Strategy to obtain US Amex

[desafinado74]

Has anyone here ordered a physical Tello sim card and used it via Wifi calling in Australia ?

 

[cathalm8]

Has anyone here ordered a physical Tello sim card and used it via Wifi calling in Australia ?

No, but I so use the tello esim and it works well for receiving verification texts and making calls to Amex thus far.

 

[cathalm8]

I think a secured card is the only way. Otherwise you have no way to connecting your SSN to your new address. If anything I have a feeling they'll want to proof that you live at your new address. e.g. bank statement of some sort.

Ok so I went ahead and tried for a second GT using my old SSN and was auto rejected immediately.

I then done a pre-approval with Capital one using my old SSN and was approved and went ahead and got the C1 platinum card with a $300 line of credit. This will be linked to my new address and my old SSN. Hopefully this may also now tie my Amex GT green card to my old SSN now as well but I don't know if that is the case..

 

[desafinado74]

No, but I so use the tello esim and it works well for receiving verification texts and making calls to Amex thus far.

Thanks for replying. I think the physical sim card should work too.

 

[thedamon]

I was rejected by Chase; I called and asked and according to the agent it was because they could not obtain a "valid credit report" from Transunion or Experian on my SSN, saying they got "invalid credit report" and "social security mismatch" errors. I got my ITIN letter issued in September last year; so I find this to be quite strange. He recommended I call them to ask when they will be able to pull the report.

Now, I submitted an application for a Bonvoy Business Card with Amex; and used my ITIN, and when called for more documents they said they were unable of verifying the ITIN. This leads me to believe something might be wrong with it.

I called Chase again now, and she said to call Transunion to have them 'update my ITIN onto my credit bureau since they are not reporting on my file', not entirely sure what that means. I called Transunion who say my credit history is visible and was reported to Chase; but that the ITIN is never reported back and that they only include the SSN in credit reports, but that all the other data would follow. Any ideas on what to do here? Experian is impossible to reach on phone without an SSN.

 

[velli25]

I’ve been spending regularly on both my AMEXs. Got the gold March 23 and Green approx Oct 23 both via GT. I had a FICO when it was showing.

Now trying to apply for the Hilton Surpass card via GT with generous sign up offer. But I seem to be in pop up jail. I’ve read on the Hilton Honors FB group that several people are in pop up for Hilton cards but free to apply for other cards, then apply via another website referral which bypasses the pop up jail. Anyone know of a work around this for GT? No ITIN or SSN.

 

[dein_gesicht]

I’ve been spending regularly on both my AMEXs. Got the gold March 23 and Green approx Oct 23 both via GT. I had a FICO when it was showing.

Now trying to apply for the Hilton Surpass card via GT with generous sign up offer. But I seem to be in pop up jail. I’ve read on the Hilton Honors FB group that several people are in pop up for Hilton cards but free to apply for other cards, then apply via another website referral which bypasses the pop up jail. Anyone know of a work around this for GT? No ITIN or SSN.

No idea. Try to do with VPN, different browser, incognito mode, etc

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I’ve been spending regularly on both my AMEXs. Got the gold March 23 and Green approx Oct 23 both via GT. I had a FICO when it was showing.

Now trying to apply for the Hilton Surpass card via GT with generous sign up offer. But I seem to be in pop up jail. I’ve read on the Hilton Honors FB group that several people are in pop up for Hilton cards but free to apply for other cards, then apply via another website referral which bypasses the pop up jail. Anyone know of a work around this for GT? No ITIN or SSN.

If you're jailed from GT then I'm not sure there is anything else you can do. The referral bypasses all require an ITIN

I was rejected by Chase; I called and asked and according to the agent it was because they could not obtain a "valid credit report" from Transunion or Experian on my SSN, saying they got "invalid credit report" and "social security mismatch" errors. I got my ITIN letter issued in September last year; so I find this to be quite strange. He recommended I call them to ask when they will be able to pull the report.

Now, I submitted an application for a Bonvoy Business Card with Amex; and used my ITIN, and when called for more documents they said they were unable of verifying the ITIN. This leads me to believe something might be wrong with it.

I called Chase again now, and she said to call Transunion to have them 'update my ITIN onto my credit bureau since they are not reporting on my file', not entirely sure what that means. I called Transunion who say my credit history is visible and was reported to Chase; but that the ITIN is never reported back and that they only include the SSN in credit reports, but that all the other data would follow. Any ideas on what to do here? Experian is impossible to reach on phone without an SSN.

