Strategy to obtain US Amex

[snabbu]

Early days atm, Amex was my primary goal, but I'm keen to expand on that and the CSP/CSR would be ideal (along with an IHG to replace the UK IHG card I recently lost). I don't have an ITIN or anything right now though, so will have to look into that a bit more if it comes to it.

I agree that $10 USD per month just to receive the occasional SMS isn't ideal, but given it's real mobile service, and not a third party service or whatnot makes it somewhat more reliable in my eyes (we'll see).

I use Ultra Mobile to receive SMS messages from US banks - $USD3.00 + tax / month. Cheapest plan to keep a US number with global roaming.

Pay as You Go Cell Phone Plans (Paygo) | Ultra Mobile

Our pay as you go plan (PayGo) gets you all the essentials for just $3/MO. Get talk, text, data, and even keep your existing number. Additional add-ons are available. Click to learn more.

www.ultramobile.com

 

[blacksultan]

I use Ultra Mobile to receive SMS messages from US banks - $USD3.00 + tax / month. Cheapest plan to keep a US number with global roaming.

Pay as You Go Cell Phone Plans (Paygo) | Ultra Mobile

Our pay as you go plan (PayGo) gets you all the essentials for just $3/MO. Get talk, text, data, and even keep your existing number. Additional add-ons are available. Click to learn more.

www.ultramobile.com

FYI hsbc us is offering a t mobile sim With the first month paid with their new international checking account .

 

[tlam]

I use Ultra Mobile to receive SMS messages from US banks - $USD3.00 + tax / month. Cheapest plan to keep a US number with global roaming.

Pay as You Go Cell Phone Plans (Paygo) | Ultra Mobile

Our pay as you go plan (PayGo) gets you all the essentials for just $3/MO. Get talk, text, data, and even keep your existing number. Additional add-ons are available. Click to learn more.

www.ultramobile.com

Does it support wifi calling? Thanks.

 

[snabbu]

Does it support wifi calling? Thanks.

Yes it does.

 

[RAM]

Looks like a great deal - wished I'd known about this one a year ago, would have been able to keep my '747' number. BUT has a sting in the tail that you cannot switch from 'PayGo' to a typical monthly plan if in the US for an extended period. Just have to suck up the additonal call charges.

Can I switch from a PayGo plan to other Ultra Mobile plans?​

Unfortunately, you cannot switch from a PayGo plan to any other Ultra Mobile plan.

Yes it does.

Being a mobile agnostic - looking at the specs of the USD 3/month:

"PayGo gives you 100 minutes of talk, 100 texts and 100MB 5G • 4G LTE Data for only $3 per month. Data can be used for Mobile Hotspot. Once you reach 100, additional minutes are just 3 cents each, texts are 1 cent each and data is 3 cents per MB."

How does it go for you being called from the US when in Australia? Can you operate using wifi or does it require paying extra for 'roaming'?

UPDATED:

Voice Minutes per Min $1.99/min
MMS Sending/Receiving per MMS $.25/$.25
SMS Sending/Receiving per SMS $.50/$.10

 

[levelnine]

I use Ultra Mobile to receive SMS messages from US banks - $USD3.00 + tax / month. Cheapest plan to keep a US number with global roaming.

Pay as You Go Cell Phone Plans (Paygo) | Ultra Mobile

Our pay as you go plan (PayGo) gets you all the essentials for just $3/MO. Get talk, text, data, and even keep your existing number. Additional add-ons are available. Click to learn more.

www.ultramobile.com

Do you know if it works with Chase?

 

[snabbu]

Looks like a great deal - wished I'd known about this one a year ago, would have been able to keep my '747' number. BUT has a sting in the tail that you cannot switch from 'PayGo' to a typical monthly plan if in the US for an extended period. Just have to suck up the additonal call charges.

Can I switch from a PayGo plan to other Ultra Mobile plans?​

Unfortunately, you cannot switch from a PayGo plan to any other Ultra Mobile plan.

Being a mobile agnostic - looking at the specs of the USD 3/month:

"PayGo gives you 100 minutes of talk, 100 texts and 100MB 5G • 4G LTE Data for only $3 per month. Data can be used for Mobile Hotspot. Once you reach 100, additional minutes are just 3 cents each, texts are 1 cent each and data is 3 cents per MB."

