Strategy to obtain US Amex

[PPS_SYD]

FICO score 744 from US Amex since November last year so good to go.

It used to be up to 6 months until FICO was generated, now it’s taking upward of 8. Wonder whether that’s due to tightening in lending rules in US all around.

 

[slodki]

Quick update. Ended up getting approved for the Amex Gold Business card. Called back, got a new agent who put my existing Amex number through. Ended up needing to fax through copy of my SSN / Passport as they couldn’t verify/check the SSN. 24hrs later approval email received.

hopefully they included the “suite” on the mailing address to the mail forwarders.

I currently have a free account with my us - anything I need to be doing before the card arrives there?

 

[ithongy]

It used to be up to 6 months until FICO was generated, now it’s taking upward of 8. Wonder whether that’s due to tightening in lending rules in US all around.

with no SSN will take around 1 year.

 

[blacksultan]

I have a friend who is accountant in the US and he just helped me to fill the tax return with $500 income for selling online (website, eBay or Amazon) and I’ll use it to obtain the ITIN. I’ll keep you guys posted in the next 2,3 weeks once I have got the ITIN and will apply Citi and Chase cards with my ITIN. I have already got US credit score with Amex.

I believe the ITIN takes a min of 8 weeks to be issued in normal times . What documents did you need to file your return ? Do they require proof of sales ?

 

[ithongy]

I believe the ITIN takes a min of 8 weeks to be issued in normal times . What documents did you need to file your return ? Do they require proof of sales ?

do have a SSN, my accountant setup an LLC S-Corp within 5 days. Very simple process. Opened a chase business checking account & obtained a chase business card no problems.

 

[PPS_SYD]

Another data point for Revolut to Citi USD to Amex.
Was charged $3.93 for Revolut to Citi - which we are now aware of.
But was charged $15 for Citi to Amex transfers. Followed the same steps like last time but ended up short on payments received at Amex. This time the amount was around USD 1200. I'm confused

Just an update on this, I transferred $500 yesterday from Citi - Amex and they were credited in full, no fee deducted. I know it doesn't provide any clarity on this issue, but I was thinking of couple of possibilities.

1. It may be that transfers under and up-to a certain amount are free.
2. It may be that a certain number of transfers in a period (perhaps monthly) are free, beyond which a fee applies.

There may be other reasons why some transfers go through without any deductions while others cop a charge. I am sure in time, and utilising the collective wisdom of this forum we will figure it out at some point.

 

[PointsLife1]

Quick update, just had my interview to verify my passport for ITIN application and the agent advised IRS working on 50% capacity and are currently processing March ITIN's. Wait time 6 - 8 months approx and the agent will receive an original copy of the ITIN and I will receive an original copy sent to Australia. I will also have to pay the IRS my tax bill online.

Looks like no Citi or Chase applications until well into next year but as the original post said this requires patience and in it for the long haul now.

 

[Finale]

Quick update, just had my interview to verify my passport for ITIN application and the agent advised IRS working on 50% capacity and are currently processing March ITIN's. Wait time 6 - 8 months approx and the agent will receive an original copy of the ITIN and I will receive an original copy sent to Australia. I will also have to pay the IRS my tax bill online.

Looks like no Citi or Chase applications until well into next year but as the original post said this requires patience and in it for the long haul now.

So you are going paying tax route? How much did you have to declare? Since their tax year ends December, I guess they won't give it priority. I heard Chase is still accepting ITIN, just not some SSN but also heard they started asking some people to verify income (on top of difficult address verification). I might give it a try soon.

 

[PointsLife1]

So you are going paying tax route? How much did you have to declare? Since their tax year ends December, I guess they won't give it priority. I heard Chase is still accepting ITIN, just not some SSN but also heard they started asking some people to verify income (on top of difficult address verification). I might give it a try soon.

Yes declared $421or so the agent put it down, that must be the minimum amount.

Not sure what my plan will be once I do receive it and will also need another mail forward address as MYUS only good for premium cards that come in the box and tracking.

