Strategy to obtain US Amex

[auflier]

Anyone can suggest best way to pay US AMEX without having a US bank account? Some details would be much appreciated.

 

[tlam]

Anyone can suggest best way to pay US AMEX without having a US bank account? Some details would be much appreciated.

You should have one US bank account, it makes your life easier.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Being the simpleton that I am - what is the upside to having any US CC if you live in Australia?

 

[potm]

Being the simpleton that I am - what is the upside to having any US CC if you live in Australia?

A lot have valuable benefits that are not available in Australia. Hotel status benefits. Points earning for FF programs not available in Australia.

 

[auflier]

You should have one US bank account, it makes your life easier.

Well will do but not in us yet and need to pay cc bill

 

[Cruiser Elite]

A lot have valuable benefits that are not available in Australia. Hotel status benefits. Points earning for FF programs not available in Australia.

Don’t be afraid to spit out a few details potm - I could say grass greener on other side of the fence and be as accurate.

Is it possible to list a few?

 

[DC3]

For the elite few with cards such as Centurion and the big Citi card, probably not much additional benefit to be gained.

 

[potm]

Don’t be afraid to spit out a few details potm - I could say grass greener on other side of the fence and be as accurate.

Is it possible to list a few?

Of the Amex cards, the Hilton Aspire gives automatic Diamond status and other benefits with Hilton.
The SPG Amex gives 15 elite qualifying nights.

The Us Plat Charge card has good earnings for airfares at 5 points per dollar but the other benefits will be hard for aussies to use. US membership rewards has a lot more transfer partners.

Citibank and Chase also have very good programs but those cards are a lot harder for us Aussies to get. They have some very nice earning Visa cards.

Australia actually has some of the best earning rates in the world at the moment before devaluation with the Explorer linked to ascent earning 2 points per Australian dollar on everything. That’s like earning 2.8 points per US dollar, although with less transfer partners.

The US cards could be considered for earning as well as most have no forex fees and some have good bonus categories that work globally. Mostly Chase and Citibank cards. You’ll have to factor in the cost of converting your money to USD to pay it off though and any small spread you pay even without a forex fee.

 

[casanovawa]

Could you open up a credit card account and then if you go over to the US use a Citibank Debit card to withdraw a few thousand from an ATM (that's how I access money overseas when travelling anyway - using my Citi Debit card at ATM) and then go an deposit this in the credit card account putting it into credit and sort of draw it down as you pay for thigns?

Is that card as good as any other FX strategy out there??

 

[ithongy]

It’s a game that requires patience & lots of research. With Amex devaluing their earnings (in Australia) this could be a “strategy” for others to look elsewhere to build their airline/hotel points balance. No one size fits all & is a complicated game to play. When applying for cards you need a plan as to why you are wanting this card & benefits you can use. USA has many more partners to earn points compared to Australia which can be helpful instead of pooling all your eggs into one basket.

Being the simpleton that I am - what is the upside to having any US CC if you live in Australia?

 

[ithongy]

Even with the exchange rates US issued cards still have a lower annual fee than Australian cards.

For the elite few with cards such as Centurion and the big Citi card, probably not much additional benefit to be gained.

 

[auflier]

Ok, since no one helps to share insight regarding how to pay us amex card bills from overseas, i approached amex for assistance. For the spirit of this community, there is the method - Amex will provide you:
their bank - JP Morgan Chase
Ac name
wire dipository
address
ABA (american banking association) number (routing number)
ac number
swift code
you just need to fill the card member name and number

load up your card, then you are good to go.

Be wary of fx rate and wiring costs though.

 

[opusman]

It would probably make sense to use a company like HiFX for the transfers rather than paying the exorbitant fees the big banks charge.

 

[auflier]

It would probably make sense to use a company like HiFX for the transfers rather than paying the exorbitant fees the big banks charge.

yup, there are few competitive fx providers out there, better than banks.

 

[potm]

Also be careful about putting your USA Amex into ‘credit’.
They can be a lot more strict about these things in the US than Aus.

 

[auflier]

Also be careful about putting your USA Amex into ‘credit’.
They can be a lot more strict about these things in the US than Aus.

The agent did not mention anything in this regard when she suggested load up. but i may enquire - unless you are keen to share specifics, be great to know. cheers

 

[albyd]

US banks (my experience is with Citi but assuming also applies to others) don’t like you putting your credit card into credit even if for legitimate purposes like facilitating a payment larger than your credit limit or they will block your card.

Amex does it here in Australia. Going into credit is a big deal for them.

 

[auflier]

hmm still no clue around why it is a "big Deal" or why there is a restriction for allowing extra fund in cc? Any law behind it? Surely the credit provider won't have to pay me interest...
I had both an aus bank issued card and amex cc in positive before, never had any one complained about it.
Just had a chat with amex us, they said there is no issue.

 

[jasonfungsing]

For some of you may want multi cards from US Amex without SSN. I had a chat with the Global Transfer Team in US Amex, I have been told they only allow one card if no credit score in US. However, after use the card for 6 months, there will be a US credit score record even without SSN. Once the credit score is there, then a second card with US Amex is allowed.

 

[marki]

I read on the transferwise website that one can use current ( aus) bank statement after having the address updated to a US one.
Shipito does not fwd cc . but just curious how they would know its a cc. Can`t one prohibit them from opening mail before forwarding?

They would not know whats inside the letter. My AMEX (Australian) uses my Shipito address for purchases in USA. I get past the apple iTunes with that and can purchase iTunes gift cards. The ultimate test of your CC mettle. Unfortunately all my CC letter go there form Australia.