.

At least myUS sends it to you

 

[levelnine]

Elevated offers on the Hilton Business, Surpass and no annual fee cards. The business card can be churned somewhat regularly.

Available via referrals. I've put mine here: US Amex Referral

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Hi Guys,

I've just got my FICO score, and looking at adding another US card. I don't have SSN or ITIN. What is my best option? I was hoping to go direct rather than through the GT process.

Apply via GT as it'll be easier. There is no reason to go via direct if you have a FICO score and don't need to link an ITIN.

Any reason? why you don't want to go via GT?


On another note, any experiences with applying with an ITIN for a Chase Business card with only 1Y credit history? I was approved for CSP last month and I was hoping to get the IHG business card later this month. Concerned around them asking for some invoices/business plans etc.

 

[levelnine]

On another note, any experiences with applying with an ITIN for a Chase Business card with only 1Y credit history? I was approved for CSP last month and I was hoping to get the IHG business card later this month. Concerned around them asking for some invoices/business plans etc.

There's a possibility you'll get denied due to a thin credit file, but if you've already got a CSP, you should be good to go. I'd be wary about a high velocity with a thin credit file. Recommended velocity is one Chase application every 3 months. I'd stick to that in your circumstances. They're the very best credit card issuer in the US in my opinion, so don't do anything to burn bridges with them. They won't ask for documentary evidence of the business except for, say, proof of ID and residence, which will just be a personal bank statement as you'll be a sole prop.

 

[larrymull]

Apply via GT as it'll be easier. There is no reason to go via direct if you have a FICO score and don't need to link an ITIN.

Any reason? why you don't want to go via GT?


On another note, any experiences with applying with an ITIN for a Chase Business card with only 1Y credit history? I was approved for CSP last month and I was hoping to get the IHG business card later this month. Concerned around them asking for some invoices/business plans etc.

Thank you, i'll go the GT route. Might have to look at getting my ITIN now, any recommendations on a good agent?

 

[Franko Costa]

Any info on how hard it is to get info on Charles Schwab account? Also is it worth using it for 1.1 cent per point and any issues with IRS?

 

[Tiki]

This card is regularly 60K after first purchase with first year annual fee waived. Always worth checking uscreditcardguide.com before signing up for a new offer to check if there's a higher bonus or likely to be one in the future.

Still a good deal. I will be looking to get it once my 5/24 status drops next year.

Just got approved for the Amex Gold: 90K MR + $200 cash back (meaning $50 annual fee in the first year) was too good to refuse.

I was in a bit of a hurry so I could apply while physically in my “home” state- Florida. Some banks don’t like foreign ips or vpns. Didn’t know where Barclays stood on that. No minimum spend is what interested me.

 

[BTS_FAN]

Hi newbie GT here,

I just applied via Amex US website using the GT logged-in. It's my 1st US Global Transfer.
Here's the reply from the website & received the email 5 minutes after. Am I going to be ok?
(I have not call them yet)

Thanks

The website icon read; American Express IRIPS Conditional

Can we speak to you on the phone?​

Please call us to talk to a Customer Care representative who will provide you with a decision. If we don't hear from you, we'll try to contact you within 2 to 3 days using the number you just provided in your application.
While we're reviewing your application, please don't submit another application for the The Platinum Card®.

Call Us: 1-(800)-221-4950​

Then the email;

​

We're excited you've applied for a Card with American Express.​
		What to expect​ We'll let you know as soon as we're done reviewing your application or if we need any additional information. What you can do next​ Keep an eye out for an update from us. In the meantime, don't apply for any other American Express Cards.

 

[levelnine]

Am I going to be ok?

It's very normal to be required to speak with a customer service rep on the phone to apply for a US credit card, especially when applying from overseas.

They probably want to confirm a few details and possibly request some documents verifying your identity/address. Nothing to be worried about.

 

[BTS_FAN]

It's very normal to be required to speak with a customer service rep on the phone to apply for a US credit card, especially when applying from overseas.

They probably want to confirm a few details and possibly request some documents verifying your identity/address. Nothing to be worried about.

Ok, Thank you

 

[albyd]

After some time lurking and being satisfied with my Citi US Premier & Amex Green Card, I'm ready to launch into the world of US cards. I'm currently looking at ein-itin.com - does anyone have experience with these guys? From what I've read in this thread, I'll need an ITIN given that I don't have a SSN. The guy I'm chatting to on the ein-itin.com site also tells me I'll need an EIN in order to get ITIN and establishing an EIN will mean I'll need to establish a US LLC. Am I being given the right information or being led up the garden path?

 

[desafinado74]

After some time lurking and being satisfied with my Citi US Premier & Amex Green Card, I'm ready to launch into the world of US cards. I'm currently looking at ein-itin.com - does anyone have experience with these guys? From what I've read in this thread, I'll need an ITIN given that I don't have a SSN. The guy I'm chatting to on the ein-itin.com site also tells me I'll need an EIN in order to get ITIN and establishing an EIN will mean I'll need to establish a US LLC. Am I being given the right information or being led up the garden path?

It is BS with regards to requiring an EIN in order to get an ITIN. ( And even if you have an EIN, it is not compulsory to set up an LLC, unless you want to apply for business credit cards and checking accounts)

Give SH Studio from the Fiverr website a try. I and a few others got our ITINs from them. They are honest and straightforward to deal with. No dramas and BS from them.

 

[albyd]

Thanks for the heads up @desafinado74. I'll use SH studio - it appears that the guy on the site was trying to get a recurring client - it all added up to like $US750 up front with $US349 every 3 years to do a tax lodgment to keep the ITIN active. I do want to get US business cards. Will I need an EIN then? I looked at the application for Amex Bonvoy business cards and looked like I needed ITIN. I didn't notice requirement for EIN - will do the extra step if required to get it and it will make this whole exercise more lucrative.

 

[desafinado74]

Thanks for the heads up @desafinado74. I'll use SH studio - it appears that the guy on the site was trying to get a recurring client - it all added up to like $US750 up front with $US349 every 3 years to do a tax lodgment to keep the ITIN active. I do want to get US business cards. Will I need an EIN then? I looked at the application for Amex Bonvoy business cards and looked like I needed ITIN. I didn't notice requirement for EIN - will do the extra step if required to get it and it will make this whole exercise more lucrative.

From what I have read here and saw on YouTube, most banks such as Chase may ask about your company details such as expected income, type of business, and may also ask to see copies of the company paperwork ( You will get a bunch of various paper work when you set up an LLC, SH Studio has an LLC setup service too. You can have a look and see the steps involved)

Amex I think is pretty easy when it comes to personal and business credit card applications .

Try applying for that business Bonvoy without an EIN and see what happens. Or have a look around YouTube by typing " Applying for business credit cards with EIN " for example. There are actually a lot of videos on this topic.