Strategy to obtain US Amex

Why Amex…? Can you get Chase issued cards…? Chase after all the Chase cards first due to 5/24. Then work on all other cards you’re after for.

Apologies if this has already been discussed in this thread, I'm finding the 252 pages a bit overwhelming to digest.

I am about to move to the US so I am excited about getting my first US Amex.

Are there any that are a must-have for the frequent flyer community without going crazy on an annual fee?

To me, the two US Amexes that most stood out to me as a frequent traveller outside the US are:
  • Amex Green card. $150 fee / 3 MR points per $ earned on travel and restaurants worldwide / no foreign transaction fees.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex. $250 fee / 4 bonvoy points per $ on restaurants worldwide / 2 bonvoy points per $ general spend / Bonvoy Gold status / Bonus points and free stays / no foreign transaction fees.
I'm largely ignoring the Delta cobranded cards on the basis that I mainly travel oneworld and *A.

Thanks!
 
Why Amex…? Can you get Chase issued cards…? Chase after all the Chase cards first due to 5/24. Then work on all other cards you’re after for.
He is moving to the US and chase wont approve him without a Credit history. He can do Global transfer and get a Amex card. I would go for the Marriott over the green since you will get your credit score quickly as compared to the Green (I like this card) since Green is a charge card.
 
Please select "See All 6 options" at the bottom right corner and select "
ITIN application apply for individual tax identification number" and also apply the 10% off ...see bottom right corner


View attachment 334549

PS: I just completed the form but did not pay and after 3 hours I got an email to pay $280 rather than $350
Update:
My Groupon order was refunded. I will use the link sent directly once I see the money hit my credit card
 
To me, the two US Amexes that most stood out to me as a frequent traveller outside the US are:
  • Amex Green card. $150 fee / 3 MR points per $ earned on travel and restaurants worldwide / no foreign transaction fees.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex. $250 fee / 4 bonvoy points per $ on restaurants worldwide / 2 bonvoy points per $ general spend / Bonvoy Gold status / Bonus points and free stays / no foreign transaction fees.
I'm largely ignoring the Delta cobranded cards on the basis that I mainly travel oneworld and *A.

Thanks!

If you don't already have lounge access when you fly the Hilton cards with Priority Pass are a pretty good deal. Between the $250 airline credit and $250 Hilton resort credit as well as the free night it’s pretty easy to justify the $450 fee on the Aspire
 
Between the $250 airline credit and $250 Hilton resort credit as well as the free night it’s pretty easy to justify the $450 fee on the Aspire

Don't forget the Hilton Diamond, particularly if staying at Hiltons in Asia.
 
Just called the HSBC international number to request the HSBC USA account and was told that I have to do it online. They provided me a link to do so. This isnt consistent with what ive read in this thread. Might try and call again later.

When I go to the link its a fresh us HSBC application with minimum requirements such as $5000 in direct deposits per month.
Called HSBC international again this morning. On hold for 2.5 hours and counting. Automatic hang up after 2.45hr. Edit Followed up with my RM who said to try online and provided me with a link to a fresh application where by you need to meet the HSBC US premier account requirements.

I was hoping if anyone who has setup the HSBC US account could enlighten me as to whether or not you still need to meet the HSBS US premier account requirements (as well as the AUS HSBC Premier account requirements?) i.e. deposit 5k USD a month into the account?

If so can you do this for free / almost free between your AUS HSBC and US HSBC accounts i.e. without a fee to transfer money between countries?

Update: Rang back and was answered quickly. Was told the best thing to do is apply online. Ended up just applying online.
 
Last edited:
I think that things might have changed re the US Premier route. They have sold their retail business & only deal with Premier clients. I suspect they will move some of us along in due course if we don’t have sufficiently high account balances. I inquired about their Peemier relationship savings account which earns 4.15% Vs 0.1% for my Premier Savjbgs account. They first said. And be done since I’m not in the US then called me back and did it over the phone. Will be interesting if I do get an account since it will take 3-4 business days I’m told.
 
Sponsored Post

Struggling to use your Frequent Flyer Points?

Frequent Flyer Concierge takes the hard work out of finding award availability and redeeming your frequent flyer or credit card points for flights.

Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, the Frequent Flyer Concierge team at Frequent Flyer Concierge will help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

Called HSBC international again this morning. On hold for 2.5 hours and counting. Automatic hang up after 2.45hr. Edit Followed up with my RM who said to try online and provided me with a link to a fresh application where by you need to meet the HSBC US premier account requirements.

I was hoping if anyone who has setup the HSBC US account could enlighten me as to whether or not you still need to meet the HSBS US premier account requirements (as well as the AUS HSBC Premier account requirements?) i.e. deposit 5k USD a month into the account?

