Strategy to obtain US Amex

[georgie23]

I thought people were using Wise for this? Something to do with putting "Payroll" in the description. Others might be able to confirm.

Wise doesnt work

This is what I was thinking of:

G

Post in thread 'Strategy to obtain US Amex'

Jan 29, 2025

• Was told my initial deposit from my AMEX checking wasn't going to unlock the $300 bonus. It needs to be a govt benefit or payroll payment and apparently, they can tell. Interested if there are experiences of it working otherwise here and how you did it.

I got a $300 SoFi bonus and used a Wise transfer and in the description wrote “Payroll DD” there were DP on DOC that it worked and it worked for me - might be worth a try

• Just checking Tello is ok to receive automated as well as call center-initiated security text and I can use it on Wi-Fi calling in AU...

• georgie23

• 
• 

SoFi changed it recently and Wise no longer counts as a DD
Revolut works for me still

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Wise doesnt work

SoFi changed it recently and Wise no longer counts as a DD
Revolut works for me still

What does the Revolut method look like?

 

[georgie23]

What does the Revolut method look like?

I just go into Revolut and sent to Sofi - nothing - dont need any reference - its up to SoFi what they count as a direct deposit - doesnt seem to be related to any reference we type in

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I just go into Revolut and sent to Sofi - nothing - dont need any reference - its up to SoFi what they count as a direct deposit - doesnt seem to be related to any reference we type in

Do you just convert AUD to USD via revolut?

 

[georgie23]

Do you just convert AUD to USD via revolut?

No - just select AUD and send to US and select that bank

 

[http_x92]

Decided to apply for the US HSBC Premier.

International Premier members needed to apply by phone.

Similar to other DPs, they sent me a PDF form and I filled it out. Once done, we send the form to someone in HSBC and then they come back and asked for a Proof of Employment, which was easy. Approved 2 days later, calling them in the early morning.

Then I realised it was sent to the mailing address, which is the MyUS Suite. Didnt want to push it too hard to send it to the residential address and make the game obvious, and changing it again might be complicated.

 

[N0mad]

Decided to apply for the US HSBC Premier.

International Premier members needed to apply by phone.

Similar to other DPs, they sent me a PDF form and I filled it out. Once done, we send the form to someone in HSBC and then they come back and asked for a Proof of Employment, which was easy. Approved 2 days later, calling them in the early morning.

Then I realised it was sent to the mailing address, which is the MyUS Suite. Didnt want to push it too hard to send it to the residential address and make the game obvious, and changing it again might be complicated.

they don't care, they make their cards available to non-residents. I told them i was in Australia, and i wanted it posted here. they updated my postal and was delivered here. Once delivered i then updated postal back to US.

 

[Tiki]

Has anyone done a Citi card using Tello and Torrance? I'm a bit worried about Citi's notorious overzealous fraud alert/shutdowns. But that 80k AA with the flight attendant code is pretty tempting. Only $1000 minimum spend. And if I don't get it, my Barclays AA will eventually shift to Citi and I may be locked out of this sub.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard – 80,000 Miles

Earn 80,000 American Airline miles after $3,500 in spend within the first four months.

www.doctorofcredit.com

 

[Baymax]

Thanks @Baymax, definitely useful information. I have three follow-up questions if I could?

1. By any chance, if you remember, was your first transaction on the card an in-person transaction in AU or an in-person or online transaction in the US?
2. Was the charge for a small amount?
3. Did you hold a checking account with Citi when you applied?

Thanks again!

1. My first transaction was online in USD
2. ~100USD
3. No