Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Daventry]

Well, looks like I messed up. Applied using my ITIN and got below message from Amex

We've received your request for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. We're writing to let you know we need additional information to complete our review of your request.

Here's what we need from you

• Your Social Security number. We're unable to confirm your Social Security number. Please call us to see if a Customer Care Professional can help you resolve this over the phone. If we're unable to resolve this over the phone, please assist us by providing a photocopy of your Social Security Card showing your Social Security Number and a government issued photo id, passport or visa. You may also fax this Letter to 1-801-945-2884."

Anyway... I've uploaded my ITIN letter along with a copy of my passport and a Chase statement. If this doesn't work I guess I'll have to be happy with my one and only US Plat Amex...

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Well, looks like I messed up. Applied using my ITIN and got below message from Amex

We've received your request for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. We're writing to let you know we need additional information to complete our review of your request.

Here's what we need from you

• Your Social Security number. We're unable to confirm your Social Security number. Please call us to see if a Customer Care Professional can help you resolve this over the phone. If we're unable to resolve this over the phone, please assist us by providing a photocopy of your Social Security Card showing your Social Security Number and a government issued photo id, passport or visa. You may also fax this Letter to 1-801-945-2884."

Anyway... I've uploaded my ITIN letter along with a copy of my passport and a Chase statement. If this doesn't work I guess I'll have to be happy with my one and only US Plat Amex...

I wouldn't count yourself out yet. Did you apply while logged out and were you pre-approved?

Or was that immediately after you applied?

Also noticed it said you could call. Did you? When I applied for the gold with my ITIN, they wanted to confirm my ITIN over the phone and that was it.

 

[GajaDreams]

Well, looks like I messed up. Applied using my ITIN and got below message from Amex

We've received your request for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. We're writing to let you know we need additional information to complete our review of your request.

Here's what we need from you

• Your Social Security number. We're unable to confirm your Social Security number. Please call us to see if a Customer Care Professional can help you resolve this over the phone. If we're unable to resolve this over the phone, please assist us by providing a photocopy of your Social Security Card showing your Social Security Number and a government issued photo id, passport or visa. You may also fax this Letter to 1-801-945-2884."

Anyway... I've uploaded my ITIN letter along with a copy of my passport and a Chase statement. If this doesn't work I guess I'll have to be happy with my one and only US Plat Amex...

No, that's normal. They want to see the letter every single time...

Post automatically merged: May 18, 2023

FICO8 under Amex? or via credit reporting agency? I wonder if it's a coincidence. I had FICO8 without ITIN at the 9 month mark so it makes me wonder.

I've read in multiple places that EQ/TU/EX all look at multiple points of verification when connecting you with your credit report. I was able to access EQ without my ITIN connected to Amex so just wondering if Amex has actually done anything.

Just checked in my account:
Account service => Security & Privacy => Authentication Management => Social Security Number in your profile...

 

[Daventry]

I wouldn't count yourself out yet. Did you apply while logged out and were you pre-approved?

Or was that immediately after you applied?

Also noticed it said you could call. Did you? When I applied for the gold with my ITIN, they wanted to confirm my ITIN over the phone and that was it.

It was immediately after I applied.

I called but got disconnected, then was unable to get through again, so decided to upload everything I have…

 

[_TheTraveller_]

No, that's normal. They want to see the letter every single time...

Post automatically merged: May 18, 2023

Just checked in my account:
Account service => Security & Privacy => Authentication Management => Social Security Number in your profile...

That's interesting. I applied with my ITIN and nothing is listed.

 

[Daventry]

BTW doesn’t Amex ever ask why we don’t have a SSN yet?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

BTW doesn’t Amex ever ask why we don’t have a SSN yet?

There many valid reasons why someone in the US might not have an SSN but are eligible to get a credit card.
Just an FYI if you didn't know already. You can use this to check the status.

Status Check Authentication

 

[cathalm8]

Ive started reading this thread from the beginning and am currently on page 24 as well as keeping up to date with latest postings. I havent started this process yet but from what ive read the best way to start is get an AMEX AU card, and do the global transfer to get your first AMEX US card and then build a fico score from there. Second step may be to get a ITIN number and third step is to open a US bank account through HSBC premier...

I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice by letting me know the best US cards for the purpose of building FF points to fly from Australia to Europe? Citibank might be the only good option now as far as I know as I believe points can be transferred to Qatar and used on BA to book Qatar.

Is it possible to eventually apply for citi bank cards without a SSN if you build your Fico score via the Amex GT route? cheers

 

[Franko Costa]

Does everyone else get their partner into the game too so you can get referral or is trying to judge AU and US cards just for yourself hard enough before adding a new person on?

