Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Finale]

Having a checking account doesn't seem to help much with other banks. I have an account with Citi and couldn't even get their own cards without having to go to the branch (when no ITIN). If you know a good banker, maybe he could help send app (within the same bank).

As far as I know, without ITIN or SSN, you are kind of stuck with Amex if you want to open account remotely, except HSBC Premier of course. I haven't seen any DP on Citigold yet.

Citi - accepts passport, ITIN. Can apply online with ITIN or passport in the branch.
Capital1 - accepts ITIN. Can apply online
Chase - accepts ITIN. Can apply online
BoA - accepts passport, ITIN but apply in the branch only (even with ITIN)

For other banks, either no interesting credit cards or accept SSN only.

 

[marki]

Further to my post this morning, it appears I might be wrong. US Centurion is off limits for Global transfer but that for other countries might be available - including ICC YMMV.

Global Transfer Centurion Canada to Centurion France - worth changing? - FlyerTalk Forums

American Express | Membership Rewards - Global Transfer Centurion Canada to Centurion France - worth changing? - Just a quick enquiry please; Canadian Centurion holder here, but moving to France within the year, and wondering whether the benefits of the French Centurion are better than those of...

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Nope worked.

Did any of you guys add "Shipment Insurance" with MYUS ?

Never use it waste of money unless you have a very expensive item you cannot afford to loose.

I have 3 cards with them (Premier, Prestige and AA). Actually the first 2 cards I didn't use ITIN but applied in person. I have a checking account with them and got some 10-20K in there when I first applied back in 2016, same time as Amex GT. I wanted their basic card thinking it would be easy but they gave me a higher level card (same no fee). I think I could even get a better card then.

Banks in the US are quite different from Australia, I couldn't even get a black card here due to the credit limit I have. In the US, I heard for some good cards, you should have at least 10k limit with other banks first to be able to get one lol My limit is now like 70K USD + charge cards. Australian banks dont like seeing me go over 20K AUD (self-employed). So don't be scared to go with a better card in the US.

PS Talk about credit limit, it's good to stay under 30K or 35K with Amex. This will reduce the chance of getting financial review.

Having a checking account doesn't seem to help much with other banks. I have an account with Citi and couldn't even get their own cards without having to go to the branch (when no ITIN). If you know a good banker, maybe he could help send app (within the same bank).

As far as I know, without ITIN or SSN, you are kind of stuck with Amex if you want to open account remotely, except HSBC Premier of course. I haven't seen any DP on Citigold yet.

Citi - accepts passport, ITIN. Can apply online with ITIN or passport in the branch.
Capital1 - accepts ITIN. Can apply online
Chase - accepts ITIN. Can apply online
BoA - accepts passport, ITIN but apply in the branch only (even with ITIN)

For other banks, either no interesting credit cards or accept SSN only.

Surprise Surprise email in my in-tray USD AMEX Centurion approved. no ITIN, no SSN, just a passport and an US Account with an initial address in USA. You can change this back to an Australian address after some time. I am going to read the benefits and still might go for the much cheaper Platinum which is almost similar. The key in my opinion to the ease of obtaining my card successfully has been using my RM (Relationship Manager) and Global Transfer Scheme. Any questions? I started my card efforts beginning of the week. Bang today I have a positive approval and not just any card a Centurion USD denominated. So it is possible. Before asking questions I urge reading the relevant 12 -14 months of history on this thread there is enough info there to make wise decisions. Not everything is necessary depends on ones circumstances too. I am now waiting for it to arrive at my address in the US and then will forward it on to myself here in Aussie. I plan to read the benefits see if it is worthwhile as the cost is big. They have a long list of benefits. So will be able to share this once I have the booklet. Already they have invited me to set up my account and load my AMEX mobile app and use the concierge service. Thanks for everyone's input and time writing all this up. I was skeptical but it does work. See attached part of my email.

 

[blacksultan]

Nope worked.

Never use it waste of money unless you have a very expensive item you cannot afford to loose.




