Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Daventry]

Also, I would not cancel an Amex card in under 12 months of receiving it.

Yes, I remember reading here that Amex likes you to pay for your second annual fee before considering cancelling.

 

[Tiki]

Can you get free checking with Chase bank?

Is it possible to get free checking with Chase? Yes, there are several ways to waive monthly fees as well as three free checking options.

johnnyjet.com

This may be helpful to those who want a checking account with Chase. You can avoid fees by maintaining a minimum balance.

I already use B of A (for many years) and waive the monthly fee by depositing at least $250 a month via Wise to pay my credit cards.

 

[levelnine]

Yes. If you cancel an older credit card, your average account age decreases and negatively impacts your credit score.

A small point, but your average age of account doesn't decrease if you cancel a card. It just stops increasing. So cancelling a card after the one year mark doesn't negatively impact your score, it just stops it from increasing.

If you always cancel your account at the 12 month mark, your average age of account will remain at 12 months, which isn't terrible, but also not the best.

Personally I wouldn't fret the matter too much. Chase (and other issuers) want to see you're not sub prime, but they by no means require you to have an excellent credit score. I've seen plenty of people get the CSP with high 600 scores.

 

[timmy1234]

Can you get free checking with Chase bank?

Is it possible to get free checking with Chase? Yes, there are several ways to waive monthly fees as well as three free checking options.

johnnyjet.com

This may be helpful to those who want a checking account with Chase. You can avoid fees by maintaining a minimum balance.

I already use B of A (for many years) and waive the monthly fee by depositing at least $250 a month via Wise to pay my credit cards.

The issue is chase request US government issued Id to open a checking account

 

[simonsyd]

About to apply for 1st chase card - Ink Preferred.
Currently 2x US personal Amex and Cap 1 Venture
FICO very good
LLC and EIN plus ITIN all in place

Have been using text now for sms but think this maybe problem with Chase?
Any tips welcomed

 

[timmy1234]

About to apply for 1st chase card - Ink Preferred.
Currently 2x US personal Amex and Cap 1 Venture
FICO very good
LLC and EIN plus ITIN all in place

Have been using text now for sms but think this maybe problem with Chase?
Any tips welcomed

Please download ur credit report before calling chase as they will ask u ur past addresses on file or the county of ur current suburb u r staying in (Google it).

 

[levelnine]

Any tips welcomed

1. Use a referral link if you don't already have one.

2. Be prepared to call in. You likely won't get approved automatically. You'll need to verify your ID, and it could go a number of different ways. Sometimes I receive the Chase SMS, sometimes I don't. Sometimes they ask questions from my credit file, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they ask details about balances with other non-Chase credit cards, sometimes they don't.

3. Be prepared to explain the nature of your business and why you need a credit card.

4. Be prepared to HUACA if denied. Sometimes it might take a few calls to find an agent willing to approve the application. They can see your previous calls, so be prepared to explain why you're calling again — that you have information you forgot to tell the previous agent (can be something trivial).

I've called Chase recon many, many times now. Never gotten a rude or interrogative agent. All have been very easy. But you do read of people sometimes getting a tough questioner, so be prepared for that even though it's unlikely.

 

[simonsyd]

1. Use a referral link if you don't already have one.

2. Be prepared to call in. You likely won't get approved automatically. You'll need to verify your ID, and it could go a number of different ways. Sometimes I receive the Chase SMS, sometimes I don't. Sometimes they ask questions from my credit file, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they ask details about balances with other non-Chase credit cards, sometimes they don't.

3. Be prepared to explain the nature of your business and why you need a credit card.

4. Be prepared to HUACA if denied. Sometimes it might take a few calls to find an agent willing to approve the application. They can see your previous calls, so be prepared to explain why you're calling again — that you have information you forgot to tell the previous agent (can be something trivial).

I've called Chase recon many, many times now. Never gotten a rude or interrogative agent. All have been very easy. But you do read of people sometimes getting a tough questioner, so be prepared for that even though it's unlikely.

Thank you - useful information

 

[Finale]

Please download ur credit report before calling chase as they will ask u ur past addresses on file or the county of ur current suburb u r staying in (Google it).

I was asked that county question every time I called them and the text didn't work. I totally forgot one time as my mate just moved and I went silent thinking "I'm screwed". The agent then said "You can google it, I'll wait". lol You don't have to worry if you need time to answer the questions.

 

[desafinado74]

I know having a year of credit history is a minimum requirement for applying a personal Chase credit card.

How does one check on their credit history? By signing up to something like credit.com ? Or just go ahead and take a chance and apply once you have 1 to 2 years of history and being under that 5/24 rule?

