Strategy to obtain US Amex

[BTS_FAN]

I know this is an Amex thread.

I applied for Chase credit card earlier this week with ITIN and it went pending for 4 days. Today I called the recon line and was told there's something discrepancy on my credit report (they didn't tell me what it was) so they declined my application and now requested for reconsideration they want me to fill out W9 form and sent it back to them.

Anyone here with similar experience like mine?

Thanks.

DP: Last month I've got approved for Capital One visa, they needed my passport, copy of ITIN letter and 3 months bank and approved right after I sent them.
But Chase? only want W9 form and nothing else (I have Chase Checking account)

 

[Ecco]

Wow I just spent about 50 hours reading through this whole thread. It's pretty unwieldy but the data points are invaluable re applying for the us amex card via gt. A summary needs to be written and posted as it's unrealistic to expect new people to read through the whole thread, and that's why repeat questions are coming up. Although I think the more data points from the GT application process the better. There really needs to be a new thread started called ‘advanced strategies for getting US cc's’ as this thread is no longer just about applying for US amex as the title suggests.

I’m wanting to apply for Global transfer, being an amex plat card holder. I'm concerned about getting asked for a bank statement proving address, even via GT application. (I've got a relative in the US so can put his address down.)

I've decided to jump on a plane and go to the States in the next couple of months, stay for a couple of weeks and open up several bank accounts, set up google voice, set up a Us iTunes account, get a T-Mobile SIM card etc. (Will use up those darned avianca lifemiles I bought that are going to expire soon...). Wish I'd opened a bank account over there on one of the many trips I've made to the US in the past.

I'm tossing up between getting the no fee everyday MR Amex card or the green amex card. I think the best route for our household is to earn on my nz Amex plat and then transfer nz mr to us mr card. Not planning on the churning game though at this stage. There is a time cost involved in doing that which would take away from my day job…

In saying that P2 is putting a boatload of work related airline bookings, hotel bills, Uber etc on my Amex account as a supplementary card holder, and we eat out about 3-4X a week. (Just also realised the nz Amex fx conversion fees are extortionate). I’m just wondering though, if we started putting a whole load of charges of high value on a us cc from nz I’d get fraud alerts.

Just thinking, should I give GT a go from nz, before flying over to the States? What happens if I am asked to call the GT team and they want the dreaded bank statement address verification, which I can't provide? Can I withdraw the application in that case? Will a failed GT application blot my copybook for further GT application attempts? I have a clean record with Amex and my credit score on Clearscore is 980/1000.

Thanks for any advice from the experts on this thread on this .

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I know this is an Amex thread.

I applied for Chase credit card earlier this week with ITIN and it went pending for 4 days. Today I called the recon line and was told there's something discrepancy on my credit report (they didn't tell me what it was) so they declined my application and now requested for reconsideration they want me to fill out W9 form and sent it back to them.

Anyone here with similar experience like mine?

Thanks.

DP: Last month I've got approved for Capital One visa, they needed my passport, copy of ITIN letter and 3 months bank and approved right after I sent them.
But Chase? only want W9 form and nothing else (I have Chase Checking account)

I'm not sure if you're the same person i replied to earlier but as there any chance that they would accept their ITIN over the phone? I had a similar experience for Business card and they were okay with me providing and confirming my ITIN over the phone. They would usually read a statement and then ask you to repeat your ITIN.

 

[mrsquare]

I'm not sure if you're the same person i replied to earlier but as there any chance that they would accept their ITIN over the phone? I had a similar experience for Business card and they were okay with me providing and confirming my ITIN over the phone. They would usually read a statement and then ask you to repeat your ITIN.

