Strategy to obtain US Amex

[albyd]

Might be of interest to those who want to open up a
US account with HSBC. The way to do it so far has been via HSBC Premier. In Australia, the minimum balance required to qualify was $200K or a home loan.

they’ve just announced some changes which can be found at the following link:

HSBC Premier upcoming changes - HSBC AU

We are changing how HSBC Premier works from 23 November 2020.

www.hsbc.com.au

In short:

• Minimum balance reduced to $150k
• Monthly $35 fee scrapped
• Can still qualify by depositing $9k a month and having an Everyday Global account without the minimum balance requirement.
• I imagine can still qualify as a home loan customer.

These changes should make it easier to qualify as Premier if you want to take the HSBC route.

 

[blacksultan]

Citi hasn't charged anything for incoming.
The only cost involved for me was roughly $4 that Revolut charges

Revolut has never charged me

 

[PointsLife1]

Revolut has never charged me

Maybe as a premium or metal account holder?

 

[blacksultan]

Revolut has never charged me

No I am a basic member .

 

[PointsLife1]

Some more updates regarding payments, credit limit and ITIN.

1. Small payment of 34USD went through without issues or any fees (will pay in announce under 500USD moving forward.

2. Amex US sent an email advising my credit limit has increased to 6,500USD

3. The IRS has issued my ITIN number and have an email with a copy of the letter and number to use.

Now as I only have MyUS postal address will need to find an alternate service so as to be able to receive letters and credit cards that are not in the premium parcel type that Amex sends for the likes of Aspire and Brilliant.

 

[PointsLife1]

I have now signed up for PostScanMail and have an address in Long Beach California. Also used an online notary to sign off on my USPS form to send mail to the California address.

The question is now do I change my Amex US address and then apply for a new card with ITIN attached so the link of new address and ITIN can have some history or can I just attempt to apply for Chase and Citi with new address and new ITIN?

 

[Finale]

I have now signed up for PostScanMail and have an address in Long Beach California. Also used an online notary to sign off on my USPS form to send mail to the California address.

The question is now do I change my Amex US address and then apply for a new card with ITIN attached so the link of new address and ITIN can have some history or can I just attempt to apply for Chase and Citi with new address and new ITIN?

How long is your credit history? Chase doesn't normally approve if less than 1 year. You can give Citi a try. They will ask you to send them a copy. If you change the address at Amex now, it should be updated within 2-3 months (or sooner) in your credit file. It won't hurt a chance of getting approved I think but some banks might need you to verify the new address. Chase is likely to ask for a verification anyway.

 

[Finale]

Forgot to mention, did you check the new address at ZIP Code™ Lookup | USPS?

Make sure it is not marked as commercial mail receiving agencies. Some banks don't like it and won't accept such address on a new application.

 

[PointsLife1]

How long is your credit history? Chase doesn't normally approve if less than 1 year. You can give Citi a try. They will ask you to send them a copy. If you change the address at Amex now, it should be updated within 2-3 months (or sooner) in your credit file. It won't hurt a chance of getting approved I think but some banks might need you to verify the new address. Chase is likely to ask for a verification anyway.

Great advice and I should of waited a bit longer today to come up with a game plan. I got too excited and tried to apply for multiple checking accounts and got denied, then attempted to apply for Amex Green card but had to call Amex and they wanted to call my bank to verify new address and I told them I will call later as made the excuse the World Series was on and didn't have time. I use transferwise/revolut/citi or XE so do not even have a US checking account. Also tried to open a Citi credit card and was denied.

Had all the excitement in the world this morning and now feeling a bit flat. Will now try to be patient and let the new address with Amex count towards my credit score over the next few months and then maybe try another Amex card and maybe not possible to open Citi or Chase until I can actually get a checking account in America which will take 1-2 years with the travel restrictions I assume.

Post automatically merged: Oct 21, 2020

Forgot to mention, did you check the new address at ZIP Code™ Lookup | USPS?

Make sure it is not marked as commercial mail receiving agencies. Some banks don't like it and won't accept such address on a new application.

Checked USPS and it came up as N when checking but a bit put off by having to add PMB # to indicate which mail box I presume it goes to but maybe just the same as suite # with MyUS.

 

[blacksultan]

Have you considered opening an account with hsbc premier from here ? Easier eligibility now .

Great advice and I should of waited a bit longer today to come up with a game plan. I got too excited and tried to apply for multiple checking accounts and got denied, then attempted to apply for Amex Green card but had to call Amex and they wanted to call my bank to verify new address and I told them I will call later as made the excuse the World Series was on and didn't have time. I use transferwise/revolut/citi or XE so do not even have a US checking account. Also tried to open a Citi credit card and was denied.