Applying for a Chase card does seem like a real hassle

 

[maverick1]

I can finally see my FICO score. I opened my first US card back in Feb 2023.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I know having a year of credit history is a minimum requirement for applying a personal Chase credit card.

How does one check on their credit history? By signing up to something like credit.com ? Or just go ahead and take a chance and apply once you have 1 to 2 years of history and being under that 5/24 rule?

Applying for a Chase card does seem like a real hassle

If you have an ITIN, you can try Equifax which will show your age. Usually it starts from when your first card is reported. Normally starts counting after your first statement as Month 1.

Just a few DPs for those interested in applying for a Chase Card.

In March, I tried applying for Chase WoH and was rejected. Called recon, asked me submit ITIN and and DOB (passport and ITIN letter). Then I received a letter saying that it was fraud. I gave up and let the application die at that point. During this period I also had some issues with my credit report being split and it was a headache and I was stressing to get it fixed but it ended up fixing itself when the monthly reports to the agencies landed. I recall this time I didn't use a VPN and I had no established relationship with Chase.

At that point was 1 Year with Amex and opened my 2rd card card with Amex 3 months prior.

2/24
1/12
1/6

Come April, elevated offer for the CSP with 80K UR points. I wasn't sure if I would be approved so I applied for both Amex Gold and CSP. Amex gold approved with a phone call after the application.

CSP was a bit more complicated. I applied with a VPN and received the 7-10 day automated message. I called the next day seeing if there was anything I could do. Went through the usual verification process with address/public records/etc and then was requested to submit ITIN and proof of address. The email did not include a bank statement as an accepted document but luckily it went through.

Activating the card was a whole another level of nightmare. I had to call to get an account created and in order to do that they needed to verify me. For whatever reason, they needed to do a phone verification where they needed to call the number I applied with and have me pick up. I had heaps of difficulty trying to pick up the call with GoogleFi/GVoice since I had some forwarding issues. It took a few attempts before I got it working and at one point, I had a CSR say that the accounts been locked and the security team need to look at it. I was quite defeated at that point . But all turned out well.

4/24
3/24
3/6

Latest card 2 months old.

End of June, I tried apply for the IHG Business card with Chase. No confirmation email, the automated check didn't work until 2 days later. I received a letter in my Chase account saying that I've been rejected due to a few things. Didn't bother calling recon because I did feel that my velocity at that point was a bit high. After this application and my other cards my FICO dropped to 690s.

At this point I actually had 3 inquiries (tried to apply for VX earlier but rejected, gold was a soft pull) in 6 months so I was a little bit worried but upon reading it doesn't seem to impact things with Chase to much.

Latest card 3.5 months old.

2 Days ago I had the most seamless Chase experience. It was actually shocking because I haven't seen anything on AFF similar to this. I applied for CIP for the 100K offer. Got 7-10 notice after submitting. Received the confirmation email and called the automated line and it said 2 weeks which normally means pending approval. This morning I received an email saying the card was approved. No phone calls needed and I've only been an existing Chase customer for 3 months. Submitted a secure message via my Chase account to have the card expedited but will wait and see. I also applied with a VPN this time.

I also took the effort to reduce all my balances to below <$50 when they were reported to the agencies so perhaps that might have helped as well. FICO was 720~.

Hopefully this is helpful to some of you.

Regarding bonuses, does anyone know if there is anyway that we can pay for petrol and still earn bonuses if we have CSP/CIP/Gold/Green? I was thinking whether there was a pay to buy gift cards online via woolies or coles to pay for petrol.

 

[desafinado74]

If you have an ITIN, you can try Equifax which will show your age. Usually it starts from when your first card is reported. Normally starts counting after your first statement as Month 1.

Just a few DPs for those interested in applying for a Chase Card.

In March, I tried applying for Chase WoH and was rejected. Called recon, asked me submit ITIN and and DOB (passport and ITIN letter). Then I received a letter saying that it was fraud. I gave up and let the application die at that point. During this period I also had some issues with my credit report being split and it was a headache and I was stressing to get it fixed but it ended up fixing itself when the monthly reports to the agencies landed. I recall this time I didn't use a VPN and I had no established relationship with Chase.

At that point was 1 Year with Amex and opened my 2rd card card with Amex 3 months prior.

2/24
1/12
1/6

Come April, elevated offer for the CSP with 80K UR points. I wasn't sure if I would be approved so I applied for both Amex Gold and CSP. Amex gold approved with a phone call after the application.

CSP was a bit more complicated. I applied with a VPN and received the 7-10 day automated message. I called the next day seeing if there was anything I could do. Went through the usual verification process with address/public records/etc and then was requested to submit ITIN and proof of address. The email did not include a bank statement as an accepted document but luckily it went through.