I had a similar issue with Chase on application. I suspect it’s due to there being issues with either my Experian or TransUnion reports? I can’t see either of those, so can’t tell what the issues are. Haven’t bothered trying to call them to sort it out yet, but probably will have to eventually if I want to get Chase cards. Wasn’t asked for my ITIN number beyond for identification purposes.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Wow I just spent about 50 hours reading through this whole thread. It's pretty unwieldy but the data points are invaluable re applying for the us amex card via gt. A summary needs to be written and posted as it's unrealistic to expect new people to read through the whole thread, and that's why repeat questions are coming up. Although I think the more data points from the GT application process the better. There really needs to be a new thread started called ‘advanced strategies for getting US cc's’ as this thread is no longer just about applying for US amex as the title suggests.

I’m wanting to apply for Global transfer, being an amex plat card holder. I'm concerned about getting asked for a bank statement proving address, even via GT application. (I've got a relative in the US so can put his address down.)

I've decided to jump on a plane and go to the States in the next couple of months, stay for a couple of weeks and open up several bank accounts, set up google voice, set up a Us iTunes account, get a T-Mobile SIM card etc. (Will use up those darned avianca lifemiles I bought that are going to expire soon...). Wish I'd opened a bank account over there on one of the many trips I've made to the US in the past.

I'm tossing up between getting the no fee everyday MR Amex card or the green amex card. I think the best route for our household is to earn on my nz Amex plat and then transfer nz mr to us mr card. Not planning on the churning game though at this stage. There is a time cost involved in doing that which would take away from my day job…

In saying that P2 is putting a boatload of work related airline bookings, hotel bills, Uber etc on my Amex account as a supplementary card holder, and we eat out about 3-4X a week. (Just also realised the nz Amex fx conversion fees are extortionate). I’m just wondering though, if we started putting a whole load of charges of high value on a us cc from nz I’d get fraud alerts.

Just thinking, should I give GT a go from nz, before flying over to the States? What happens if I am asked to call the GT team and they want the dreaded bank statement address verification, which I can't provide? Can I withdraw the application in that case? Will a failed GT application blot my copybook for further GT application attempts? I have a clean record with Amex and my credit score on Clearscore is 980/1000.

Thanks for any advice from the experts on this thread on this .

Re the T-Mobile SIM and US iTunes account, you don't need to do that from the US. Also if it's just an Amex you want, you don't need tos et foot in the US, so if it's just that you're planning to do, I wouldn't waste your time. For a bank account use Transferwise (I just can't get my head around it being called "Wise" now for some reason).

I can provide a lot of data points re high value spend on Amex cards from US & UK in Australia and other countries (often multiple countries same day/over multiple days), maybe I've got lucky, but I haven't had a block I've had to explain yet. I've also been overseas using a US Amex for example in HK in the morning then Singapore in the afternoon, while my OH has been using the same card on Apple Pay in Australia at the same time). Not saying it doesn't or won't happen, just my personal experiences.

Personally, I'd GT from NZ to US, do it online, you shouldn't have to call them at all - to get the new card sent out to NZ (on the assumption a mail redirector won't send it from the US, as has been my case every time), make sure your US SIM will accept SMS (don't use Skype numbers, for some reason they just don't work with Amex), and be prepared to go through a ID verification process with Notarycam. Things may have changed, I did this a couple of years ago, now have 3x Amex US cards and things always start the same way - I add them to Amazon and Paypal, start spending, then ask for a new card to be sent to Australia after 10+ days. Paypal is golden for being able to pay bills, Amazon is a nice to have but not necessary. I have yet to be able to add the card to Apple Pay until I receive the physical card and thus have the CVV number, but it's a minor inconvenience. Just bear in mind you won't receive multipliers or rebates via Paypal - for e.g., Green card I applied for had 20% back on travel spend as part of the SUB, as well as 3x MR on airfare etc., neither of these would have paid out if I'd paid the relevant bill via Paypal).

Good idea perhaps re a new thread for alternative (PhD level) obtaining of US cards, I have yet to branch past Amex, but would be open to it, eventually. I have had a FICO for some time, but haven't bothered with an ITIN yet.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Wow I just spent about 50 hours reading through this whole thread. It's pretty unwieldy but the data points are invaluable re applying for the us amex card via gt. A summary needs to be written and posted as it's unrealistic to expect new people to read through the whole thread, and that's why repeat questions are coming up.

