Strategy to obtain US Amex

[xzclzj]

Did you get hit by FR? I heard it was a nightmare for a lot of people. I have been a bit worried about FR past 3 years and didn't keep many points in my account just in case.

Can you tell me more details? I'm quite interested. I heard manufactured spending (buying gift cards) to get a bonus can trigger it or when you make a very large transaction or when you try to use that check spending power button too often. Would like to know if they accept Australian tax or bank documents.

Ok ,i just hanged up with Amex Fraud Hotline. My story is bit diffenet. I got the card throug the Amex US by using my AU information and Au driver licence . Approved in 24 hours, no more paperworks been asked . Got the card from forwarder 10 days later , changed all the information to Australia . Swipe the card at local McDonald ,no problem. Then tried to purchease Wish giftcard , declined . A message said i need to call the hotline. CSR ask for SSN , mentioned got card by Global Transfer . Then CSR forward me to othere CSR which tolded me to provid drive licence which have to be signed by US Bank staff or U.S embassy. Well , i did mention i am not U.S citizen ,i am travling to overseas this Friday . Plus i dont think the US Embassy will sigh anything for Australia resident. I said i can come to local Police Station to certify the Driver Licence which was denined. CSR said Embassy or U.S based bank only.The CSR was yelling to me , ' if you cant provid the paper work , your account will be cancled !' Anyway , i called the Fraud team again , told them my situation , they stepped back, told me i can upload my Driver Licence and the team can cross match with their data base . Also i provide my flight tickets and i will call them again at 0700 before i drive to Airport . I already told the CSR , if you guys still want to close my account , give me the invocie , at least let me pay off the McDonald's bill.

I will update when i get more information .

 

[Finale]

Ok ,i just hanged up with Amex Fraud Hotline. My story is bit diffenet. I got the card throug the Amex US by using my AU information and Au driver licence . Approved in 24 hours, no more paperworks been asked . Got the card from forwarder 10 days later , changed all the information to Australia . Swipe the card at local McDonald ,no problem. Then tried to purchease Wish giftcard , declined . A message said i need to call the hotline. CSR ask for SSN , mentioned got card by Global Transfer . Then CSR forward me to othere CSR which tolded me to provid drive licence which have to be signed by US Bank staff or U.S embassy. Well , i did mention i am not U.S citizen ,i am travling to overseas this Friday . Plus i dont think the US Embassy will sigh anything for Australia resident. I said i can come to local Police Station to certify the Driver Licence which was denined. CSR said Embassy or U.S based bank only.The CSR was yelling to me , ' if you cant provid the paper work , your account will be cancled !' Anyway , i called the Fraud team again , told them my situation , they stepped back, told me i can upload my Driver Licence and the team can cross match with their data base . Also i provide my flight tickets and i will call them again at 0700 before i drive to Airport . I already told the CSR , if you guys still want to close my account , give me the invocie , at least let me pay off the McDonald's bill.

I will update when i get more information .

That doesn't sound like FR. I think it is just a fraud prevention thing and Amex randomly verifies a new account. I read some cases about Amex wanting to do verification after account approval ie doing 3 way call, requesting a bank letter etc. I think the issue could be that the new account team approved the account without enough information then there was a fraud alert and the fraud team took over and saw the account needed more info.

My first Global Transfer card wasn't approved until Amex did a 3-way call with my bank for an address verification and I think I had to tell them I had no SSN and gave passport number as well.

I never heard Amex accepts international driver license for GT. 3 things they accept for ID are SSN, ITIN and passport. Not sure if that was what triggered this.

How much gift card did you try to buy? Not sure what you mean by changing all the info to Australia.

Anyway good luck.

 

[xzclzj]

That doesn't sound like FR. I think it is just a fraud prevention thing and Amex randomly verifies a new account. I read some cases about Amex wanting to do verification after account approval ie doing 3 way call, requesting a bank letter etc. I think the issue could be that the new account team approved the account without enough information then there was a fraud alert and the fraud team took over and saw the account needed more info.

My first Global Transfer card wasn't approved until Amex did a 3-way call with my bank for an address verification and I think I had to tell them I had no SSN and gave passport number as well.

I never heard Amex accepts international driver license for GT. 3 things they accept for ID are SSN, ITIN and passport. Not sure if that was what triggered this.

How much gift card did you try to buy? Not sure what you mean by changing all the info to Australia.