If so can you do this for free / almost free between your AUS HSBC and US HSBC accounts i.e. without a fee to transfer money between countries?

Update: Rang back and was answered quickly. Was told the best thing to do is apply online. Ended up just applying online.
From my experience once you get reciprocal premier status in another country it is permanent without the need to qualify or provide any further proof of status in home country at a later stage .
Post automatically merged:

Called HSBC international again this morning. On hold for 2.5 hours and counting. Automatic hang up after 2.45hr. Edit Followed up with my RM who said to try online and provided me with a link to a fresh application where by you need to meet the HSBC US premier account requirements.

I was hoping if anyone who has setup the HSBC US account could enlighten me as to whether or not you still need to meet the HSBS US premier account requirements (as well as the AUS HSBC Premier account requirements?) i.e. deposit 5k USD a month into the account?

If so can you do this for free / almost free between your AUS HSBC and US HSBC accounts i.e. without a fee to transfer money between countries?

Update: Rang back and was answered quickly. Was told the best thing to do is apply online. Ended up just applying online.
I believe in the US the monthly deposit requirement is only specified deposits like salary and not generic direct account deposits .
 
Green card stuck in USPS black hole en route to MyUS, unsurprising as my sub doesn't include mail.

Despite supposedly not allowing delivery of USPS letters, it seems MyUS may just process letters very slowly.

My recent Green card delivery which I assumed was destroyed, ended up available in my suite about 3-4 weeks after delivery. MyUS opened the letter and sent me a photo of the card even!

MyUS.JPG

Side note for those who signed up for the current Green promo - if you have any $200 travel cashback remaining at the end of the 6 month promo, topping up an Opal card is eligible for the cashback.

Screenshot 2023-06-27 at 10.34.55 am.png
 
Called HSBC international again this morning. On hold for 2.5 hours and counting. Automatic hang up after 2.45hr. Edit Followed up with my RM who said to try online and provided me with a link to a fresh application where by you need to meet the HSBC US premier account requirements.

I was hoping if anyone who has setup the HSBC US account could enlighten me as to whether or not you still need to meet the HSBS US premier account requirements (as well as the AUS HSBC Premier account requirements?) i.e. deposit 5k USD a month into the account?

If so can you do this for free / almost free between your AUS HSBC and US HSBC accounts i.e. without a fee to transfer money between countries?

Update: Rang back and was answered quickly. Was told the best thing to do is apply online. Ended up just applying online.
Update: Applied online via a quite thorough application process including passport verification and many questions about use of account and amount of money will be flowing through it etc, was approved within 18 hours. However trying to setup online banking is proving difficult as I require a 6 digit code and need to call HSBC USA customer service to get one apparently as it never came through to my my talkatone USA number (if it was sent). Have to say that the international HSBC phone team are poor.
 
Hi guys, aside from HSBC premier, I was wondering are there any other options for opening a USA bank account remotely from Australia if I already have a SSN or do I still need to be physically present in the USA?
 
I think Bank of America let you apply for their checking account & credit card without SSN or ITIN
I'm not sure you can do it online or not
 
I second Capital One. But since you already have an SSN, you can pretty much select any US bank you want (Chase, Citi, BofA, Wells Fargo and the milions of online banks such as Ally, Axos etc)
 
Despite supposedly not allowing delivery of USPS letters, it seems MyUS may just process letters very slowly.

My recent Green card delivery which I assumed was destroyed, ended up available in my suite about 3-4 weeks after delivery. MyUS opened the letter and sent me a photo of the card even!

View attachment 334770

Side note for those who signed up for the current Green promo - if you have any $200 travel cashback remaining at the end of the 6 month promo, topping up an Opal card is eligible for the cashback.

View attachment 334771
I had 2 cards come from nowhere - I now use another provider as it was way too slow
 
Hey guys

Just need some advice.

I have the Amex green charge card and had enrolled with autopay to pay with Wise. The payment failed however and the wise rep said to me the reason it failed is because it’s not possible to pay US charge cards with wise. Is this true and been the case with everyone else? How else can I pay the card ASAP? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 
I have the Amex green charge card and had enrolled with autopay to pay with Wise. The payment failed however and the wise rep said to me the reason it failed is because it’s not possible to pay US charge cards with wise. Is this true and been the case with everyone else? How else can I pay the card ASAP?
Amex autopay through Evolve Bank and Trust (Wise) has worked for me for more than 12 months, every month.
 
Amex autopay through Evolve Bank and Trust (Wise) has worked for me for more than 12 months, every month.
I thought as such, Amex say my wise account is inactive and wise say Amex are refusing to take the payment, it’s so frustrating. Any suggestions how to get around it?
 
I think others here use Revolut, may be worth looking into if you need to pay a bill urgently.
 
Back
Top