Strategy to obtain US Amex

[kpc]

Earlier this year i successfully applied for the US Amex Aspire Hilton card. I signed up with Tello using a referral from this thread for my US phone number. I have never needed to use this number todate and any verification I needed from Amex could be sent to me by email. so was thinking of cancelling the Tello account. Recently I tried to book a Hilton stay online and used my said US Amex Hilton card.....I was then prompted to enter the verifcation code sent to my mobile. It was not possible to get the code sent to my email. So it looks like I'm stuck using Tello moving forwards at US$5 per month

If anyone is thinking of signing up to Tello for a US mobile number, if you use my link below, we both will get a US$10 credit if you stay with Tello for 3 months

Tello Mobile | The mobile carrier you deserve

Build your own plan with minutes, texts and data starting at only $5/month. No contract, no lock-ins! You can also buy a new phone from Tello or bring your own. It's all up to you.

tello.com

 

[_TheTraveller_]

SoFI/Cap1/Alliant/Ally/Amex checking - some success doing remote opening with itin
BoA/Chase will work if present in person

Cap1/Amex are stricter with opening up accounts now. SoFi is more miss than hit as well.

 

[georgie23]

Cap1/Amex are stricter with opening up accounts now. SoFi is more miss than hit as well.

I didn't realise Amex was stricter - opened checking and business checking for P1/P2 with no real issue (P2 has a 901 ITIN and that is technical issue but was resolved)

 

[blacksultan]

SoFI/Cap1/Alliant/Ally/Amex checking - some success doing remote opening with itin
BoA/Chase will work if present in person

Do I need to use a vpn for them to be safe ?

 

[georgie23]

Do I need to use a vpn for them to be safe ?

I mostly never use a VPN - a friend of mine uses one every single time - doesn't seem to matter

 

[blacksultan]

Cap1/Amex are stricter with opening up accounts now. SoFi is more miss than hit as well.

Is Alliant easy ?

 

[DAC1]

Is Alliant easy ?

Similar to SoFi, I am finding it to also be hit or miss (although more likely to be a miss in my experience).

 

[blacksultan]

If one has an itin but no us credit history can one apply for the Amex Bbp as their first Amex via GT ?

 

[metaphase]

Thanks, that seems to be the suggestion from a few for people who got a similar issue. I will probably drop this application. I probably will use a VPN when I submit the application next time. I think the Aus IP raised someflagsg with their fraudt department

Interesting - I had the same issue with the same letter being required - didn't even have HSBC account at the time so just had to leave that application. I had found I couldn't access the US site at all without a VPN and usual NordVPN ones were blocked so I had a spin up a VPS and use that - wonder if that IP (even though US-based) flagged anything? I've also noticed HSBC US site keeps blocking pages on desktop that work fine on mobile so wondering if similarly for Amex it might be better applying on a phone instead??

Have now got HSBC and just updated mailing address after receiving my Elite credit card (although hope they've already generated my Priority Pass card and don't send it there too!)

 

[Phoenix-1]

I'm tossing up getting the new Amex Platinum after my Chase Ink app got knocked back (again). Many of the statement credits are US only and even the Amex FHR & THC are inflated through their portals. Unlimited PP is nice.

Are there any tricks to utilising any of the U.S. only credits to make it a more attractive proposition here in Australia?

The other one I was considering is the Cap1 Venture Rewards, but it seems like they regularly offer a $300 travel credit bonus and it makes sense to wait for that.

 

[sudoer]

Unlimited PP is nice.

Look at the HSBC Elite if you value Priority Pass: Elite Credit Card | Travel Rewards Card - HSBC Bank USA

It has an unlimited full membership (including restaurants) for you and two guests. The US Amex Plat does not include restaurants and only allows one guest.

Both earn 5x on travel. The $10/month rideshare credit on HSBC works globally I believe.

 

[metaphase]

The $10/month rideshare credit on HSBC works globally I believe.

Ah, interesting - I'm having difficulty adding it to my Uber app as a payment method, might try again - I had wondered if it was US-only.

 

[Phoenix-1]

Look at the HSBC Elite if you value Priority Pass: Elite Credit Card | Travel Rewards Card - HSBC Bank USA

It has an unlimited full membership (including restaurants) for you and two guests. The US Amex Plat does not include restaurants and only allows one guest.

Both earn 5x on travel. The $10/month rideshare credit on HSBC works globally I believe.

This is definitely better, but the value proposition of the AF / bonus points still seems to lean towards the Amex Plat. I went ahead and applied last night (I had a 175k SUB offer on my Amex Gold card) and received a "we need more info please call" screen. After calling up they asked for ITIN & identification documentation to be uploaded, which I did promptly. Now just waiting patiently.

 

[Ko0l]

Ah, interesting - I'm having difficulty adding it to my Uber app as a payment method, might try again - I had wondered if it was US-only.

Any rideshare/taxi payment will trigger the cashback. Though its not worth using the card for rideshare after the $10 cashback as it only pays 1x now for these sort of transactions now.

 

[AppleJune]

Interesting - I had the same issue with the same letter being required - didn't even have HSBC account at the time so just had to leave that application. I had found I couldn't access the US site at all without a VPN and usual NordVPN ones were blocked so I had a spin up a VPS and use that - wonder if that IP (even though US-based) flagged anything? I've also noticed HSBC US site keeps blocking pages on desktop that work fine on mobile so wondering if similarly for Amex it might be better applying on a phone instead??

Have now got HSBC and just updated mailing address after receiving my Elite credit card (although hope they've already generated my Priority Pass card and don't send it there too!)

I managed to have my application approved. I called the Global Transfer team, and the person was happy to conduct a 3 way call. But HSBC rejected the request over the phone. Then, Amex allowed me to submit a bank statement as evidence instead of the letter, so my application was approved the next day.

 

[cathalm8]

Hey guys, I just upgraded from green to Plat. I was wondeing which airline is best to select for preffered airline for the $200 credit?

Was also wondering has anyone had any joy using the $25/month digital entertainment credit? I assume you need to subscribe to USA versions of these apps and can't just subscribe to YouTube premium australia and recieve the credit?


Thanks

 

[georgie23]

Hey guys, I just upgraded from green to Plat. I was wondeing which airline is best to select for preffered airline for the $200 credit? Thanks

United get travel bank which might be easier to use in the future - can keep adding up the credits

 

[blacksultan]

What portal are people using to check their credit file ?
Cant register on core credit at the moment .

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Hey guys, I just upgraded from green to Plat. I was wondeing which airline is best to select for preffered airline for the $200 credit?

Was also wondering has anyone had any joy using the $25/month digital entertainment credit? I assume you need to subscribe to USA versions of these apps and can't just subscribe to YouTube premium australia and recieve the credit?


Thanks

USA based subscriptions only. United Travel Bank or some paying for upgrade offers.

 

[bluecoconut]

What portal are people using to check their credit file ?
Cant register on core credit at the moment .

I was able to sign up for myFICO free plan. the initial signup returned an error telling me to phone in, and they did some additional verification over the phone. the call took at most 5 mins