Strategy to obtain US Amex

[georgie23]

Question for you all about transferring funds to your US bank acct.

To move about $10k AUD, I checked Wise and Revolut - both mentioned fairly regularly in this thread - as well as a few others. Couldn't see IBKR rates, perhaps only visible to account holders. Was really surprised to find Western Union came out as cheapest.

I always assumed WU had pretty poor rate or charged high fee. Surely that's not right. Am I missing something here?

I used wise and ibkr on weekend and for 10K was approx the same - ibkr about $9 cheaper so marginal on 10K - never used wu - this always feels "scammy" to me - always associated with scams

 

[levelnine]

WU has been launching a lot of promotions in the US atm, presumably to increase market share, so I'm not surprised they're undercutting competitors on a money transfer.

One issue to be aware of is they sometimes have onerous and glitchy KYC requirements. So not guaranteed to work. But if it does, I see no problem in using them.

 

[Grrr]

Re Amex Green and 3x categories…

Is anyone getting consistent 3x for fuel ?

I’ve had both a BP and 7-11 correctly coded as “Transportation - Fuel”, but only 1x for points…

 

[georgie23]

I don't think I have ever got 3x for fuel for Green

 

[levelnine]

Is anyone getting consistent 3x for fuel ?

Transit doesn't include fuel stations.

 

[Grrr]

Transit doesn't include fuel stations.

Thanks; I figured it if they were including car parking charges...

 

[levelnine]

Thanks; I figured it if they were including car parking charges...

Tends to be treated separately for category earn in the US, presumably because you can buy all sorts of stuff at fuel stations that you can't in the other categories (gift cards, etc).

 

[mike0430]

I wonder if anyone has been requested to submit w9 form? Kind of strange request as I am NRA.
Should I call them and try to verify my ITIN over the phone or submit w8 form or ITIN letter instead. Thanks.

 

[dein_gesicht]

Just made a Coles online order with CSP to see if it gets 3x

 

[mike0430]

Applied and was approved for the 5th Chase card, Aeroplan, 2 months after approved for Ink. Should've waited 3 months but needed my friend to send all my cards over.

The automated message said they sent a letter and after talking to the agent, I was told I had to wait for the letter or go to the branch as they requested the info about ITIN and no option to upload online. I received the letter and they just asked me to sign w9 form that came with the letter or w8-ben if non resident alien. This was to certify ITIN as it wasn't showing at credit bereaus.

I wasn't supposed to to sign w9 form and I was a bit worried doing w8-ben as it might affect my current accounts telling them that I'm a non resident alien. Thankfully the letter also said I could complete this on the phone by calling this specific number which I did. Weird the first agent couldn't do it so I guess it has to be this specific number.

This ITIN certification thing is the same as when Chase reads the disclaimer about IRS charging $50 fee if ITIN you give them is wrong. It was still weird as Chase did this on the phone for my previous apps without sending any letter. One thing I did differently this time was I used VPN to apply (testing). Not sure if it triggered this letter thing.

My ITIN is showing on EQ and I believe EX and TU don't show it. With my Illinois address, Chase mostly pulls EX/TU. Another 2 HPs to get Chase card.

Hi Mate,
May I ask what phone number did you call to verbally verify ITIN please, I have been requested w9 form too (as a NRA). Thank you!

 

[Finale]

Hi Mate,
May I ask what phone number did you call to verbally verify ITIN please, I have been requested w9 form too (as a NRA). Thank you!

I called 8774709042. There was no number on your letter?

 

[mike0430]

I called 8774709042. There was no number on your letter?

Thanks a lot!
I have not received the mail yet, and I m trying to get card approved asap as I have 9 nights booked with Hyatt group
Did you have to get transferred to anyone after calling this number please? Spoke with Chase just now, and was told I might need to talk with leading team for verbally verification.

 

[Finale]

Thanks a lot!
I have not received the mail yet, and I m trying to get card approved asap as I have 9 nights booked with Hyatt group
Did you have to get transferred to anyone after calling this number please? Spoke with Chase just now, and was told I might need to talk with leading team for verbally verification.

It's been a year now so I don't remember. Maybe try to call them earlier. It is quite late there now.