How does it go for you being called from the US when in Australia? Can you operate using wifi or does it require paying extra for 'roaming'?

UPDATED:

Voice Minutes per Min $1.99/min
MMS Sending/Receiving per MMS $.25/$.25
SMS Sending/Receiving per SMS $.50/$.10

The $USD3.00 + Tax / month includes global roaming. Taking calls in Australia is normal, just as you would with any US number that has roaming. For me this plan it's purely to be able to accept SMS verification via my US accounts (credit cards, OFX, Banking, etc).

Do you know if it works with Chase?

It's a US mobile number so yes, it accepts SMS messages from Chase.

 

[levelnine]

It's a US mobile number so yes, it accepts SMS messages from Chase.

Not all US mobile numbers accept Chase SMS. Mobile numbers that don't accept shortcode SMS can't accept Chase. And Chase doesn't send to prepaid accounts AFAICT.

 

[snabbu]

Not all US mobile numbers accept Chase SMS. Mobile numbers that don't accept shortcode SMS can't accept Chase. And Chase doesn't send to prepaid accounts AFAICT.

I closed a Chase account last week and I honestly don't remember if I received a SMS from them using this specific plan. Using the same number on a Mint Mobile plan (my previous carrier, same number) I absolutely would have received SMS from Chase for some sort of verification.

 

[tlam]

Yes it does.

I may buy one when I go to the US in Nov, I am using T-mobile (UltraMobile carrier) $3 Paygo and it is working well here in Australia.

I am looking for the simcard like Aldi here, as long as you have some credits in it, it never expires so I don’t have to top up $3 / month.

 

[snabbu]

I may buy one when I go to the US in Nov, I am using T-mobile (UltraMobile carrier) $3 Paygo and it is working well here in Australia.

I am looking for the simcard like Aldi here, as long as you have some credits in it, it never expires so I don’t have to top up $3 / month.

I was after exactly that (ie: the cheapest option to be able to receive SMS messages with global roaming).
If you find one like you mention which includes global roaming be sure to let us know

 

[Tiki]

I pulled the trigger on the UA Explorer, got a message that "We need to review your request a little longer. We will let you know of our decision as soon as possible".
I called the automatic number for status and got the 2 week message which means it is probably approved. I got an email from Experian that Chase pulled my file.

Chase is proving to be an awesome bank! I got an email directing me to a message in my Chase account about the application. They wanted me to update my Equifax account with my new phone number. So I created an account with Equifax and provided the info and called Chase. They wanted to send me a text, then apparently couldn't so with no dramas at all asked me what was my former address (in the USA) and my sister's birth month. Then after a short hold, she came back and approved me with a decent credit line. I then said I was traveling overseas as they can see by the charges in Fiji on my IHG card and I would appreciate it if they could expedite the card to Australia. I should note that I have my US address as primary and my Aussie address as secondary in my Chase profile. So I asked them to please send it to the secondary address in Australia as shown on my profile. They agreed and said to call tomorrow for the tracking number. Very pleased with the results, can't wait until the CSP 80 or 100k promo comes back!

 

[ethernet]

Banking Woes in USA.

My BankWest Mastercard platinum card is not working in 60% of shops - says invalid pin. I think the cause is USA has gone Debit for everything, and some shops are not sucking up credit fees. However BW did not email me an answer to this question 72 hours and waiting. The success number includes hitting the green button and not entering a pin, which may be a way of saying credit. I am rightly frightened with so many dud attempts, an ATM may swallow and keep my card.

My Aussie phone did not work at all in US. I got a used Pixel 4A for about $150usd so I could at least ring up my banks etc. I had a connecting flight foul-up - that bit into my reserves. The planes are 100% full - or mine were - even Alaskan to Seattle.

Costco in Portland does not take MC, only VISA. I have two big Kirkland Colombian Coffee canisters that I do not see offered in .au. The range in Costco US is much much better than Costco .au. Do apply for a costco/chase visa card, as it has a cashback. Stonking great deal. Alas It will take months to build up a nonexistent credit score.

