Strategy to obtain US Amex

[georgie23]

It says 1 free transfer, but I can't remeber as I don't really care if I pay $1 for $25k transfer

The biggest issue is that the funds need to be there for 3 biz days before they can go out so if you need funds in a hurry, then use wise

I have initiated first transfer using IBKR to US AMEX Checking account. Sending over 2K as a test transfer. A couple of questions please

1. 3 business day clearing - this is from AUD landing into IBKR before we can transfer them to USD - is that correct - any idea why?
2. Can you just leave curency in base account AUD and request to withdraw x amount to US Checking via ACH? - I had to do a manual conversion but was curios if this can be autoconverted when needed like Wise
3. Fees are quoted at 0.0022% but with $2USD minimum - I couldnt find the link to this but saw it in google as per below - 2K AUD = 1363.80 USD with a fee of 2.94 AUD ( = 2.005 USD)
4. When it lands in Amex checking - is there a holding block before can be used to pay for credit card?
5. Not sure if can add a second US checking account to the one IBKR - anyone done this?

Cheers

Client initiated standalone FX conversion commissions are 0.0022%, with a minimum of USD 2.20 (inclusive of GST where applicable). Note IBKR do not apply any additional FX spread on the prevailing FX rate for client initiated FX conversions.

Commissions & Fees | Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.​

 

[Uncharted6264]

Out of curiosity, with regards to business credit cards, do the transactions strictly have to be business related ? Or you can use the cards to buy groceries, and other personal expenses ?

You can buy anything you like as long as you pay it back (or pay interest on it haha), amex won't mind. Tax office might have something different to say about it, though.

I have an SSN and apply as a sole proprietor. But I was thinking to put the Aussie address as my AirBnb. I have a long standing relationship with Chase. I am a bit worried that I am pushing the upwards limits of how much credit they will give me. I would use that Ink Unlimited as partial payment for a car and take advantage of 1 year 0% to pay it off (with the bulk in cash/equiv). So basically with the forex 3% it's a one year car loan at 3% that gives 90k UR.

I'd be wary myself of listing anything other than US info, I don't wanna be looked at with any type of scrutiny

I have initiated first transfer using IBKR to US AMEX Checking account. Sending over 2K as a test transfer. A couple of questions please

1. 3 business day clearing - this is from AUD landing into IBKR before we can transfer them to USD - is that correct - any idea why?
2. Can you just leave curency in base account AUD and request to withdraw x amount to US Checking via ACH? - I had to do a manual conversion but was curios if this can be autoconverted when needed like Wise
3. Fees are quoted at 0.0022% but with $2USD minimum - I couldnt find the link to this but saw it in google as per below - 2K AUD = 1363.80 USD with a fee of 2.94 AUD ( = 2.005 USD)
4. When it lands in Amex checking - is there a holding block before can be used to pay for credit card?
5. Not sure if can add a second US checking account to the one IBKR - anyone done this?

Cheers

Client initiated standalone FX conversion commissions are 0.0022%, with a minimum of USD 2.20 (inclusive of GST where applicable). Note IBKR do not apply any additional FX spread on the prevailing FX rate for client initiated FX conversions.

Commissions & Fees | Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.​

I'll be following your path - please keep us up to date with progress on this

 

[soliloguy]

Wait - can you get your first Amex sent to Australia?! Thought it raised flags...

 

[maverick1]

I have initiated first transfer using IBKR to US AMEX Checking account. Sending over 2K as a test transfer. A couple of questions please

1. 3 business day clearing - this is from AUD landing into IBKR before we can transfer them to USD - is that correct - any idea why?
2. Can you just leave curency in base account AUD and request to withdraw x amount to US Checking via ACH? - I had to do a manual conversion but was curios if this can be autoconverted when needed like Wise
3. Fees are quoted at 0.0022% but with $2USD minimum - I couldnt find the link to this but saw it in google as per below - 2K AUD = 1363.80 USD with a fee of 2.94 AUD ( = 2.005 USD)
4. When it lands in Amex checking - is there a holding block before can be used to pay for credit card?
5. Not sure if can add a second US checking account to the one IBKR - anyone done this?

Cheers

Client initiated standalone FX conversion commissions are 0.0022%, with a minimum of USD 2.20 (inclusive of GST where applicable). Note IBKR do not apply any additional FX spread on the prevailing FX rate for client initiated FX conversions.

Commissions & Fees | Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.​

Not sure on the 1st question but I guess they might be following a T+2 settlement cycle for FX like equities.
I leave balances in both A$ and US$. US$ for trading and also if the rate is good as it is at the moment I usually buy some and keep.
I tend to avoid small value transactions to make it more efficient and usually do10K AUD conversion at a time unless the rates are very volatile, pay $3or $4 regardless of the size upto A$10/12k.
When you transfer it will show you the value date of the transfer it's usually the next business day. Funds are available to use from midnight New York time on the value date.
No holding period in Amex.
I've linked Amex, C1 and HSBC and transferred to them before without any issues.

 

[djchuckles]

Whoever Ross is - thank you for using my Tello referral code!

