Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Spazmos]

However, what I did differently was to include “Apt xx_x-xx_“ in both the first and second address boxes (as well as the street address in the first address box) on the Amex application, rather than use “Ste”

Nice work and good thinking on using "Apt" rather than "Ste". I don't want to temp the red flag gods just yet by updating my address. Got to find a way to change it to my Aussie mailing address next.
Seems like you had a really smooth experience.

Now, the problem that I have is to work out how to pay the card statement balance, when due. My original plan was to pay through TorFX, but when they phoned to ask (after I set up a ‘tester’ payment in order to verify the banking details) if this was a payment to a credit card, that was the end of that. Now to look into the other options, although it will need to be by International Wire transfer, regardless.

If you are really desperate you can always use your online bank e.g. Citibank online to make the wire transfer. The rates and fees won't be nearly as good as FX platforms, but at least your card will be in good standing.

Amex Chat has provided me wih the following details:
- Bank Name
- Bank Address
- Routing Number
- For further credit to (my name) and (Amex account #)
- SWIFT
- Account Number

That part is all good.

However, I now want to set up the Recipient details in the XE account, so as I can pay into the Aspire card account. XE asks for the following:

- Recipient Name
- Recipient Address

Am I missing something here? Is the Recipient meant to be my name/address (or the "American Express Wire Depository"), or something else? This is something that many would have already done. Perhaps someone who has already done this can point me in the right direction (as to what I'm meant to enter), regarding the Recipient information, please. It's probably quite obvious but I'm not seeing it.

Thanks.

Edit: For content

Is there an option to select a company? For the looks of it the XE platform you are using wants to send to an Individual rather than Company. It probably doesn't even matter that much, I would have just used the "American Express Wire Depository" in the "recipient name" field and bank address in the "recipient address" field. When you enter the Routing number or Swift code that should automatically give them the "bank name" and branch. And FFC instructions should be in the "Recipient Reference" field or similar. That I would say is the most important bit of info or else your funds are just going to be stuck in limbo.

Edit: Some may find this information to be useful. However, my guess is that there are probably numerous addresses that could be used for Amex, and probably numerous Recipient Names, as well.

I should add that it was like pulling teeth to get Chat to provide the Recipient details for some reason. Took three phone calls in the end.

Yes makes sense that there would be more depositories for AMEX. Having 1 would just be a logistical nightmare lol.

 

[DC3]

Nice work and good thinking on using "Apt" rather than "Ste"....

… If you are really desperate you can always use your online bank e.g. Citibank online to make the wire transfer. The rates and fees won't be nearly as good as FX platforms, but at least your card will be in good standing ...

Is there an option to select a company? … And FFC instructions should be in the "Recipient Reference" field or similar. That I would say is the most important bit of info or else your funds are just going to be stuck in limbo.

Thanks for the tips, and for confirming the way forward.

I noticed that Amex had used "Apt xx_x-xx_" in their website Card Delivery Status information right from the start, so it always looked promising:


The only Citi card that I have now, is a debit card, but will have to look into whether that is useable for the purpose, or not.

I'll double check the company part, and will definitely be inserting FFC instructions. The money transfer provider site does not seem to differentiate between individuals/company, although I have seen others that do.

 

[blacksultan]

It's well worth getting a US account whilst you are there. Nope I don't have an SSN or ITIN as I don't really need it yet. Possibly if I want to maybe start investing in the US I might look at getting an ITIN. For foreigners I don't think we can get a SSN, but they do the same thing anyway (withouth the benefits of being a US citizen). I reckon it wouldn't hurt to ask them for a letter if you are going to open an interest earning savings account, ask for a ITIN for taxation on the interest.


I found Japan to be more generous with Diamond upgrades to suites, however you gotta ask for them (as politely as you can) when you check in at the desk. You still get executive lounge access regardless, but on the other hand with the bonvoy card you are only a gold elite status and that perk is not included. I know which hotel chain I would rather stay at...

Thanks for your info . after umpteen. Calls I got Amex to send my supplementary Hilton aspire. Are linked to my wife’s directly to oz . The original cards sent to her cousins us address were not delivered as Amex did not mention the Apt. no .

 

[Spazmos]

Thanks for your info . after umpteen. Calls I got Amex to send my supplementary Hilton aspire. Are linked to my wife’s directly to oz . The original cards sent to her cousins us address were not delivered as Amex did not mention the Apt. no .

How did you manage to get them to change the US address to AUS? was it just a matter of changing it online in your US AMEX profile? or did you have to call up?

 

[blacksultan]

How did you manage to get them to change the US address to AUS? was it just a matter of changing it online in your US AMEX profile? or did you have to call up?

Addresses outside US can’t be changed online . You need to call .

 

[blacksultan]

For those that have the Hilton aspire are the points transferred to the Hilton account only after the statement has closed ?

 

[glasszon]

I just received my first statement for the Hilton Aspire card and looking to pay it off via xe transfer. I have requested the bank details from Amex, but where should I put the "for further credit" instruction and should I put myself as the beneficiary or should I put American Express as the beneficiary? If it is the latter then what address should I provide?