I opened up a bank account, but will have to wait weeks for a debt card, as they claim a prepaid USA phone number needs a month or so cooling? Another +1 for Ultramobile, but I am told Mint is another option. I would be *screw..* if I did not have friends as a bolt hole,

Commonwealth and Netbank FAIL. I do not have roaming. I have a new USA phone number. So just ring up and change my phone banking number to receive sms numbers after an intensive POI session - easy eh? (including installing netbank on the new phone and logging in). Well no, 40 minutes of waiting, then told NO, and told a specialist security area will call me after a 28-72 hours - for my protection of course. I explained I have a lame CC, out of dollars, escalate this - I am in a pickle. No no POI - not interested. Leave me in the lurch, destitute. I will post more on this scandalous outrage.

I tried another non big-4 bank, I needed a token. Ok - You want my passport details as well. Install some app, and go through a double number challenge, and some heavy POI, and 15 mins later I was good to go with a token. However the BPAY to OFX was not quick, maybe closer to a day, and it is wise to do a small test payment to my debit account to test it works. So a can-do from another bank. Helpful Lauren also told me Westpac had serious issues. Cwth soooo critically understaffed they leave people in the cough.

For both bank woes, I believe there is NOTHING on their travel FAQ about this. I am good at procedure, but I can see lots of Aussie westies being caught by banks that do not understand the word service or emergency. I add my emails and chats for OS related matters seem not answered or returned. I worked on a help desk once, and to meet KPI's - you never dragged hard ones out out of the queue. I surmise call waiting times are through the roof.

The lesson is don't leave home without a visa card. Note Portland is a wonderful place, where nature strips of grass are now 90% gardens, and kids can still play on the street, where everyone is into organic food and Trader Joes.

 

[RAM]

Banking Woes in USA.

My BankWest Mastercard platinum card is not working in 60% of shops - says invalid pin. I think the cause is USA has gone Debit for everything, and some shops are not sucking up credit fees. However BW did not email me an answer to this question 72 hours and waiting. The success number includes hitting the green button and not entering a pin, which may be a way of saying credit. I am rightly frightened with so many dud attempts, an ATM may swallow and keep my card.

My Aussie phone did not work at all in US. I got a used Pixel 4A for about $150usd so I could at least ring up my banks etc. I had a connecting flight foul-up - that bit into my reserves. The planes are 100% full - or mine were - even Alaskan to Seattle.

Costco in Portland does not take MC, only VISA. I have two big Kirkland Colombian Coffee canisters that I do not see offered in .au. The range in Costco US is much much better than Costco .au. Do apply for a costco/chase visa card, as it has a cashback. Stonking great deal. Alas It will take months to build up a nonexistent credit score.

I opened up a bank account, but will have to wait weeks for a debt card, as they claim a prepaid USA phone number needs a month or so cooling? Another +1 for Ultramobile, but I am told Mint is another option. I would be *screw..* if I did not have friends as a bolt hole,

Commonwealth and Netbank FAIL. I do not have roaming. I have a new USA phone number. So just ring up and change my phone banking number to receive sms numbers after an intensive POI session - easy eh? (including installing netbank on the new phone and logging in). Well no, 40 minutes of waiting, then told NO, and told a specialist security area will call me after a 28-72 hours - for my protection of course. I explained I have a lame CC, out of dollars, escalate this - I am in a pickle. No no POI - not interested. Leave me in the lurch, destitute. I will post more on this scandalous outrage.

I tried another non big-4 bank, I needed a token. Ok - You want my passport details as well. Install some app, and go through a double number challenge, and some heavy POI, and 15 mins later I was good to go with a token. However the BPAY to OFX was not quick, maybe closer to a day, and it is wise to do a small test payment to my debit account to test it works. So a can-do from another bank. Helpful Lauren also told me Westpac had serious issues. Cwth soooo critically understaffed they leave people in the cough.

For both bank woes, I believe there is NOTHING on their travel FAQ about this. I am good at procedure, but I can see lots of Aussie westies being caught by banks that do not understand the word service or emergency. I add my emails and chats for OS related matters seem not answered or returned. I worked on a help desk once, and to meet KPI's - you never dragged hard ones out out of the queue. I surmise call waiting times are through the roof.

