Strategy to obtain US Amex

[QF_Flyer]

It was via gift card exchange. I've purchased WW gift card online and it was coded as "groceries" but definitely not groceries from Chase's perspective since I didn't earn x3 via online groceries (both online and groceries).

I wonder if they categorise them beyond just the codes.

If you buy them from a physical Woolies store, they're "Merchandise & Supplies - Groceries" (there isn't the third level reporting that US stores provide to determine what you actually buy in the store). Buying them online from the GC portal comes up as "Merchandise & Supplies - General Retail".

 

[_TheTraveller_]

If you buy them from a physical Woolies store, they're "Merchandise & Supplies - Groceries" (there isn't the third level reporting that US stores provide to determine what you actually buy in the store). Buying them online from the GC portal comes up as "Merchandise & Supplies - General Retail".

This isn't the case for Chase. Purchasing them online still gets coded as groceries but issue is that there is something else they're checking beyond the codes.

CSP needs them to be coded as groceries and be online purchases as well. I'll post some screenshots later where both get coded as groceries but the wish gift cards aren't considered as real groceries despite the correct code.

 

[anyonebutqantas]

That means you'll need to submit a tax return.

I'm going to need to do one for the first time in a while as a result of referral bonuses. I think there is some free software out there that allows you to do it relatively easily.

Is everyone getting welcome bonus points from Amex on here now filing US tax returns?!

 

[Daventry]

Is everyone getting welcome bonus points from Amex on here now filing US tax returns?!

I think they mean cash bonuses from referring people for US checking accounts.

 

[levelnine]

Is everyone getting welcome bonus points from Amex on here now filing US tax returns?!

You get 1099s for referrals and bank account bonuses, not for credit card sign-up bonuses.

 

[georgie23]

Have tried to search the answer but cannot find it. Has anyone opened a Checking Account with Amex via GT. Not sure if I read somewhere if it was a "real" account or was possible via GT

 

[Sora]

I opened an AMEX many many many years ago, but going through Nova, not had success yet.

 

[Franko Costa]

My wife applied through Nova, but has been told that she needs to submit a 4506c form dated Oct 2022 due to insufficient credit history. Anyone have any advice on what to do from here? I have never heard of this before

 

[Sora]

My wife applied through Nova, but has been told that she needs to submit a 4506c form dated Oct 2022 due to insufficient credit history. Anyone have any advice on what to do from here? I have never heard of this before

Similar thing happened to me with the Nova one. Was a little confusing. The process was apparently easier through the AMEX transfer page.

Global Card Relationship | American Express

When you move abroad, take your card and credit history with you when transferring your American Express Card. Pack peace-of-mind as we aim to make the transfer process as quick and painless as possible.

www.americanexpress.com

When my friend did it and myself, we only had to use our passport numbers and that was it, we both were approved instantly.

But, not sure atm, since I don't have an AMEX in AUS.

 

[Franko Costa]

Similar thing happened to me with the Nova one. Was a little confusing. The process was apparently easier through the AMEX transfer page.

Global Card Relationship | American Express

When you move abroad, take your card and credit history with you when transferring your American Express Card. Pack peace-of-mind as we aim to make the transfer process as quick and painless as possible.

www.americanexpress.com

When my friend did it and myself, we only had to use our passport numbers and that was it, we both were approved instantly.

But, not sure atm, since I don't have an AMEX in AUS.

Sorry I am a little confused.

Are you saying you had a similar thing happen to you with Nova so then you applied through the link you provided without issue?

 

[Sora]

Sorry I am a little confused.

Are you saying you had a similar thing happen to you with Nova so then you applied through the link you provided without issue?

No.

So the document you advised had to be completed, is what I received when I applied directly with American Express, USA - a couple of years back.

I tried to look at it today on a credit card, but it doesn't seem you can't proceed without the SSN/ITIN.

It says this.

"Please enter your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to continue."

Previously, you could proceed without this and use NOVA Credit.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

My wife applied through Nova, but has been told that she needs to submit a 4506c form dated Oct 2022 due to insufficient credit history. Anyone have any advice on what to do from here? I have never heard of this before

This was already mentioned upthread that Nova credit now requires ITIN or SSN in order to apply. You can't easily get into the game via Nova credit anymore. Did your wife have an ITIN? I'm assuming so given that she could submit her application or was this before the ITIN/SSN rules?

It doesn't surprise me that extra docs are required given that cleaning up the process. Going forward I think GT might be the only way in until they make it stricter. If your wife can't get approved via GT then I don't think she has a chance of getting approved with Nova without an ITIN.

 

[Franko Costa]

This was an application from 16 August though.....

 

[_TheTraveller_]

This was an application from 16 August though.....

Based on what you've said two things could have happened:

Nova Credit told Amex your wife doesn't have sufficient credit history in Aus and requested US tax details.

Or

They tightened up the rules internally which means you have no avenue forward.

Have you actually called and told them that you're just moving to the US and you don't have tax details yet? It's just as easy that they assumed that it's a normal application and not a pre-ITIN req Nova Credit application.

 

[Franko Costa]

Based on what you've said two things could have happened:

Nova Credit told Amex your wife doesn't have sufficient credit history in Aus and requested US tax details.

Or

They tightened up the rules internally which means you have no avenue forward.

Have you actually called and told them that you're just moving to the US and you don't have tax details yet? It's just as easy that they assumed that it's a normal application and not a pre-ITIN req Nova Credit application.

Yes I told them that we just moved and using her amex history.

They said there was nothing they could do

Maybe worth trying again tomorrow I guess for different CSR

 

[Sora]

I can only imagine how many were taking advantage of the American Express loophole. Can see why they would tighten their grip.

 

[desafinado74]

Have tried to search the answer but cannot find it. Has anyone opened a Checking Account with Amex via GT. Not sure if I read somewhere if it was a "real" account or was possible via GT

I tried to apply for the AMEX checking account with my ITIN but got rejected, despite giving them the required documentation a few times and having an Aspire Card already. I found the entire process a waste of time , so don't bother with it ( The Amex banking division is separate from their credit card division, and quite frankly, they suck)

 

[larrymull]

Hi everyone,

My ITIN has finally come through. I was going to apply for a Capital One 360 checking account. I have a US Platinum Amex. What is the next CC I should apply for?

 

[DC3]

My ITIN has finally come through. I was going to apply for a Capital One 360 checking account ..

Do you have a strategy to obtain the checking account? The hurdle for me would be applying in person at a branch

 

[blacksultan]

Yes I told them that we just moved and using her amex history.

They said there was nothing they could do

Maybe worth trying again tomorrow I guess for different CSR

You. Can try again after a while . From experience the requirements for approval chance and they most probably won’t ask for the document .