 

[georgie23]

Wait - can you get your first Amex sent to Australia?! Thought it raised flags...

yes you can - no issue with GT

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 3:03 PM

Not sure on the 1st question but I guess they might be following a T+2 settlement cycle for FX like equities.
I leave balances in both A$ and US$. US$ for trading and also if the rate is good as it is at the moment I usually buy some and keep.
I tend to avoid small value transactions to make it more efficient and usually do10K AUD conversion at a time unless the rates are very volatile, pay $3or $4 regardless of the size upto A$10/12k.
When you transfer it will show you the value date of the transfer it's usually the next business day. Funds are available to use from midnight New York time on the value date.
No holding period in Amex.
I've linked Amex, C1 and HSBC and transferred to them before without any issues.

thanks for all the great info - appreciate it

 

[soliloguy]

yes you can - no issue with GT

Do you change your mailing address to an Australian one then?

 

[georgie23]

Do you change your mailing address to an Australian one then?

No Just phone up GT
Wait 10 days from original approval
state moving to US but not there yet and are travelling can they send replacement card to AU address as didnt receive original one

 

[DC3]

Do you change your mailing address to an Australian one then?

No. We are moving to/ living in the US.

Anyway, from memory, any updated address is done through the US Amex website, and only allows for a US address. Some have posted that they are travelling and get a replacement card mailed to Oz (after 10 days, not sooner).

 

[aleaf]

The field doesn't even take an Australian address. You need to apply using your US address.

They don't check what sorts of expenses you put on the card.

Apologies if this has already been addressed. I'm s-l-o-w-l-y making my way through this thread.

If an application were to request employer or payslip info, do any issues arise about that employer being based in Aus? I've got the tax id number and address covered, it's this part I'm not sure of.

 

[DC3]

If an application were to request employer or payslip info, do any issues arise about that employer being based in Aus? I've got the tax id number and address covered, it's this part I'm not sure of.

With Amex, I have never been asked for that sort of stuff, and have not heard of it being requested. Can’t comment in relation to other card providers.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Whoever Ross is - thank you for using my Tello referral code!

That would be me no worries, seems perfect as an alternative to T-Mobile, it also actually roams properly (connecting to cellular instead of just Wifi calling, which also works fine). It was a bit annoying relying on Wifi (or Telstra's cellular data) when I just want to receive SMS login codes etc..

As an aside, anyone have experience of porting numbers in the US? I was going to swap my T-Mob number over the be done with it, but no huge loss if not I guess, I can just change the number of my accounts instead.

 

[georgie23]

That would be me no worries, seems perfect as an alternative to T-Mobile, it also actually roams properly (connecting to cellular instead of just Wifi calling, which also works fine). It was a bit annoying relying on Wifi (or Telstra's cellular data) when I just want to receive SMS login codes etc..

Are you saying you are using roaming on Tello - as in you bought data ?

I have no data and just use wifi or cellular wherever I am

Is there an advantage of using roaming over wifi roaming?

 

[Daventry]

Speaking of Tello - we tried them out last month on a trip to the US. Great speeds but an awful amount of spam text and calls every day!!

 

[georgie23]

I have been getting spam calls in the morning in Australia between 1am and 5am - all in Spanish
Not sure how to filter them

 

[QF_Flyer]

Apologies if this has already been addressed. I'm s-l-o-w-l-y making my way through this thread.

If an application were to request employer or payslip info, do any issues arise about that employer being based in Aus? I've got the tax id number and address covered, it's this part I'm not sure of.

I haven't been asked by any US institution, but I have been through a financial review with Amex UK - I sent them my Aus payslips and provided them with my UK/AU addresses and phone numbers and attached the Australian bank statement showing salary payments, plus UK bank statements showing regular payments in/out of UK banks, which was accepted.

Other than that, HSBC Expat wanted my Australian tax file number for some reason, HSBC US asked for nothing at all. Never been asked for proof of income ever, other than by Australian banks.

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 9:55 PM

Are you saying you are using roaming on Tello - as in you bought data ?

I have no data and just use wifi or cellular wherever I am

Is there an advantage of using roaming over wifi roaming?

Just having roaming on allows it to connect to cellular networks outside the US - means I can receive SMS (which is free) when I don't have wifi or cellular data on the other SIM (primarily when outside Australlia/US).

 

[georgie23]

I recently moved to Las Vegas, through US Global Mail, hoping that I don’t need to worry about moving again.

I have recently moved to US Global Mail in California and wondering with Amex is it just a matter of changing address online - do they ask for any proof of address change?

 

[QF_Flyer]

Ah ok. So even for tap and pay of large amounts it will never ask for a pin?

Post automatically merged: Friday at 8:21 AM

I’m having that problem now to get the Premier CC. So I’ve given up. HSBC has served its main purpose for me (to get my Amex). I will use it to pay off credit card bills but if they close it no loss as I have other options (like Wise)

No PIN, it spits out a receipt to sign like the old days (which seems to confuse people sometimes), but most of the time tap and pay is enough (or Apple Pay, which doesn't have the same limits).

Do you mean you're having issues with getting the HSBC Premier US CC? As I would like to obtain that, but clicking on apply invites me to call them, which I can't be bothered to do, although guess I'll have to eventually if I want to follow up on it (I had the same with the Aussie HSBC Premier CC, until randomly they sent me an email inviting me to apply, with an online application link).

My phone procrastination almost lost me the Hilton Surpass card, I applied earlier this year and got a message asking me to call, finally got around to it and all they wanted to do was me to confirm it was me who had applied for it.

 

[DC3]

I have recently moved to US Global Mail in California and wondering with Amex is it just a matter of changing address online

Yes

do they ask for any proof of address change?

No