Strategy to obtain US Amex

[desafinado74]

Thanks mate. I created my Zelle id, seems its like our PAYID. I don't think HSBC US is part of Zelle network as that's the account I'm trying to transfer from.

Different Topic - how does one go about opening a checking account with Chase with no SSN? I tried putting my ITIN but it doesn't accept coz chase probably verifies the SSN with a central database.

That is why many people remarked that it is best to go to a branch to open an account. Same for Wells Fargo, BoFA and Citi. Some have even managed to open a credit card from Chase when in the branch.

 

[maverick1]

That is why many people remarked that it is best to go to a branch to open an account. Same for Wells Fargo, BoFA and Citi. Some have even managed to open a credit card from Chase when in the branch.

righto. I've no trips planned for next couple of years. so let's see how I go.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

That certainly makes it sound like GT is effectively shutting down.

Does that question exist on the GT application? I don't remember.

 

[Viridis]

Thinking of popping a third GT application in before the 23rd Aug deadline.

Have seen the phrase ‘pop up jail’ come up in this thread a bit recently; could somebody please explain exactly what that means and what the implications are

Thanks

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Thinking of popping a third GT application in before the 23rd Aug deadline.

Have seen the phrase ‘pop up jail’ come up in this thread a bit recently; could somebody please explain exactly what that means and what the implications are

Thanks

It's a pop up as you attempt to submit the application saying that you won't be eligible for the bonus. Usually due to the lack of spending.

 

[levelnine]

Does that question exist on the GT application? I don't remember.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought you still get the SSN question on a GT application.

 

[Viridis]

It's a pop up as you attempt to submit the application saying that you won't be eligible for the bonus. Usually due to the lack of spending.

Thanks

 

[SWFR]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought you still get the SSN question on a GT application.

At present, when making a GT application online, you can tick a box which says 'I don't have a Social Security Number but can enter a government-issued ID number'.

 

[levelnine]

At present, when making a GT application online, you can tick a box which says 'I don't have a Social Security Number but can enter a government-issued ID number'.

Ahh okay, I thought the box was different than that. Apologies for the incorrect prediction!

 

[Tiki]

Current offer on the American Express Green card - The Points Guy

The American Express Green Card, with valuable bonus categories and a strong collection of benefits, now has an elevated bonus offer.

thepointsguy.com

Looks like this offer is ending soon. And I am still in pop up jail. I'm definitely not interested if it goes back to 40k.

 

[albyd]

I’m in pop up jail too as I don’t spend a huge amount (approx $US1000/month) on my Amex green as want the gold for the SUB.

How much do I need to direct to my Green in spend to get out of pop up jail?

 

[levelnine]

How much do I need to direct to my Green in spend to get out of pop up jail?

No one knows.

And there's no guarantee that increasing spend on your Amex cards will get you out of jail.

You can try different cards & different offers on the same card. You might be in jail for some, but not others.

 

[albyd]

Fair enough. If only there was a roadmap out of jail.

I’m reluctant to put ‘general’ spend on it given Amex AU is >1 ff point per dollar.
Visa AU is approx 0.5 ff point / dollar

For me, outside of bonus categories which work in AU it’s not worth the effort putting ‘general’ spend on Amex green with the exchange rate at 63c just on the off chance I might get out of pop up jail.

YMMV

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Fair enough. If only there was a roadmap out of jail.

I’m reluctant to put ‘general’ spend on it given Amex AU is >1 ff point per dollar.
Visa AU is approx 0.5 ff point / dollar

For me, outside of bonus categories which work in AU it’s not worth the effort putting ‘general’ spend on Amex green with the exchange rate at 63c just on the off chance I might get out of pop up jail.

YMMV

Do you have any other Amex cards? Amex usually likes to see spend on all your cards.

 

[albyd]

I have a Bonvoy basic card which they no longer sell it was my SPG card before the merger. I don’t remember the last time I used that card. Otherwise have a Citi Premier. I get bonus points on supermarket spend plus the same categories as Amex green which is why I’m prepared to give the gold a go for a year as long as the SUB is ‘worthwhile’.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I have a Bonvoy basic card which they no longer sell it was my SPG card before the merger. I don’t remember the last time I used that card. Otherwise have a Citi Premier. I get bonus points on supermarket spend plus the same categories as Amex green which is why I’m prepared to give the gold a go for a year as long as the SUB is ‘worthwhile’.

If you're interested in the gold, try Resy.

American Express

Amex - Don’t Live Life Without It

resy.com

If you're only spending on 1 card it's most likely why you're getting jailed.

 

[desafinado74]

righto. I've no trips planned for next couple of years. so let's see how I go.

Same here actually lol I will report back when i finally get to visit USA in a few years time.

 

[albyd]

If you're interested in the gold, try Resy.

American Express

Amex - Don’t Live Life Without It

resy.com

If you're only spending on 1 card it's most likely why you're getting jailed.

Thank you for this - just tried it and am still in pop up jail. If I knew how much spend I needed to "sacrifice" at lower earn rates on the Green (I'm currently spending about $US1,000/month) then I'd make a calculated decision on it as this offer is pretty good.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Thank you for this - just tried it and am still in pop up jail. If I knew how much spend I needed to "sacrifice" at lower earn rates on the Green (I'm currently spending about $US1,000/month) then I'd make a calculated decision on it as this offer is pretty good.

Amex usually wants to see spend on all their cards. So it would be best if you could change some of your spend to your Bonvoy card as well. It could take 1-3 months before the pop up gets lifted.

 

[albyd]

Thanks for the advice - I think I'll have to give this some thought - the points earn with the exchange rate where it is, is pretty ordinary on the Bonvoy card but I think I'll need to suck it up if I want to get out of pop up jail.