I typed up for a few friends in a Discord I'm part of, I was going to drop it here but am in two minds about posting this, not because I don't want to help others, but more because this is an open forum and posting easy routes to things tends to get them killed, happy to DM it though (on the understanding it's not widely shared, to try and stop the option getting shut down, also it can sometimes take me a few days to reply, so if I don't respond immediately I'm not ignoring you haha).

Would be interested in others' thoughts, I'll dump it here if people think it would be useful, just mindful of the above and antagonising the provider...

 

[shaggyaus]

I typed up for a few friends in a Discord I'm part of, I was going to drop it here but am in two minds about posting this, not because I don't want to help others, but more because this is an open forum and posting easy routes to things tends to get them killed, happy to DM it though (on the understanding it's not widely shared, to try and stop the option getting shut down, also it can sometimes take me a few days to reply, so if I don't respond immediately I'm not ignoring you haha).

Would be interested in others' thoughts, I'll dump it here if people think it would be useful, just mindful of the above and antagonising the provider...

Wow, I’d be interested in that - I reckon as a private msg for the exact reasons you mentioned above however. I also spent the best part of a week going through this thread (incredibly helpful!), but a summarised up to date version I wouldn’t say no to!

 

[levelnine]

Took a few tries, but finally managed to get a Hilton GC through the Biz card. Credit posted very quickly (Mar 31 after Mar 28 transaction):

 

[Ecco]

Re the T-Mobile SIM and US iTunes account, you don't need to do that from the US. Also if it's just an Amex you want, you don't need tos et foot in the US, so if it's just that you're planning to do, I wouldn't waste your time. For a bank account use Transferwise (I just can't get my head around it being called "Wise" now for some reason).

I can provide a lot of data points re high value spend on Amex cards from US & UK in Australia and other countries (often multiple countries same day/over multiple days), maybe I've got lucky, but I haven't had a block I've had to explain yet. I've also been overseas using a US Amex for example in HK in the morning then Singapore in the afternoon, while my OH has been using the same card on Apple Pay in Australia at the same time). Not saying it doesn't or won't happen, just my personal experiences.

Personally, I'd GT from NZ to US, do it online, you shouldn't have to call them at all - to get the new card sent out to NZ (on the assumption a mail redirector won't send it from the US, as has been my case every time), make sure your US SIM will accept SMS (don't use Skype numbers, for some reason they just don't work with Amex), and be prepared to go through a ID verification process with Notarycam. Things may have changed, I did this a couple of years ago, now have 3x Amex US cards and things always start the same way - I add them to Amazon and Paypal, start spending, then ask for a new card to be sent to Australia after 10+ days. Paypal is golden for being able to pay bills, Amazon is a nice to have but not necessary. I have yet to be able to add the card to Apple Pay until I receive the physical card and thus have the CVV number, but it's a minor inconvenience. Just bear in mind you won't receive multipliers or rebates via Paypal - for e.g., Green card I applied for had 20% back on travel spend as part of the SUB, as well as 3x MR on airfare etc., neither of these would have paid out if I'd paid the relevant bill via Paypal).

Good idea perhaps re a new thread for alternative (PhD level) obtaining of US cards, I have yet to branch past Amex, but would be open to it, eventually. I have had a FICO for some time, but haven't bothered with an ITIN yet.

