Strategy to obtain US Amex

[PointsLife1]

I’ve never been able to get verification texts using TextNow. Just been able to receive calls. I have had a friend d text me from a ‘normal’ US mobile and texts between us get through no problem. Will investigate iPlum. I’ve only used Citi and Amex US so far and hasn’t worked. HSBC US just text my Australian mobile and works fine.

Same with me and multiple times with Amex and Cap1 had to make some excuse up why I can’t receive text messages like old iPhone etc. Now hopefully no such issue.

Post automatically merged: Dec 9, 2020

Same with me and multiple times with Amex and Cap1 had to make some excuse up why I can’t receive text messages like old iPhone etc. Now hopefully no such issue.

Oops a bit confused textNow and textPlus different options.

 

[timmy1234]

I don't think you will get an email with a reference number. They send it in a snail mail. When you called an automate status line 1-800-432-3117, it was still 30 days message (not processed) or changed to 7-10 days or 14 days? If it was 7-10 days, it means they need verification or a denial and it could be just like me. The mail never arrived and I waited like almost 2 weeks or something. There were an issue with mail in my area. Better to check with status line now and give them a call again and tell them you never get a mail.

Also recent DPs show people were denied because their SSN has something like "valid for work only with DHS Authorization".

My mate received the letter from Hyatt Chase, Asking me to verify my identity whether it was me who applied for the card (Dated 2 Dec) with a ref no. When I called them on the 3/4 Dec (Without knowing I verified my application), another letter was sent to my mailing address in the US on the 4 Dec.The application team was not sure what was in the letter Decline/Card/more info needed. That was a bit quick after verification. I would prefer the card is in the mail as I am staying at the Hyatt for a week from Sunday and could put some charges on the card to received Hyatt bonus points and meet the Credit card Bonus point spend requirement.

Not sure what to conclude on the letter mailed in 1/2 days of me calling. Any one with past experience heard in other forums?

 

[timmy1234]

Same here. TextNow works for sms, including Amex from the US.

I did not received Chase SMS and now Amex SMS too has stopped working. Hence I ordered the T-Mobile SIM using Amazon on Priority shipping. expected 29 Dec

 

[Finale]

My mate received the letter from Hyatt Chase, Asking me to verify my identity whether it was me who applied for the card (Dated 2 Dec) with a ref no. When I called them on the 3/4 Dec (Without knowing I verified my application), another letter was sent to my mailing address in the US on the 4 Dec.The application team was not sure what was in the letter Decline/Card/more info needed. That was a bit quick after verification. I would prefer the card is in the mail as I am staying at the Hyatt for a week from Sunday and could put some charges on the card to received Hyatt bonus points and meet the Credit card Bonus point spend requirement.

Not sure what to conclude on the letter mailed in 1/2 days of me calling. Any one with past experience heard in other forums?

Did you call automated status line I mentioned before? If you are approved, it will say so. Also did you call a normal number or recon line? Recon line should know everything about your application.

Approval guide

https://imgur.com/a/oXlPW

 

[glasszon]

@rstephenp has a more complete answer

make sure you take note of reason for the account as that will be asked and important.

What are acceptable reasons to open a HSBC US account? I see people mentioned they say they will move to US or buying a property there, do HSBC asks for documentations (such as US employment contract or work visa) to support those reasons?

 

[timmy1234]

Did you call automated status line I mentioned before? If you are approved, it will say so. Also did you call a normal number or recon line? Recon line should know everything about your application.

Approval guide

https://imgur.com/a/oXlPW

Thnx.. when I called the above Workflow number 800 432 3117, I should expect a letter in 7 to 10 business days with a decision. When I called the number 1 888 270 2127. It says the decision is still pending and a decision will be taken within 2 weeks.

Post automatically merged: Dec 10, 2020

What are acceptable reasons to open a HSBC US account? I see people mentioned they say they will move to US or buying a property there, do HSBC asks for documentations (such as US employment contract or work visa) to support those reasons?

No supporting doc requested from me when I said I plan to relocate. I will post more info once I finish my application.

 

[Finale]

Thnx.. when I called the above Workflow number 800 432 3117, I should expect a letter in 7 to 10 business days with a decision. When I called the number 1 888 270 2127. It says the decision is still pending and a decision will be taken within 2 weeks.

