Strategy to obtain US Amex

[blacksultan]

I like the ability to spread a large purchase across multiple cards. Could help with SUB spend

Need a US id as it has to match country of residence . Or can one use an Oz address?

 

[nthd_nthd]

I like the ability to spread a large purchase across multiple cards. Could help with SUB spend

Interesting. I would like to know what benefits they getting from this though.

 

[Tiki]

Might have to stop using TextNow and use T-Mobile from now on.

Keen to hear about anyone else's experiences here on how to proceed from here. TIA.

TextNow seems to be quietly dropping anyone who is overseas. I rarely use it, only for the rare call to a bank when an application is pending. I never would have known except I was getting popups from the app for a Black Friday special when I had already paid for a year. I opened the app and wasn't able to call out or receive a call from my Aussie phone.

 

[bluecoconut]

Has anyone managed to get a Charles Schwab checking account from Australia? I was hoping to get one for the visa card with ATM rebates

I tried to get one through international investor and got back a response that residents of Australia are not eligible for payment features on the Schwab One international account. Looks like maybe I should retry once I've got a proof of address in the US and an ITIN

 

[petef]

Has anyone managed to get a Charles Schwab checking account from Australia? I was hoping to get one for the visa card with ATM rebates

I tried to get one through international investor and got back a response that residents of Australia are not eligible for payment features on the Schwab One international account. Looks like maybe I should retry once I've got a proof of address in the US and an ITIN

While it doesn't have all the benefits of the Schwab One account you can open a Schwab brokerage account which comes with a Visa Debit card that refunds ATM fees. https://international.schwab.com/brokerage-account

 

[djchuckles]

Might be of interest to some of you :

point.me for American Express Membership Rewards® points | point.me

Get limited complimentary point.me access for Amex cardholders. Find the best award flights with eligible airline loyalty programs through your Membership Rewards® account.

amex.point.me

 

[levelnine]

Might be of interest to some of you :

point.me for American Express Membership Rewards® points | point.me

Get limited complimentary point.me access for Amex cardholders. Find the best award flights with eligible airline loyalty programs through your Membership Rewards® account.

amex.point.me

It is the worst of the points searching tools ime. So very slow. I'd use seats.aero & pointsyeah above that.

 

[levelnine]

have cancelled my internet banking - looking for ID verification - no longer works on website or the iPhone app - wants to re-cite my ID - wants to scan both sides - how do we do this if I'm trying to scan my AU passport?

In these sorts of sticky situations, you have to get on the phone and use your soft skills to try to get yourself to a good outcome. Have a plausible explanation for why you don't have a US ID & can't visit a branch in the near future to ID (Australian working between the countries and on assignment back home in Australia for a while) and see where it takes you. You may get passed around between reps. You may need to HUACA. There's no guide book to these scenarios as each one is unique. If you get the right phone rep and you get them on your side, they can generally work something out for you — they often have a lot of discretion to make things work, far more than their banking counterparts in Australia.

But yes, it's a good idea to drop Textnow — they've gone to the dogs.

 

[desafinado74]

I just wanted to provide an update on my experience and seek some advice.

Appears that:

• Chase:
  • have cancelled my internet banking - looking for ID verification - no longer works on website or the iPhone app - wants to re-cite my ID - wants to scan both sides - how do we do this if I'm trying to scan my AU passport?
  • Have approved me over the phone for CSP with a respectable CL. The agent who approved me (after I HUACA with a previous agent who couldn't send my verification text to TextNow when the automated texts have been getting through and asked some questions to which the answer was "no" to all) suggested I wait until I get my CSP - suggested I'd also receive a welcome email in a few minutes - been a few hours and nothing for a few hours now.
  • My deposit of $US500+ to trigger the activation credit for my new checking account showed up - I could see it before my online access was revoked.

My Question:
How do I proceed from here? I'm back in AU so don't want to go to a branch again. I don't want to inadvertently alert them to my location in AU either.

I'm thinking I'll need to suck it up and wait it out then try to register my CSP card if it arrives and hopefully then marry up my checking account with it in the process. I have hurt money in my checking account which I can't access plus I might have gotten approved for my card (the second agent asked me some security questions to which the answers were all "no" when the text couldn't be sent).

• Citi:
  • I've funded my new checking account and am trying to register it for online banking (to which I'll have to re-register my Citi CC as I can't do it the other way I'm told). It's trying to text and call TextNow with a verification code. I've previously been getting the call back with the verification codes from Citi. Neither text or call back is working.

