Strategy to obtain US Amex

[N0mad]

Oh i see ! Thanks for replying. Did P2 apply via the HSBC USA site or the Australian site ?

USA site

 

[ithongy]

So I had to wait til midnight Sydney time to call them (8 am Eastern time)...got through and the agent said he couldn't see an issue with the application but he needed the Global Transfer team to push it through but they only opened an hour later...called back at 1am Sydney time and whilst I was on hold, the Global team approved it with a ridiculously high credit limit (I guess I can reduce it later). The only Qs I got asked were my year of birth, and to confirm my US address (relative's) and to confirm the spelling of my name.

Despite opening an US HSBC Premium account, and waiting a month to get a statement with my US address on it, I never got asked to provide evidence of a US address or for that matter my US phone number (only created a few hours ago) so just a FYI...

Q is do I keep my HSBC acct open? I can always use my Amex statement with US address I guess if I ever apply for another card.

I want to thank the many posters here who have given advice on this thread as I would have had no idea how to get a US Amex credit card!

Do not reduce the credit limit as it's getting harder to get these days. If you apply for another Amex card you can shuffle the limits to the other card. This will also keep your credit utilization low to get a good credit score.

 

[snabbu]

One interesting DP - I had used a US VPN when signing up for the card and then when getting online access with the C1 app.

However it wouldn’t let me activate the card when the VPN was active (asked me to call a number ‘for my security’), and I noticed that it sent a 2FA code every time I logged in.

After using their IVR to activate the card instead, I ditched the VPN and noticed that the app no longer asks me for 2FA.

So they are clearly sensitive to VPNs - but don’t mind me logging in via an Australian IP address !

Yep C1 have not liked VPN's for at least a couple of years IME.

 

[nthd_nthd]

Do not reduce the credit limit as it's getting harder to get these days. If you apply for another Amex card you can shuffle the limits to the other card. This will also keep your credit utilization low to get a good credit score.

Wow. I was wondering where the person initiated this post disappeared to!!!! Welcome back

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Wow. I was wondering where the person initiated this post disappeared to!!!! Welcome back

Always lurking sprinkling their wisdom

 

[djchuckles]

I think we all owe that person a beer (or ten!)

 

[djchuckles]

Have just realised I know ithongy indirectly from a few other facebook groups! The world is very small - hope you’re doing ok out in LA!

 

[QF_Flyer]

To those of you who have applied and got the HSBC USA Premier account, how did you all bypass the part where you have to submit documents to prove that you have a property in the US, student / work visa etc ?

I wasn't asked for anything

 

[ithongy]

Updated Strategy for Obtaining US Credit Cards (2025).


What’s the deal with obtaining US credit cards?

• Lucrative Offers: The US market often has some of the best sign-up bonuses and rewards programs around. Compared to what's available in Australia, the deals can be significantly more attractive.
• Variety and Flexibility: There's a huge variety of credit cards in the US tailored to different needs, whether it's travel rewards, or points systems and other benefits.

Of course, your experience might vary, and what works for one person might not work for another. But if you're considering dipping your toes into the US credit card market, the potential rewards could be worth looking into.


How to Obtain US personal credit cards?


American Express

• Global Transfer: If you have a solid credit history in Australia, you can apply for a US Amex card through a "Global Transfer".
• Signup Bonuses: Unlike in Australia where you get one lifetime signup bonus, in the US, you can receive a signup bonus for each Amex card once in your lifetime.

Bank of America:

Building Credit with a Secured Card

• Secured Credit Card: You can start building your credit score by getting a secured credit card.
• Requirements: Visit a bank branch with valid IDs like a passport and driver's license.
• Security Deposit: An upfront deposit is required, e.g., $250, which also sets your initial credit limit at $250.
• Credit Building: Over time, responsible use of this card can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Credit Card Applications Without SSN

• Identification Needed: U.S. credit card applications generally require an SSN, ITIN, or EIN.
• ITIN and EIN Setup: You'll need assistance from someone with an account to get an ITIN or EIN. ITIN holders must file U.S. tax returns annually.
• Banking Access: An ITIN allows for personal banking accounts, while an EIN is used for business accounts, enabling account opening in the U.S. without an SSN.

Chase:

• Unofficial 5/24 Rule: If you've been issued 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months, you'll be declined for a new Chase credit card, regardless of your credit score.
• Chase Business Cards: These are subject to the 5/24 rule, but applying for them doesn't count towards your 5/24 count. For example, you can have 4 cards, get a Chase Ink Cash card, and three months later apply for a Chase Ink Unlimited without moving to 5/24.
• Strategy: Many aim to apply for Chase cards first due to their excellent offerings before acquiring other credit cards to avoid hitting the 5/24 limit.

Capitol One:


They are extremely conservative and ensure you have a good credit score prior to applying for any of their credit cards.


