Strategy to obtain US Amex

[_TheTraveller_]

Did you have an existing Amex they used to identify you ?

Just DOB

I think it’s prudent to only put small spends on the card at least until you have paid the 1st month off.

And this is a good strategy regardless of whether it’s Amex, Chase or anybody else.

This shouldn't be a problem if I'm spending in the US right? For purchases online, we suppose to use our US mail forwarding address?

 

[sudoer]

That attempted transaction wasn’t your first try at using the card, was it? I’m guessing that it was also $$$$.

Nope not at all, I had put through about $1k AUD across 8 transactions in the days leading up to the airline booking. The ticket was a smidge over $1k AUD. After the Hilton was declined I attempted to pay with my Aus Plat Charge and SafeKey blocked that also - so may be less about my US card and more so SafeKey detecting the airline (JAL) as high risk?

Anyway I am going to be very very slow on increasing spend moving forward. I was rushing more because of the delivery delays and wasn't 100% sure if the SUB spend period started on the date of approval/delivery, or the date of card activation (and didn't want to find out)

 

[timmy1234]

Nope not at all, I had put through about $1k AUD across 8 transactions in the days leading up to the airline booking. The ticket was a smidge over $1k AUD. After the Hilton was declined I attempted to pay with my Aus Plat Charge and SafeKey blocked that also - so may be less about my US card and more so SafeKey detecting the airline (JAL) as high risk?

Anyway I am going to be very very slow on increasing spend moving forward. I was rushing more because of the delivery delays and wasn't 100% sure if the SUB spend period started on the date of approval/delivery, or the date of card activation (and didn't want to find out)

When I moved to the US, I did a GT and they seen my OZ credit file and gave me 5k credit limit. I was told pay ur first bill and you can slowly increase your credit limit. I was not in the travel game, so chose a blue card (2% or so cash back with no AF). I think if you pay them on time for 3 months, you should be ok to put larger transactions but take smaller steps.

 

[sudoer]

When I moved to the US, I did a GT and they seen my OZ credit file and gave me 5k credit limit. I was told pay ur first bill and you can slowly increase your credit limit.

Appreciate the tips. I was given an $8k credit limit so had assumed it pretty safe to spend $2-3k in my first month but in hindsight can see how putting several smaller transactions before going for a $1k airline ticket is probably a good idea. Quite different to the Aus CC churning mindset of smashing out spend requirements asap.

 

[timmy1234]

Appreciate the tips. I was given an $8k credit limit so had assumed it pretty safe to spend $2-3k in my first month but in hindsight can see how putting several smaller transactions before going for a $1k airline ticket is probably a good idea. Quite different to the Aus CC churning mindset of smashing out spend requirements asap.

The other option is ...say u charged 2k by the 5 of the month...pay the 2k and make the balance $0 by the 10 of the month...This shows u r a good money manager and can be trusted. You can start using the US Amex card. Do note it is a computer algorithm at the background that flags u as a Risky customer. By doing the above, you are reducing the risk to Amex.
I have usually kept my new spend below $2000 for a new card (personal) at a point of time. After 3 to 6months...you dont have to worry.

 

[Mr He]

Just a data point - I requested a new replacement card the day the original card was delivered. No issues and they didnt need to wait 10 days. Next day delivery to Alaska!

wow, that's really great news. They've finally changed the so-called 10 days rule? Even for international delivery? I saw you're saying Alaska so a bit unsure if it's only for domestic.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

wow, that's really great news. They've finally changed the so-called 10 days rule? Even for international delivery? I saw you're saying Alaska so a bit unsure if it's only for domestic.

The customer rep did give an option for international or domestic so I'm guessing it does apply to both. I did contact them via chat and not via phone so that could have been a reason?

 

[DC3]

Just a data point - I requested a new replacement card the day the original card was delivered. No issues and they didnt need to wait 10 days. Next day delivery to Alaska!

wow, that's really great news. They've finally changed the so-called 10 days rule? Even for international delivery? I saw you're saying Alaska so a bit unsure if it's only for domestic.

