Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Viridis]

I've had an Amex Green for about 9 months now. Applied for Amex Platinum but got knocked back due to credit score apparently (FICO: 674). Have a applied for additional card too soon?

I keep getting an error message when I click on the FICO score - any suggestions?

FWIW, I had the Hilton Aspire from a GT for about 12mths before applying for the Gold Card from a second GT. After another 12mths Amex offered me an upgrade to Platinum with 100k pts bonus; which I accepted

 

[georgie23]

I keep getting an error message when I click on the FICO score - any suggestions?

Well known - does not work unless you have a SSN now unfortunately

 

[DC3]

I keep getting an error message when I click on the FICO score - any suggestions?

It’s been like that for some months. FICO is no longer viewable. See upthread.

 

[nthd_nthd]

A few months ago, I could not login Equifax if I didnt have VPN on. Then

I have been locked out of Equifax for a while - could not log in - getting error message saying Please contact us. v.v.v.

Trying again so many times today and I turned off VPN - voila - it worked.

DP In case someone in my shoes.

 

[nthd_nthd]

Also P2 had Amex via GT, 1 free AF Cap1 via ITIN . Checked his Equifax today, just Cap1 showed up.

Also, I had 1 Amex as P2 Authorized user (GT card) and it showed up in my Report too. so If you are thinking of building credit history but dont want to loose your 5/24 spot, Dont do Authorized User. It counts toward 1 as your Credit card.

 

[levelnine]

Also, I had 1 Amex as P2 Authorized user (GT card) and it showed up in my Report too. so If you are thinking of building credit history but dont want to loose your 5/24 spot, Dont do Authorized User. It counts toward 1 as your Credit card.

It does show up on your credit report, but you can get a Chase agent to discount authorized user cards if that's the only thing stopping you from getting a new account. You call in and tell the agent you are not financially responsible for the account and they should dismiss it from a 5/24 count.

 

[djchuckles]

Just hit my $3k spend and statement cycle has completed but not got my Surpass SUB. How long does it take?

 

[Grrr]

I keep getting an error message when I click on the FICO score - any suggestions?

FWIW, I had the Hilton Aspire from a GT for about 12mths before applying for the Gold Card from a second GT. After another 12mths Amex offered me an upgrade to Platinum with 100k pts bonus; which I accepted

In terms of first cards once you have an ITIN, any thoughts on the Petal card ?

Forex free Visa, no AF option, and they seem focussed on showing you your credit score (and linking to Equifax etc)

No points/rewards, but as a bridge to increase and monitor credit score while waiting out the 12 months until Chase is available ?

 

[nthd_nthd]

Hi All

I called Chase recon line, they advised to wait for W9 form in the mail for further instruction. What does it mean - do I have any hope? and Should I fill and return W9 form as requested by Chase?

 

[Viridis]

In terms of first cards once you have an ITIN, any thoughts on the Petal card ?

Forex free Visa, no AF option, and they seem focussed on showing you your credit score (and linking to Equifax etc)

No points/rewards, but as a bridge to increase and monitor credit score while waiting out the 12 months until Chase is available ?

I never got an ITIN so I’m afraid I’m largely stuck with the cards I have (but I’m happy that way) and I’m of no use to the more ‘professional’ interests that this thread now covers

Whilst I’d very much like the Chase Sapphire I’m not really prepared to ‘put myself out there’ to acquire an ITIN.

 

[Grrr]

In terms of first cards once you have an ITIN, any thoughts on the Petal card ?

Forex free Visa, no AF option, and they seem focussed on showing you your credit score (and linking to Equifax etc)

No points/rewards, but as a bridge to increase and monitor credit score while waiting out the 12 months until Chase is available ?

Any thoughts on this as an alternative to Hilton Honors as a second GT (to build long term credit score) ?

Would having multiple providers improve credit score vs just Amex alone ?

 

[levelnine]

Any thoughts on this as an alternative to Hilton Honors as a second GT (to build long term credit score) ?

Would having multiple providers improve credit score vs just Amex alone ?

Definitely wouldn't waste a 5/24 slot on a card that gives you no bonus or ongoing benefits.

Do you know what they mean by showing you your credit score? Because every credit card reports to the credit agencies, and almost all of them provide free credit monitoring services, so if all they're advertising is credit monitoring, they're not offering you anything different from everyone else.

 

[Grrr]

and almost all of them provide free credit monitoring services

I thought Amex stopped showing you fico unless you had an SSN ?

I guess I was looking at it from the view of someone who wouldn’t really use Hilton points, but wants a fee free long term card to build score with (with the aim of getting onto Chase)

 

[levelnine]

I thought Amex stopped showing you fico unless you had an SSN ?

I guess I was looking at it from the view of someone who wouldn’t really use Hilton points, but wants a fee free long term card to build score with (with the aim of getting onto Chase)

Your credit history will still be reported, even if they don't show it on the website. I wouldn't waste an inquiry/slot just to attain a chance that the bank might show you your credit score.

The main thing you need early in your journey is credit history. Whether that comes from 1 or 2 providers doesn't have any bearing on it. You just need to wait.

 

[velli25]

Hi All

I called Chase recon line, they advised to wait for W9 form in the mail for further instruction. What does it mean - do I have any hope? and Should I fill and return W9 form as requested by Chase?

I thought I was on the approval path for Chase but ended up getting declined as they couldn't verify by personal documents. I contacted recon team to see if they could verify on the phone but both times I was told I need to go into branch. Is just going down the route of HUCA until getting another agent?

 

[nthd_nthd]

I thought I was on the approval path for Chase but ended up getting declined as they couldn't verify by personal documents. I contacted recon team to see if they could verify on the phone but both times I was told I need to go into branch. Is just going down the route of HUCA until getting another agent?

I wish I knew the answers. But I tied HUCA 2 times. I already went in branch to open account with them, they rejected me because thin file I guessed

 

[jbmemories]

For future historians (and chasers of US CCs), if you do not have an SSN or have only recently obtained an ITIN, building your portfolio up with AMEX US (personal) cards is highly recommended. The safest option is to apply the 2nd card with your ITIN, wait at least a year after receiving your FICO score (6 months + 12 months) through AMEX, and then start looking at the market for what is available.

If you do have some sort of bank account in the US, it will also help somewhat collate your info (esp if you applied and accepted with your ITIN)! I do not know the requirements of the AMEX Savings account, so there is no DP there. Additionally, around the 12-month mark, you could try looking for offers that are like 'check to see if you're pre-approved' as it will also give some indication of what banks might be willing to take you. But as of writing this post, do not apply for CREDIT ONE cards, which can commonly be mistaken as Capital One's credit cards.