Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Tiki]

Is Chase Sapphire Preferred the card to start on with Chase or is there a lesser card to begin with?

You try to do them when they are at their maximum SUB. The CSP tends to do their annual big SUB around Easter time give or take a couple weeks. Inks seem to be later in the year.

If you can't wait for an increased SUB then go for Inks first as they won't count against your 5/24. But if you are looking for a CSP which is the best all around transferable points personal card with no forex fee, the next 3-4 weeks will be the best time to get one.

 

[Grrr]

You try to do them when they are at their maximum SUB. The CSP tends to do their annual big SUB around Easter time give or take a couple weeks. Inks seem to be later in the year.

If you can't wait for an increased SUB then go for Inks first as they won't count against your 5/24. But if you are looking for a CSP which is the best all around transferable points personal card with no forex fee, the next 3-4 weeks will be the best time to get one.

Does Chase do an eligibility verification without a hard pull ?

 

[http_x92]

For Oneworld carriers it seems to be Avios that is the only program which is a transfer partner for all the major US CC companies. BA and QR teaming up and allowing Avios to be pooled makes it easier.

Seems to work better for direct routes on Oneworld partner airlines. Will look into it more.

 

[Tiki]

Does Chase do an eligibility verification without a hard pull ?

I don't think so. The US blogs are filled with people asking how to keep track of their 5/24 status and if they can get X card after 2 years and such. It's not like Amex where they put you in pop up jail if you aren't eligible.

 

[Tiki]

I’m getting ready to sign up for Tello but I am confused about a couple things. The only thing I want it for is bank text verification codes. I used to use the TextNow app to call the bank when I needed something but I can call from my Aussie number. Can someone please confirm if this is the right plan? And is this the right app? Looks strange to only have 3 ratings? I can use your referral code if it helps. Not sure if I should try to port the old TextNow number which has been cancelled since Nov or start fresh with a new number? Can I use their eSIM on my iPhone 15Plus as secondary to my Aussie Vodafone?

 

[Grrr]

The only thing I want it for is bank text verification codes. I used to use the TextNow app to call the bank when I needed something but I can call from my Aussie number

I use it for both receiving codes and making outgoing calls so it looks like I’m calling from the US

That is the correct plan. I use their website rather than an app (too many pointless apps!)

Up to you whether you want to port or not

I’m on the Telstra network, but Vodafone does support VoWifi, so you’ll have no probs with that setup

My referral code is P3BSR8PP

 

[Tiki]

I use it for both receiving codes and making outgoing calls so it looks like I’m calling from the US

That is the correct plan. I use their website rather than an app (too many pointless apps!)

Up to you whether you want to port or not

I’m on the Telstra network, but Vodafone does support VoWifi, so you’ll have no probs with that setup

My referral code is P3BSR8PP

Thanks, that helps a lot!

 

[georgie23]

I’m getting ready to sign up for Tello but I am confused about a couple things. The only thing I want it for is bank text verification codes. I used to use the TextNow app to call the bank when I needed something but I can call from my Aussie number. Can someone please confirm if this is the right plan? And is this the right app? Looks strange to only have 3 ratings? I can use your referral code if it helps. Not sure if I should try to port the old TextNow number which has been cancelled since Nov or start fresh with a new number? Can I use their eSIM on my iPhone 15Plus as secondary to my Aussie Vodafone?

yes have both lines current on iphone is correct
make sure you set up E911 address (any address works at all) to be able to use wifi calling
will end up with following - mine never shows any bars for U (my US line) but always works - works with mobile data too so not just on wifi

 

[http_x92]

BTW, still have my Textnow subscription and it is still working fine for Amex but have heard issues receiving verification texts from other US banks. Is it still the case?

 

[albyd]

I've been receiving verification texts from other US banks like Chase on my TextNow service. When certain banks send texts while over the phone, they don't work.

BTW I have been trying to open a CIBC checking account for the $200 SUB. They've asked for proof of address such as utility bill. I have my HSBC statement and they said that wasn't sufficient. What else might work?