Surprise Surprise email in my in-tray USD AMEX Centurion approved. no ITIN, no SSN, just a passport and an US Account with an initial address in USA. You can change this back to an Australian address after some time. I am going to read the benefits and still might go for the much cheaper Platinum which is almost similar. The key in my opinion to the ease of obtaining my card successfully has been using my RM (Relationship Manager) and Global Transfer Scheme. Any questions? I started my card efforts beginning of the week. Bang today I have a positive approval and not just any card a Centurion USD denominated. So it is possible. Before asking questions I urge reading the relevant 12 -14 months of history on this thread there is enough info there to make wise decisions. Not everything is necessary depends on ones circumstances too. I am now waiting for it to arrive at my address in the US and then will forward it on to myself here in Aussie. I plan to read the benefits see if it is worthwhile as the cost is big. They have a long list of benefits. So will be able to share this once I have the booklet. Already they have invited me to set up my account and load my AMEX mobile app and use the concierge service. Thanks for everyone's input and time writing all this up. I was skeptical but it does work. See attached part of my email. View attachment 220694View attachment 220696

Congrats ! So was having a checking account a prerequisite ? I remember Amex asking for one when I applied for my second card after the 1st one through GT .

 

[albyd]

Congrats - thanks for sharing your experience marki.

When you have all the details for your ICC Centurion, please share what you get. Assuming there will be differences with the Australian version. I think for me, the inclusion of digital subscriptions for AFR for Australian Platinum and Centurion is a significant benefit (doesn't outweigh the cost of AF) given the cost of subscribing directly were it not included with our card.

 

[Ko0l]

Anyone have any recommendations for a good shipping forwarding company that can ship a card from uk to australia?

 

[marki]

Congrats ! So was having a checking account a prerequisite ? I remember Amex asking for one when I applied for my second card after the 1st one through GT .

I don't think so. I had an ordinary account no issues ( Savings).

Congrats - thanks for sharing your experience marki.

When you have all the details for your ICC Centurion, please share what you get. Assuming there will be differences with the Australian version. I think for me, the inclusion of digital subscriptions for AFR for Australian Platinum and Centurion is a significant benefit (doesn't outweigh the cost of AF) given the cost of subscribing directly were it not included with our card.

No problems, ...Might have to wait a month or two depends on the postage. The differences are not published for obvious reason it keeps the mystic up. For me the inclusions of the digital subscriptions do it as did the cash Back offers. $725 on David Jones Purchase. Double points. and a few other things make it worth while almost.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good shipping forwarding company that can ship a card from uk to australia?

I used MyUs but after some issues and Amex not subsidizing it, went to Shipito. They all want money. The funny thing about Shipito is they charge GST on goods going to Australia which makes it for a more streamlined customs experience here. But what I still don't understand is the they charge Australian GST on services they provide on that item being shipped. i.e. I forwarded a letter valued at 0.01 cents. and they wacked on a 1.59 GST au Service Charge, on a service that is provided in the USA. A GST overseas GST free zone especially for services component of the Australian GST. I understand GST on Goods component being sent this is a customs issue and streamlines the everything here in Oz.
Also No ABN !! So all this GST has no ABN attached to it so even if you are registered and have and Australian Business Number its useless. This GST you won't get back.

 

[marki]

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For those really wanting the bling of a Centurion card, this is possibly one way of getting it.

 

[blacksultan]

Premier is an easy route esp if you qualify in Australia, there’s no set up fee & HSBC will set you up in the US without having to visit a branch. You’ll also get a US RM who will also help you to get a Premier no AF US MC. Can use your Aussie address with HSBC none of the complications needed with MyUS.

They’d initially told me have to be Premier in Australia to help me set up US account. Interesting to hear if you can set up US account without needing to qualify as Premier first. HL should do it for most of us to qualify as Premier. Have to consider if HSBC’s offering suits your needs.

Using Australian address will likely mean HSBC MC if you decide to go down that track, won’t contribute to your FICO score - will just be HSBC internal assessment.

Hi albyd , I just got approved for 2 hsbc cards . How long did it take you to receive yours ? Is there any tracking or virtual. Card nos ?

 

[marki]

Hi albyd , I just got approved for 2 hsbc cards . How long did it take you to receive yours ? Is there any tracking or virtual. Card nos ?

We’ll done blacksultan! They must be eager for new customers (so I was thinking) hence the ease of obtaining credit. You got two!