Activating the card was a whole another level of nightmare. I had to call to get an account created and in order to do that they needed to verify me. For whatever reason, they needed to do a phone verification where they needed to call the number I applied with and have me pick up. I had heaps of difficulty trying to pick up the call with GoogleFi/GVoice since I had some forwarding issues. It took a few attempts before I got it working and at one point, I had a CSR say that the accounts been locked and the security team need to look at it. I was quite defeated at that point . But all turned out well.

4/24
3/24
3/6

Latest card 2 months old.

End of June, I tried apply for the IHG Business card with Chase. No confirmation email, the automated check didn't work until 2 days later. I received a letter in my Chase account saying that I've been rejected due to a few things. Didn't bother calling recon because I did feel that my velocity at that point was a bit high. After this application and my other cards my FICO dropped to 690s.

At this point I actually had 3 inquiries (tried to apply for VX earlier but rejected, gold was a soft pull) in 6 months so I was a little bit worried but upon reading it doesn't seem to impact things with Chase to much.

Latest card 3.5 months old.

2 Days ago I had the most seamless Chase experience. It was actually shocking because I haven't seen anything on AFF similar to this. I applied for CIP for the 100K offer. Got 7-10 notice after submitting. Received the confirmation email and called the automated line and it said 2 weeks which normally means pending approval. This morning I received an email saying the card was approved. No phone calls needed and I've only been an existing Chase customer for 3 months. Submitted a secure message via my Chase account to have the card expedited but will wait and see. I also applied with a VPN this time.

I also took the effort to reduce all my balances to below <$50 when they were reported to the agencies so perhaps that might have helped as well. FICO was 720~.

Hopefully this is helpful to some of you.

Regarding bonuses, does anyone know if there is anyway that we can pay for petrol and still earn bonuses if we have CSP/CIP/Gold/Green? I was thinking whether there was a pay to buy gift cards online via woolies or coles to pay for petrol.

Wow many thanks for your detailed response ! When it comes to applying for US cards from overseas, it really takes a lot of effort (And feeling frustrated and getting stressed out many times too!)

I think i will wait until i visit the US one day and try and open a Chase checking account first (And maybe a no fee Chase card just to establish a relationship with them first ) I am too old for such stress nowadays

 

[SWFR]

According to AwardWallet, starting from 23 August 2023 it will be necessary to provide a SSN or ITIN when applying for an Amex card:

The days of applying for a U.S. credit card without supplying a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when moving from overseas are ending. A new policy change means that, from August 23, 2023, you must provide a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN when applying for a credit card and want your overseas credit history to be considered in the application process.

The change mainly affects Nova credit, which allows you to apply for U.S. American Express Cards and have your overseas credit history from select countries to be considered.

If you are moving to the U.S. (or recently moved) and were planning on applying for a credit card, the ability to do so without an SSN or ITIN was very convenient. It meant you could start immediately building your U.S. credit history. Unfortunately, the new policy means you will now have to wait until you have your SSN or ITIN number before applying for a credit card in the U.S.

Fortunately, there is still a window of opportunity through August 23, 2023, where you can apply without needing an SSN or ITIN. If applying for a US card is important or something you intended to do soon, you may want to do so now before the change.

 

[maverick1]

If you have an ITIN, you can try Equifax which will show your age. Usually it starts from when your first card is reported. Normally starts counting after your first statement as Month 1.

Just a few DPs for those interested in applying for a Chase Card.

In March, I tried applying for Chase WoH and was rejected. Called recon, asked me submit ITIN and and DOB (passport and ITIN letter). Then I received a letter saying that it was fraud. I gave up and let the application die at that point. During this period I also had some issues with my credit report being split and it was a headache and I was stressing to get it fixed but it ended up fixing itself when the monthly reports to the agencies landed. I recall this time I didn't use a VPN and I had no established relationship with Chase.

At that point was 1 Year with Amex and opened my 2rd card card with Amex 3 months prior.

2/24
1/12
1/6

Come April, elevated offer for the CSP with 80K UR points. I wasn't sure if I would be approved so I applied for both Amex Gold and CSP. Amex gold approved with a phone call after the application.

CSP was a bit more complicated. I applied with a VPN and received the 7-10 day automated message. I called the next day seeing if there was anything I could do. Went through the usual verification process with address/public records/etc and then was requested to submit ITIN and proof of address. The email did not include a bank statement as an accepted document but luckily it went through.