 

[levelnine]

Does everyone else get their partner into the game too so you can get referral or is trying to judge AU and US cards just for yourself hard enough before adding a new person on?

Both my partner and I are deep into the US credit card game. Referrals are most lucrative for Chase cards. With Amex cards, often the better offer is one that doesn't have a referral or your referral offer isn't the highest, so not as beneficial if you plan to stick to Amex.

Post automatically merged: May 18, 2023

I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice by letting me know the best US cards for the purpose of building FF points to fly from Australia to Europe? Citibank might be the only good option now as far as I know as I believe points can be transferred to Qatar and used on BA to book Qatar.

For Qatar, all you need is a card that transfers to BA Avios as you can then transfer them to Qatar. All the major US cards transfer to BA.

 

[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.

Update:

Approved via email, card shipped via UPS. The process took about 2 days right from the start. Thanks everyone here!! Maybe in the next 6 months from now, should I apply for my 2nd Amex card using the GT route again?

 

[marki]

Ive started reading this thread from the beginning and am currently on page 24 as well as keeping up to date with latest postings. I havent started this process yet but from what ive read the best way to start is get an AMEX AU card, and do the global transfer to get your first AMEX US card and then build a fico score from there. Second step may be to get a ITIN number and third step is to open a US bank account through HSBC premier...

I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice by letting me know the best US cards for the purpose of building FF points to fly from Australia to Europe? Citibank might be the only good option now as far as I know as I believe points can be transferred to Qatar and used on BA to book Qatar.

Is it possible to eventually apply for citi bank cards without a SSN if you build your Fico score via the Amex GT route? cheers

There is also WISE where it comes with a US account!

 

[cathalm8]

Update:

Approved via email, card shipped via UPS. The process took about 2 days right from the start. Thanks everyone here!! Maybe in the next 6 months from now, should I apply for my 2nd Amex card using the GT route again?

Hey was your card shipped to a US address or Aus?

 

[cathalm8]

There is also WISE where it comes with a US account!

Is WISE a better option than HSBC premier? I was wondering with the HSBC premier account if you lose the HSBC US account features when you no longer maintain the Aus HSBC premier account or once you have the US account is it permanent?

I was also wondering for these bank accounts do you need to set them up with a US address or should you use your Aus address?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Update:

Approved via email, card shipped via UPS. The process took about 2 days right from the start. Thanks everyone here!! Maybe in the next 6 months from now, should I apply for my 2nd Amex card using the GT route again?

There are mixed experiences with a 2nd GT card and it'll depend on your strategy.

For Amex, many have successfully applied for a 2nd GT once they've received a FICO score which is currently 8-9 months. Sometimes you might get through without a FICO score but YMMV.

If you intend to move out of the Amex space and get an ITIN, you may want to consider waiting for your ITIN and applying with FICO score.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Is WISE a better option than HSBC premier? I was wondering with the HSBC premier account if you lose the HSBC US account features when you no longer maintain the Aus HSBC premier account or once you have the US account is it permanent?

I was also wondering for these bank accounts do you need to set them up with a US address or should you use your Aus address?

People use Wise/Revolut for paying their cards.

HSBC Premier is a good option for those who want to open an account without visiting the US. The point of the bank account is for proof of US address later down the road which inevitably happens.

 

[cathalm8]

There are mixed experiences with a 2nd GT card and it'll depend on your strategy.

For Amex, many have successfully applied for a 2nd GT once they've received a FICO score which is currently 8-9 months. Sometimes you might get through without a FICO score but YMMV.

If you intend to move out of the Amex space and get an ITIN, you may want to consider waiting for your ITIN and applying with FICO score.

I don't currently have an AMEX AU but will sign up when I see a good offer as don't think there is anything really appealing atm?

My partner does have a AMEX au, she has been off on maternity leave though for the last year with substantially reduced income. Does the intial AMEX GT route require an income check of any sort and if so is it not a good idea to try and get her to get an AMEX US using the GT method? thanks

 

[albyd]

Hey was your card shipped to a US address or Aus?

Mine was opened using my AU address. I'll need to update the address to my US address so I can use it for future applications.

 

[timmy1234]

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

What do u mean Hilton Biz card can be churned? There is no life time (7 yrs) wait on this card?

 

[timmy1234]

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.

Good for you. I was tempted to apply on my Feb US trip as the AA flight attendants were handing out the apps. Barclays is more stringent with their approvals.