Strategy to obtain US Amex

[mrtupperware]

Thank you so much @auflier for this,

May I ask, why did you apply for a different card to the US Platinum? Any reason?

Ok, since no one helps to share insight regarding how to pay us amex card bills from overseas, i approached amex for assistance. For the spirit of this community, there is the method - Amex will provide you:
their bank - JP Morgan Chase
Ac name
wire dipository
address
ABA (american banking association) number (routing number)
ac number
swift code
you just need to fill the card member name and number

load up your card, then you are good to go.

Be wary of fx rate and wiring costs though.

 

[cove]

The only issue I have with US credit cards is when a new card is being issued due to an expiry date and we are not in the US for a couple of months. This messes up auto payments.

 

[tlam]

The only issue I have with US credit cards is when a new card is being issued due to an expiry date and we are not in the US for a couple of months. This messes up auto payments.

Call them to send you a replacement before the expiry date, they can post the card expressly to you anywhere.

 

[DC3]

Call them to send you a replacement before the expiry date, they can post the card expressly to you anywhere.

Only thing is ….. usually my replacement cards have had the same expiry date as the original. I'm referring to a few months out, though (i.e., damaged card).

 

[auflier]

Thank you so much @auflier for this,

May I ask, why did you apply for a different card to the US Platinum? Any reason?

I did not apply for the US platinum, have the au version and no need to get another. I have the Hilton one to play with.

 

[mini2]

With signing up the US cards, do you still get the signup bonus or they’re not applicable?

 

[albyd]

I've got two and got the bonus points both times.

 

[ithongy]

With signing up the US cards, do you still get the signup bonus or they’re not applicable?

Believe you only get 1 signup bonus for that card in your lifetime.

 

[albyd]

I’ve only got one US Amex and it just posted as expected. Agree I think there’s a lifetime limit on signup bonus per type of card.

My other card is from a bank.

 

[xzclzj]

I've got two and got the bonus points both times.

Do you mean you got two US issued Amex with global transfer’? I only got one and haven't apply the other yet .

 

[albyd]

I’ve got SPG card with Amex Global Transfet (recently) and the other woth another bank (couple of years ago).

At current Exchange rate, apart from being uncapped and not having spend category impediments (like government), the rewards on US cards is not far from those available locally.

Was looking to check my figures for SPG. It earns 2 points/$US which at approx 79c exchange rate is 1.4 Bonvoy points/$A.

Amex with Platinum Charge is 2.25/3=0.75/$A so US SPG card is significantly better. Have I made a mistake in my calculations?

 

[xzclzj]

I’ve got SPG card with Amex Global Transfet (recently) and the other woth another bank (couple of years ago).

At current Exchange rate, apart from being uncapped and not having spend category impediments (like government), the rewards on US cards is not far from those available locally.

Was looking to check my figures for SPG. It earns 2 points/$US which at approx 79c exchange rate is 1.4 Bonvoy points/$A.

Amex with Platinum Charge is 2.25/3=0.75/$A so US SPG card is significantly better. Have I made a mistake in my calculations?

1 USD =2Marriot =1.38Aud Howecer if you paysame amount by Charge you get 1.38 Aud *2.25=3.105 Marriott . The Charge still better than SPG. Thant's why US blogs not recommend new SPG anymore.

 

[mini2]

Do you mean you got two US issued Amex with global transfer’? I only got one and haven't apply the other yet .

Just to clarify, the signup bonus are still applicable even though it’s signed up through global transfer?

 

[albyd]

That’s been my experience. They apply Amex US rules since they’re the ones issuing the new card.

 

[xzclzj]

Just to clarify, the signup bonus are still applicable even though it’s signed up through global transfer?

Yes it is. I had chat with them ,but the Financial review is hmmm really annoying. Apparently most of CSR have no idea about it.

 

[Finale]

Yes it is. I had chat with them ,but the Financial review is hmmm really annoying. Apparently most of CSR have no idea about it.

Did you get hit by FR? I heard it was a nightmare for a lot of people. I have been a bit worried about FR past 3 years and didn't keep many points in my account just in case.

Can you tell me more details? I'm quite interested. I heard manufactured spending (buying gift cards) to get a bonus can trigger it or when you make a very large transaction or when you try to use that check spending power button too often. Would like to know if they accept Australian tax or bank documents.

 

[albyd]

Is the FR just for Charge or also for credit cards? Sounds like this might be a challenge to Aussies keeping their US Amex even if kept in good order.

 

[Finale]

Is the FR just for Charge or also for credit cards? Sounds like this might be a challenge to Aussies keeping their US Amex even if kept in good order.

For Credit cards as well. I have been good past 3 years but I tried to avoid doing things that could trigger it ie spend less than the income I told them, no manufactured spending, etc. Thankfully Prestige now offers 5x dining and airlines so I can move some expenses there.

 

[albyd]

Which Amex cards do others have? I've got the basic SPG. I don't think it earns any more Marriott Bonvoy points at current exchange rates than the Aussie Platinum Charge. The sign up bonus was worth it otherwise. My initial look would suggest there is no significant points arbitrage vs Aussie issued Amex's at current exchange rate - particularly as local spend in Australia doesn't count for any other category bonuses. Happy to be enlightened if I've missed something. PM me if you'd rather not post on an open forum.

 

[Finale]

I don't think US Amex earn rate is good on any card except 5x airlines on Platinum and maybe Hilton spend on Hilton cards. I have Platinum, PRG, SPG and Hilton Aspire and will cancel one or 2 this year. Only keep the cards due to the benefits offered. Might keep if there is a retention offer but I doubt I will get a decent one this year since I spend less and less there. AU Amex is still better for spend in Australia even after the devaluation considering bad Fx now, no Fx fee not equal to mid market rate, and also Fx fee when transferring money to the US.