Post automatically merged: Dec 10, 2020

No supporting doc requested from me when I said I plan to relocate. I will post more info once I finish my application.

When you call 2127 number, you didn't speak to anyone? Thats recon line and they should be able to tell what they need.

 

[timmy1234]

When you call 2127 number, you didn't speak to anyone? Thats recon line and they should be able to tell what they need.

just missed their closing time. Will keep u posted tomorrow when I ring them. Cause both numbers was an automated voice. Will try some other option. I think one was speak to a customer service rep.

 

[blacksultan]

My strategy for paying my ICC may help there - Citibank AU Global Currency Account denominated in USD, and a Revolut account. I have Revolut premium ($10/month) but if your bill is less than $9k USD then you can use the free account. Load your money to pay the bill onto Revolut, then use Revolut to convert it to USD (fee free) and then SWIFT it to your Citibank AU USD account, at which point you SWIFT it to Amex.

The reason for using Revolut is because Citi has a terrible exchange rate which is fine for like $10, but quickly loses you a lot of money as you increase the amount. The reason for using Citi is that Amex uses a "For Further Credit" account (the beneficiary is not the account holder) so you cannot use Transferwise, OFX, or any of those other providers - it must be a bank, and Citi allows you to hold the USD in USD until you need to send it, and send it free.

How do you add your citi account details into revolut the disgits procided by citi do not fit into space required by revolut .

 

[timmy1234]

When you call 2127 number, you didn't speak to anyone? Thats recon line and they should be able to tell what they need.

I spoke this morning to Chase and my application was declined as it did not pass the verification stage. The First consultant said it could be a Identity Theft situation hence they asked me to verify myself in a letter. She verified me and passed me on to some other person. Who said it got declined at the verification stage. This is my gut feeling, it could be 1 of 2 reasons
1) Textnow number - I have got multiple calls (around 8 to 10) from recovery services on someone name. I said it is a wrong number. This could happen to prepaid number too from Tmobile. However, Chase consultants are unable to send (forget about me receiving) to Textnow number. I guess the system has blocked all numbers from Textnow. that could be the reason Chase declined
2) My credit file - There has been no transaction from Sep 2019 when my amex card got closed. The cards ( Kohls, Ann Taylor, Macys. ) that I opened in mid 2019 were opened and closed in a month because I paid them off. That was a big mistake in the credit card plans in my current scenario.
I was suggested to wait some time and apply again say a month.
My Amex Green card bill is going to be issued on the 15 Dec and I am expecting my T-Mob sim to be delivered on the 29 Dec. BY then FICO goes above 742 with a SSN.
Option 1: Apply for the chase card once I activate my T-mobile sim card and by that time, the Amex Green card would have updated my credit file. If I apply by 31 Dec and approve I get 10 night stays counted against my Hyatt Globalist Qualification against 5
Option 2: Apply after 3 months for the Hyatt chase card. In the mean time apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliance from Amex. or the Hilton Surpass (I am Hilton Diamond till Mar 2022)

I know in Oz, credit enquires reduce your credit rating and may impact other applications.
Qts: Option 1 is the perfect option 1 for me, However will a credit enquire damage my future application with Citi/Chase/Captial 1 ?
Should I apply for the citicard now or go for another Amex.

 

[Finale]

I spoke this morning to Chase and my application was declined as it did not pass the verification stage. The First consultant said it could be a Identity Theft situation hence they asked me to verify myself in a letter. She verified me and passed me on to some other person. Who said it got declined at the verification stage. This is my gut feeling, it could be 1 of 2 reasons
1) Textnow number - I have got multiple calls (around 8 to 10) from recovery services on someone name. I said it is a wrong number. This could happen to prepaid number too from Tmobile. However, Chase consultants are unable to send (forget about me receiving) to Textnow number. I guess the system has blocked all numbers from Textnow. that could be the reason Chase declined
2) My credit file - There has been no transaction from Sep 2019 when my amex card got closed. The cards ( Kohls, Ann Taylor, Macys. ) that I opened in mid 2019 were opened and closed in a month because I paid them off. That was a big mistake in the credit card plans in my current scenario.
I was suggested to wait some time and apply again say a month.
My Amex Green card bill is going to be issued on the 15 Dec and I am expecting my T-Mob sim to be delivered on the 29 Dec. BY then FICO goes above 742 with a SSN.
Option 1: Apply for the chase card once I activate my T-mobile sim card and by that time, the Amex Green card would have updated my credit file. If I apply by 31 Dec and approve I get 10 night stays counted against my Hyatt Globalist Qualification against 5
Option 2: Apply after 3 months for the Hyatt chase card. In the mean time apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliance from Amex. or the Hilton Surpass (I am Hilton Diamond till Mar 2022)

