Strategy to obtain US Amex

Edit; spent all day on this so hopefully can save someone some time. To apply successfully with Maza:

- iOS, could not get a US Google account to work despite using VPN and spoofing to try to change location, couldn't rip an APK easily and when I did, still didn't have a US google account to enable billing
- Need a US Apple ID (Change billing location)
- Need a US phone #
- Need to spoof GPS (Geoport was the best GPS spoofer) (the GPS section is very distinct, you don't need to spoof until it directly asks you to. Revoke the permission after that.)

I did also use a VPN set to the US, but nothing to me indicated this was a requirement.

After that, could submit application.
Only difference for me was that I was able to use my UK number to originally sign up by using their website instead of the app.
 
Edit; spent all day on this so hopefully can save someone some time. To apply successfully with Maza:

- iOS, could not get a US Google account to work despite using VPN and spoofing to try to change location, couldn't rip an APK easily and when I did, still didn't have a US google account to enable billing

For Maza, think the main requirements are. US app store, US VPN, and GPS location within 50metre of your home. Once you have those 3 sorted it should be all good.

For the payment side of things. The credit cards are hit and miss. Could be a variety of reasons being rejected. From the credit card company declining cause its a suspicious charge to maza just not liking the card. Best to use an american card and set the billing address to the US address.
 
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Regarding Amex direct debits with wise, does the account names need to match for the payments to go through?

Deciding whether I will need to create a wise account for P2. Don't want to risk having the payments rejected.
 
Regarding Amex direct debits with wise, does the account names need to match for the payments to go through?

Deciding whether I will need to create a wise account for P2. Don't want to risk having the payments rejected.
Yes, they have to match. At least in the UK it's one of the reasons Amex gives when shutting accounts down!
 
Hi everyone!

I have been following this thread for a while now, and thought I might as well join the party.

For everybody wondering about Maza, I can confirm they have done their part and I got my ITIN through them. Applied May 23rd, documents sent to IRS Jun 5th, CP565 received on the app Aug 5th. Afterwards applied for another AMEX (had one through GT from before) and C1 Savor One, uploaded ID and CP565 notice (for both). Approved the day after for C1, a few days later for AMEX.

However, were any of you able to generate a VCC through C1 App or Web/add the card to Google Pay or Paypal through the app, or did you have to wait until you physically received the card?
 
I'm having trouble getting my Chase card activated. They want to call me back after disconnecting the call, but I it doesn't seem like they can reach me. I'm calling using a Tello eSIM over WiFi which by all accounts should work. Has anyone else gotten stuck here?
 
Hi everyone!

I have been following this thread for a while now, and thought I might as well join the party.

For everybody wondering about Maza, I can confirm they have done their part and I got my ITIN through them. Applied May 23rd, documents sent to IRS Jun 5th, CP565 received on the app Aug 5th. Afterwards applied for another AMEX (had one through GT from before) and C1 Savor One, uploaded ID and CP565 notice (for both). Approved the day after for C1, a few days later for AMEX.

However, were any of you able to generate a VCC through C1 App or Web/add the card to Google Pay or Paypal through the app, or did you have to wait until you physically received the card?
I never get Cap1 into my Wallet to work, was on the phone with them to try a few way but unsuccessful then getting too long so I gave up.
 
I think what you might be missing is that Maza isn't a service for AusFF members to apply for US credit cards, it appears to theoretically be a service to help members of spanish speaking communities get an ITIN, other ID requirements, etc for a life in the USA. That's why there is also a bank account associated and it's a $5 subscription etc
No I established that (and knew there was a subscription involved), but once the ITIN is issued, that's it surely? They can't take it away, as the IRS issue them, not Maza?
 
No I established that (and knew there was a subscription involved), but once the ITIN is issued, that's it surely? They can't take it away, as the IRS issue them, not Maza?
Lasts for 3 years (if you dont file a tax return in that period) but otherwise yes, Maza cant take away
 
Hi Guys, currently on 3/5 cards with credit history of around 8 months. Have the green, gold and a secure card from C1.

I was wondering if I get another card i.e. 4/5 am I still able to apply for business cards from any bank including Chase (once I have 13-15 months credit history) and it will not push me into 5/5 and I can keep churning business cards?
 
Hi Guys, currently on 3/5 cards with credit history of around 8 months. Have the green, gold and a secure card from C1.

I was wondering if I get another card i.e. 4/5 am I still able to apply for business cards from any bank including Chase (once I have 13-15 months credit history) and it will not push me into 5/5 and I can keep churning business cards?

