Strategy to obtain US Amex

[simonsyd]

Has anyone recently received the statement credit for topping up their United travel bank with the aspire or platinum ?

Took around 3 weeks for my recent $250 travel bank top up to credit (Aspire)

 

[PointsLife1]

Thanks

I just got off the phone with new account. First, on my application they couldn't see my GT AU card info as it was a regular application?? according to the rep. Then I gave them my Amex AU account number.
5 minutes later, the rep stated that since I already have a US Platinum card (via GT last month) I wouldn't qualify for 2nd GT. Other options would be submitting 4506-C which I don't have.

Well, I wish I could get that Bonvoy Brilliant card with a great signup bonus.
I might try to apply for it again three months down the road using this same method, what are your suggestion or advise?

Hey BTS, wondering about how you came to choose the Platinum card as your first GT? My Virgin lounge access is about to expire and contemplating getting US or AUS Platinum for access among other perks.

 

[levelnine]

Hey BTS, wondering about how you came to choose the Platinum card as your first GT? My Virgin lounge access is about to expire and contemplating getting US or AUS Platinum for access among other perks.

US Amex Plat does not include access to Virgin lounges, I believe, only AU Amex Plat.

 

[PointsLife1]

US Amex Plat does not include access to Virgin lounges, I believe, only AU Amex Plat.

I don’t think officially but some comments previously saying they just look at the card and it’s a Platinum Amex so gets accepted. It looks like it’s part of the Global Lounge Collection maybe?

 

[levelnine]

I don’t think officially but some comments previously saying they just look at the card and it’s a Platinum Amex so gets accepted. It looks like it’s part of the Global Lounge Collection maybe?

You certainly might be able to get away with just flashing the card, but it would be a gamble. The Virgin Australia lounges are not listed in the US Amex Plat's list of eligible lounges or in the T&Cs. But they are listed in AU Amex Plat's list of eligible lounges.

 

[Viridis]

You certainly might be able to get away with just flashing the card, but it would be a gamble.

I have regularly used my UK Platinum Amex without an issue; have a local one now though

 

[BTS_FAN]

Hey BTS, wondering about how you came to choose the Platinum card as your first GT? My Virgin lounge access is about to expire and contemplating getting US or AUS Platinum for access among other perks.

Well, I travel to the US about 2-3 times a year. so I can use (5x airfares) $200 FHR, $200 Airlines credit toward US short haul flight, Sirius Xm music, $100 Saks shopping & Uber $15 from the airport to hotel & of cause, the signup 100k MR bonus.

But the next card on my list would be the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

 

[BTS_FAN]

I wonder, can you apply for Chase credit card without SSN or ITIN?

Chase Freedom RiseSM Credit Card​

Earn 1.5% Cash Back​

Best for: New to Credit Increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom RiseSM by having a Chase checking account with at least $250 before applying.

 

[levelnine]

I have regularly used my UK Platinum Amex without an issue; have a local one now though

Thanks for the data point. Do they scan/swipe the card at all?

 

[PointsLife1]

Well, I travel to the US about 2-3 times a year. so I can use (5x airfares) $200 FHR, $200 Airlines credit toward US short haul flight, Sirius Xm music, $100 Saks shopping & Uber $15 from the airport to hotel & of cause, the signup 100k MR bonus.

But the next card on my list would be the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Looks like you can get tremendous value with the US travel so makes sense. The Bonvoy Brilliant was my first global transfer card and has been a favourite but having lifetime status the extra $200 fee stings so thinking of the downgrade option.

 

[mattr00]

Applied for the Bonvoy Brilliant this morning through GT. Used a MyUS address and a Talkatone number. Got the “Can we speak to you on the phone?” message so will give them a call when the applications team open up.

Fingers crossed they don’t request an address verification

For those with a high end US card and an AU Plat, can you really justify keeping both cards open considering the (usually) higher points earn rate and lower AF?

Update: Seems to be no joy. Got asked for a statement with address. Gave them a Wise statement but not too hopeful at this stage

Called up new accounts Monday night AU time (about 8:30AM ET) and the rep put me on hold while he talked to the GT team. Approved on the phone after about 2 minutes.

It seems pretty unclear to me what they determine as an appropriate proof of address - or if they even looked at the Wise statement I sent through.

Card was overnighted to MyUS and arrived Tuesday morning ET time. It's been sitting there for 2 full business days and the suite # seems to be left out

 

[BTS_FAN]

Looks like you can get tremendous value with the US travel so makes sense. The Bonvoy Brilliant was my first global transfer card and has been a favourite but having lifetime status the extra $200 fee stings so thinking of the downgrade option.

Agreed, the main reason for me to get this card is the Marriott Platinum Status. I have Hilton Diamond and never receive a suite upgrade on my stayed.

 

[levelnine]

I have Hilton Diamond and never receive a suite upgrade on my stayed.

Where do you stay? I've found them somewhat common in Asia. Usually an okay-ish upgrade in Australia. Nothing in the US, of course.

 

[BTS_FAN]

Called up new accounts Monday night AU time (about 8:30AM ET) and the rep put me on hold while he talked to the GT team. Approved on the phone after about 2 minutes.

It seems pretty unclear to me what they determine as an appropriate proof of address - or if they even looked at the Wise statement I sent through.

Card was overnighted to MyUS and arrived Tuesday morning ET time. It's been sitting there for 2 full business days and the suite # seems to be left out

Is this your 1st GT?

 

[mattr00]

Is this your 1st GT?

Yes

 

[BTS_FAN]

Yes

Congrats,
If you don't mind sharing what is the CL they approved for the 1st GT credit card?
My 1st GT is a charge card, the soft limit is set at $5k US.

 

[mattr00]

They gave me 10k. As far as I can tell they dont seem to let you request your limit during application?

 

[Viridis]

Thanks for the data point. Do they scan/swipe the card at all?

Have Platinum Velocity now so haven’t tried for a while, but previously, no they just looked at in (used only in Melbourne & Sydney)

 

[Finale]

P2's referral bonus is now 30K MR (was just 10k a couple of weeks ago) so I just signed up today for the Green 60K + $200 back. This is 90K + $50 profit. Probably the best deal we got so far. It's good to check a referral bonus from time to time. Thought $50 fee for 90k on the Gold I signed up a few weeks ago was best already.

Amex collection keeps growing lol

 

[http_x92]

A bit OTT, so far my Hilton experiences have been good granted I have only been in Australia and NZ hotels. Getting 14x on the Aspire for Hilton properties has also been good...

As an Aussie would you recommend Marriott as a secondary option if there is no Hilton around (e.g. Canberra and Hobart)? Or should I widen my net and try out chains like IHG or Accor? It looks like Accor is probably the most popular chain here...