Question:
How do I proceed here given that I've transferred nearly $US4K so it's a bit of $$ in $A - was meant to pay off my US CC's from this trip. Thought I'd kill two birds with one stone.

Might have to stop using TextNow and use T-Mobile from now on.

Keen to hear about anyone else's experiences here on how to proceed from here. TIA.

Did you use a VPN when accessing the Chase site while back in Australia?

And did you log into both the Chase and Citi sites while in the US ?

I think,( And this is for people who are planning to open checking accounts while in the US) it is better to set up and log into your American banking sites while in the US, just to make sure that everything is running well. If there is a problem, at least you can go into a branch and sort it out.

And also, while opening your checking account in a branch, apply for your desired credit card at the same time.
Usually the process is quicker and smoother, and the SUB could be bigger too if applied in a branch.

Anyway, I hope everything will get sorted out. Please keep us updated.

 

[albyd]

Did you use a VPN when accessing the Chase site while back in Australia?

And did you log into both the Chase and Citi sites while in the US ?

I think,( And this is for people who are planning to open checking accounts while in the US) it is better to set up and log into your American banking sites while in the US, just to make sure that everything is running well. If there is a problem, at least you can go into a branch and sort it out.

And also, while opening your checking account in a branch, apply for your desired credit card at the same time.
Usually the process is quicker and smoother, and the SUB could be bigger too if applied in a branch.

Anyway, I hope everything will get sorted out. Please keep us updated.

Hi, thanks for the heads up.

I logged in when physically in the US (in fact, the banker at the Chase branch insisted on it while he was looking over my shoulder so he could attend to any challenges I had on the spot which I thought was nice) and have been using a VPN with US setting to log in while in AU - that includes with my mobile.

I was getting the verification texts coming through on TextNow so didn't think anything of it. I was using one eSIM slot for my Telstra mobile and one for a local US mobile service which was providing mobile data for Telstra to piggy back on) so couldn't turn on my T-Mobile Service as have moved it to eSIM (might move it back to physical SIM and change my US banking numbers to that service - I think it might be more reliable than a virtual number service - looks like the Chase staff in the call center are using a different system to the verification texts which came through fine on TextNow). I'd moved T-Mobile to eSIM so I could use my AU VMNO in the physical SIM slot as the mobile carrier hasn't enabled eSIM for that MVNO yet.

I agree with your assertion that the SUB's could be larger if apply in branch. The CSP is 70K points from memory vs 60K points if apply on the site.

I thought doing it this way all in the branch, I'd get someone to advocate for me which he sort of has and there'd be a lesser chance of it tripping Fraud system. I think with many of these cards, they can be added to ApplePay straight away on approval which would mean I could get a start on SUB spend with some charges in the US rather than charges solely in AU which might not go down as well. I think I will wait for the card to show up in the mail before I do anything further here. Just need the Citi situation to resolve itself as had earmarked that money to pay for this month's US Amex card spend.

 

[desafinado74]

Hi, thanks for the heads up.

I logged in when physically in the US (in fact, the banker at the Chase branch insisted on it while he was looking over my shoulder so he could attend to any challenges I had on the spot which I thought was nice) and have been using a VPN with US setting to log in while in AU - that includes with my mobile.

I was getting the verification texts coming through on TextNow so didn't think anything of it. I was using one eSIM slot for my Telstra mobile and one for a local US mobile service which was providing mobile data for Telstra to piggy back on) so couldn't turn on my T-Mobile Service as have moved it to eSIM (might move it back to physical SIM and change my US banking numbers to that service - I think it might be more reliable than a virtual number service - looks like the Chase staff in the call center are using a different system to the verification texts which came through fine on TextNow). I'd moved T-Mobile to eSIM so I could use my AU VMNO in the physical SIM slot as the mobile carrier hasn't enabled eSIM for that MVNO yet.

I agree with your assertion that the SUB's could be larger if apply in branch. The CSP is 70K points from memory vs 60K points if apply on the site.

I thought doing it this way all in the branch, I'd get someone to advocate for me which he sort of has and there'd be a lesser chance of it tripping Fraud system. I think with many of these cards, they can be added to ApplePay straight away on approval which would mean I could get a start on SUB spend with some charges in the US rather than charges solely in AU which might not go down as well. I think I will wait for the card to show up in the mail before I do anything further here. Just need the Citi situation to resolve itself as had earmarked that money to pay for this month's US Amex card spend.