Citi, Barclays, HSBC and other issuers I do not have any experience with obtaining those cards but would assume with EIN and or ITIN you should be able to apply for them.


How to build credit score:

• Spending to Build Credit: You need to use your credit cards to build a credit history.
• Credit Utilization: Maintain a utilization rate below 30%. For instance, with a $15,000 limit, a $1,000 balance is about 6.67% utilization.
• Payment Responsibility: Paying off your balance monthly shows banks that you manage credit responsibly. Hence you want a US bank account for convenience.

What will lower credit score:

• Opening Too Many Accounts: This can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score. It might also be seen as a sign of credit-seeking behavior, which isn't favorable.
• Closing Aging Credit Cards: Old accounts contribute to a longer credit history, which is beneficial for your credit score. Closing them can decrease your available credit, increasing your credit utilization ratio, and shorten your average account age, both of which can negatively impact your score.

Do the opposite of how to build credit score also impact your credit worthiness.


Personal Opinions on Credit Management

• Due Diligence: The advice given is opinion-based; everyone should research thoroughly before making long-term credit decisions.
• Responsibility: You're responsible for your choices in credit management.
• Credit Distribution: If you receive a significant credit increase from issuers like Chase, it's better to spread that credit across your cards rather than reducing limits on any one card.

 

[Grrr]

Updated Strategy for Obtaining US Credit Cards (2025).


What’s the deal with obtaining US credit cards?

• Lucrative Offers: The US market often has some of the best sign-up bonuses and rewards programs around. Compared to what's available in Australia, the deals can be significantly more attractive.
• Variety and Flexibility: There's a huge variety of credit cards in the US tailored to different needs, whether it's travel rewards, or points systems and other benefits.

Of course, your experience might vary, and what works for one person might not work for another. But if you're considering dipping your toes into the US credit card market, the potential rewards could be worth looking into.


How to Obtain US personal credit cards?


American Express

• Global Transfer: If you have a solid credit history in Australia, you can apply for a US Amex card through a "Global Transfer".
• Signup Bonuses: Unlike in Australia where you get one lifetime signup bonus, in the US, you can receive a signup bonus for each Amex card once in your lifetime.

Bank of America:

Building Credit with a Secured Card

• Secured Credit Card: You can start building your credit score by getting a secured credit card.
• Requirements: Visit a bank branch with valid IDs like a passport and driver's license.
• Security Deposit: An upfront deposit is required, e.g., $250, which also sets your initial credit limit at $250.
• Credit Building: Over time, responsible use of this card can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Credit Card Applications Without SSN

• Identification Needed: U.S. credit card applications generally require an SSN, ITIN, or EIN.
• ITIN and EIN Setup: You'll need assistance from someone with an account to get an ITIN or EIN. ITIN holders must file U.S. tax returns annually.
• Banking Access: An ITIN allows for personal banking accounts, while an EIN is used for business accounts, enabling account opening in the U.S. without an SSN.

Chase:

• Unofficial 5/24 Rule: If you've been issued 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months, you'll be declined for a new Chase credit card, regardless of your credit score.
• Chase Business Cards: These are subject to the 5/24 rule, but applying for them doesn't count towards your 5/24 count. For example, you can have 4 cards, get a Chase Ink Cash card, and three months later apply for a Chase Ink Unlimited without moving to 5/24.
• Strategy: Many aim to apply for Chase cards first due to their excellent offerings before acquiring other credit cards to avoid hitting the 5/24 limit.

Capitol One:


They are extremely conservative and ensure you have a good credit score prior to applying for any of their credit cards.


Citi, Barclays, HSBC and other issuers I do not have any experience with obtaining those cards but would assume with EIN and or ITIN you should be able to apply for them.


How to build credit score:

• Spending to Build Credit: You need to use your credit cards to build a credit history.
• Credit Utilization: Maintain a utilization rate below 30%. For instance, with a $15,000 limit, a $1,000 balance is about 6.67% utilization.
• Payment Responsibility: Paying off your balance monthly shows banks that you manage credit responsibly. Hence you want a US bank account for convenience.

What will lower credit score:

• Opening Too Many Accounts: This can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score. It might also be seen as a sign of credit-seeking behavior, which isn't favorable.
• Closing Aging Credit Cards: Old accounts contribute to a longer credit history, which is beneficial for your credit score. Closing them can decrease your available credit, increasing your credit utilization ratio, and shorten your average account age, both of which can negatively impact your score.

Do the opposite of how to build credit score also impact your credit worthiness.


Personal Opinions on Credit Management

• Due Diligence: The advice given is opinion-based; everyone should research thoroughly before making long-term credit decisions.
• Responsibility: You're responsible for your choices in credit management.
• Credit Distribution: If you receive a significant credit increase from issuers like Chase, it's better to spread that credit across your cards rather than reducing limits on any one card.

What happened to the First Rule of Fight Club ?!