Many thanks qf flyer. Much appreciated. I wouldn’t mind your notes if you are able to Pm them to me. I just think telling (not you) new people to look ‘up thread’ for the answer is not going to help people any more, and in the long run will decrease the number of datapoints, especially on how to deal with being asked for bank statement verification of a residential address. I dont have a hsbc premier etc. Anyone with hsbc premier doesn’t have that problem. I’m sure amex are aware of all this stuff happening but are allowing it as it all goes to their bottom line, they are just screening randomly for fraud and creditworthiness. Amex probably even have a profile on how reliable these Oceania accounts are, their AI would definitely be able to track this. The mind boggles at the amount of people attempting this process. After I finished reading this thread I found other blog sites where Canadians are doing this as well. Imagine how many Canadians are doing it!! No wonder the amex stock price is going through the roof…

I did read several times on this thread that a Wise statement with the address changed to US address isn’t getting accepted by amex as proof of address, however you reckon it might. Did it work for you? I guess I could just give it a go… there is definitely an element of luck and just giving it a go isn’t there. I’ve signed up for talktone, just got to give it a test call from my son’s nz work phone and get my relation in the states to try and ring it, and also change the voicemail from the generic one if poss. I thought maybe putting the us number on my Wyndham account and then getting their otp to logon might indicate that it’s working ok.

I do have a us trip planned for Sept anyway and do have the points and time to go earlier. Just was thinking it would be good to have generated a Fido score by Sept, If you don’t mind sending me your notes that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ecco]

Re the T-Mobile SIM and US iTunes account, you don't need to do that from the US.

How do you access US iTunes when you already have an nz account? I was thinking a second, old phone might be more straightforward For otp etc. I have a vpn.

 

[Ecco]

I typed up for a few friends in a Discord I'm part of, I was going to drop it here but am in two minds about posting this, not because I don't want to help others, but more because this is an open forum and posting easy routes to things tends to get them killed, happy to DM it though (on the understanding it's not widely shared, to try and stop the option getting shut down, also it can sometimes take me a few days to reply, so if I don't respond immediately I'm not ignoring you haha).

Would be interested in others' thoughts, I'll dump it here if people think it would be useful, just mindful of the above and antagonising the provider...

I thought about doing the same. My suggestion would be not to, someone else was thinking of doing this (upthread lol) and was encouraged not to…

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Many thanks qf flyer. Much appreciated. I wouldn’t mind your notes if you are able to Pm them to me. I just think telling (not you) new people to look ‘up thread’ for the answer is not going to help people any more, and in the long run will decrease the number of datapoints, especially on how to deal with being asked for bank statement verification of a residential address. I dont have a hsbc premier etc. Anyone with hsbc premier doesn’t have that problem. I’m sure amex are aware of all this stuff happening but are allowing it as it all goes to their bottom line, they are just screening randomly for fraud and creditworthiness. Amex probably even have a profile on how reliable these Oceania accounts are, their AI would definitely be able to track this. The mind boggles at the amount of people attempting this process. After I finished reading this thread I found other blog sites where Canadians are doing this as well. Imagine how many Canadians are doing it!! No wonder the amex stock price is going through the roof…

I would like to think of this akin to the beem and bpay situation. Sure there are people across the world doing it but it hasn't hit critical mass for amex to be concerned. However, we all saw that the moment the Bpay function went viral, it was shut down so quickly.

Sure, I can acknowledge that it might be a matter of time before amex starts clamping down but I rather not accelerate it's demise.

I personally have found the want to make a post summarising the journey but the reality is that what I had drafted was no different from the initial post. What differed was my own DPs from others which would be difficult to collate/organise given the differing circumstances between each of us.

At the end of the day, when we tell people to read up thread, we're telling them to search the thread because there are DPs across multiple years that may or may not be applicable to them and it's best for them to decide. Some of the questions are also questions that clearly show that they haven't put in any effort into researching.

My personal position is that if you can't be bothered to read a few pages or search the thread, then perhaps this is not the right hobby. This is a very time consuming and potential stressful hobby. If you want immediate answers and want an easy way for things to be fix then move along.

I've only been in this game for 2 years and I've learned to be patient about this hobby. I've also found that beyond AFF many of the DPs that people are interested in are usually on Reddit or FICO as individual posts

 

[prozac]

It goes without saying that the notes provided personally by @QF_Flyer are not to be shared across the internet. There are other threads on AFF where members have big-noted themselves on OZbargain by sharing codes etc and ruining a good thing for everyone.
Thanks @QF_Flyer .

