Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Grrr]

Is it true that Wise is no longer an option (with new accounts) for paying off a US Amex ?

When starting without an ITIN, are the options now Revolut or HSBC Premiere ?

 

[sudoer]

Is it true that Wise is no longer an option (with new accounts) for paying off a US Amex ?

Where did you see that? Wise still advertises offering USD account details in most markets, which is what you need to set up Amex AutoPay (direct debit)

Can I get USD account details? | Wise Help Centre

Right now, new USD account details are not available for personal customers in Japan and for businesses worldwide. If you already have USD account details, they’ll work as normal. Learn more below...

wise.com

For the record, my account still works fine too, but it was set up a couple of years ago

 

[Grrr]

Where did you see that?

Strategy to obtain US Amex

It’s a Marriott card, spending around 3k last year when staying at Marriott or for food. You mean to wait and apply when there’s a large SUB? 1699847822 Is it a new account? Might have to wait a bit yeah its a new account but opened two weeks ago:( does that usually take that long to get acct...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[sudoer]

Strategy to obtain US Amex

It’s a Marriott card, spending around 3k last year when staying at Marriott or for food. You mean to wait and apply when there’s a large SUB? 1699847822 Is it a new account? Might have to wait a bit yeah its a new account but opened two weeks ago:( does that usually take that long to get acct...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Strange they wouldn't mention that on their FAQ.

Have you tried signing up and opening a USD account?

 

[Grrr]

Have you tried signing up and opening a USD account?

Looks like it’s still there… not sure what that poster was referring to !

 

[dein_gesicht]

I've applied for a 3 amex biz account this month - the last 2 want bank statements.

Maybe I've been pushing it a little too hard

 

[dein_gesicht]

For those who don’t have the time/ability to churn cards regularly for SUB, but are still able to rack up decent spending in Aus using their US Amex…

Have you found the US cards still worthwhile in terms of accumulating MR, after accounting for losses in forex when paying off the card ?

Is it feasible to ditch the Aus Amex after a while ?

AU Amex is king - just transfer the AU to US points every 12 months

That is unless you are using some card that provides bonuses

 

[Grrr]

AU Amex is king - just transfer the AU to US points every 12 months

So do you keep an AU Platinum for the 2.25x points, and something with low AF for the US ?

 

[sudoer]

So do you keep an AU Platinum for the 2.25x points, and something with low AF for the US ?

That's my strategy. The US card needs to earn MR instead of being a co-branded Hilton or Marriott card

 

[dein_gesicht]

So do you keep an AU Platinum for the 2.25x points, and something with low AF for the US ?

Yes, but I try and churn as many US cards as possible too for SUBs

 

[dein_gesicht]

Declined again with chase.

This time it is due to conflict in credit report. I just noticed that equifax has my resi address listed as my US mailing address. I think amex is the issue so I have amended that and will wait another month to see if that changes

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Any DPs on using US cards in Europe? I'm heading over soon and I wanted to make sure that I didn't need a pin. I called Chase and they said there is no pin and the only time you need a pin is for cash advanced (technically correct) but we know in Aus that large purchases will require a pin.

 

[sudoer]

Any DPs on using US cards in Europe? I'm heading over soon and I wanted to make sure that I didn't need a pin. I called Chase and they said there is no pin and the only time you need a pin is for cash advanced (technically correct) but we know in Aus that large purchases will require a pin.

Used US Amex in UK, Italy, and Finland last year - no issues.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Used US Amex in UK, Italy, and Finland last year - no issues.

Even for large purchases? Mainly tapping or inserting as well?

 

[sudoer]

Even for large purchases? Mainly tapping or inserting as well?

Largest transaction probably 1500 AUD or thereabouts. A mixture of both tapping and inserting.

 

[Igreen]

Any DPs on using US cards in Europe? I'm heading over soon and I wanted to make sure that I didn't need a pin. I called Chase and they said there is no pin and the only time you need a pin is for cash advanced (technically correct) but we know in Aus that large purchases will require a pin.

If the machine ask for a pin especially at Petrol stations. For Amex the 4 digit CCV code is the pin and I think for Visa and MC, you need to check with the banks. Citi posted the pin.

 

[levelnine]

Even for large purchases? Mainly tapping or inserting as well?

Doesn't matter the purchase size. US cards will never ask for a pin. Only sign.

For terminals that are hard coded to require PINs (petrol, train stations), with Chase it is usually the 5 digit ZIP code on the billing address.

 

[albyd]

I used my US Amex with no problems in Italy - though it was Aug 2022 so getting a little dated.

 

[desafinado74]

Declined again with chase.

This time it is due to conflict in credit report. I just noticed that equifax has my resi address listed as my US mailing address. I think amex is the issue so I have amended that and will wait another month to see if that changes

Is your residential address an American or Aussie one ?
I have two US addresses, one for residential, one for mailing lol

 

[dein_gesicht]

Is your residential address an American or Aussie one ?
I have two US addresses, one for residential, one for mailing lol

I have my residential as my myUS address and my mailing as a US mail forwarder. The residential address listed on my file was the US mail forwarder in TX