Strategy to obtain US Amex

[QF_Flyer]

Almost two months after approval, I finally have the HH Aspire Amex (it's been in Australia for a month, but sat with DHL for a week then I went overseas for three weeks). It's been an effort, but it's finally done!

 

[levelnine]

Almost two months after approval, I finally have the HH Aspire Amex (it's been in Australia for a month, but sat with DHL for a week then I went overseas for three weeks). It's been an effort, but it's finally done!

Glad to hear. It gets easier from here. Applied for a HH Business Amex recently, approved instantly, and was able to attain the card number for online purchases and add to Apple Pay immediately.

 

[sudoer]

Glad to hear. It gets easier from here. Applied for a HH Business Amex recently, approved instantly, and was able to attain the card number for online purchases and add to Apple Pay immediately.

How long have you had your other US Amex cards open? Does your Amex app show a FICO score or not yet?

 

[blacksultan]

I finally got my chase card . But now I can’t activate it as I get put through to fraud - they call on my listed text now no - I can hear them but they can’t hear me . Also they keep saying they will call on my oz no and other us t mobile no but the call never comes through . Any other idea for verification ?
If I can’t get this activated does anyone know how long before I can apply again?
And can I apply for the csp again or should I apply for a different card ?

 

[Tiki]

I finally got my chase card . But now I can’t activate it as I get put through to fraud - they call on my listed text now no - I can hear them but they can’t hear me . Also they keep saying they will call on my oz no and other us t mobile no but the call never comes through . Any other idea for verification ?
If I can’t get this activated does anyone know how long before I can apply again?
And can I apply for the csp again or should I apply for a different card ?

Can't you activate it online? That's how I activated my UA Explorer. I did have an active account at Chase for my Freedom and IHG cards. I just logged in and the new UA card was there to be activated.

 

[blacksultan]

Can't you activate it online? That's how I activated my UA Explorer. I did have an active account at Chase for my Freedom and IHG cards. I just logged in and the new UA card was there to be activated.

No I can’t as I don’t have an existing account and also because it’s flagged for fraud as well .

 

[DC3]

I finally got my chase card . But now I can’t activate it as I get put through to fraud - they call on my listed text now no - I can hear them but they can’t hear me . Also they keep saying they will call on my oz no and other us t mobile no but the call never comes through …

A fraud alert? I wonder how that happened.

With TextNow calls, I have some intermittent dropouts when connected to the home wifi. It seems okay when not on wifi. So, do you think that may apply to your calls?

 

[blacksultan]

A fraud alert? I wonder how that happened.

With TextNow calls, I have some intermittent dropouts when connected to the home wifi. It seems okay when not on wifi. So, do you think that may apply to your calls?

I think fraud alert because I did not receive card sent to my us and got it sent to oz . I think text now can’t be used to chase verifications calls ..

 

[levelnine]

How long have you had your other US Amex cards open? Does your Amex app show a FICO score or not yet?

First US Amex was a bit over 90 days ago. Applied for the Business card as soon as I dropped under the 2/90 rule. I already had a FICO score before applying for my first Amex.

I think fraud alert because I did not receive card sent to my us and got it sent to oz . I think text now can’t be used to chase verifications calls ..

I had a similar issue after using a new Chase card exclusively overseas. I called them using TextNow and they had to call me back on that number. I had no problem hearing and speaking to them. They verified me after a few simple questions. Might I suggest using earphones? I find them a bit more reliable than the speaker of my iPhone for some reason.

 

[sudoer]

First US Amex was a bit over 90 days ago. Applied for the Business card as soon as I dropped under the 2/90 rule. I already had a FICO score before applying for my first Amex.

Thanks. This may be a silly question, but are there any additional requirements around US Amex Business cards (similar to the requirement to provide an ABN etc in Australia) or are they labelled 'Business' for marketing purposes only, and can be opened by an individual?

 

[levelnine]

Thanks. This may be a silly question, but are there any additional requirements around US Amex Business cards (similar to the requirement to provide an ABN etc in Australia) or are they labelled 'Business' for marketing purposes only, and can be opened by an individual?

Unlike Australia where they're basically inaccessible unless you have an ABN, US business cards are wide open to everyone.

They also come with considerable benefits. Most importantly, most banks (incl Amex and Chase) don't report to your personal credit file, so they don't count towards 5/24 status for Chase. The only 'mark' on your personal credit file will be an inquiry, and with Amex they only do a hard pull for your first personal and first business — after that there will be no marks on your credit file at all! But you do need to be under 5/24 to be eligible for Chase business cards. And just remember Amex's rules (eg no more than 4/5 credit cards, which includes business cards).

Essentially, you apply as a sole proprietor using your legal name as your business name. And there's no need to lie. Have you ever done consulting work? You're a business. Have you ever sold items on Ebay? You're a business. Have you ever performed odd jobs for cash? You're a business. Etc etc.

You can report your business income as low. It doesn't affect your approval chances. Indeed, plenty of people get approved by putting $0, though I think it is better to put a small figure (eg $5K) as an estimated income. If you need to recon, you simply tell the operator it is a new business.

I would stick with Amex and Chase as they are the easiest business credit providers. Barclays, Citi, etc can be a bit more finicky, and it is not necessary when you're starting out as Amex and Chase have more than enough cards for the beginner.

If you already have the Aspire, the Hilton Business is a no brainer for the sign up bonus. Though I would recommend waiting if you have no desperate need because the SUB has been traditionally higher. I only applied recently because I am looking for extra points for an upcoming redemption. If you have a partner with a US Hilton Amex, make sure to use their referral link for an extra 10-20K points. Referral links work within the entire Hilton family of cards (eg you can refer a person to the Business card from the Aspire card).

 

[sudoer]

Appreciate the detailed response - super helpful.

 

[http_x92]

Might now go for a Surpass with another GT before the base points eligibility on Hilton cards is up. Since its been over 8 months since I got the Aspire and 6 months since the no fee I think I am free to get a third card. First year free offer on the Surpass... tempting.

 

[sudoer]

Those doing their 2nd or 3rd GT - I'm assuming at the point of application you are logged out of your US Amex account (setup from 1st GT) but logged into your Amex Australia account?

 

[http_x92]

Those doing their 2nd or 3rd GT - I'm assuming at the point of application you are logged out of your US Amex account (setup from 1st GT) but logged into your Amex Australia account?

Indeed, repeat the process of logging in from your Australian Amex account then make your way to the US site.

 

[larrymull]

Is it still 3 months from holding a Aussie Amex before trying the Global Transfer, or has anyone else had luck trying earlier than this?

 

[blacksultan]

Looks like my us are offering a mail subscription again .

 

[neeyuese]

Skypax us don't support bank card forward anymore, I contacted amex to send the card directly to my Australian address. saved $50 shipping fee anyway.

 

[levelnine]

I contacted amex to send the card directly to my Australian address. saved $50 shipping fee anyway.

Yes, I've found Amex are generally willing to send cards directly to Australia, but only after it has been 10 days since the application was approved.

 

[nj12]

Yes, I've found Amex are generally willing to send cards directly to Australia, but only after it has been 10 days since the application was approved.

I agree. All 3 of My Amex cards were received this way. Some may have got lucky but Amex don't compromise on the 10 day rule in my experience..