Anyway good luck.

I try to purchase 500 gift card . I agree with you, it sounds like a 3-ways call. I changed all the contact information to my Australia address and phone number. Called them again. I was asked to upload self portrait shot . The team will check later.

Thanks a lot.

Got call back, they still want me to go to Bank to do the notary. From my understanding they want to certify the ID. I told them I can go to Police station to verify the ID .The CSR was shocked... He said he will do some research and call me back.

Holy Molly,ddone.They fibafin realized I got ibterbaintern issued Amex Card. Provide my Au Amex card information. CSR apologise d for the inconvenience, the card will ready to go in 5 minutes.

 

[potm]

It may have been the changing of address to Australian that trigerred the fraud alert.
Same thing happened to me when I opened a Citibank debit card and tried to change the address to my Australian one.

Before devaluation, nothing in the US comes close to explorer at 2p per AUD on general spend. After devaluation there are some cards which give 2 points per US dollar which will be better.
They have much better bonus categories over there .

 

[potm]

I’ve only got one US Amex and it just posted as expected. Agree I think there’s a lifetime limit on signup bonus per type of card.

My other card is from a bank.

May I ask what your other card is and how you went about getting it?

Your maths for Marriott transfers is wrong.
It will be 2.25/3*2=1.5 after April.

It use to 3 Marriott points per dollar with explorer in the good old days.

 

[albyd]

Thanks for correcting my calculations - appreciate the feedback - will help me to make a fairer comparison with Australian Amex MR. Looks like at current exchange rates, I'm marginally behind if I diver spend to the SPG card so I'll keep this card for overseas travels instead and continue to run my Australian Amex Charge instead. Will make my life easier. I'll use my SPG card for Marriott stays or overseas travel since it doesn't have the 3% currency fee.

My other card is US issued Citi Premier. I opened a checking account with a branch in New York - you have to go into the branch for this - they won't do it remotely. After 6 months of that account in good standing, I was able to apply (remotely from Australia) for my Premier card. At the time, they had a list of cards that were on the "international" program. I applied with my Australian financials and was approved and been using the card last few years.

With the increased cost of using non-Australian issued CC on ATO website, it doesn't get used as much anymore. I generally use it for bonus categories in Australia (like Eating out and Transport - which includes parking meters in Sydney). It's a cool card. Only issue is that it won't build your credit file and therefore FICO as it's run internally by Citi. Whilst they said I could apply for limit increases and they'd look at the conduct of the account internally, in practice, the system polls my FICO score then automatically declines as I don't have one.

Amex US told me, while they initially assessed SPG application against Amex Au's records, subsequent credit applications would go through the usual credit approval processes for Amex US including credit file access. If it helps me build my credit.

 

[potm]

Also keep in mind that keeping Amex MR points gives you flexibility over direct sweep to Marriott on the US SPG.

Thanks for that info. I have a US citibank debit card already. I really wanted the prestige card but the 4th night free benefit on that has been devalued significantly.

Something interesting I’ve noticed is that the New Zealand Amex MR program has 1:1 transfers to Marriott.
Anybody have a NZ card and know if that is getting devalued soon?
Any experiences with applying for a NZ card?

 

[Finale]

Thanks for correcting my calculations - appreciate the feedback - will help me to make a fairer comparison with Australian Amex MR. Looks like at current exchange rates, I'm marginally behind if I diver spend to the SPG card so I'll keep this card for overseas travels instead and continue to run my Australian Amex Charge instead. Will make my life easier. I'll use my SPG card for Marriott stays or overseas travel since it doesn't have the 3% currency fee.

My other card is US issued Citi Premier. I opened a checking account with a branch in New York - you have to go into the branch for this - they won't do it remotely. After 6 months of that account in good standing, I was able to apply (remotely from Australia) for my Premier card. At the time, they had a list of cards that were on the "international" program. I applied with my Australian financials and was approved and been using the card last few years.

With the increased cost of using non-Australian issued CC on ATO website, it doesn't get used as much anymore. I generally use it for bonus categories in Australia (like Eating out and Transport - which includes parking meters in Sydney). It's a cool card. Only issue is that it won't build your credit file and therefore FICO as it's run internally by Citi. Whilst they said I could apply for limit increases and they'd look at the conduct of the account internally, in practice, the system polls my FICO score then automatically declines as I don't have one.

