Strategy to obtain US Amex

[aleaf]

Anyone here having fun with BGs?

Just beginning to research them to help meet min spend requirements for US cards. Keen to learn as much as I can but I suspect that's now what you mean by fun with BGs.

 

[Daventry]

TMobile with Chase has never worked for me. Always have/had to go through the QnA for auth

Those questions are always bonkers to me. I'm always asked about accounts I've never opened. Must be an US thing, at least in the UK they usually ask questions about your most recent transactions.

 

[Tiki]

I had a quick look at the MS forum on FT and the thread about BGs. They seem risky. Are they all US based or are some here in Australia? I really struggle to meet minimum spends because my expenses are fairly low. No way could I spend $4000-5000 USD in normal expenses in 3 months unless I had a big trip, major renovation or currently looking for a used car but the dealers won't take more than $3000 AUD on a credit card.

 

[http_x92]

Marriott Bonvoy Cards offer... 10k MB points for $7000 USD and the purchases have to be in US dollars. Ah well, too hard basket.

 

[Voele]

For those that are using a globalmail address. How much does your post office usually charge you to ship letters (containing a bank card) internationally?

My address asks $6 for usps first class international and $100 for priority mail, pretty expensive.

I know we can ask banks to ship the card internationally but I'd be more comfortable if I can just forward my cards for ~$40-50. Wondering if I should select a different address.

 

[DC3]

For those that are using a globalmail address. How much does your post office usually charge you to ship letters (containing a bank card) internationally?

My address asks $6 for usps first class international and $100 for priority mail, pretty expensive.

I know we can ask banks to ship the card internationally but I'd be more comfortable if I can just forward my cards for ~$40-50. Wondering if I should select a different address.

I’m not sure that US Global mail international postage would vary much, if at all, between locations (US Global Mail addresses) within the US. USPS could take a few weeks and courier-delivered within a few days probably. If they are the options, then you would need to choose.

 

[pyramidforce]

On US Global Mails page there is a $30 for slower shipping? I haven't opened my account yet so not sure if it is for all addresses but this is what their shipping calculator shows.

 

[levelnine]

I had a quick look at the MS forum on FT and the thread about BGs. They seem risky. Are they all US based or are some here in Australia? I really struggle to meet minimum spends because my expenses are fairly low. No way could I spend $4000-5000 USD in normal expenses in 3 months unless I had a big trip, major renovation or currently looking for a used car but the dealers won't take more than $3000 AUD on a credit card.

All US based. Australia doesn't get access to electronics cheap enough to make them worthwhile here.

 

[Ko0l]

Now that SHL is part of hilton. Anyone know if the surpass $50 qtr credit will cover the SHL hotels like Ovolo Woolloomooloo?

 

[dein_gesicht]

DP - chase asked for my w9. I sent through a copy of my original ITIN and it was accepted.

 

[Daventry]

Do we need different login/ password to manage a Chase biz card? Or should I be able to see it on my personal account ?

Edit: looks like I have to create a Business online account. It keeps saying there’s an issue so looks like will have to phone Chase yet again…

 

[Igreen]

Do we need different login/ password to manage a Chase biz card? Or should I be able to see it on my personal account ?

You will have to create a new login for the biz cards and then u can call chase to see ur personal cards into the newly created biz login.

 

[Uncharted6264]

Just got approved for a personal plat USA Amex... no ITIN, SSN or anything.

Just put a postal forwarding address, AU passport, and asked for a global transfer. Took about 5 minutes all up and apparently it's coming in the post tomorrow.

Will report back if this is even real... lol

 

[nthd_nthd]

Just got approved for a personal plat USA Amex... no ITIN, SSN or anything.

Just put a postal forwarding address, AU passport, and asked for a global transfer. Took about 5 minutes all up and apparently it's coming in the post tomorrow.

Will report back if this is even real... lol

Congratulations. That does feel unreal huh.

 

[Uncharted6264]

Congratulations. That does feel unreal huh.

Yeah absolutely, I was just half heartedly clicking through the application form and expected to get to some sort of barrier but saw the approved screen instead. After reading all of the workarounds and trials and tribulations here, plus my own experience with Amex AU which has totally sucked in the last 6 months... very keen to report back.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Any recommendations for next cards?

Currently at 3/24. A few options, Venture (not pre-approved), Amex Hilton (Surpass/Normal) assuming no PUJ, Citi Strata, CIU/CBP. I'm thinking about Aeroplan but these are the cards I currently hold:

• Amex Green
• Amex Biz Gold
• Amex Aspire
• Amex Biz Marriot Bonvoy
• Chase Biz IHG
• CSP
• CIC
• CIP

Wouldn't mind Hyatt either but the SUB is pretty awful.

 

[lerry]

For anyone using US Global Mail - Amex sent me a letter stating that this is a mail forwarder and that I need a physical address. Looks like I will need to go back to MyUS for physical and use the US global mail as the mailing

which address were you using with US Global Mail that Amex sent this letter for?

 

[DC3]

USPS look-up indicates that the Miami address for US Global Mail is a CMRA. It’s worth checking them, one by one, if interested (Las Vegas is good)

 

[nthd_nthd]

Someone was asking the price for forwarding letters to Australia add with US Global Mail
1 pic is for 1 and 1 pic is for 5 letters

 

[levelnine]

Any recommendations for next cards?

Currently at 3/24. A few options, Venture (not pre-approved), Amex Hilton (Surpass/Normal) assuming no PUJ, Citi Strata, CIU/CBP. I'm thinking about Aeroplan but these are the cards I currently hold:

• Amex Green
• Amex Biz Gold
• Amex Aspire
• Amex Biz Marriot Bonvoy
• Chase Biz IHG
• CSP
• CIC
• CIP

Wouldn't mind Hyatt either but the SUB is pretty awful.

What are your goals?

IHG personal card has an all time high SUB of 5 FNCs if you think you'll get use from them.
Aeroplan is a must-have if you're generating excess UR and need to cash out, otherwise isn't all that special.
Surpass' SUB isn't bad. Even more valuable if you'll easily and cheaply meet the $15K spend for the FNC.
CIU isn't worth it unless it is purely for the SUB.
I'd hold off on the Strata in case they release the Elite version.

If you're looking for the biggest bang for your buck, I'd get another CIP with its current 120K SUB or an Amex Biz Plat if you can find the 250K/$15K SUB offer.