I don't have any helpful advice other than to just wait and be patient. Sometimes things just magically sort itself out. You can go down the route of applying for a secure card and wait for that to be reported but that will take up a slot.

I've previously had issues where pushing too many credit inquiries split my credit report and created a huge headache. A month later, it fixed itself when Amex reported the correct details. Perhaps there is a mismatch between names, addresses or phone number?

Impossible for you to tell because you can't request an EX or TU report online and must be done via fax or snail mail.

On another topic, has anyone applied for CIC or CIU and continue to use it overseas?

 

[levelnine]

On another topic, has anyone applied for CIC or CIU and continue to use it overseas?

Yes, no issues whatsoever. But only worth it for the SUB as the 3% FTF negates any ongoing points earn.

If you are thinking of getting one, the time to try is now. The 90K SUB will be dropping to 75K on 18 January.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Yes, no issues whatsoever. But only worth it for the SUB as the 3% FTF negates any ongoing points earn.

If you are thinking of getting one, the time to try is now. The 90K SUB will be dropping to 75K on 18 January.

Yep exactly why I asked! Just curious whether I'll be able to hit the spend. I'll be in the US for a bit so I could use it locally I guess!

I would also like Biz IHG Premier and Hyatt Personal. It also seems like there might be a slightly elevated Hyatt offer in a few weeks but that won't make up the UR points I could get with CIU.

Timing is going to be complicated... Assuming 1 card per 3 months. 1 in Jan, 1 in Apr, another in July?

 

[levelnine]

Timing is going to be complicated... Assuming 1 card per 3 months. 1 in Jan, 1 in Apr, another in July?

The 90 day recommendation is only a recommendation — you can go quicker than that, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. To avoid shaking the boat with Chase, the aim is to have no more than 4 new cards per year.

However, if you have a relatively thin credit profile, you might struggle to get accepted for all three cards. The people routinely getting a new card every 90 days usually have at least a couple of years of credit history. It shouldn't stop you applying (you never know what might happen, and a rejection isn't the end of the world), but if you really need the Hyatt and IHG cards, I'd consider forgoing the extra 15K on the Ink and apply for them first.

 

[prozac]

MsProzac is living in US past year or so. She has SSN and working and has modest income (I am not totally certain what she earns, but she is not a lawyer). Does a bit of self paid domestic US travel for her work as well as some international. No car, uses Uber a fare bit. Grocery shopping is on a single basis. She spends like a typical young person.
What would be recommended US cards given above criteria?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

The 90 day recommendation is only a recommendation — you can go quicker than that, but I wouldn't make a habit of it. To avoid shaking the boat with Chase, the aim is to have no more than 4 new cards per year.

However, if you have a relatively thin credit profile, you might struggle to get accepted for all three cards. The people routinely getting a new card every 90 days usually have at least a couple of years of credit history. It shouldn't stop you applying (you never know what might happen, and a rejection isn't the end of the world), but if you really need the Hyatt and IHG cards, I'd consider forgoing the extra 15K on the Ink and apply for them first.

All fair points. My file is sitting about 2 years right now with 4 cards.

Thoughts on the IHG and Hyatt cards? I'm considering them as keeper cards due to the free nights that each card brings in subsequent years.

Would you value the 15k points over the chance of getting those cards approved?

MsProzac is living in US past year or so. She has SSN and working and has modest income (I am not totally certain what she earns, but she is not a lawyer). Does a bit of self paid domestic US travel for her work as well as some international. No car, uses Uber a fare bit. Grocery shopping is on a single basis. She spends like a typical young person.
What would be recommended US cards given above criteria?

Amex Gold is decent due to Uber credit + grocery shopping bonus. Not sure what the sign up bonus is at the moment. Saw this on DrC

American Express Gold 75,000 Points + 20% Credit On Restaurant Spend (Max $250) - Doctor Of Credit

American Express Gold card: Get 75,000 points signup bonus when spending $4,000. Also get 20% back at any restaurant, up to $250 back

www.doctorofcredit.com

Current offer on the Amex site is 90K for 6K in 6M.

