Strategy to obtain US Amex

[metaphase]

I've not managed to anywhere to give me a credit report so far!

 

[AppleJune]

Would there be a problem if I started putting high spends on my brand new HSBC credit card?

Also you mentioned you noticed HSBC pull soft checks, how do you check this? Which sites have you signed up for to see your credit history?

For HSBC, I maxed the card 2 3 cycle (10K each time) at when I first got it at the start so it should be ok

equifax - google “equifax register ITIN reddit” the first 2 link should provide some guidance

 

[GerrardGerrard]

For HSBC, I maxed the card 2 3 cycle (10K each time) at when I first got it at the start so it should be ok

equifax - google “equifax register ITIN reddit” the first 2 link should provide some guidance

I got given a $5k limit, do you think if I am maxing out and paying off in full each month they will increase my limit to a good level? I assume its a 6 month wait from opening to ask for an increase?

Is there any point asking them by calling up to see if they could increase it right away?

And thanks I will google that. I'm just in the process of finding a CAA in the UK to do my ITIN application

 

[AppleJune]

I got given a $5k limit, do you think if I am maxing out and paying off in full each month they will increase my limit to a good level? I assume its a 6 month wait from opening to ask for an increase?

Is there any point asking them by calling up to see if they could increase it right away?

And thanks I will google that. I'm just in the process of finding a CAA in the UK to do my ITIN application

They never offer me CL increases and I never ask for them so I’m not sure. I max out my card but pay it off before the statement issue date and stop using it to avoid getting marked as credit cycling. However, you could try calling them. I got a $12,500 limit but I use around $10,000 and $11,000 each in the first few months.

I’m in Australia but I use a random CAA in Bangladesh I found listed on the IRS website because their prices are cheaper than others. I managed to get ITIN for both my partner and I without any issues.

 

[cathalm8]

You have to call Chase. You can get the application status (including application number) on the app if you already have Chase accounts.

I called them up and they sent me the link. However when i click the link it asks me for last 4 digits of SSN but then tells me the digits are incorrect. The particular chase agent wasn't much use over the phone at the time.

EDIT: got it to work, think because i was signed in already it wasnt working or something

 

[N0mad]

Ah yes. In that context then it's poor value. Good for those FXing as they spend. Great time for those who are hitting subs through AUD spend though.

this and the higher AUD means greater regular points earn as well. May want to consider hedging every now and then if you are putting large AUD purchases on the card or you can risk fx losses if the AUD drops.

 

[http_x92]

Gotta say, the HSBC Priority Pass benefit is very useful. The Kyra Lounge in HK and the Matina Lounge in Incheon were pretty good. Plenty of food to choose from.

Now going to try it out in Jetstar terminals where there are PP restauraunts (Syd T2, Mel T4). That means no need to buy food on Jetstar flights.

 

[sudoer]

Now going to try it out in Jetstar terminals where there are PP restauraunts (Syd T2, Mel T4). That means no need to buy food on Jetstar flights.

Bring 2 guests to Stomping Ground, grab 4 x 4-packs of beer takeaway or some clothing (yes serious), then get lunch at Biggie Smalls....

Pro trip: SG is pretty lax when it comes to checking BPs, you can point at two randoms sitting at a table across the venue, or say your guests are using the bathroom etc.

 

[AppleJune]

Does anyone here have an NFCU membership?

 

[Tiki]

Chase Aeroplan HAD been on my list until they "refreshed" it.

Chase Aeroplan Card Refresh: 115,000 Points Bonus, $195 Annual Fee, Keeps PYB, Adds Air Canada Benefits

Chase refreshed today the Aeroplan card, as expected. The new card increases the signup bonus to 115,000 points (from 100,000), increases the annual fee to $195 (from $95), maintains the Pay Yourself…

www.doctorofcredit.com

Annual fee doubled, need to spend $20,000 USD for full 115k in a year and grocery/gas categories down to 2x. I had a quick look at my future redemption wish list, J between BNE and YVR is 265k minimum for AC direct but they try to sneak in mixed cabin on UA via SFO for 96k but only SFO-YVR in J. TK is non-existent, a smattering of SQ but there are easier ways to book SQ. Is there any value left in this program, especially for Aussies?

