Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Phoenix-1]

For those who can visit a BoA branch in person:
- Received a sign on bonus ($200 minus tax) for applying for the Advantage SafeBalance Banking in person (no ITIN/SSN)
- Deposited the $2k through Wise transfers which counted as a 'Qualifying Direct Deposit'
- Also managed to get a secured credit card (with no ITIN/SSN) - curious to know if anyone here has used this to move to an unsecured credit card with BoA or even with another institution or if going through Nova Credit/Amex GT are the only viable options

I opened a BoA account in May 2023 with a secured card and then applied for an Amex Blue Cash Everyday card 12 months later without GT. Following that, a CSP card and a Chase Ink Business Unlimited card.

That being said, I was also under a family members Chase Sapphire Preferred card as an AU for around 12 months as well. I'm not sure how much of an impact that made.

 

[qq830821]

I opened my US AMEX through GT last year. however, for some reasons, i am unable to see my FICO score on the AMEX app. Has amex stopped providing FICO without SSN or ITIN?

 

[georgie23]

I opened my US AMEX through GT last year. however, for some reasons, i am unable to see my FICO score on the AMEX app. Has amex stopped providing FICO without SSN or ITIN?

I believe its for everyone who is in similar situation - I have an ITIN but can't see anything either - I believe people with SSN can see one

 

[qq830821]

Thanks Georgie. do you know if there is any other ways to find my FICo score? planning to upgrade my hilton amex to keen to see my score b4 i apply another card

 

[pyramidforce]

I opened a BoA account in May 2023 with a secured card and then applied for an Amex Blue Cash Everyday card 12 months later without GT. Following that, a CSP card and a Chase Ink Business Unlimited card.

That being said, I was also under a family members Chase Sapphire Preferred card as an AU for around 12 months as well. I'm not sure how much of an impact that made.

Did you give ITIN when you applied! If not, same question as before - how did your credit card get attached to your ITIN?

 

[Phoenix-1]

Did you give ITIN when you applied! If not, same question as before - how did your credit card get attached to your ITIN?

Not for the secured card. I don't know how the machinations work but I assume your name and address are enough to track your credit.

 

[furiousmango]

- Also managed to get a secured credit card (with no ITIN/SSN) - curious to know if anyone here has used this to move to an unsecured credit card with BoA or even with another institution or if going through Nova Credit/Amex GT are the only viable options

BoFA refunded the security deposit automatically and converted my card to unsecured about 6 months in without me doing anything

 

[pyramidforce]

Not for the secured card. I don't know how the machinations work but I assume your name and address are enough to track your credit.

The problem is that the ITIN doesn't have your address on it. If you use Maza or SHstudio or another service they pit their own address on it.

So if John Smith gets an ITIN 123456789 how do they know it is the same John Smith at 742 Evergreen Terrace

If it worked for you, it must somehow have a way of figuring it out.

 

[georgie23]

Thanks Georgie. do you know if there is any other ways to find my FICo score? planning to upgrade my hilton amex to keen to see my score b4 i apply another card

upthread was a link to get a FICO score report for $1 for the first month - could try agencies to get a report

https://www.reddit.com/r/CreditCards/comments/17hmibn/how_to_see_all_3_of_your_fico_scores_for_free

This thread has suggested https://www.creditchecktotal.com/ - might need a US VPN

Let us know if it worked for $1

 

[georgie23]

The problem is that the ITIN doesn't have your address on it. If you use Maza or SHstudio or another service they pit their own address on it.

So if John Smith gets an ITIN 123456789 how do they know it is the same John Smith at 742 Evergreen Terrace

If it worked for you, it must somehow have a way of figuring it out.

When you apply for your next card using your ITIN and this application has your address would they not then get linked on the credit reports? I am not sure how you can retrospectively add the ITIN to your previous cards but all I can imagine is that over time they will become less important as your credit file grows and the cards and scores with the ITIN become more relevant than the time without it

 

[DC3]

i am unable to see my FICO score on the AMEX app. Has amex stopped providing FICO without SSN or ITIN?

Yes, there are some posts over the past month or so, advising that we are not currently able to see the FICO score from the Amex website.

 

[djchuckles]

When you apply for your next card using your ITIN and this application has your address would they not then get linked on the credit reports? I am not sure how you can retrospectively add the ITIN to your previous cards but all I can imagine is that over time they will become less important as your credit file grows and the cards and scores with the ITIN become more relevant than the time without it

This is what I’m hoping. I will do my next Amex application when my Maza ITIN lands.

 

[Phoenix-1]

If it worked for you, it must somehow have a way of figuring it out.

I'll also add that I used a family members (US) address to get my ITIN and all US credit cards so far.

 

[georgie23]

I'll also add that I used a family MEMBERS (US) address to get my ITIN and all US credit cards so far.

That seems super handy - having a family member in US - I wonder if people are looking for "relatives"

 

[dein_gesicht]

Going to the US next week to open bank accounts with my ITIN.

If anyone has done this and want to share some tips, then I am all ears!

 

[georgie23]

I have been making summaries and notes for myself and tips I have seen are from others

go to large banks near major tourist areas eg LA/San Fran/NY/Miami/Chicago etc and try major big banks

Good luck

 

[dein_gesicht]

I am actually going only for 2 days to pick up some random stuff, but it is centered around opening up these bank accounts

 

[sharp]

If anyone has done this and want to share some tips, then I am all ears!

would recommend making an appointment and allowing plenty of time - the opening process can take well over an hour

 

[nthd_nthd]

Does anyone know if the text now paid plan works for C1 verification ?

Post automatically merged: Sunday at 10:34 AM

My Tello no does not work with C1 ? Does it take time for it to be recognized as registered to my name ?

my Talkatone works with C1.

 

[nthd_nthd]

Going to the US next week to open bank accounts with my ITIN.

If anyone has done this and want to share some tips, then I am all ears!

I am going after you a bit I guess. But please do share you experience, I am nervous too. Planning all big 5 - Chase, BoA, Cap1, Citi, Wells Fargo and DMV if possible and have time.

Post automatically merged: Monday at 11:09 PM

would recommend making an appointment and allowing plenty of time - the opening process can take well over an hour

I have not made any appointments, will walk-in work?