 

[_TheTraveller_]

FWIW, when I started, I didn't read all the pages but I read the first few pages, did some research on google then started searching the thread. I've actually posted this process earlier but surprised people didn't want to use it because it doesn't spoon feed sufficient knowledge. The process can be simplified and summarised into the following:

Have a local/domestic amex for 3-6 months
Prepare US phone number and address (plenty of options and DPs based on people's experiences)
Apply via Global Transfer on the US Amex website
Wait for a result and search the thread for relevant information.

Next Level:
Apply for ITIN wait and apply for other banks etc etc.

The kind of questions we've been getting are "what mailfowarder do people use" or "which VOIP/Sim/ESim works best?". These really show a lack of effort. Even google can help them there.

I think most of us don't mind the questions around velocity or issues with banks/chase but most people are miffed about the simple questions that can be easily resolved with a search. Even questions that show some degree of research make others more willing to help.

It's the difference between saying:

1. How do I get a US number? or I've found A, B, C, and D can someone tell me which to sign up for?

2. I was interested in Tello but I've read that there are some issues receiving OTPs. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

 

[Ecco]

FWIW, when I started, I didn't read all the pages but I read the first few pages, did some research on google then started searching the thread. I've actually posted this process earlier but surprised people didn't want to use it because it doesn't spoon feed sufficient knowledge. The process can be simplified and summarised into the following:

Have a local/domestic amex for 3-6 months
Prepare US phone number and address (plenty of options and DPs based on people's experiences)
Apply via Global Transfer on the US Amex website
Wait for a result and search the thread for relevant information.

Next Level:
Apply for ITIN wait and apply for other banks etc etc.

The kind of questions we've been getting are "what mailfowarder do people use" or "which VOIP/Sim/ESim works best?". These really show a lack of effort. Even google can help them there.

I think most of us don't mind the questions around velocity or issues with banks/chase but most people are miffed about the simple questions that can be easily resolved with a search. Even questions that show some degree of research make others more willing to help.

It's the difference between saying:

1. How do I get a US number? or I've found A, B, C, and D can someone tell me which to sign up for?

2. I was interested in Tello but I've read that there are some issues receiving OTPs. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

I think if there was another thread on advanced strategies outside of applying for amex by GT that would make the thread more readable. Whether you strike the right info depends on what and where you started reading the thread. In somewhere like FT the admins would have closed a thread this big and opened up a new thread and also posted a wiki.

 

[maverick1]

Took a few tries, but finally managed to get a Hilton GC through the Biz card. Credit posted very quickly (Mar 31 after Mar 28 transaction):
View attachment 376706

I regret not using my Surpass $50 credit for Dec-23 and Mar-24 quarter...don't have a close relo in States to send these GC's...and not sure if using a mail forwarder would work and even if it worked the shipping cost would reduce the gain to paltry $10-$15...but even w/o this, reckon still ahead in the first year as long as I can score 2 FNC and the SUB

 

[maverick1]

I just got the aspire card yesdty and ordered some Tequila from QW to hopefully meet the March quarter credit...
currently the charge is pending but the vendor name is Qantas Store AU. Is that how it posted for you and others? And has anyone tried buying Qantas $50/100 Gift voucher and received the US$50 credit?

Update
It's still working the vendor name changed from Q store to Qantas loyalty on settlement.
Credit posted within 3 days

 

[daft009]

having post sign up issues with tello.
signed up, paid and activated esim 2hrs ago.
which says its activated.

however it won't let me log into the app (using the same password as the website) login.
tried the "send 1 time password via SMS" which says its sent but nothing coming through.
yes wifi calling is activated.
do i need to wait 24hrs or something?

 

[sudoer]

Data point: requested to transfer 800k AU MR on 21 March, credited as 520k US MR 12 days later.

Current Google rate for 800k AUD is 519k USD

 

[albyd]

That’s a good result. Hopefully they keep it going. Assuming that they may look at this at some point. Shame it’s once a year especially with the $A cratering.