The lesson is don't leave home without a visa card. Note Portland is a wonderful place, where nature strips of grass are now 90% gardens, and kids can still play on the street, where everyone is into organic food and Trader Joes.

I came across this issue with a US Bank 'debit card' in May (as I have not gone down the US CC route yet).

The fix goes both ways - a debit card not working at some places and fine at others - just hit the enter without a PIN and it goes through as a CC even though it is not. And, as they suggested, with a CC not working with its PIN, do the same thing & it processes. To avoid 'card loss syndrome' - just enter your PIN slowly, if it fails then go to plan 2 and press 'enter' without the PIN.

So much for security.

In my case, when I questioned this lack of security I was told that this work around will only work for sub $200 transactions, so I needed to bill split into $199.99 a few times. The merchants appear to have to do this often enough that they did not question it.

Even worse for security.

BTW - Since 28 Degrees MC is free & no FX fees - don't leave home without one IMHO, even better these days - if flight delayed 2 hours or more you can get free lounge access if you register your flights in advance. Downside - no points but as a backup comes in handy.

 

[levelnine]

Chase is proving to be an awesome bank! I got an email directing me to a message in my Chase account about the application. They wanted me to update my Equifax account with my new phone number. So I created an account with Equifax and provided the info and called Chase. They wanted to send me a text, then apparently couldn't so with no dramas at all asked me what was my former address (in the USA) and my sister's birth month.

Which US phone provider do you use? And does that mean you haven't had any problems with Chase being unable to send you text messages?

 

[ethernet]

Carhartts rejected me at $48 any which way, pin or no pin. The place to shop for stuff that lasts.
My Bankwest Platinum MC, supposed to be OS free with loan is sort of freeish. I will report my real experience, as I have trader access to by the minute FX rates. Heavy traders get spot plus 30 pips or so. Now this USA bank process that seems to say new names attached to phone numbers get put in to the slow lane, as scammers are supposed to give up after 48 hours to 3 weeks is a new one on me, because I was in a bank branch personally with my Passport and DL originals and verified by counter staff. Silly me for thinking physical presence, is more secure than phone activity. They will be waiting, as I never have used social media, ever.

 

[Tiki]

Which US phone provider do you use? And does that mean you haven't had any problems with Chase being unable to send you text messages?

TextNow. Apparently it can't accept the verification texts so they were able to verify me by asking me questions about my credit history. They even linked me to my sister who was not at the same address (I was using our mother's address prior to 2016) she had her own house.

 

[levelnine]

Apparently it can't accept the verification texts so they were able to verify me by asking me questions about my credit history. They even linked me to my sister who was not at the same address (I was using our mother's address prior to 2016) she had her own house.

Thanks. I also use TextNow because it is so cheap, but have been annoyed by inability to receive Chase SMS. Can receive Amex and CapOne no problem. I guess it is not the end of the world because, as you say, you can verify by other means.

 

[ethernet]

Which US phone provider do you use? And does that mean you haven't had any problems with Chase being unable to send you text messages?

Ultramobile at $20 mo (plus 1$ recovery fee and 19 cents something else=31aud odd with 20 countries - same format/deal/web feel as Optus .au). It is not Chase. But Cwth bank refusing to alter my Australian phone number for phone banking just swap an 02 number with a +1 (503) number, and if they are going to - impose some 48 hour wait. Blame Cwth. The Chase deal at Costco usa was a stonker - sign up(just today sort of special) and get a free costco membership paid up too.
But as I have zero financial activity in the US, at least the last 20 years, the plan is get a debt card, stuff it full of money(5K or so) and wait 3 months or so for them to tell you to get this credit card offer. If I go for a CC with a fresh address and ho history, it will cause a black mark I think. The way the KangaRouble - no err KangaRupee is going, I think I will park all my money is USA banks as the RBA is unable to maintain a stable currency.

 

[ethernet]

Thanks. I also use TextNow because it is so cheap, but have been annoyed by inability to receive Chase SMS. Can receive Amex and CapOne no problem. I guess it is not the end of the world because, as you say, you can verify by other means.

Thanks. I wondered how to keep my number active cheaply. There are 'Kids' emergency phone mobile plans not advertised. +1 to CapOne, and you get a free Peet's coffee for in person banking.