 

[blacksultan]

Yes declared $421or so the agent put it down, that must be the minimum amount.

Not sure what my plan will be once I do receive it and will also need another mail forward address as MYUS only good for premium cards that come in the box and tracking.

How much did the agent charge ? What documents did you need to provide for return ?

 

[albyd]

I think it might depend on rhe

Just an update on this, I transferred $500 yesterday from Citi - Amex and they were credited in full, no fee deducted. I know it doesn't provide any clarity on this issue, but I was thinking of couple of possibilities.

1. It may be that transfers under and up-to a certain amount are free.
2. It may be that a certain number of transfers in a period (perhaps monthly) are free, beyond which a fee applies.

There may be other reasons why some transfers go through without any deductions while others cop a charge. I am sure in time, and utilising the collective wisdom of this forum we will figure it out at some point.

I think it depends on the receiving bank. I have HSBC accounts overseas and have noted HSBC HK always charge a receipt fee regardless of the amount (always the same so hurtsfor small amounts), HSBC UK don’t charge - though the most I’ve transferred is GBP5000.
HSBC US doesn’t charge nor does Citi US doing a wire transfer from Revolut. I’m not transferring Packer type money so YMMV.

I’ve found Revolut offers the best rates it’s pretty much the same as the spot rate IME.

 

[PointsLife1]

How much did the agent charge ? What documents did you need to provide for return ?

Not cheap for the service, $565AUD and just needed my passport.

 

[blacksultan]

Not cheap for the service, $565AUD and just needed my passport.

EIN quoted me $400 US after a $100 discount

Post automatically merged: Sep 3, 2020

Not cheap for the service, $565AUD and just needed my passport.

Who did you use if I may ask ?

 

[PointsLife1]

EIN quoted me $400 US after a $100 discount

Post automatically merged: Sep 3, 2020

Who did you use if I may ask ?

Yes $400USD so approx the $565AUD

I just ran out of ideas how to get one, reviews on Kindle book sales seemed to be hit or miss, emailed all registered US agents based in Australia and none got back to me, Greenback tax services offered to help submit tax return but not ITIN, looked into WeBull etc but need SSN and any investment in US stocks locally we are able to use our tax treaty W-8 BEN to not pay tax.

Just gave up in the end and decided to pay for the service.

Still not sure it will work out as doesn’t seem like anyone without SSN has a non US Amex card thus far?

 

[PPS_SYD]

Hi guys,

For those wanting to take advantage of the shop small promo in US, I have found a merchant that may be useful for some. I have tried and tested it and can confirm it works.

The merchant name is Fluz, they typically provide cashbacks on purchase routed through them, same as cashrewards and shopback. Just download the app and sign-up, its free.

One of the merchants they work with is Starbucks, and you are able to buy SB GC’s. Starbucks giftcard purchased in US can be used at stores in Australia. Make sure you download the US version app, as the Australian app doesn’t allow you to use US$ denominated eGiftcards. You will also need to be on the VPN, to download the app and set up the account.

Once done, simply enter your GC code on the app and you are set. Next time you buy your coffee, scan the barcode on your app to pay. Make sure you purchase the $10 GC to get $5 back. The amount on your app is stored in US$, so it deducts an equivalent amount when you pay in A$. Now, granted coffee at SB is overpriced and not the best, but the $5 back makes it a lot more drinkable

One unique aspect of US Shop small campaign is that unlike Aus, you can use it 10x at the same merchant and you will receive $5 back each time.

Lastly, when you sign-up with Fluz using a referral link, you will get up to 35% back on your first 3 purchases. That means $10 cashback on 3 $10 GC, which you can use to buy another $10 GC, which is such a good deal. If you wish to use my referral link, its POINTSHQ and I earn 1 voucher too.

US cards are not cheap and we all spend extra money each time we pay our monthly statements, so a hack like this will hopefully offset some of that extra cost. Reach out if you have any questions.