 

[blacksultan]

I just received my first statement for the Hilton Aspire card and looking to pay it off via xe transfer. I have requested the bank details from Amex, but where should I put the "for further credit" instruction and should I put myself as the beneficiary or should I put American Express as the beneficiary? If it is the latter then what address should I provide?

This is query has been addressed previously here .

 

[blacksultan]

This is query has been addressed previously here .

 

[DC3]

... but where should I put the "for further credit" instruction and should I put myself as the beneficiary or should I put American Express as the beneficiary? If it is the latter then what address should I provide?

... FFC instructions should be in the "Recipient Reference" field or similar. That I would say is the most important bit of info or else your funds are just going to be stuck in limbo ...

Spazmos has posted in relation to FFC (post # 501, above). Also, suggested American Express Wire Depository as the recipient.

Edit: The International Money Transfer providers that I have looked into have a warning/pop-up about sending funds to overseas credit cards. It seems to be against their T&C (anti-money laundering). To reduce possible red flag issues, I’m not using the word “cardmember” in any money transfers information

 

[DC3]

.............

Is it a good idea to post those screenshots? I realise that personal information is not shown (or has been altered), but I have an uneasy feeling about it.

I realise that you’ve posted to assist others. Maybe it’s just me.

 

[blacksultan]

Is it a good idea to post those screenshots? I realise that personal information is not shown (or has been altered), but I have an uneasy feeling about it.

I realise that you’ve posted to assist others. Maybe it’s just me.

i fail to see the harm as no personal info is showing. pls enlighten me if you think otherwise.

Post automatically merged: Feb 17, 2020

The amex statement no should be mentioned in the reference field.

 

[DC3]

i fail to see the harm as no personal info is showing. pls enlighten me if you think otherwise.

Post automatically merged: Feb 17, 2020

The amex statement no should be mentioned in the reference field.

Steady on Salty. I merely asked a question, not meant to offend anyone, especially you.

Please accept my apologies if this is an issue.

Anyway, so you are using “cardmember” in your money transfer description? Yes, I know that AMEX Chat use that in the information that they provide. Just concerned about using that term with some Money Transfer providers T&C regarding payments to overseas credit cards (anti-Money Laundering stuff). You seem to be doing that without any issues so far. Unless I’ve misunderstood.

Edit: Content

 

[blacksultan]

Steady on Salty. I merely asked a question, not meant to offend anyone, especially you.

Please accept my apologies if this is an issue.

Anyway, so you are using “cardmember” in your money transfer description? Yes, I know that AMEX Chat use that in the information that they provide. Just concerned about using that term with some Money Transfer providers T&C regarding payments to overseas credit cards (anti-Money Laundering stuff). You seem to be using that without any issues so far.

Edit: Content

No offence taken at all . No issues so far but I may amend it to your suggestion . Thanks !

 

[albyd]

Was hoping for some guidance from others' experiences. Here's my story:

• In November, I had my Passport and W7 form Notarized by the US Consulate in SYD and I posted them the same day to the IRS.
• Having not heard anything by mid Jan, I called the IRS. Said they had a follow up query. They had posted it to me on Jan 6 and I'd have to wait for it and reply by return mail. No electronic communications options available.
• I called the IRS again 2 weeks ago - was told could take up to a month for the mail to arrive and for my reply to arrive in th US and be processed so I'd just have to wait.

It's now pushing the end of Feb and I've received nothing. I spoke with a US accountant to see if they could push it along. They told me I'm not actually entitled to one as "The ITIN is really for people who need to file tax returns, but cannot obtain an SSN". Sounds like a number of other posters have been getting ITINs, can you please let me know what you said to justify yours which was accepted by the IRS and how long the process took. I know governments of all persuasions are famous for bureaucracy but this must be a new record for time delay in dealing with government.

 

[glasszon]

Just to report back, the transfer worked like a charm. My only concern is this looks like a short term solution at best; even if you are willing to cop the $20 transfer fee, at some stage they will block those transfers just like how transferwise and others have blocked them already.

Has anyone figured out a way to sign up for a US bank account without physically being there?

 

[DC3]

... Has anyone figured out a way to sign up for a US bank account without physically being there?

When there is, we will probably read it here, first.

 

[Finale]

When there is, we will probably read it here, first.

HSBC premier is the only way as far as I know.

 

[Finale]

I just used ITIN to apply for the first time. I did the application for Citi Premier card online. After a week I got an email asking for a copy of ITIN and got approved a day or two after I sent it. I heard this was because they couldn't see my ITIN in my credit history/report.

I read somewhere if you do a global transfer with Amex then use ITIN for a second card, you might be asked to send tax returns, not just a copy of ITIN as Amex could not find your number in the file. I guess it might be safer to apply using ITIN with other banks first.

I just noticed it was already over a year ago when I first posted about global transfer. Just a reminder, Amex USA has no issue giving out a retention offer. You can ask for the offer every 13 months. I heard it was possible to get 2 years in a row with 13 months apart. I have not tried myself. I only called 2 years after the first one.

With platinum card, first time I got 30,000 points or $300 with no spend required. Second time it was 30,000 points or $300 with $4k spend. Some people get 50,000 points/ $500 with no spend. You can see some DP on flyertalk so you know what to expect.

 

[PointsLife1]

HSBC premier is the only way as far as I know.

Finale, do you pay Amex using HSBC Premier?