In other news, still waiting for the verification letter from Citi to show up at Torrance, mailed 4 Sept.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Chase Aeroplan HAD been on my list until they "refreshed" it.

Chase Aeroplan Card Refresh: 115,000 Points Bonus, $195 Annual Fee, Keeps PYB, Adds Air Canada Benefits

Chase refreshed today the Aeroplan card, as expected. The new card increases the signup bonus to 115,000 points (from 100,000), increases the annual fee to $195 (from $95), maintains the Pay Yourself…

www.doctorofcredit.com

Annual fee doubled, need to spend $20,000 USD for full 115k in a year and grocery/gas categories down to 2x. I had a quick look at my future redemption wish list, J between BNE and YVR is 265k minimum for AC direct but they try to sneak in mixed cabin on UA via SFO for 96k but only SFO-YVR in J. TK is non-existent, a smattering of SQ but there are easier ways to book SQ. Is there any value left in this program, especially for Aussies?

In other news, still waiting for the verification letter from Citi to show up at Torrance, mailed 4 Sept.

I was thinking the same thing but a few things keep me interested.

25K could be helpful with the Hyatt partnership though. PYB could also work with 1.25c per point (assuming it continues) and 3x travel spend could be lucrative.

So for travel spend, you could get 3.75% cashback.

 

[nj12]

Just got approved for my first Citi Card (Strata Premier). Surprisingly easy process after being rejected 12 months ago. Can Citi expedite the card to Aus like Chase and Amex? Any DP's on success with this?

 

[blacksultan]

Just got approved for my first Citi Card (Strata Premier). Surprisingly easy process after being rejected 12 months ago. Can Citi expedite the card to Aus like Chase and Amex? Any DP's on success with this?

Be careful . Leave alone having a card sent to oz on approval . Citi is known to close your account if u have a non US address .

 

[DC3]

Just got approved for my first Citi Card (Strata Premier). Surprisingly easy process after being rejected 12 months ago. Can Citi expedite the card to Aus like Chase and Amex? Any DP's on success with this?

 

[DAC1]

Is there any value left in this program, especially for Aussies?

I view Aeroplan in a similar way to you but if it has any perks, it does have expanded SQ availability compared to most *A partners (although not as good as KrisFlyer itself). Just booked SYD-LGW on SQ J for 130k Aeroplan miles last week.

I booked that because I had 60k stranded in Aeroplan I wanted to diminish. Transferred the rest in from US MR.

 

[Tiki]

Just got approved for my first Citi Card (Strata Premier). Surprisingly easy process after being rejected 12 months ago. Can Citi expedite the card to Aus like Chase and Amex? Any DP's on success with this?

Did you use a vpn? I didn't and even though I applied from my Citi online banking with most of the app prefilled, they still didn't like something so I have to wait for one of those stupid verification letters sent to Torrance.

I couldn't get the AA card sent to Australia last year.

 

[nj12]

Did you use a vpn? I didn't and even though I applied from my Citi online banking with most of the app prefilled, they still didn't like something so I have to wait for one of those stupid verification letters sent to Torrance.

I couldn't get the AA card sent to Australia last year.

No I didn't use VPN for application. All they requested was proof of my ITIN. I sent the initial ITIN approval letter via email and two days later received the approval email.

 

[AppleJune]

No I didn't use VPN for application. All they requested was proof of my ITIN. I sent the initial ITIN approval letter via email and two days later received the approval email.

Would you mind sharing some data, such as how old your credit file is? and do you have checking with them as well? Planning to apply but want to wait until my profile reaches the required age

 

[nj12]

Would you mind sharing some data, such as how old your credit file is? and do you have checking with them as well? Planning to apply but want to wait until my profile reaches the required age

My first Global transfer via Amex was early 2021. Received ITIN in early 2022 and since added multiple personal and business credit and charge cards initially with Amex and then started applying for Chase cards in late 2023. No checking accounts with any US Bank outside of HSBC. I was rejected by Citi in July last year citing a thin credit file which they drew from Experien. Added the HSBC Premier World, 1 x Amex and 1 x Chase card since the rejection and approved this time.