Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Duffa]

You do realise the impact of publishing this? Why the need to spoon feed?

Apologies to everyone. I feel a bit guilty that @ithongy responded so soon after my post with such a comprehensive summary (for which I am very grateful).
I also acknowledge the usual "shush, don't tell everyone or you'll ruin it" anxiety.
However, ithongy is the OP and it is theirs to decide what to share and when to elaborate..

It confirms (for me) that the process requires a strong commitment and a lot of effort for the substantial rewards.

I'd also like to know what the OP said that required moderation?

 

[GDale]

I'd also like to know what the OP said that required moderation?

OP was being very helpful, no doubt about it, it's just a little too helpful in a way that someone behind a desk could quickly identify a particular pattern and close off the path (and that someone can be any of the players mentioned in the process); after all, the reasons why we love a product may sometimes also be the same reasons why a profit maker may not want us to use them. If it requires a bit more piecing together, then (1) only those who are truly determined will do it and not be silly along the way in a manner that threatens it, (2) it won't attract as much attention/will deter detailed examination, and (3) therefore the numbers are small enough to not overwhelm or skew anything to the extent that it requires addressing. The worst thing that can happen is that the game dies, in which case everyone loses. Of course, the point about AI being able to piece a lot of this together very quickly is becoming more and more real, and our forum is not exactly the only source for this info, so maybe the door is closing a bit over time regardless, but we all just want what we have here to continue for as long as possible

 

[AppleJune]

I wouldn't be surprised if some people called Amex to ask about an Amex GT program they heard about on a forum and what steps they need to take to meet the requirements. An influx from Aus would raise some eyebrows. Considered Amex not really officially supporting NRA, and how many here are using that route just to start their US journey. Imagine the chaos if they start requesting a W-9 from all their CC customers, and I am not even sure whether Amex currently accepts a W-8BEN in their system?

 

[auau]

The Step-by-Step...

As someone who's been in this for a while and seen many valuable things tighten up or completely die, at an increasing rate in the last few years and especially this year, you should really consider how easy do you want to make it for the counterparties (the banks) to find, aggregate and neutralize these kinds of things. Condensing everything into one message is vastly different from it being dispersed on hundreds of pages. Also a beginner knowing just a little too much yet not enough could lead to their journey being cut short very quickly. Please consider this post again...

 

[AppleJune]

Keep in mind there are also already

Spoiler

reported cases of Amex declined Amex MR International Points Transfer from EU (Plat) to US (BBP)

 

[DC3]

I wouldn't be surprised if some people called Amex to ask about an Amex GT program they heard about on a forum and what steps they need to take to meet the requirements

 

[DC3]

Also a beginner knowing just a little too much yet not enough could lead to their journey being cut short very quickly.

Can’t be bothered doing the research perhaps.