Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Uncharted6264]

Sorry my question is so dumb that it isn't making sense.

Since we need state ID for Cap1, we might get an IDNY card. But can we use an address not in NY for an IDNY card? I can't imagine that would make very much sense to anyone, if we ever used the card most people would get very confused.

NY residency required according to the website, unless someone else here has practical experience

IDNYC Documents Required to Apply · NYC311

 

[ioz]

Just wondering, if anyone has converted AU AMEX points to US AMEX points? Any conversion rate applied? How long will it take? Thanks.

Not sure why you'd want to convert them?... AMEX points transfer to your intended Airline, Hotel, statement credit (in my experience) regardless of currency earned.
(i.e. 50,000 AMEX (USD earned) points = 100,000 Hilton Honours points = same number of points required for the same conversion regardless of country currency earned).

BUT -- I always try to keep AMEX points in their program until I am ready to send them elsewhere (as it's a one way transfer only -- no way to move them back once transferred away).

 

[desafinado74]

I reckon we can but they still will likely ask for the ID. This is my second application with C1. The last time, I didn’t get very far as my address in Florida was flagged as CMRA. Worked fine with Amex though I think that’s as it wasn’t flagged as such previously. There are reports on this thread that it is now for new applications. YMMV

Post automatically merged: Aug 5, 2024

Yes, it will likely be freezing. I tend to go in their summer but going in their winter this time so it’s a long time away.

At least the hotel prices will be cheaper Hopefully you can get an appointment for the ID.

 

[levelnine]

Not sure why you'd want to convert them?... AMEX points transfer to your intended Airline, Hotel, statement credit (in my experience) regardless of currency earned.
(i.e. 50,000 AMEX (USD earned) points = 100,000 Hilton Honours points = same number of points required for the same conversion regardless of country currency earned).

BUT -- I always try to keep AMEX points in their program until I am ready to send them elsewhere (as it's a one way transfer only -- no way to move them back once transferred away).

Because US Amex has a far superior range of transfer partners and transfer rates than AU Amex.

 

[ioz]

Has anyone ever been able to successfully purchase US gift cards online? I tried last month when Costo was selling discounted Uber cards and then again last night with an app called Raise. I used an US card with my US billing address but they always cancel my purchase and even lock my account…

I've been able to do Amazon, Apple, and HEB (grocery) gift cards. BUT -- I always use a VPN with a confirmed US IP address BEFORE I start the cart / enter my payment details. It certainly works with my US cards, some AUS issued cards, and more interestingly, with Wise (multi-currency conversion/transfer) cards. Seems most basically just verify 5 digit ZIP code in credit card AVS system. For Costco gift cards -- I've been successful using StackSocial.com
Good luck!

 

[DC3]

Because US Amex has a far superior range of transfer partners and transfer rates than AU Amex.

Yes. Definitely the way to go

 

[Ko0l]

I heard nothing after uploading my passport as I don't have a US state issued drivers' license or ID card. I just called them up and they were adamant (I also spoke with a supervisor) that a state issued ID card is fine in place of a drivers' license and they would accept nothing else. A passport wouldn't cut mustard at all.

I think you should just HUCA. I've read on reddit, people calling multiple times before they got a supervisor which sent then a link that accepts passports. (Also have to upload while on the supervisor is still on the phone)

There is also DP of people being approved after uploading their Canadian driver license. So you can try uploading an Aust driver license if everything else fails.

Use https://churning.io/ to search datapoints from other people. the subreddit churningcanada is the one where Canadians are trying to apply for US credit cards (similar to us in Aust)

 

[albyd]

I think you should just HUCA. I've read on reddit, people calling multiple times before they got a supervisor which sent then a link that accepts passports. (Also have to upload while on the supervisor is still on the phone)

There is also DP of people being approved after uploading their Canadian driver license. So you can try uploading an Aust driver license if everything else fails.

Use https://churning.io/ to search datapoints from other people. the subreddit churningcanada is the one where Canadians are trying to apply for US credit cards (similar to us in Aust)

Thanks very much for the guidance and the link - I really appreciate it. I’ll check out the link & try to HUCA. I didn’t try it as they sounded very emphatic guess it’s not always about taking ‘no’.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Just wondering, if anyone has converted AU AMEX points to US AMEX points? Any conversion rate applied? How long will it take? Thanks.

I've converted UK-US and AU, conversion rate is the same as the currency rate (i.e. GBP-USD/AUD) at the time - main motivation was just before Amex decimated the transfer rate here, 1:1 SQ (now 3:2 UK and 2:1 AU) with a boost of 1.9 or whatever the exchange rate was (probably 1.75/1.8 back then made it incredibly worthwhile.

Once per 12 month period only though, and some CSAs may have no idea what you're talking about. They quote a long-ish time, but ime it's taken about a week max to complete the transfer.

 

[Uncharted6264]

I've converted UK-US and AU, conversion rate is the same as the currency rate (i.e. GBP-USD/AUD) at the time - main motivation was just before Amex decimated the transfer rate here, 1:1 SQ (now 3:2 UK and 2:1 AU) with a boost of 1.9 or whatever the exchange rate was (probably 1.75/1.8 back then made it incredibly worthwhile.