Amex US told me, while they initially assessed SPG application against Amex Au's records, subsequent credit applications would go through the usual credit approval processes for Amex US including credit file access. If it helps me build my credit.

Weird. Citi is showing my credit score. Limit went from 7500 to 15K then 20K. Maybe it's because of Amex reporting. After around 6 months, score should be showing for you (was a bit over 5 months for me).

My experience was they wouldn't let me apply remotely (In branch only). Doesn't really matter though as they don't have that many interesting cards but will apply for AA card when in the US in April.

 

[auflier]

Ok ,i just hanged up with Amex Fraud Hotline. My story is bit diffenet. I got the card throug the Amex US by using my AU information and Au driver licence . Approved in 24 hours, no more paperworks been asked . Got the card from forwarder 10 days later , changed all the information to Australia . Swipe the card at local McDonald ,no problem. Then tried to purchease Wish giftcard , declined . A message said i need to call the hotline. CSR ask for SSN , mentioned got card by Global Transfer . Then CSR forward me to othere CSR which tolded me to provid drive licence which have to be signed by US Bank staff or U.S embassy. Well , i did mention i am not U.S citizen ,i am travling to overseas this Friday . Plus i dont think the US Embassy will sigh anything for Australia resident. I said i can come to local Police Station to certify the Driver Licence which was denined. CSR said Embassy or U.S based bank only.The CSR was yelling to me , ' if you cant provid the paper work , your account will be cancled !' Anyway , i called the Fraud team again , told them my situation , they stepped back, told me i can upload my Driver Licence and the team can cross match with their data base . Also i provide my flight tickets and i will call them again at 0700 before i drive to Airport . I already told the CSR , if you guys still want to close my account , give me the invocie , at least let me pay off the McDonald's bill.

I will update when i get more information .

LOLOL I had my card invalidated due to fraud concern. I tried to call, replacement team cannot help without a social. I had few tries, one was 4 hours on the phone between csr, fraud, replacement and got told to apply again. Had a lovely guy from "apply by phone" who tried to apply a new one, but then realized bonus is not available. I then got transferred back and forth while this guy was on the phone with me. He was equally frustrated when being tossed around. He was finally allowed to let go, the 4 hour call got disconnected shortly after.

I rang again a couple of days later, got transferred 3 times and each time got asked verification again. I finally had enough and I yelled at the agent, loud, nasty and really pissed off. That agent took my temper like a champion. Listened to all I had to say, spoke to a couple of managers, checked my au profile, aligned my au details to the us account then issued a new card by express, just in time for my overseas trip.

It is apparent that whether applying online or by phone, amex will either id you via tax return or credit history. Global transfer gives one off exception. Use it wisely. Social is less relevant.

For those of you have SPG. you are lucky!

 

[xzclzj]

LOLOL I had my card invalidated due to fraud concern. I tried to call, replacement team cannot help without a social. I had few tries, one was 4 hours on the phone between csr, fraud, replacement and got told to apply again. Had a lovely guy from "apply by phone" who tried to apply a new one, but then realized bonus is not available. I then got transferred back and forth while this guy was on the phone with me. He was equally frustrated when being tossed around. He was finally allowed to let go, the 4 hour call got disconnected shortly after.

I rang again a couple of days later, got transferred 3 times and each time got asked verification again. I finally had enough and I yelled at the agent, loud, nasty and really pissed off. That agent took my temper like a champion. Listened to all I had to say, spoke to a couple of managers, checked my au profile, aligned my au details to the us account then issued a new card by express, just in time for my overseas trip.

It is apparent that whether applying online or by phone, amex will either id you via tax return or credit history. Global transfer gives one off exception. Use it wisely. Social is less relevant.

For those of you have SPG. you are lucky!

Woww I thought my case already worse enough. I told my wife, if they frozen my card again, I will cancel the card and pay off the bill .

 

[albyd]

It is apparent that whether applying online or by phone, amex will either id you via tax return or credit history. Global transfer gives one off exception. Use it wisely. Social is less relevant.

For those of you have SPG. you are lucky

So in short, are you saying that the first card you apply for (ie through Global Transfer program) will be ok as they’ve created this exception.

Any subsequent cards need to stand on their own merits including proof of residency and SSN? Have these been the cards subject to fraud checks, etc?

I’ve got the basic SPG card. Are there any features I might have overlooked?