 

[Finale]

For those of you have Platinum card. There is a way to make use of $20/m streaming credit Amex offers until December.

Basically gifting Kindle ebook to others and receiver will have an option to trade the book with Amazon US gift card. It will be coded as streaming. Will need 2 Amazon US accounts. If you set your kindle to Australia, might need to change to US first.

[1 Week Left For December Credit] Using The AMEX Consumer Platinum Card's Streaming Credit For Amazon Gift Cards - DansDeals.com

Update, 12/24: Don’t forget to use your December credit! Update, 6/1: I just tried this again for June and despite reports from comments below, it still works just fine. Keep in mind that: The gifting account should not have any gift card balance, as that will be used before the credit card. If...

www.dansdeals.com

I just tired and got gift card a couple of hours after making a request. Hope this lasts until December.

 

[blacksultan]

Yes and RM said it wouldn’t be an issue . Took just 2-3 days . Both with No AF and one with no interest on purchases for 12 months

 

[albyd]

Hi albyd , I just got approved for 2 hsbc cards . How long did it take you to receive yours ? Is there any tracking or virtual. Card nos ?

Hi blacksultan - my RM helped me with the application - all done over the phone and email. Which cards did you go for? I was only interested in the HSBC Premier MC. good there is no currency or annual fee but otherwise my Citi Premier and my Amex Green are my go-to US cards. I still prefer the HSBC US Premier MC to the Australian version. YMMV.

Took me about 2 weeks to receive my card - came by courier - they have my home address and tried to deliver during business hours - ended up having to go to DHL near to airport outside of work hours to pick it up - they're very security conscious - was the same deal with my debit card. Received a text message with tracking number after they dispatched it.

 

[PPS_SYD]

With the current XE, it's around 2.06 points per AUD dollar, same as Amex supermarket promo atm. Good to have another card with grocery bonus. This card also offers 3x air travel, hotels, gas. They also just added 3x for restaurants but I got 5x from Prestige. Might cancel Prestige and keep only this one.

Chase has a lot of cool cards though. Citi hardly has anything good now except this.

Sometimes card issuers in US follow each other, so if by any chance Amex Gold goes 4x points on groceries globally, I will be very interested to get it.

 

[blacksultan]

Hi blacksultan - my RM helped me with the application - all done over the phone and email. Which cards did you go for? I was only interested in the HSBC Premier MC. good there is no currency or annual fee but otherwise my Citi Premier and my Amex Green are my go-to US cards. I still prefer the HSBC US Premier MC to the Australian version. YMMV.

Took me about 2 weeks to receive my card - came by courier - they have my home address and tried to deliver during business hours - ended up having to go to DHL near to airport outside of work hours to pick it up - they're very security conscious - was the same deal with my debit card. Received a text message with tracking number after they dispatched it.

Hi albyd , my RM helped as well . Apart from the premier I also applied for the advance which has bonus points on all spend in first year and also BT and no interest in purchases for 12 months !
What is your credit limit if you don’t mind me asking ?

 

[PointsLife1]

Sometimes card issuers in US follow each other, so if by any chance Amex Gold goes 4x points on groceries globally, I will be very interested to get it.

I would sign up yesterday if the Amex Gold offered 4 x global groceries!

 

[marki]

All part of the annual fee. That's why the fee is so high this is just the first three of many.

 

[albyd]

Is this the US Centurion or ICC Centurion?

 

[marki]

No foreign Transaction Fees WOW !! We don't have that in Australia with Aussie Centurion.

Post automatically merged: Jun 21, 2020

Is this the US Centurion or ICC Centurion?

US Centurion sorry should have picked up on that earlier.

 

[albyd]

Silly question from me in Hindsight. Had a feeling it was. Was kinda hoping it was ICC. I don't think ICC have no Foreign Transaction fees. They're still charging the standard 3%. US Amex is competitive on this front with even Green charge not having those fees.

 

[blacksultan]

No foreign Transaction Fees WOW !! We don't have that in Australia with Aussie Centurion.


View attachment 220771

Post automatically merged: Jun 21, 2020

US Centurion sorry should have picked up on that earlier.

All US Amex and most US cards have no fx transaction fees .