I think the VPN usage may have triggered the Chase fraud system. Unfortunately American banks are very sensitive with VPN usage etc.

I also hope that Citi won't give you big headaches. i have read many horror stories of Citi from Americans, with regards to Citi's sensitive fraud system (ie Being suddenly locked out of accounts etc)

 

[big_RED]

I couldn't see an answer to my below question when searching this thread so hoping someone can provide some guidance/realities for me please.

Now that Qantas has devalued their their rewards program, I am wondering if getting a US Amex to align to a US airline (as this is the main destination I fly to) would be wise.

My only real concern is paying off the US Amex and requiring USD to do so. I have a Wise account, so doing the actual payment isn't the issue. I'm more so curious about the FX rate (e.g. buying something for $1,000 AUD, but it appearing on the Amex as $700 USD) and then needing to convert the and AUD to USD in Wise and those conversion fees etc.

Are you spending a lot on AUD to USD conversion fees as well as some fluctuations in the AUD to USD dollar and losing out there as well?

 

[georgie23]

I couldn't see an answer to my below question when searching this thread so hoping someone can provide some guidance/realities for me please.

Now that Qantas has devalued their their rewards program, I am wondering if getting a US Amex to align to a US airline (as this is the main destination I fly to) would be wise.

My only real concern is paying off the US Amex and requiring USD to do so. I have a Wise account, so doing the actual payment isn't the issue. I'm more so curious about the FX rate (e.g. buying something for $1,000 AUD, but it appearing on the Amex as $700 USD) and then needing to convert the and AUD to USD in Wise and those conversion fees etc.

Are you spending a lot on AUD to USD conversion fees as well as some fluctuations in the AUD to USD dollar and losing out there as well?

I have tried multiple sources to convert and Wise is the simplest and easiest without stress. I figure FX is just the price of doing business for having your cards in US - in the long run - 5-10 years it will all even out - you will win some and lose some but will be even in end. What is definitely true is that you will have so many more opportunities to use your actual points

PS I have found the cheapest way to convert AUD to USD is to send to Wise in AUD (PayID is free) convert to USD and then ACH pull the USD from my Wise to my US Amex checking account - be careful HSBC will BLOCK your account if you try and do this as they dont consider the Wise account an account in your name. This way you only pay a conversion fee from AU to US and not a transfer fee as the transfer via ACH is free. I have an oder Wise account where my US account details state my name and located at Community Federal Savings Bank - my P2 has a newer Wise and they state that Wise is the account holder - don't think you can use this technique with those newer accounts. The other advantage of this is that it that the currency fee is % based so can do multiple smaller amounts without penalty multiple times a day if you want to. You can also link your Wise account to Amex to pay directly - I just don't like leaving 10 to 15K USD in a Wise account - I see it as a transfer system only - seem to be people that get locked out of wise/revolut all the time so feel better just transferring and leaving in US account if have larger amounts

eg Conversion 1000 AUD to USD - fee is $3.69 AUD vs 9.69 AUD if you send via Wise to US bank account

 

[djchuckles]

I couldn't see an answer to my below question when searching this thread so hoping someone can provide some guidance/realities for me please.

Now that Qantas has devalued their their rewards program, I am wondering if getting a US Amex to align to a US airline (as this is the main destination I fly to) would be wise.

My only real concern is paying off the US Amex and requiring USD to do so. I have a Wise account, so doing the actual payment isn't the issue. I'm more so curious about the FX rate (e.g. buying something for $1,000 AUD, but it appearing on the Amex as $700 USD) and then needing to convert the and AUD to USD in Wise and those conversion fees etc.

Are you spending a lot on AUD to USD conversion fees as well as some fluctuations in the AUD to USD dollar and losing out there as well?

Wise rates are good. And if you’re abut the forex movements then transfer money to wise usd every time you purchase. Then keep it there until you need to pay the card bill

 

[bluecoconut]

While it doesn't have all the benefits of the Schwab One account you can open a Schwab brokerage account which comes with a Visa Debit card that refunds ATM fees. https://international.schwab.com/brokerage-account

This is the account I opened, I'm just trying to work out how to add the Visa Card to it. I'm not sure if I filled out the wrong form (I haven't been able to work out what the difference between the Schwab One and the standard international brokerage account is)

Do you know if the Visa card get sent out automatically after you sign up?

 

[albyd]

I think the VPN usage may have triggered the Chase fraud system. Unfortunately American banks are very sensitive with VPN usage etc.

