Strategy to obtain US Amex

[auflier]

I got good news to share, I got the Hilton Aspire Amex Card from US website.

Here is what I did.

I login in AU amex as usual, change the country to US at the bottom right, then apply for the card. After I clicked the apply button, I got a popup ask for my approval to use my AU profile details for the application, I agreed on this, then the application form is half filled, like name, email etc. All I need is to put my US mobile, address and annual income.

The confirmation page says they need to look into the application. Several hours later, I got email, card approved.

I have already setup my US Amex login from the confirmation email, added the card to my apple pay, all without received the card in snail mail.

Interesting, Amex did not request address check or other sort of subsequent validation? Did they indicate this constitutes a global transfer?

 

[jasonfungsing]

Anyone know if I can open a pensonal checking/transaction account from any US bank remotely without SSN or ITIN. Or if there is another way to pay for the AMEX US credit card bill.

 

[albyd]

Only way I've been aware of is by going into the branch is you're a non-resident. Do they have an alternative method where you can wire funds through your Forex provider?

 

[cove]

Try Bank Of America rather than US Bank or Wells Fargo based on how my son got started without a SSN.

 

[jasonfungsing]

Try Bank Of America rather than US Bank or Wells Fargo based on how my son got started without a SSN.

Thanks cove. I have tried BoA, they do require a SSN now. Maybe they changed the policy

 

[jasonfungsing]

Only way I've been aware of is by going into the branch is you're a non-resident. Do they have an alternative method where you can wire funds through your Forex provider?

I haven't received my first statement yet. It would be great if amex us support this.

 

[albyd]

I was also thinking if you meet the criteria for CitiGold or HSBC Premier in Australia, they might be able to help facilitate US account set up from Australia.

 

[jasonfungsing]

In case anybody is interested about FX. I paid AUD on Amex Platinum and Citi Prestige on the same day and appeared to settle on the same day as well.

Hi Finale, how did you pay your US credit card by AUD. Did you go through FX transfer or there are some other ways to do it. I just got my US amex Hilton card, trying to figure out how to pay it

 

[cove]

We used HSBC in Australia to get our UK account set up. That worked nicely.
For Bank Of America he arranged a letter of introduction from our Cove concierge in Marina del Rey. It worked with B of A but not at our US Bank next door. Son had a covered credit card and recently they paid him back the deposit lodged and increased his credit limit.

 

[tlam]

Try Bank Of America rather than US Bank or Wells Fargo based on how my son got started without a SSN.

I got a Wells Fargo checking account without SSN, applied in person. They mailed the debit card to my Australia address.

 

[albyd]

I notice that Amex US have a reloadable prepaid card (Serve) that seems to work like a bank account of sorts. Might it be possible to wire funds into that account then transfer to your Hilton Amex to cover payment? Assuming if you were able to open the Hilton Amex, there should be an option to open more card products.

 

[Finale]

Hi Finale, how did you pay your US credit card by AUD. Did you go through FX transfer or there are some other ways to do it. I just got my US amex Hilton card, trying to figure out how to pay it

I have a US bank account and they do direct debit same as Australia. They also take check but I believe US check only. Not sure if there is some kind of service that can send check for you and you need to send part of your statement with it. I only see an option to add US bank account (personal/business checking or saving) online.

 

[Finale]

Any chance you can please advise on the us bank accounts listing? Where can I find this info to determine which account to open? Cheers

I just went to Citi and open a checking account there. Any checking account will do. I would also go to the branch in big city where they deal with more foreigners.

 

[albyd]

Just approved for a new card using Jasonfungsing's method outlined in his post including authorising the use of my Australian details. My experience differed a little as follows:

• I received a form to complete to authorise Amex to access my US tax returns.
• I called Amex explaining that I don't have any US tax returns to provide and the operator said it should have been a Global Transfer application and got me through to that team.
• My application was updated for Global transfer and they asked me for proof of my US address to which I uploaded my Citi Checking statement.

Have been notified I should receive my physical card by Thursday US time - I'm using the same process as outlined by jasonfungsing here. Also told that this will establish a file with credit reporting bureaus and a FICO score as they've used my Australian history to approve me for credit in the absence of US credit bureau data.

I'll do some tester payments for FX and report back my results.

 

[digpomi]

Opened a Wells Fargo account easily in person at a branch near Sacramento today without a SSN. Also, applied for Amex SPG luxury card via Global transfer. Used my family’s local address and phone number. Got approval email within 1 hour. Hopefully, will get the card prior leaving for Australia on 13th Jan

 

[auflier]

Opened a Wells Fargo account easily in person at a branch near Sacramento today without a SSN. Also, applied for Amex SPG luxury card via Global transfer. Used my family’s local address and phone number. Got approval email within 1 hour. Hopefully, will get the card prior leaving for Australia on 13th Jan

The AUD ex rate though....

 

[jasonfungsing]

Some update on getting the US Amex card. If you don't have SSN, credit score in US(like me), you can only get one card from the Global Transfer. This is what I have been told by the US Amex call centre when I asking if I can get the "Rose Gold" Gold Charge card.

 

[digpomi]

Got the SPG luxury card today in mail 3 days after applying

 

[jasonfungsing]

Got the SPG luxury card today in mail 3 days after applying

did you just provide your aussie address?

 

[kyanar]

just obtained a wyoming LLC. I'm heading to the US in Jan anyway, so will open a bank account and see how it goes. thanks for this idea

Your banking options are somewhat limited for this. Most banks frown on foreign owned companies unless they have a US base of operations. Chase very nearly closed my account simply because my company's address is a Regus facility (once they saw I actually have a physical office contract rather than virtual office, they were OK with it - I do have my reasons for needing physical presence). I think Bank of America may be a bit friendlier to foreign owned businesses without a physical presence, but they have a higher minimum balance for fee waiver (and a coughpier rewards program on their credit cards - Chase Ink is pretty much the gold standard for not-Amex from what I've read).