Yes with the exception of C1 Spark I believe.

Edit: See below.
 
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Hi Guys, currently on 3/5 cards with credit history of around 8 months. Have the green, gold and a secure card from C1.

I was wondering if I get another card i.e. 4/5 am I still able to apply for business cards from any bank including Chase (once I have 13-15 months credit history) and it will not push me into 5/5 and I can keep churning business cards?
 
Lasts for 3 years (if you dont file a tax return in that period) but otherwise yes, Maza cant take away
While we are on this topic, I recall reading that even if the ITIN expires it still works for credit card applications etc. Would anyone have any new insights here, e.g. if it is safer to try and renew the ITIN?

Edit: reading about preventing ITIN expiry by filing $85 in online gambling winnings once every 3 years or so.
 
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While we are on this topic, I recall reading that even if the ITIN expires it still works for credit card applications etc. Would anyone have any new insights here, e.g. if it is safer to try and renew the ITIN?

Edit: reading about preventing ITIN expiry by filing $85 in online gambling winnings once every 3 years or so.
Would a cash bonus earned by opening Checking account/referrals counts toward Tax?
 
Chat to US HSBC support regarding their new Premier CC bonus offer plus AF. They confirmed the bonus offer is different from whoever got approved before the change so my CC will have no AF. However whatever new benefits they added to the card will be the same for those applied before as well. There are a few interesting benefits 3xGas 2xTravel Priority Pass v.v
  • $60 in statement credits annually when you pay for your TV streaming subscription. Will test $6 on my Australia Netflix and see how it is
  • Get up to $140 annually with Instacart+. When you sign up as a new member, receive 2 free months of Instacart+ and $10 off your second order each month.
  • Take 3 rides, and get a $5 Lyft App credit every month .
 
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Looks like you lucked out on no annual fee forever! I'm still waiting for them to open my premier account...coming up on 7 business days soon.

Most of the credits are meh, but the earnings are at least semi-competitive.

Regarding priority pass, is it for premier as well as elite card? And/or how many visits/restaurants too? I can only see a reference on the Elite page but I still can't actually get through to the prioritypass.com/hsbcelite website
 
I'm having trouble getting my Chase card activated. They want to call me back after disconnecting the call, but I it doesn't seem like they can reach me. I'm calling using a Tello eSIM over WiFi which by all accounts should work. Has anyone else gotten stuck here?

Turns out my phone had a "can't connect to this network notification" which I didn't notice. Going into the APN settings for the eSIM appeared to fix it (didn't even change the settings). Ironically the next time I called up they verified the card without even giving me a call.
Thanks for replying. Please report back your experience of setting up a Chase profile :)

Confirming that this works. After signing up initially it still failed, but it kicked me out to a slightly different page and I was able to successfully sign up after re-entering my details.

Anyone have any DPs on sending a Chase Authorised User card to Australia?
 
Turns out my phone had a "can't connect to this network notification" which I didn't notice. Going into the APN settings for the eSIM appeared to fix it (didn't even change the settings). Ironically the next time I called up they verified the card without even giving me a call.


Confirming that this works. After signing up initially it still failed, but it kicked me out to a slightly different page and I was able to successfully sign up after re-entering my details.

Anyone have any DPs on sending a Chase Authorised User card to Australia?
I have . No issues . Gets sent to primary address .
 
This thread just gets longer and longer with no end in sight. Waiting for a delayed flight at the moment and just want to reflect on the journey for me.

I have 7 cards at the moment which is the culmination of endless calls on crackling phone lines at odd hours, numerous address changes (due to provider cutting service), verification failing, SMS not coming through and the nervous tension as you wait for approval.

Having gotten your card, you find the credits constantly changing and new hacks needing to be discovered to make good use of them especially as Australians.

My partner often asks me why I spend so much time on this, I just say you shall see - cue the Ritz-Carlton, the St Regis and the Park Hyatts and more of the pointy end of the plane. The annual certificates and bonuses that fall down from the sky being my saving grace.

Just yesterday as I go into the C1 portal to transfer my points, I get this dreaded message as I try to trigger my phone SMS verification:
  • The number is not registered to your name.
  • The number is not a US based number.
  • The billing address does not match what we expected.
  • The number is billed to someone else.
  • The number is a VOIP or WiFi based service.
All the annual fees and spend I do, back to square 1 I go. What a journey.
I was wondering how you progressed or resolved this issue? Its making me think twice about trying to a C1 card as when it comes time to transfer points out you might have to change your mobile number??
 

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