I also hope that Citi won't give you big headaches. i have read many horror stories of Citi from Americans, with regards to Citi's sensitive fraud system (ie Being suddenly locked out of accounts etc)

Thanks for the heads up. Haven't had this issue with VPN usage with AMEX and Citi so far. Hoping I can get online access to the Citi account.

I agree, the Chase will need more of my soft skills. I'm thinking wither I wait for the new CSP (for which I haven't yet received an approval email) and activate it then try again with online banking and mobile banking) or call the banker who helped me at the Branch since my CSP got approved in a few days - he's given me his card with his work number. I don't want to give the game away so will call him as a last resort I think.

Sounds like I need to just use my AU internet connection with no VPN (seems to be the case with Chase is that right?) and just tell them I'm transitioning to work in the US and I'm currently in AU to sort out my affairs.

 

[big_RED]

I have tried multiple sources to convert and Wise is the simplest and easiest without stress

Ok this is great! I already have the US Bonvoy Amex which I use when travelling due to the $0 FX fee on the card. So I already use Wise to do all the AUD to USD conversions - and then pay directly from Wise to Amex, but this new strategy of mine would see much more spending going through a card. So it's really just the Wise fees and fluctuating FX rate I'm wondering about.

I've just done a quick quote in Wise and to convert $100,000 AUD to USD it's "only" $308. $200,000 AUD to USD to $577 so obviously the more you convert at once the better the rate they charge. But appreciate your point re security and getting locked out.

Wise rates are good. And if you’re abut the forex movements then transfer money to wise usd every time you purchase. Then keep it there until you need to pay the card bill

Not a bad idea. Obviously a time intensive task for every single transaction. But I get what you're saying.

Last question: what US Amex is everyone using? I've just realised they don't do an American Airlines credit card. Only Delta.

 

[djchuckles]

I’m still early in the game but have Amex Gold, Hilton Surpass and Hilton Aspire.

 

[timmy1234]

Thanks for this post. I was considering culling my Business Plat as the AF is quite steep but might hold onto it now - didn’t realize it had this benefit. I imagine finding award availability might give the best outsized value outcome. This is a nice alternative otherwise.

Has anyone tried to use the Adobe credit for instance? I have an Acrobat annual subscription but paid for it with my Aussie CC but this would reduce it from an eye watering $A383 to something closer to $A133. Do you use it as payment method for your AU subscription or do you need to change to a US based subscription to trigger the rebate?

You need to get the teams ver of Adobe from the US site. If you use it for work/biz you can claim a tax deduction. I think Rakuten had a 10 or 15% off during black friday. The adobe for teams is not an individual license but a team license meaning if you have more than 1 ABP, it adds more users to the same account and you can assign to others in family or team member and the second license will be co-termed (same renewal date with the first license) so the second purchase would be cheaper.

 

[Voele]

I have tried multiple sources to convert and Wise is the simplest and easiest without stress. I figure FX is just the price of doing business for having your cards in US - in the long run - 5-10 years it will all even out - you will win some and lose some but will be even in end. What is definitely true is that you will have so many more opportunities to use your actual points

PS I have found the cheapest way to convert AUD to USD is to send to Wise in AUD (PayID is free) convert to USD and then ACH pull the USD from my Wise to my US Amex checking account - be careful HSBC will BLOCK your account if you try and do this as they dont consider the Wise account an account in your name. This way you only pay a conversion fee from AU to US and not a transfer fee as the transfer via ACH is free. I have an oder Wise account where my US account details state my name and located at Community Federal Savings Bank - my P2 has a newer Wise and they state that Wise is the account holder - don't think you can use this technique with those newer accounts. The other advantage of this is that it that the currency fee is % based so can do multiple smaller amounts without penalty multiple times a day if you want to. You can also link your Wise account to Amex to pay directly - I just don't like leaving 10 to 15K USD in a Wise account - I see it as a transfer system only - seem to be people that get locked out of wise/revolut all the time so feel better just transferring and leaving in US account if have larger amounts

eg Conversion 1000 AUD to USD - fee is $3.69 AUD vs 9.69 AUD if you send via Wise to US bank account

Didn't know about the ACH pull. I have an old US Wise account on my name. Might give this a try!

For larger transfers you're better of using interactive brokers (US$ 2 fee for up to US$ 90k usd). But for smaller transfers its not that big of a differrence ($3.69 aud on Wise vs $3.20 aud on interactive for AUD 1000 transfer).

The problem with the IBKR transfer is that it takes 4 business days to get your money from AU to US.