Strategy to obtain US Amex

[prozac]

Ohh I see so I think only the normal route would work then where a SSN/ITIN is required and some credit history in the US.

You will still get to keep the AU cards, been using both and it still works fine.

I don't suppose Ms Prozac having a supp card gives any weight to her application?

 

[levelnine]

I don't suppose Ms Prozac having a supp card gives any weight to her application?

No, but Amex tend to give out cards to anyone with a pulse. So as long as she has a SSN and a state ID, there's a good chance of approval. People going through the GT route do so because they don't have a SSN.

 

[prozac]

No, but Amex tend to give out cards to anyone with a pulse. So as long as she has a SSN and a state ID, there's a good chance of approval. People going through the GT route do so because they don't have a SSN.

SSN?

 

[desafinado74]

SSN?

SSN = Social Social Number.

 

[maverick1]

Hi guys, I applied for my 2nd Amex via the GT route but was told by Amex that we can use the GT only once and any subsequent cards will need FICO score (don't have one yet), form 4506 etc? Is that correct or do I need to try a different agent?

 

[levelnine]

Is that correct or do I need to try a different agent?

It is correct, but if you go back through this thread you'll see some people appear to have gotten a second application through GT.

 

[maverick1]

Question re. 2nd Amex application

I've held the no-fee Amex Hilton card for over 2 years (acquired via Global transfer from Aus) and now have a FICO score of 770. I have a US HSBC premier account for Proof of address but no SSN or ITIN.

As my 2nd card, I'd like to apply for the Amex Gold - ideally via the Resy offer to get 75k (instead of the 60k that I see when being logged in under my Amex account).

Has anyone (without SSN/ITIN) NOT done their 2nd application via GT and been successfully approved? Has anyone used a 3rd party link (such as the Resy one) and been successful, or is GT multiple times the way to go?

Ps. The Resy application when asking for SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER offers one to choose
"I don't have a credit history in the US, but have had a credit card or loan in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria or the United Kingdom. (If you have a Social Security Number, please enter it below.)"

I tried to do exactly this via GT but don't have FICO & ITIN yet. Was told can do GT only once.

 

[dein_gesicht]

I tried to do exactly this via GT but don't have FICO & ITIN yet. Was told can do GT only once.

How long until the FICO score comes up from the 1st Amex card?

 

[Viridis]

Hi guys, I applied for my 2nd Amex via the GT route but was told by Amex that we can use the GT only once and any subsequent cards will need FICO score (don't have one yet), form 4506 etc? Is that correct or do I need to try a different agent?

If you hold more than one Australian Amex card try using the 'other' card for the second GT.

How long until the FICO score comes up from the 1st Amex card?

Mine took 8mths - Jan to Aug last year

 

[maverick1]

I’ve applied through there as well!
Sh studio, let’s hope we can receive our ITIN early.

I'm thinking of applying for ITIN too. How was your experience with SH Studio?
Is it possible to get the ITIN mailed to Aus or Do I used Myus address, if so will they be able to receive it as I imagine this will come as a letter? SH Studio is offering a US address for A$75.
The fee on the Fiverr page is A$398. How much is everyone usually paying for ITIN?
Any other reccos? Saw Sunkap being mentioned a few times in older posts.

Post automatically merged: Feb 16, 2023

If you hold more than one Australian Amex card try using the 'other' card for the second GT.

Ah right. no currently just have one AU Amex, but thanks for suggesting this route..

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I would not attempt to apply for a second amex card without a FICO score. Just be patient and wait.

You can try the Frugal Flyer website they have a DIY. EIN Express is an option as well. We won't know about fiverr until we actually get an outcome.

 

[maverick1]

I would not attempt to apply for a second amex card without a FICO score. Just be patient and wait.

You can try the Frugal Flyer website they have a DIY. EIN Express is an option as well. We won't know about fiverr until we actually get an outcome.

Thanks mate. Just emailed Frugal Flyer team, seems they cater to non Canadian residents.
Edit - just read, they just prepare the application on our behalf. Individuals are responsible for sending their own applications to IRS.

 

[cathalm8]

I tried to do exactly this via GT but don't have FICO & ITIN yet. Was told can do GT only once.

Hey what is the GT route?

 

[Viridis]

Hey what is the GT route?

Global Transfer - it’s where you tell Amex (via an online form) that you’re moving to another country (in the case of this 216 page thread, the U.S.) and they use your existing credit rating to issue you a new card for the country that you’re moving to (in this case, a US Amex). This is mostly because the benefits and bonus points tend to exceed those of Aussie cards and for the serious card warriors (not me) you can churn more quickly or have multiple cards.

It’s relatively straight forward if your needs are relatively straight forward. The 216 pages reflects a few tangents being pursued

Set aside an hour or two and scan the thread; most of your questions will be answered by people that have gone through the process before you.

 

[kyanar]

Thanks mate. Just emailed Frugal Flyer team, seems they cater to non Canadian residents.
Edit - just read, they just prepare the application on our behalf. Individuals are responsible for sending their own applications to IRS.

It's pretty normal you have to submit the application yourself - only US Chartered Accountants registered as agents with the IRS can file for you - I once paid $350USD to one such agent, but the IRS ultimately rejected the application on the basis that as an Australian, I can take advantage of DTAs without needing to supply an ITIN.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

It's pretty normal you have to submit the application yourself - only US Chartered Accountants registered as agents with the IRS can file for you - I once paid $350USD to one such agent, but the IRS ultimately rejected the application on the basis that as an Australian, I can take advantage of DTAs without needing to supply an ITIN.

Did you ever end up trying to get an ITIN again? I've heard stories of people being rejected. Did you apply in Australia?

 

[kyanar]

Did you ever end up trying to get an ITIN again? I've heard stories of people being rejected. Did you apply in Australia?

Applied with an (IRS recognised) tax agent who met at a local coffee shop in Brisbane. Never bothered again, it's just too much effort for too little benefit.

 

[maverick1]

Applied with an (IRS recognised) tax agent who met at a local coffee shop in Brisbane. Never bothered again, it's just too much effort for too little benefit.

Just curious on the little benefit part - doesn't having an ITIN or SSN open up opportunities to apply for more cards from US issuers?

 

[maverick1]

It's pretty normal you have to submit the application yourself - only US Chartered Accountants registered as agents with the IRS can file for you - I once paid $350USD to one such agent, but the IRS ultimately rejected the application on the basis that as an Australian, I can take advantage of DTAs without needing to supply an ITIN.

Yeah. I get that part. I was of the impression that they are registered as accepting agent or certified accepting agent. It seems this can be DIY'd too. Passport can be sent to US consulate to get a certified copy for US$50 + W7+1040NR. But personally to play it safe I'll probably go via CAA route.

 

[dein_gesicht]

Applied with an (IRS recognised) tax agent who met at a local coffee shop in Brisbane. Never bothered again, it's just too much effort for too little benefit.

I also contacted a local agent - they said don't bother.

However, many agents online will get you the ITIN as they might be a little more creative in their application. I only had application submitted a couple of weeks ago (it will take 16 weeks) through Fiverr. DM if you want the actual agent I used