 

[velli25]

I’m getting ready to sign up for Tello but I am confused about a couple things. The only thing I want it for is bank text verification codes. I used to use the TextNow app to call the bank when I needed something but I can call from my Aussie number. Can someone please confirm if this is the right plan? And is this the right app? Looks strange to only have 3 ratings? I can use your referral code if it helps. Not sure if I should try to port the old TextNow number which has been cancelled since Nov or start fresh with a new number? Can I use their eSIM on my iPhone 15Plus as secondary to my Aussie Vodafone?

I ported my Talkatone number to Tello. Fairly simple process, but I recall needing to reach out to Talkatone team to get some of the port out info codes. That's the correct app but you don't need to use it at all. Just turn on wifi calling and make sure you have an E911 address which you set up when requesting the port in

 

[Tiki]

What is an E911 address? Can I use Planet Express Torrance for it?

 

[georgie23]

Yes it’s just an address where 911 can find you if you call with wifi calling. Need to have one or else wifi calling won’t work
I just picked any address
Planet express is fine

 

[Tiki]

I managed to set up the Tello and "won" $10, thanks Grrr. I can text myself between the two numbers. I kind of like the number they gave me, maybe I won't try to port from TextNow. Should I wait a couple days before adding it to a bank?

 

[Grrr]

Should I wait a couple days before adding it to a bank?

If it's working it's working - go for it I say

 

[Daventry]

I've been receiving verification texts from other US banks like Chase on my TextNow service. When certain banks send texts while over the phone, they don't work.

BTW I have been trying to open a CIBC checking account for the $200 SUB. They've asked for proof of address such as utility bill. I have my HSBC statement and they said that wasn't sufficient. What else might work?

Those texts that sometimes they send during a call don’t work for me even on the $3/month t-mobile plan.
Do we know if these work on Tello? If not I’ll stick to TextNow… when Chase can’t send you such text they just ask you some questions about your credit report to confirm your identity.

Texts to confirm purchases or add your card to Apple Pay work on TextNow

 

[Ko0l]

Do we know if these work on Tello?

Those don't work on Tello either. Tello is basically a T-Mobile Mvno prepaid plan. If it doesn't work on T-Mobile prepaid, it won't work with Tello.

 

[Ko0l]

Just a word of warning, shouldn't spend anything on your foreign visa/mastercard and probably amex as well.

The rate hasn't updated and is still at around 62.5c but the actual AUD/USD rate has crashed to 60.1c.
If you wait until end of today or tomorrow, it should update and the USD amount charged for AUD spend will be a lot lower.

FYI the rate can be found here:

Mastercard Currency Converter | Currency Exchange Rate Calculator

Mastercard currency converter tool calculates foreign exchange rates for all the major currencies worldwide to enable cross-border purchases and ATM transactions.

www.mastercard.us

Currency Converter – Exchange Rate Calculator

Exchange Rates & Currency Conversion Calculator – Use the converter to get an indication of the rate you may receive when using your Visa card. Learn more.

www.visa.com.au

There is an app on play store as well.

Credit Card Exchange Rate – Apps on Google Play

Exchange rate of Visa, MasterCard, JCB, DinersClub and China UnionPay.

play.google.com

 

[georgie23]

Just a word of warning, shouldn't spend anything on your foreign visa/mastercard and probably amex as well.

The rate hasn't updated and is still at around 62.5c but the actual AUD/USD rate has crashed to 60.1c.
If you wait until end of today or tomorrow, it should update and the USD amount for AUD spend will be a lot lower.

FYI the rate can be found here:

Mastercard Currency Converter | Currency Exchange Rate Calculator

Mastercard currency converter tool calculates foreign exchange rates for all the major currencies worldwide to enable cross-border purchases and ATM transactions.

www.mastercard.us

Currency Converter – Exchange Rate Calculator

Exchange Rates & Currency Conversion Calculator – Use the converter to get an indication of the rate you may receive when using your Visa card. Learn more.

www.visa.com.au

There is an app on play store as well.

Credit Card Exchange Rate – Apps on Google Play

Exchange rate of Visa, MasterCard, JCB, DinersClub and China UnionPay.

play.google.com

yes I noticed this on weekend doing some purchases - was caught out as paid a tax bill for family member - I guess hopefully we might win when/if AUD works way back up

 

[http_x92]

Yep got a surprise about the FX rate crashing today, decided to cop it and pay the US Amex bill.

On the other hand, the Qantas FX sale with bonus points looked really good, was over 0.6 USD earlier today and locked it in.