I didn’t quite read it that way.

It seems that the original card was actually delivered to the home address (to MyUS?). Anyway, Amex is aware that the delivery by courier took place, through tracking.

There’s possibly a big difference between the card being delivered (but I say that I did not get it/I am travelling, etc) and having to wait 10 days to make a change because the card is still in transit.

Maybe I have missed something here.

Edited

 

[DC3]

This shouldn't be a problem if I'm spending in the US right? For purchases online, we suppose to use our US mail forwarding address?

My guess is that Oz spend (particularly initial) may be viewed differently to US spend.

Billing address usually for cc use, or the transaction may be declined by Amex. For me, that address is in Sarasota (MyUS). Although the merchant may allow a (seperate) delivery address for on-line purchases.

 

[timmy1234]

Have you tried 877-621-2639. Global Transfer team
6am-2am ET/7 days a week

Did try calling the number and what was the outcome?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I didn’t quite read it that way.

It seems that the original card was actually delivered to the home address (to MyUS?). Anyway, Amex is aware that the delivery by courier took place, through tracking.

There’s possibly a big difference between the card being delivered (but I say that I did not get it/I am travelling, etc) and having to wait 10 days to make a change to the delivery address because the card is still in transit.

Maybe I have missed something here.

Correct. The original card was delievered to my home address and Amex is aware that the delivery has been successful. I just happened to be travelling intersate and would like my card ASAP and they were happy to assist.

They definitely didn't want issue another card while the other was in transit.

 

[mrsquare]

Didn’t end

Did try calling the number and what was the outcome?

Didn’t end up calling the number. Applied online, got requested to call them, provided passport details and was approved.

Was pretty straightforward after all, was worrying for not much.

 

[timmy1234]

Didn’t end

Didn’t end up calling the number. Applied online, got requested to call them, provided passport details and was approved.

Was pretty straightforward after all, was worrying for not much.

I guess you applied as a new user without logging into your Amex account. Cause when I try login with my Mrs account and apply for the Hilton Surpass (same for the other cards), it ask me for her SSN. Other than passport number did they ask you any other questions? This is her 3rd card

 

[mrsquare]

I guess you applied as a new user without logging into your Amex account. Cause when I try login with my Mrs account and apply for the Hilton Surpass (same for the other cards), it ask me for her SSN. Other than passport number did they ask you any other questions? This is her 3rd card

I was logged in but for whatever reason it did not pre-fill the application.

I checked the “I do not have a US credit history” box in the SSN section. The CSO asked for my DOB, US address and a few other generic identity questions, nothing out of the ordinary plus my foreign passport details.

 

[DC3]

I was logged in but for whatever reason it did not pre-fill the application …

Yes, very annoying. I’ve had that happen quite a few times. I kept changing browsers and even used a VPN. I can’t recall how I got it to bring up the pre-filled screen, but success eventually.

With my first card application by GT (two years ago) there weren’t any website issues. However, with both of the next two GT applications it seemed to take multiple attempts, over days, before the correct web-page came up. I would leave it for a day or so, and try again. The correct page would appear momentarily, but then change to another page (that needed a SSN). Not real sure what was going on. Perhaps a cookies issue.

 

[sudoer]

How long are people usually waiting between GT card 1 and 2?

 

[DC3]

How long are people usually waiting between GT card 1 and 2?

I waited 18 months, but was in no hurry at the time. So, I‘m not suggesting to wait anywhere near that.

 

[DC3]

I waited 18 months, but was in no hurry at the time. So, I‘m not suggesting to wait anywhere near that.

And, about six months between 2nd and 3rd.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Just arrived in Alaska and received my card. With the orginal documents all.

Besides Wise, are there any other providers?

 

[http_x92]

How long are people usually waiting between GT card 1 and 2?

Applied for the Hilton No Annual Fee card just inside 3 months after the Aspire. Instant Approval within 30 seconds.