Strategy to obtain US Amex

[_TheTraveller_]

The barrier is opening a new account now. I think you’re fine if you opened it over 6 months ago - they didn’t appear to be asking about US citizenship back then

I just meant it in the context of C1 shutting down people. But yeah getting account now seems to be an in-person thing rather than online.

 

[nthd_nthd]

That's ridiculously. What do they want you to put? "Dinner at XX restuarant on 15/9/25"?




Still haven't had my C1 checking account shut down yet though

I'm thinking whether it's worth opening up a Chase checking account whilst in the US. Would it throw up some issues if I have existing Chase Cards?

If you have any chance to be in US you should open checking account with all the banks you want to have relationship with. A bit of hassle to manage them but I reckon better off that way. I have Citi Chase BoA Well Fargo, C1. HSBC

 

[_TheTraveller_]

If you have any chance to be in US you should open checking account with all the banks you want to have relationship with. A bit of hassle to manage them but I reckon better off that way. I have Citi Chase BoA Well Fargo, C1. HSBC

Do you have a Chase CC as well? Wasn't sure if that was your P2 that was having trouble.

I had a Citi Checking but that got closed down due to 6 months of inactivity!

 

[nthd_nthd]

Do you have a Chase CC as well? Wasn't sure if that was your P2 that was having trouble.

I had a Citi Checking but that got closed down due to 6 months of inactivity!

Yes I have Chase CC, But P2 has same checking and CC

 

[georgie23]

Hi guys has anyone managed to open up a amex checking account without an itin?

Thinking of trying for an Amex checking account for P2 as a method of being able to transfer Aus Amex points over to it. I know the checking account offers a debit card where you can collect Amex points so Iam hoping you could also transfer Aus Amex points to that account but iam not 100% sure if you can.

yes opened a amex checking and business checking online - very easy to do - its a full MR account so cant see why it wouldn't work to transfer points to it (p2 got business checking approved today)

 

[Overlylarge]

Hey. Im looking into using planet express. Is there anyone else I should look into like myus

 

[georgie23]

Hey. Im looking into using planet express. Is there anyone else I should look into like myus

myus is a no go for reliable
PE and USglobalmail are better

 

[Overlylarge]

myus is a no go for reliable
PE and USglobalmail are better

Thank you so much

 

[_TheTraveller_]

yes opened a amex checking and business checking online - very easy to do - its a full MR account so cant see why it wouldn't work to transfer points to it (p2 got business checking approved today)

Lucky you. I tried applying for an Amex personal checking account and kept getting asked for documents but they wouldn't accept Australia based documents.

 

[Overlylarge]

Do I need an itin number if I do global transfer

 

[georgie23]

Lucky you. I tried applying for an Amex personal checking account and kept getting asked for documents but they wouldn't accept Australia based documents.

passport and itin - did you need anything else?

Do I need an itin number if I do global transfer

no

 

[_TheTraveller_]

passport and itin - did you need anything else?

They wanted ID but I uploaded it and they wouldn't accept my passport? I don't recall specifically it was a few months back. I tried to upload twice as well.

 

[Overlylarge]

Updated Strategy for Obtaining US Credit Cards (2025).


What’s the deal with obtaining US credit cards?

• Lucrative Offers: The US market often has some of the best sign-up bonuses and rewards programs around. Compared to what's available in Australia, the deals can be significantly more attractive.
• Variety and Flexibility: There's a huge variety of credit cards in the US tailored to different needs, whether it's travel rewards, or points systems and other benefits.

Of course, your experience might vary, and what works for one person might not work for another. But if you're considering dipping your toes into the US credit card market, the potential rewards could be worth looking into.


How to Obtain US personal credit cards?


American Express

• Global Transfer: If you have a solid credit history in Australia, you can apply for a US Amex card through a "Global Transfer".
• Signup Bonuses: Unlike in Australia where you get one lifetime signup bonus, in the US, you can receive a signup bonus for each Amex card once in your lifetime.

Bank of America:


Building Credit with a Secured Card

• Secured Credit Card: You can start building your credit score by getting a secured credit card.
• Requirements: Visit a bank branch with valid IDs like a passport and driver's license.
• Security Deposit: An upfront deposit is required, e.g., $250, which also sets your initial credit limit at $250.
• Credit Building: Over time, responsible use of this card can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Credit Card Applications Without SSN

• Identification Needed: U.S. credit card applications generally require an SSN, ITIN, or EIN.
• ITIN and EIN Setup: You'll need assistance from someone with an account to get an ITIN or EIN. ITIN holders must file U.S. tax returns annually.
• Banking Access: An ITIN allows for personal banking accounts, while an EIN is used for business accounts, enabling account opening in the U.S. without an SSN.

Chase:

• Unofficial 5/24 Rule: If you've been issued 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months, you'll be declined for a new Chase credit card, regardless of your credit score.
• Chase Business Cards: These are subject to the 5/24 rule, but applying for them doesn't count towards your 5/24 count. For example, you can have 4 cards, get a Chase Ink Cash card, and three months later apply for a Chase Ink Unlimited without moving to 5/24.
• Strategy: Chase after the “Chase” credit cards first lest you’d be locked out the Chase ecosystem due to 5/24 rule.