Had all the excitement in the world this morning and now feeling a bit flat. Will now try to be patient and let the new address with Amex count towards my credit score over the next few months and then maybe try another Amex card and maybe not possible to open Citi or Chase until I can actually get a checking account in America which will take 1-2 years with the travel restrictions I assume.

Post automatically merged: Oct 21, 2020

Checked USPS and it came up as N when checking but a bit put off by having to add PMB # to indicate which mail box I presume it goes to but maybe just the same as suite # with MyUS.

 

[Finale]

Great advice and I should of waited a bit longer today to come up with a game plan. I got too excited and tried to apply for multiple checking accounts and got denied, then attempted to apply for Amex Green card but had to call Amex and they wanted to call my bank to verify new address and I told them I will call later as made the excuse the World Series was on and didn't have time. I use transferwise/revolut/citi or XE so do not even have a US checking account. Also tried to open a Citi credit card and was denied.

Had all the excitement in the world this morning and now feeling a bit flat. Will now try to be patient and let the new address with Amex count towards my credit score over the next few months and then maybe try another Amex card and maybe not possible to open Citi or Chase until I can actually get a checking account in America which will take 1-2 years with the travel restrictions I assume.

Post automatically merged: Oct 21, 2020

Checked USPS and it came up as N when checking but a bit put off by having to add PMB # to indicate which mail box I presume it goes to but maybe just the same as suite # with MyUS.

In the US, credit history and score are quite important (unlike Australia). Wait until you have over 1 year of history and try again. Does Citi say why they denied? I guess it could just be a short history. It could also be that you have too many cards with a short history as well. Citi might have some stupid address verification too I heard so it's best to make sure they can at least see it on your credit file.

You should also keep your first forever or downgrade to fee free one. This will give a long history and a better credit score. AAoA (Average Age of Account) will also help with approval.

When I got my first card with Amex, I had to do an address verification. Most people even get asked these days. Lucky if they don't ask you. I didn't use my ITIN until about 4 months after I got it (moved address as well). And almost a year to apply for Chase.

For checking account, even if you have ITIN, I think it is still impossible to open an account remotely anywhere. You have to be a resident and they normally ask for SSN + Driver license/state ID.

Good that it's not commercial mail receiving agencies. People have been trying to keep it secret these days lol

 

[PointsLife1]

In the US, credit history and score are quite important (unlike Australia). Wait until you have over 1 year of history and try again. Does Citi say why they denied? I guess it could just be a short history. It could also be that you have too many cards with a short history as well. Citi might have some stupid address verification too I heard so it's best to make sure they can at least see it on your credit file.

You should also keep your first forever or downgrade to fee free one. This will give a long history and a better credit score. AAoA (Average Age of Account) will also help with approval.

When I got my first card with Amex, I had to do an address verification. Most people even get asked these days. Lucky if they don't ask you. I didn't use my ITIN until about 4 months after I got it (moved address as well). And almost a year to apply for Chase.

For checking account, even if you have ITIN, I think it is still impossible to open an account remotely anywhere. You have to be a resident and they normally ask for SSN + Driver license/state ID.

Good that it's not commercial mail receiving agencies. People have been trying to keep it secret these days lol

Great feedback and will turn it down a notch now and wait until it is the right time.

I only have the Bonvoy Brilliant card and a credit score of 749 opened last November so under 1 year would part of the issues I am having.

Maybe if I had applied for the Aspire today without changing my address I would have only had to advise ITIN number over the phone and would of been in a better position. The annual fee was the sticking point and the fact I am a Marriott fan over Hilton.

Post automatically merged: Oct 21, 2020

Have you considered opening an account with hsbc premier from here ? Easier eligibility now .

Considered yes but only was to qualify would be adding funds monthly and the amount is very high. If I keep running into roadblocks will reconsider.

 

[glasszon]

Just saw this on FlyerTalk, anyone game enough to apply for a US Amex card and bypass mail forwarding altogether? Apparently amex US can courier you the card anywhere in the world after 10 days of the original card delivery.

Delivery of USA-issued cards to international address. - FlyerTalk Forums

American Express | Membership Rewards - Delivery of USA-issued cards to international address. - Quick update for all non-US residents interested in US cards: Once 10 days have passed (not sure if since they mailed out the card or since its been delivered), you can call Amex and they will mail...

www.flyertalk.com

 

[PointsLife1]

The team at EIN express who helped get the ITIN also do the below. About $1500 more than I would be willing to pay but having 150K in HSBC products seems excessive also.