I know in Oz, credit enquires reduce your credit rating and may impact other applications.
Qts: Option 1 is the perfect option 1 for me, However will a credit enquire damage my future application with Citi/Chase/Captial 1 ?
Should I apply for the citicard now or go for another Amex.

You said you opened 3 cards mid 2019? You also have a green card so that makes it 4. Not sure when you opened the other Amex card but if you apply for another card now, that makes it 5 within 24 months. You will have to wait until mid 2021 to apply for Chase card.

I don't think Textnow or other VOIPs is the issue. They couldn't send to my Google voice as well. I think it could be the system thinking it was an identity theft. I heard this before and then could get approved later. Or it could be a real identity theft. Since you have SSN, why don't you get a free credit report from Experian/Equifax and see if everything is correct? You can also signup for an account at credit.com.

Chase didn't look at your application since it failed verification. I would get a report and if there isn't anything wrong, try reapply later. Did you ask what verification failed? Did you move recently? like address on a credit file (from previous cards) is different from the application?

 

[timmy1234]

You said you opened 3 cards mid 2019? You also have a green card so that makes it 4. Not sure when you opened the other Amex card but if you apply for another card now, that makes it 5 within 24 months. You will have to wait until mid 2021 to apply for Chase card.

I don't think Textnow or other VOIPs is the issue. They couldn't send to my Google voice as well. I think it could be the system thinking it was an identity theft. I heard this before and then could get approved later. Or it could be a real identity theft. Since you have SSN, why don't you get a free credit report from Experian/Equifax and see if everything is correct? You can also signup for an account at credit.com.

Chase didn't look at your application since it failed verification. I would get a report and if there isn't anything wrong, try reapply later. Did you ask what verification failed? Did you move recently? like address on a credit file (from previous cards) is different from the application?

Sorry my Bad, There were 2 CC opened in July 2018. Whereas the amex card was opened in 2006. All are closed except my Nov 2020 Amex Green card. There were 4 cards opened in 2015. So I am good for the Chase 5 cards threshold.
The address is the same for nearly 5 years on the credit file.
I checked the Free detailed credit report from Transunion FICO 742 (I got accessed through Amex) and the credit checks were me) and Equifax 744. I need to turn the VPN for the Equerian. I hope I can download it online on their website.
1 )Transunion shows 2 hard enquires (made by me for loans/CC etc) and no soft enquiries, whereas equifax shows no hard enquiries.
2) Both the files show no active cards. However, this could change on 15 Dec as my green card statement is issued
3) equifax shows lots of soft enquires (from companies making promotional offers of credit, periodic account reviews by an existing creditor or your own requests to check your credit file) e.g. DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES, PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE, COMENITYBANK/COMENITYCAPITAL (Ulta Card)made Promotional Inquiry / Account Review Inquiry. I had 2 closed cards with Comenity...' Discovery -I think I tried to do credit enquiry and Not sure about Progressive Ins. Keeping in mind they are soft enquiry, I could ignore them.

 

[DC3]

... So I am good for the Chase 5 cards threshold.
The address is the same for nearly 5 years on the credit file.
... FICO 742 ... and 744 ...

Well, you certainly seem to be in a good position, and especially having a SSN.

Very frustrating for you, but interesting reading. Now to see if the t-mobile SIM resolves verification issues with Chase.

 

[timmy1234]

Well, you certainly seem to be in a good position, and especially having a SSN.

Very frustrating for you, but interesting reading. Now to see if the t-mobile SIM resolves your verification issues.