 

[Finale]

Yes $400USD so approx the $565AUD

I just ran out of ideas how to get one, reviews on Kindle book sales seemed to be hit or miss, emailed all registered US agents based in Australia and none got back to me, Greenback tax services offered to help submit tax return but not ITIN, looked into WeBull etc but need SSN and any investment in US stocks locally we are able to use our tax treaty W-8 BEN to not pay tax.

Just gave up in the end and decided to pay for the service.

Still not sure it will work out as doesn’t seem like anyone without SSN has a non US Amex card thus far?

It's not bad really and it is guaranteed you will get it. To use the old Amazon letter method, the cost will be $75 to certify passport + postage to consulate + postage back to yourself + postage to the US. Some tried 3 or 4 times and never got it. I was lucky to get it on my first try not long before it was reported dead.

I used ITIN to apply for citi with no issue. I heard Cap1 is ITIN friendly which I will try later. I just submitted the app at Chase and will see. I got 30 days message which pretty means they need process my app manually and high chance that they need to verify identity which is a bit of a worry. Some have to send income doc, utility bills and some need to verify phone number by getting sms. My number is google voice and heard it has issue receiving Chase message as it is not considered mobile number but landline.

 

[PointsLife1]

It's not bad really and it is guaranteed you will get it. To use the old Amazon letter method, the cost will be $75 to certify passport + postage to consulate + postage back to yourself + postage to the US. Some tried 3 or 4 times and never got it. I was lucky to get it on my first try not long before it was reported dead.

I used ITIN to apply for citi with no issue. I heard Cap1 is ITIN friendly which I will try later. I just submitted the app at Chase and will see. I got 30 days message which pretty means they need process my app manually and high chance that they need to verify identity which is a bit of a worry. Some have to send income doc, utility bills and some need to verify phone number by getting sms. My number is google voice and heard it has issue receiving Chase message as it is not considered mobile number but landline.

Fantastic data point with Citi and will be my first non Amex once I receive ITIN.

What Chase card did you apply for? Wonder if some are easier than others. Have my eyes on IHG and Preferred if possible.

Nervous wait for Chase but fingers crossed you succeed.

 

[tlam]

Fantastic data point with Citi and will be my first non Amex once I receive ITIN.

What Chase card did you apply for? Wonder if some are easier than others. Have my eyes on IHG and Preferred if possible.

Nervous wait for Chase but fingers crossed you succeed.

Good news, I’ll also apply for Citi as soon as I got ITIN and Chase will follow. Hopefully, he is successful, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my dream card for all expenses in Australia. I may cancel my Amex Plat card if I can get CSR.

 

[Finale]

Fantastic data point with Citi and will be my first non Amex once I receive ITIN.

What Chase card did you apply for? Wonder if some are easier than others. Have my eyes on IHG and Preferred if possible.

Nervous wait for Chase but fingers crossed you succeed.

I applied for Sapphire Preferred as I thought it was easier than the Reserve and also a bit more bonus points. I don't really need the Reserve features for now. Also paying almost $2k fee for all cards and didn't wanna add another $550. I heard non Sapphire cards are easier due to less minimum credit limit (5k for Preferred and 10k for Reserve).

With Chase, it is difficult with address verification as they insist on utility bills. They don't normally accept bank statements or phone bills but heard some people got lucky with it.

 

[ithongy]

I applied for Sapphire Preferred as I thought it was easier than the Reserve and also a bit more bonus points. I don't really need the Reserve features for now. Also paying almost $2k fee for all cards and didn't wanna add another $550. I heard non Sapphire cards are easier due to less minimum credit limit (5k for Preferred and 10k for Reserve).

With Chase, it is difficult with address verification as they insist on utility bills. They don't normally accept bank statements or phone bills but heard some people got lucky with it.

easier if you have Personal or Business checking accounts with them. Maybe an LLC or business with ITIN can get you a foot in the door.
Got my CSP last year a great work horse card. But I’d expect some changes with new Chase Freedom Flex card that is about to be released.