We offer our Remote US Personal Bank Account Opening Service with Bank of America for $1,797

We offer our Remote US Business Bank Account Opening Service with one of two major US Banks. The first is Bank of America for $1,997 and the other is Evolve Bank and Trust for $1,297

 

[blacksultan]

Great feedback and will turn it down a notch now and wait until it is the right time.

I only have the Bonvoy Brilliant card and a credit score of 749 opened last November so under 1 year would part of the issues I am having.

Maybe if I had applied for the Aspire today without changing my address I would have only had to advise ITIN number over the phone and would of been in a better position. The annual fee was the sticking point and the fact I am a Marriott fan over Hilton.

Post automatically merged: Oct 21, 2020

Considered yes but only was to qualify would be adding funds monthly and the amount is very high. If I keep running into roadblocks will reconsider.

To be eligible doesn’t one only need to deposit $9000 every month ? Does it stipulate that you can’t withdraw it right away ? You could use the same$9000 every month and deposit and withdraw right away as I tend to do .
Actually you only need the premier status to open the account . If you lose your status in oz you only lose status ( overseas ) your account still remains open !

Post automatically merged: Oct 22, 2020

The team at EIN express who helped get the ITIN also do the below. About $1500 more than I would be willing to pay but having 150K in HSBC products seems excessive also.

We offer our Remote US Personal Bank Account Opening Service with Bank of America for $1,797

We offer our Remote US Business Bank Account Opening Service with one of two major US Banks. The first is Bank of America for $1,997 and the other is Evolve Bank and Trust for $1,297

Other option is to deposit $9000 per month . As I mentioned above one only needs to have premier status to open account - not to retain !

 

[pyusha]

In short:

• Minimum balance reduced to $150k
• Monthly $35 fee scrapped
• Can still qualify by depositing $9k a month and having an Everyday Global account without the minimum balance requirement.
• I imagine can still qualify as a home loan customer.

These changes should make it easier to qualify as Premier if you want to take the HSBC route.

How long to deposit $9000+ plus before you qualify for Premier under the new rules kicking in 30/11?

 

[pyusha]

Just saw this on FlyerTalk, anyone game enough to apply for a US Amex card and bypass mail forwarding altogether? Apparently amex US can courier you the card anywhere in the world after 10 days of the original card delivery.

Delivery of USA-issued cards to international address. - FlyerTalk Forums

American Express | Membership Rewards - Delivery of USA-issued cards to international address. - Quick update for all non-US residents interested in US cards: Once 10 days have passed (not sure if since they mailed out the card or since its been delivered), you can call Amex and they will mail...

www.flyertalk.com

I guess that works only if you have a SSN. For new accounts under Global Transfer, where your card has not even been setup, its bit difficult. It was a nightmare to deal with Amex support as they were insisting for SSN and SMS (doesn't work with text+) to verify identity.
Though was able to get my first card shipped with AU by doing notary cam as somebody suggested.

 

[glasszon]

I guess that works only if you have a SSN. For new accounts under Global Transfer, where your card has not even been setup, its bit difficult. It was a nightmare to deal with Amex support as they were insisting for SSN and SMS (doesn't work with text+) to verify identity.
Though was able to get my first card shipped with AU by doing notary cam as somebody suggested.

Fair enough, I haven't thought about the SSN, I was lucky as when I signed up via GT earlier this year, there's no address verification and myUS got my card without any issue.

I am looking to sign up a second Amex US card, this time more at the budget category (the basic Hilton Amex card), which will be delivered as a letter rather than via courier.

I see some people managed to get the Amex green card, how did you get the letter delivered to you in Australia given myUS don't support letters?

 

[blacksultan]

I guess that works only if you have a SSN. For new accounts under Global Transfer, where your card has not even been setup, its bit difficult. It was a nightmare to deal with Amex support as they were insisting for SSN and SMS (doesn't work with text+) to verify identity.
Though was able to get my first card shipped with AU by doing notary cam as somebody suggested.

I have done this for every US Amex card . In fact for my wife’s last Amex they sent it directly to oz as they could identify her on the basis of a previously closed card .

 

[glasszon]

I have done this for every US Amex card . In fact for my wife’s last Amex they sent it directly to oz as they could identify her on the basis of a previously closed card .

Nice, I assume you still need to provide a US address on application, what address did you put or do you call and ask to apply using an Australian address?