Capital One:


They are extremely conservative and ensure you have a good credit score prior to applying for any of their credit cards.


Citi, Barclays, HSBC and other issuers I do not have any experience with obtaining those cards but would assume with EIN and or ITIN you should be able to apply for them.


How to build credit score:

• Spending to Build Credit: You need to use your credit cards to build a credit history.
• Credit Utilization: Maintain a utilization rate below 30%. For instance, with a $15,000 limit, making repayments prior to statement period ends and leaving a $1,000 balance is about 6.67% utilization.
• Payment Responsibility: Paying off your balance monthly shows banks that you manage credit responsibly. Hence you want a US bank account for convenience.

What will lower credit score:

• Opening Too Many Accounts: This can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score. It might also be seen as a sign of credit-seeking behavior, which isn't favorable.
• Closing Aging Credit Cards: Old accounts contribute to a longer credit history, which is beneficial for your credit score. Closing them can decrease your available credit, increasing your credit utilization ratio, and shorten your average account age, both of which can negatively impact your score.

Do the opposite of how to build credit score also impact your credit worthiness.


Personal Opinions on Credit Management

• Due Diligence: The advice given is opinion-based; everyone should research thoroughly before making long-term credit decisions.
• Responsibility: You're responsible for your choices in credit management.
• Credit Distribution: If you receive a significant credit increase from issuers like Chase, it's better to spread that credit across your cards rather than reducing limits on any one card.

This is the most helpful thing I've ever read

 

[_TheTraveller_]

This is the most helpful thing I've ever read

Hate to be that person but like many of us have mentioned, it would be good to read the thread rather than having your first 10 posts asking about how to get a US Amex when all the information is already there.

 

[DAC1]

Which part can't be done specifically or all of it?

P2 has an amex credit card but I was thinking of cancelling it. But if you are sure that you can't open an amex checking without an ITIN then its a mute point.

Iam still wondering if you could transfer Aus MR points to an Amex checking account number though..

I always understood that you needed a US Amex credit/charge card as a starting point. However even then, you then also need a ITIN. Amex Checking does not allow you to submit a W-8 which is the typical form for non-residents (they accept W-9 only - so you need to disclose that you are a US citizen or a resident alien).

 

[Grrr]

they accept W-9 only - so you need to disclose that you are a US citizen or a resident alien

This is the crux of the problem

All the major banks now make you fill in a W9 form when applying online, which specifically states that you

“certify under penalty of perjury that
I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person“

I’m not sure a few FF points are worth the ramifications of having this lie on your record given the political climate over there…

 

[nthd_nthd]

Hate to be that person but like many of us have mentioned, it would be good to read the thread rather than having your first 10 posts asking about how to get a US Amex when all the information is already there.

I know right. We all went thru over 600 pages of it and still learning new things everyday as we went. PPl kept thinking "travel hacking" is Easy.

 

[albyd]

If you have any chance to be in US you should open checking account with all the banks you want to have relationship with. A bit of hassle to manage them but I reckon better off that way. I have Citi Chase BoA Well Fargo, C1. HSBC

I agree, looks like they all want us with ITIN to go into the branch. I also applied for CSP at the same time as I opened my Chase Checking account.

Chase had asked for Many of the same things (via mail) like state ID that C1 asked for. They approved my CSP without further correspondence so wary of making other applications to Chase like the Ink cards as they will likely ask for these documents. Hoping if I use CSP as my main daily driver as I am and make payments on time as I am that will be enough to keep Chase happy.

 

[N0mad]

However, Revolut does not (yet) offer local bank details. For those with a US Amex, how do people pay their statements balance without the use of a US bank account (eg BoA etc etc). Is Wise the only option??

i use HSBC, Premier is easy to get.

 

[Triben]

Posted this in another thread, but, on reflection, it may be more appropriate in this one.

Losing my patience with Wise

My wife had some issues recently with low value funds transfers from colleagues. I dismissed it as she was a relatively new customer.

I’ve been with them for over 10yrs. Have just had the same issue - low value transfers from colleagues for a dinner that was put on my tab whilst overseas. Got an email saying that transfers have been suspended whilst they investigate

The email stated, amongst other things



The reference from the sender was “dinner”. Their money laundering algorithm seems incredibly ‘immature’.

I’ve had enough. I need more reliability than this. Sent a forthright email and transferred most of my activity to Revolut.

However, the one process with which I am stumped is payments to a US Amex. Presently, I have a Direct Debit from the US balance (for which there are details) of my Wise account.

However, Revolut does not (yet) offer local bank details. For those with a US Amex, how do people pay their statements balance without the use of a US bank account (eg BoA etc etc). Is Wise the only option??

Thanks in advance

I was on same page 3weeks ago, my wise account permanently suspended, I used relatives Wise account for payments until setup my US HSBC checking account.
you can try HSBC or IBKR(they provide Routing number which you need).