 

[Finale]

So in short, are you saying that the first card you apply for (ie through Global Transfer program) will be ok as they’ve created this exception.

Any subsequent cards need to stand on their own merits including proof of residency and SSN? Have these been the cards subject to fraud checks, etc?

I’ve got the basic SPG card. Are there any features I might have overlooked?

You can apply for more cards but it has to be done on the phone due to the lack of SSN/ITIN. A bit of a hassle but normally takes less than 15 or 20 mins. I didn't have to send any more proof but I applied for my second card about 5 months later (I was a bit off in my first post). Maybe it was because a credit score was already there. After I got approved, my credit score showed up in Amex account. I heard it took 6 months from the first card to have a credit history.

I think basic spg is quite good value at $95 as it gives a free night (under 35,000 points) and also 15 elite nights. You might be aware of these already.

 

[auflier]

So in short, are you saying that the first card you apply for (ie through Global Transfer program) will be ok as they’ve created this exception.

Any subsequent cards need to stand on their own merits including proof of residency and SSN? Have these been the cards subject to fraud checks, etc?

I’ve got the basic SPG card. Are there any features I might have overlooked?

My take:

Once you have built your credit history ( after first application, online or phone) you should wait for 6 mths in order to get a second one, unless you have us tax return that can confirm your income or social or any other details as they require).

If you applied your first online via au profile, it may not be strictly a global tfr because the global team did not process it and other teams do not know who you are (without a social). It is likely they see your card is a fraud. Unless you get them to talk to global tfr team. Be wary they might transfer you to global assist, which is totally a different team. Depending on the person you talk to, exp differ. And I do not know if this is a system loophole. Time will tell.

Well SPG is good if you are likelily using Marriott and it's a good card to have in your portfolio.

Credit card hoarding can be sad....lol

 

[auflier]

You can apply for more cards but it has to be done on the phone due to the lack of SSN/ITIN. A bit of a hassle but normally takes less than 15 or 20 mins. I didn't have to send any more proof but I applied for my second card about 5 months later (I was a bit off in my first post). Maybe it was because a credit score was already there. After I got approved, my credit score showed up in Amex account. I heard it took 6 months from the first card to have a credit history.

I think basic spg is quite good value at $95 as it gives a free night (under 35,000 points) and also 15 elite nights. You might be aware of these already.

You can apply subsequent cards online via au profile (quicker)..they will mark your app as pending for further validation. Depends what they want they would let applicants know at the end of the app process.

 

[Finale]

You can apply subsequent cards online via au profile (quicker)..they will mark your app as pending for further validation. Depends what they want they would let applicants know at the end of the app process.

I heard some people were successful with that but also heard a lot of applications were cancelled or ended up having to HUCA many times. Maybe because of credit history?

Amex started to restrict bonuses base on accounts opened/closed last year and will show popup if not eligible. In some cases, no popup showing and they were still denied a bonus. I wonder if using this au profile will help with this

 

[auflier]

I heard some people were successful with that but also heard a lot of applications were cancelled or ended up having to HUCA many times. Maybe because of credit history?

Amex started to restrict bonuses base on accounts opened/closed last year and will show popup if not eligible. In some cases, no popup showing and they were still denied a bonus. I wonder if using this au profile will help with this

Well I wouldnt gamble with amex system too much. They have a kick cough fraud team comparing to ours lol. If your card is invalidated, it will stop you from hiting the spending target.

The best way is to use "apply by phone" at least everything is recorded.

I may see an end of apply online by switching country.

Gosh we are hoarders lol.

 

[ithongy]

Building credit in America takes time & patience. Understand it is different to Australia. Also highly advisable to research on Chase 5/24 rule so you don’t get locked out of their cards early on in the game. Those who recently managed to obtain their first US issued credit card to not close it down as in USA they take in account the average overall age of credit & will affect your credit score early on in the game.

 

[blacksultan]

I have multiple AU amex cards and have been a member since 2012. So just to be clear can I apply for a US amex from here in AU without a US address, ph no ,SSN etc?
and what is the best way of going about it?

 

[albyd]

You should be able to apply for a US Amex via the Global Transfer program. Will need a US address and to be able to prove it eg other bank or utility bill.

 

[blacksultan]

You should be able to apply for a US Amex via the Global Transfer program. Will need a US address and to be able to prove it eg other bank or utility bill.

thanks I have a friends US address. but no other bank or utility bill. any ideas?