Activating the card was a whole another level of nightmare. I had to call to get an account created and in order to do that they needed to verify me. For whatever reason, they needed to do a phone verification where they needed to call the number I applied with and have me pick up. I had heaps of difficulty trying to pick up the call with GoogleFi/GVoice since I had some forwarding issues. It took a few attempts before I got it working and at one point, I had a CSR say that the accounts been locked and the security team need to look at it. I was quite defeated at that point . But all turned out well.

4/24
3/24
3/6

Latest card 2 months old.

End of June, I tried apply for the IHG Business card with Chase. No confirmation email, the automated check didn't work until 2 days later. I received a letter in my Chase account saying that I've been rejected due to a few things. Didn't bother calling recon because I did feel that my velocity at that point was a bit high. After this application and my other cards my FICO dropped to 690s.

At this point I actually had 3 inquiries (tried to apply for VX earlier but rejected, gold was a soft pull) in 6 months so I was a little bit worried but upon reading it doesn't seem to impact things with Chase to much.

Latest card 3.5 months old.

2 Days ago I had the most seamless Chase experience. It was actually shocking because I haven't seen anything on AFF similar to this. I applied for CIP for the 100K offer. Got 7-10 notice after submitting. Received the confirmation email and called the automated line and it said 2 weeks which normally means pending approval. This morning I received an email saying the card was approved. No phone calls needed and I've only been an existing Chase customer for 3 months. Submitted a secure message via my Chase account to have the card expedited but will wait and see. I also applied with a VPN this time.

I also took the effort to reduce all my balances to below <$50 when they were reported to the agencies so perhaps that might have helped as well. FICO was 720~.

Hopefully this is helpful to some of you.

Regarding bonuses, does anyone know if there is anyway that we can pay for petrol and still earn bonuses if we have CSP/CIP/Gold/Green? I was thinking whether there was a pay to buy gift cards online via woolies or coles to pay for petrol.

Great post! Where are your Chase cards sent? Do use forwarder like Myus?

 

[http_x92]

According to AwardWallet, starting from 23 August 2023 it will be necessary to provide a SSN or ITIN when applying for an Amex card:

It was a good run but it was only a matter of time before they tightened up the GT rules. Not just us, but there were many applicants from Canada and the UK as well and word of mouth was spreading.

Upgrade offers the best bet now for bonus points...

 

[_TheTraveller_]

It was a good run but it was only a matter of time before they tightened up the GT rules. Not just us, but there were many applicants from Canada and the UK as well and word of mouth was spreading.

Upgrade offers the best bet now for bonus points...

I had though that it only applied to Nova. Does it apply to GT as well?

Great post! Where are your Chase cards sent? Do use forwarder like Myus?

Yep I use a mailforwarder that is mentioned in this thread.

Chase confirmed that they expedited the card but I didn't receive the normal email that I normally get so I'm not sure if it's actually done.

 

[Baymax]

Honestly, in last couple of days since account opening it hasn't been an easy experience. Withdrawal from my account was suspended. Called them to re-verify and seems since then they have removed the block. While I was on the phone with them got an email saying my checking account application has been rejected based on their Early Warning deposit score, my score is risky. So I'm not totally sure what's going on. Their system doesn't like overseas application cause they asked my current location etc. I have already done a wire transfer into this account which is supposed to credit by EOD today, hopefully the account stays active w/o any further issues.

Finally, I've gotten my checking account open. Just a matter of luck finding an easy going rep.

 

[Baymax]

Yes, that 350 is taxable income in US.
I got the Amx Bonvoy biz & Amx Hilton Biz both approved over the weekend. I don't have a FICO score yet but my existing personal US Amx account is about 6-7months old, so not sure what worked in my case, but I'm not complaining

Do you need anything else other than ITIN (e.g. LLC, EIN) to open up Amex Biz CCs?

 

[Finale]

It was a good run but it was only a matter of time before they tightened up the GT rules. Not just us, but there were many applicants from Canada and the UK as well and word of mouth was spreading.

Upgrade offers the best bet now for bonus points...

The article only mentions Nova so hopefully GT is fine. By requiring ITIN/SSN, it means they are more strict with identity verification so my guess is they received too many fraud apps from Nova as it is easier to do while GT is more reliable as Amex already have customers' info that has been verified. I started my first GT in 2016 and people had been doing it long before. Nova didn't come until around late 2019 I believe. When they started Nova, I thought it wasn't quite realible for them as they only had name and date of birth to use. Someone could steal identity and apply. Fake docs are easy to obtain and difficult for them to verify.

If you already have a card with Amex and no SSN/ITIN and they don't allow you to do another GT and no Nova, you can try to apply on the phone. It was very easy for me in the past and took like 10-20 mins. They never asked why I didn't have SSN/ITIN. You just miss out on some offers available on specific links + referral bonus.