I think the Amex bill on the 15 Dec could go in my favour since chase cannot see whether my Amex got approved. Furthermore, I dont have any late payment records. My file is clean other than shopping cards (noted above) closed within one month of opening. I will apply again on the 29/30 Dec once I receive the T mobile sim. Hope it gets activated seamlessly and works.
If I get declined for by Chase again, I may wait for 6 months to apply for the Hyatt card again.
Is Citibank also a pain like Chase. I had citibank checking account in 2007/2008 (closed in 2008) and there is credit history. Furthermore, I recently opened the Citibank chequing account. Cause I like the premier card features.

 

[Finale]

Sorry my Bad, There were 2 CC opened in July 2018. Whereas the amex card was opened in 2006. All are closed except my Nov 2020 Amex Green card. There were 4 cards opened in 2015. So I am good for the Chase 5 cards threshold.
The address is the same for nearly 5 years on the credit file.
I checked the Free detailed credit report from Transunion FICO 742 (I got accessed through Amex) and the credit checks were me) and Equifax 744. I need to turn the VPN for the Equerian. I hope I can download it online on their website.
1 )Transunion shows 2 hard enquires (made by me for loans/CC etc) and no soft enquiries, whereas equifax shows no hard enquiries.
2) Both the files show no active cards. However, this could change on 15 Dec as my green card statement is issued
3) equifax shows lots of soft enquires (from companies making promotional offers of credit, periodic account reviews by an existing creditor or your own requests to check your credit file) e.g. DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES, PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE, COMENITYBANK/COMENITYCAPITAL (Ulta Card)made Promotional Inquiry / Account Review Inquiry. I had 2 closed cards with Comenity...' Discovery -I think I tried to do credit enquiry and Not sure about Progressive Ins. Keeping in mind they are soft enquiry, I could ignore them.

You can try after Amex is in your file but since you closed all other accounts, I'm not sure if it will work in your favour. Sometimes banks consider average age of accounts, time since you open last account, oldest account etc. That's why your first card should be the card you will keep for a long time. Since there is no activity for a while, it feels almost like you are starting to build the file again. Banks got more strict after Covid so it could be a little more difficult if you don't have a relationship with them and less history. If I were you, I would try either Chase or Citi again later, and if that doesn't work out, continue with Amex for a while. Good luck.

 

[timmy1234]

You can try after Amex is in your file but since you closed all other accounts, I'm not sure if it will work in your favour. Sometimes banks consider average age of accounts, time since you open last account, oldest account etc. That's why your first card should be the card you will keep for a long time. Since there is no activity for a while, it feels almost like you are starting to build the file again. Banks got more strict after Covid so it could be a little more difficult if you don't have a relationship with them and less history. If I were you, I would try either Chase or Citi again later, and if that doesn't work out, continue with Amex for a while. Good luck.

Sadly the Amex card that I opened in 2007 got closed in Sep 2019. The average age if you are reading the reports it says 8 years but I am not sure how it is calculated. When you said later with chase or Citi, how long you suggest I wait?

 

[Finale]

Sadly the Amex card that I opened in 2007 got closed in Sep 2019. The average age if you are reading the reports it says 8 years but I am not sure how it is calculated. When you said later with chase or Citi, how long you suggest I wait?

Maybe 2-3 months. As far as I remember, the oldest account will stay in your file for like 10 years even after you close it so it will be ok for a while.

 

[blacksultan]

Do you reckon a us credit file will help one obtain a home loan in the US even without us income ?

 

[Finale]

Do you reckon a us credit file will help one obtain a home loan in the US even without us income ?

I don't think the issue is US income but residency. When applying for credit cards, we basically pretend that we are a US resident. It is in their terms as well except for some cards from Citi but they don't enforce it as the amount is low. Home loan will be quite different as the amount is much higher. Bank statement won't be enough to prove. You will need something like Visa. The credit file will definitely help if you move there.

However, I would say nothing is impossible. There might be a way even now or in the future. Remember those days when everybody said it was not possible to get a credit card without SSN or live in the US. I just walked into a Citi branch and got one then tried this Amex Global transfer a week or 2 after. It's just that there is so little info at the moment. I almost gave up after getting rejected back in 2013 or 2014. Just have to try I guess.

 

[Finale]

Forgot to mention maybe check with service like HSBC premier or Citigold etc