Strategy to obtain US Amex

[blacksultan]

Do you need an existing Amex in Australia to get a US Amex via GT?

Yes . An Amex from any non us country that is at least 3 months old .

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Do you need an existing Amex in Australia to get a US Amex via GT?

Please read the first post.

 

[leyy]

DP, I purchased some wine from qantas store and did not receive the $50 statement credit on my Amex Hilton Aspire.

It is charged as Qantas Loyalty.

So it appears I was wrong.

I received the $50 Statement Credit from Amex .

It just takes up to 2 weeks, sorry for the scare.

 

[desafinado74]

Has anyone here opened a checking account with Wells Fargo while visiting USA ?
If so, how was the process in opening an account as a foreigner ?And are they a pain when it comes to receiving security codes via text messages ?

And, has anyone used Tello successfully for receiving texts or calls from Chase ?

 

[Franko Costa]

Has anyone here opened a checking account with Wells Fargo while visiting USA ?
If so, how was the process in opening an account as a foreigner ?And are they a pain when it comes to receiving security codes via text messages ?

And, has anyone used Tello successfully for receiving texts or calls from Chase ?

I applied for a chase card and was able to get their SMS via talkatone

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I applied for a chase card and was able to get their SMS via talkatone

I find various departments able to send texts while others can't. I think the fraud team had issues when trying to send me a text to my GV but their standard CS team was fine?

 

[desafinado74]

I applied for a chase card and was able to get their SMS via talkatone

Thank you for letting me know.

 

[Sora]

Has anyone here opened a checking account with Wells Fargo while visiting USA ?
If so, how was the process in opening an account as a foreigner ?And are they a pain when it comes to receiving security codes via text messages ?

And, has anyone used Tello successfully for receiving texts or calls from Chase ?

It is usually a seamless process. I opened Chase & Bank of America, no issues with opening the accounts with a passport and a second form of ID.

Remember to bring your passport and another card, license, or something to be able to prove who you are, etc.

Bank of America just asked what address I lived at without proof, Chase did ask for proof of address, Wells Fargo, I am not sure they may or may not, really comes down to politics.

But overall opening an account is usually painless and easy, just expect to sit there for about 45 mins.

 

[Franko Costa]

It is usually a seamless process. I opened Chase & Bank of America, no issues with opening the accounts with a passport and a second form of ID.

Remember to bring your passport and another card, license, or something to be able to prove who you are, etc.

Bank of America just asked what address I lived at without proof, Chase did ask for proof of address, Wells Fargo, I am not sure they may or may not, really comes down to politics.

But overall opening an account is usually painless and easy, just expect to sit there for about 45 mins.

What other form of ID would you need? Obviously they wouldn't be accepting Medicare or Australian license

 

[BlueHorizonUK]

What other form of ID would you need? Obviously they wouldn't be accepting Medicare or Australian license

How to Open a U.S. Bank Account as a Non Resident Alien at Bank of America

Find information on what's required to open a U.S. bank account as a non-resident at Bank of America, including the different forms of identification needed.

promo.bankofamerica.com

 

[levelnine]

I find various departments able to send texts while others can't. I think the fraud team had issues when trying to send me a text to my GV but their standard CS team was fine?

That's my experience.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and sometimes it comes through as a voice call (ie I have to put the current call on hold, pick up the incoming call, record the number & switch back to the original call to give the number to the operator).

 

[Sora]

What other form of ID would you need? Obviously they wouldn't be accepting Medicare or Australian license

I only provided my passport and a bank card, and they were the only 2 things I needed.

I think your Australian DL should suffice and I would take everything with you just to be safe. But my experience being in the US and opening accounts was rather seamless.

 

[Franko Costa]

I am also trying to pay $25 airbnb voucher through staples but it keeps declining the transaction

 

[isdnman]

Just wondering
when I update my billing address in US AMEX portal
how long does it usually take for reflect on my credit report ?

 

[levelnine]

I am also trying to pay $25 airbnb voucher through staples but it keeps declining the transaction

Call Staples. There are reports that many new accounts get flagged for fraud. Once that flag is lifted, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Franko Costa]

Call Staples. There are reports that many new accounts get flagged for fraud. Once that flag is lifted, you shouldn't have any problems.

Yeah I did but they said I needed to come to the store

I could do office depot, but they aren't digital

 

[levelnine]

Yeah I did but they said I needed to come to the store

I could do office depot, but they aren't digital

I'd HUACA a couple of times before taking that as gospel.

 

[desafinado74]

It is usually a seamless process. I opened Chase & Bank of America, no issues with opening the accounts with a passport and a second form of ID.

Remember to bring your passport and another card, license, or something to be able to prove who you are, etc.

Bank of America just asked what address I lived at without proof, Chase did ask for proof of address, Wells Fargo, I am not sure they may or may not, really comes down to politics.

But overall opening an account is usually painless and easy, just expect to sit there for about 45 mins.

Many thanks for the helpful reply Sora.
What type of document did you give Chase as proof of address ?
And did they ask you why you are opening an account ?

Like you said, i will be bringing in everything. (Passport, DL, US AMEX cards and statements, Capital One bank and credit card statements etc )

 

[_TheTraveller_]

DP: regarding getting a card sent overseas by Amex. Card was approved 7 days ago, and was sent 5 days ago via USPS. Called today as I can see that tracking suggests that it was delivered (not sure how) but I was able to request a card to delivered to Aus.

Edit: For those who have the Gold Biz card, how many of the "US Categories" only work in the US? E.g. Restaurants and Gas Stations?

 

[nthd_nthd]

Do you need an existing Amex in Australia to get a US Amex via GT?

Yes