Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Ko0l]

Was any spend attempted, or just red flag on activation only

Red flag on activation. Not sure what is the problem.

They tried to send a text code to my Tello number and couldn't and they said need the back end team to do a security/fraud review and will call me in 24-48hrs to finalise the review.

Called up a few times and same response, can't access my account as its now fraud locked and only the fraud team can unlock. Can't talk directly with the team.

 

[levelnine]

Red flag on activation. Not sure what is the problem.

They tried to send a text code to my Tello number and couldn't and they said need the back end team to do a security/fraud review and will call me in 24-48hrs to finalise the review.

Called up a few times and same response, can't access my account as is locked and only the fraud team can unlock. Can't talk directly with the team.

As I mentioned upthread, happened to P2 recently. They explained that it was due to the card being sent overseas. Hasn't happened before, so maybe they've had a spate of fraud that's made them more sensitive to this action. Took a few attempts to find the right person to get the block lifted, but it was someone from the customer protection group.

 

[DC3]

I got approved my second GT (Gold card) and is there any issues asking replacement card send it my Australian address after 10 days?
Anyone had any experience?

Yes, on-line is my preferred method using the GT page. No point in trying to apply by phoning agents.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Someone on Facebook telling me if you start with Aspire or Surpass, you can’t get the SUB on any lower Hilton cards. Is that true?

No, I started with Aspire, then Surpass, can still get business and the standard personal. It’s once per card per lifetime (in theory), not per reward “currency”/family of cards.

Post automatically merged: Today at 6:58 PM

I got approved my second GT (Gold card) and is there any issues asking replacement card send it my Australian address after 10 days?
Anyone had any experience?

No issues at all, I’ve done 4x via GT and had all the physicals sent to AU.

 

[DC3]

OMAAT has been mentioned here previously, but this link contains some useful information regarding Amex cards:

My American Express Credit Card Strategy: Perks & Points

Here's my strategy for maximizing Amex credit cards. Which should you have, which should you spend money on, and how do you get approved?

onemileatatime.com

 

[Tiki]

What is a good non-Amex alternative ?

Amex is great, but there is a chunk of spend that won’t take Amex, and I’d like it to end up with Star Alliance…

The HSBC card was fine for the first year, but doesn’t really stack up for me given the limits on points earning once the AF kicks in…

For me, Chase has the best cards, especially the Sapphire Preferred and Ink cards, also UA cards give expanded award availability. But what works for me as a US/AUS citizen with a SSN doesn't always work for others. You need a good Fico score which comes with time.