Once per 12 month period only though, and some CSAs may have no idea what you're talking about. They quote a long-ish time, but ime it's taken about a week max to complete the transfer.

Edit: Ignore me - 1/.54 more USMR from AUMR but AUMR>QF is 2:1 and USMR>QF is 1:1… so is this right?

1000 aumr gets you 500qf

1000 aumr gets you 650 usmr

650 usmr = 650qf

30% bonus? Not a bad deal… bank aumr and transfer to usmr and then back to qf (if that’s your points collection goal) once a year

 

[blacksultan]

I've been able to do Amazon, Apple, and HEB (grocery) gift cards. BUT -- I always use a VPN with a confirmed US IP address BEFORE I start the cart / enter my payment details. It certainly works with my US cards, some AUS issued cards, and more interestingly, with Wise (multi-currency conversion/transfer) cards. Seems most basically just verify 5 digit ZIP code in credit card AVS system. For Costco gift cards -- I've been successful using StackSocial.com
Good luck!

Can. Costco cards be used in australia ? What’s the discount?

 

[levelnine]

Edit: Ignore me - 1/.54 more USMR from AUMR but AUMR>QF is 2:1 and USMR>QF is 1:1… so is this right?

1000 aumr gets you 500qf

1000 aumr gets you 650 usmr

650 usmr = 650qf

30% bonus? Not a bad deal… bank aumr and transfer to usmr and then back to qf (if that’s your points collection goal) once a year

Better if you made that spend at 3x or 4x on a US card (eg Green or Gold).

 

[mike0430]

Not easy to get a Chase card.
Applied for IHG premier on 26th July, called 2 days after and was told verification team is handling my application. Spoke with verification team and I was then told to provide ID for name verification & DOB verification, ITIN & proof of address. Provided passport, ITIN lettter and amex statement, called back and was notified that my passport image was not acceptable (as i was holding one corner). Faxed through passport again on 2nd Aug, called again today and was told that i have to wait for 1~2 weeks as team who is finalizing the application is not accessable over the phone. I will get notification by email & mail if approved, otherwise will get notified by mail only.
Not sure if its worth to call them again later this week. This is the 2nd chase card application i have tried (1st one failed), had amex for more than 7 years.

 

[Mr He]

Not easy to get a Chase card.
Applied for IHG premier on 26th July, called 2 days after and was told verification team is handling my application. Spoke with verification team and I was then told to provide ID for name verification & DOB verification, ITIN & proof of address. Provided passport, ITIN lettter and amex statement, called back and was notified that my passport image was not acceptable (as i was holding one corner). Faxed through passport again on 2nd Aug, called again today and was told that i have to wait for 1~2 weeks as team who is finalizing the application is not accessable over the phone. I will get notification by email & mail if approved, otherwise will get notified by mail only.
Not sure if its worth to call them again later this week. This is the 2nd chase card application i have tried (1st one failed), had amex for more than 7 years.

for proof of address purposes normally they don't accept credit card statements. be prepared they might ask you for a checking account statement or utilities bills days later.

 

[Uncharted6264]

Better if you made that spend at 3x or 4x on a US card (eg Green or Gold).

Hmm howso, are you transferring USMR to AUMR?

 

[desafinado74]

Not easy to get a Chase card.
Applied for IHG premier on 26th July, called 2 days after and was told verification team is handling my application. Spoke with verification team and I was then told to provide ID for name verification & DOB verification, ITIN & proof of address. Provided passport, ITIN lettter and amex statement, called back and was notified that my passport image was not acceptable (as i was holding one corner). Faxed through passport again on 2nd Aug, called again today and was told that i have to wait for 1~2 weeks as team who is finalizing the application is not accessable over the phone. I will get notification by email & mail if approved, otherwise will get notified by mail only.
Not sure if its worth to call them again later this week. This is the 2nd chase card application i have tried (1st one failed), had amex for more than 7 years.

Does Chase accept a photo of your passport, Itin letter etc? ( And did they ask you to take a selfie with your passport?)

 

[mike0430]

I just got approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, does it have to be delivered and activated first before you can get a replacement card sent to Australia or will they potentially do it for the very first card?

Was this your first chase card mate? Did you get notified on email or mail? Really struggling of getting approval on my 1st chase card. thanks.

 

[levelnine]

Hmm howso, are you transferring USMR to AUMR?

Earn in US MR by spending on a US Amex.

 

[Uncharted6264]

Earn in US MR by spending on a US Amex.

Oh yeah the earn rate is for sure better standalone, up to 150 anyway. But I'm talking about getting the advantage of about 30% more QF if you transfer from an AU card which also doesn't have that cap. (If my calculations are correct).

 

[levelnine]

Oh yeah the earn rate is for sure better standalone, up to 150 anyway. But I'm talking about getting the advantage of about 30% more QF if you transfer from an AU card which also doesn't have that cap. (If my calculations are correct).

Yes, that's right. But once you have US MR, you realise that Qantas points are mediocre value in most situations. You can get AUD 2.4c/pt on J class cash fares using the Business Plat, so you have to be maximising Qantas points to the very limit to beat that, let alone the superior value you get from Avios/Cathay/Aeroplan/etc.