On another side note, does the Amex Biz Gold card have problems with calculation points or does it only happen at the end of a statement period? Usually with personal cards, I can see what bonuses a merchant will earn a few days after the transaction has posted but that doesn't seem to be the case with the biz cards?

 

[levelnine]

What would be recommended US cards given above criteria?

I would second the Amex Gold. On the assumption she has no credit history in the US, she will be able to get very few other cards that have any decent points earning capacity.

All fair points. My file is sitting about 2 years right now with 4 cards.

Thoughts on the IHG and Hyatt cards? I'm considering them as keeper cards due to the free nights that each card brings in subsequent years.

Would you value the 15k points over the chance of getting those cards approved?

2 years isn't too bad. I'd probably give it a crack if I were in your circumstances.

I personally think the IHG card is better because I get more value out of it by using the 4th night free in addition to the FNC. I got the business rather than the personal to avoid eating a 5/24 slot.

But I also have a Hyatt personal card. Annoyingly, the FNC has quite a short expiry (6 months from issuance) so I definitely don't like it as much as the one issued by IHG.

The extra 15K will basically pay for an extra free night at a mid-range Hyatt or IHG, so I'd probably prioritise it.

 

[Tiki]

[Ending Soon] Chase Ink Cash/Unlimited 90,000 Points Now Available Online - Doctor Of Credit

Chase is now offering 90,000 points/$900 cash back after $6,000 in spend within the first 3 months of account opening

www.doctorofcredit.com

So frustrating because I am still at 6/24 until July. If anyone qualifies, you might want to bring it forward.

 

[thedamon]

Got two personal Amex already. I applied for a Bonvoy Biz Amex using ITIN 2 days ago. Got the email that they need more info, and to call. I called and they said they would need the ITIN copy and copy of passport which I promptly uploaded on the link they provided. Around 24h ago got an email saying they're reviewing the documents: "Thank you for submitting the documents we requested so that we can continue reviewing your Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card application. We’ll contact you once we’ve finished our review."

Any ideas how long this normally takes? How long to wait to call and check again in your experience?

 

[albyd]

I applied for the Brilliant and it was not long after. The business card will be the next one I apply for so I can get my elite nights up & I’m hoping to extract as much value from the stay as I will pay in the AF. Having said that, having been to 4 properties (1xFiji and 3xJapan) & have not scored any upgrades not exactly sure what the value of status is apart from the snob factor.

 

[blacksultan]

Got two personal Amex already. I applied for a Bonvoy Biz Amex using ITIN 2 days ago. Got the email that they need more info, and to call. I called and they said they would need the ITIN copy and copy of passport which I promptly uploaded on the link they provided. Around 24h ago got an email saying they're reviewing the documents: "Thank you for submitting the documents we requested so that we can continue reviewing your Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card application. We’ll contact you once we’ve finished our review."

Any ideas how long this normally takes? How long to wait to call and check again in your experience?

Should be approx 7 days . No standard rule wrt calling and checking etc

 

[mattr00]

I applied for the Brilliant and it was not long after. The business card will be the next one I apply for so I can get my elite nights up & I’m hoping to extract as much value from the stay as I will pay in the AF. Having said that, having been to 4 properties (1xFiji and 3xJapan) & have not scored any upgrades not exactly sure what the value of status is apart from the snob factor.

Yup Japan was also pretty negligible. Aus and SEA properties have been much nicer to me. I’m waiting for the points sub rather than FNAs to come back before applying for the business card.

Got two personal Amex already. I applied for a Bonvoy Biz Amex using ITIN 2 days ago. Got the email that they need more info, and to call. I called and they said they would need the ITIN copy and copy of passport which I promptly uploaded on the link they provided. Around 24h ago got an email saying they're reviewing the documents: "Thank you for submitting the documents we requested so that we can continue reviewing your Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card application. We’ll contact you once we’ve finished our review."

Any ideas how long this normally takes? How long to wait to call and check again in your experience?

My recent experience was 2-5 days for the verification team to complete their checks. If I called in before the 5th day the agent will tell me to wait. When I called in on the 5th day the agent got the documents verified and approved on the phone

 

[albyd]

FYI just checked I. At my HK hotel and no upgrade here either. Even had a sob story where CX refused to check me in for J redemption flight despite sending me a reminder to checking in only 2 hours before then making me buy Y tickets for cash at gun point. I’ll never forget it.