Strategy to obtain US Amex

[desafinado74]

I've tried multiple times with and without VPN. I've even called them while doing it. It doesn't seem to work when you're in Aus.

ITIN and Passport is fine. Once you actually get approved, it's all very easy. No resistance.

Thank you for the heads up. I will be going to USA in a few months time. I think i will try and open the account when i am over there.

 

[Phoenix-1]

I opened it here. I don't recall if I used a VPN, sorry. Seems like it wouldn't hurt. Credit check doesn't work "Transunion is unable to verify your identity".

I did apply via Rakuten, perhaps that's what helped? FYI if you're using the Rakuten app on Android the in-app browser does not have camera permissions, so you aren't unable to fully complete the ID verification process. I just exited the application at this stage and logged into SoFi on my desktop to finish the verification.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I opened it here. I don't recall if I used a VPN, sorry. Seems like it wouldn't hurt. Credit check doesn't work "Transunion is unable to verify your identity".

It wasn't related to a credit check but it seems like an hard block that was non-descript. Maybe things have changed? Last time I tried was Oct in Aus.

 

[QF_Flyer]

Global transfer ? In my case they have always asked for proof of address

Yeah, all 5x GT

 

[Ko0l]

I am heading to los angeles & las vegas during Christmas period and have set aside 1-2 days to open some bank accounts and maybe a credit card.

I thinking of opening a BOA business/personal checking. Wells Fargo checking & US bank checking.

Are there any accounts that I must open whist I'm there that cannot be done in Australia?

 

[desafinado74]

I am heading to los angeles & las vegas during Christmas period and have set aside 1-2 days to open some bank accounts and maybe a credit card.

I thinking of opening a BOA business/personal checking. Wells Fargo checking & US bank checking.

Are there any accounts that I must open whist I'm there that cannot be done in Australia?

My plan is similar to yours : ) Do you have a Chase checking account and credit card already?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I am heading to los angeles & las vegas during Christmas period and have set aside 1-2 days to open some bank accounts and maybe a credit card.

I thinking of opening a BOA business/personal checking. Wells Fargo checking & US bank checking.

Are there any accounts that I must open whist I'm there that cannot be done in Australia?

Citi? I've heard Chase being lock happy so they don't recommend having a Chase checking account linked with your credit cards

 

[Ko0l]

My plan is similar to yours : ) Do you have a Chase checking account and credit card already?

Already have a chase credit card. I may open a chase business card while I'm there.

Citi? I've heard Chase being lock happy so they don't recommend having a Chase checking account linked with your credit cards

Not sure about citi as I already have a citi credit card. But may go open chase/citi business checking accounts if they are offering a large enough sign bonus. Lower on the priority list as I've heard its not good to have those accounts with credit cards. Higher risk of a shut down.

 

[Tiki]

I called Citi because it is now 12 days since I applied with no decision. The lady I spoke to asked where I was (I didn't use a vpn) and I said I was in Australia visiting family because my husband is Australian. And she wanted to know if it was my own device and i said yes it's my laptop. Then she said someone would call me in 1-3 days for "verification". This bank is a major pita! But the 80k AA for $1000 minimum spend is the obvious draw.

 

[velli25]

Out of curiosity, has anyone here managed to open a SoFi checking account with an ITIN?
If so, how was the process ? And did they accept the Australian passport as an ID document?

SoFi Checking & Savings $300 + $400/40,000 Signup Bonus (Nationwide; Requires $5,000 Direct Deposit)

SoFi is offering bonus of up to $300 for new customers who signup for their SoFi hybrid checking & savings account and receive direct deposit of $5,000+ within 30 days. Plus $175 Swagbucks…

www.doctorofcredit.com

40k points for a new SoFi account through Rakuten! $5000 USD deposit required. From what I've read we can do a transfer from Revolut with the comment 'Payroll' and it should meet the criteria?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

SoFi Checking & Savings $300 + $400/40,000 Signup Bonus (Nationwide; Requires $5,000 Direct Deposit)

SoFi is offering bonus of up to $300 for new customers who signup for their SoFi hybrid checking & savings account and receive direct deposit of $5,000+ within 30 days. Plus $175 Swagbucks…

www.doctorofcredit.com

40k points for a new SoFi account through Rakuten! $5000 USD deposit required. From what I've read we can do a transfer from Revolut with the comment 'Payroll' and it should meet the criteria?

Yep. Only difficult part is getting approved

 

[Phoenix-1]

SoFi Checking & Savings $300 + $400/40,000 Signup Bonus (Nationwide; Requires $5,000 Direct Deposit)

SoFi is offering bonus of up to $300 for new customers who signup for their SoFi hybrid checking & savings account and receive direct deposit of $5,000+ within 30 days. Plus $175 Swagbucks…

www.doctorofcredit.com

40k points for a new SoFi account through Rakuten! $5000 USD deposit required. From what I've read we can do a transfer from Revolut with the comment 'Payroll' and it should meet the criteria?

I had a blank description for my Revolut payments and it still counted.

 

[velli25]

Yep. Only difficult part is getting approved

Yep I was declined through a normal safari browser...anyone else have any tips? Looks like mail forwarding address’s flag

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Yep I was declined through a normal safari browser...anyone else have any tips?

Be in the US

Are you getting any particular error? You mentioned it's flagging your address? I didn't have that issue. Mine was a generic not available error.

 

[Ktan89]

I need some guidance please. I applied for GT this week and they are requesting for proof of address.
Ive set up HSBC AU premier last week and they've created a global transaction account. I'm trying to setup a US checking account now but its asking for the below which means im back to square one.

Upload your documents​

We'll need you to provide some documents.

What you'll need to complete this application​

Please have the following documents on hand before you begin:

• 
  A proof of your permanent address
• 
  A recent HSBC bank statement or another document reflecting your US connection. Some common examples include:
  • 
    Your US work assignment letter/US work visa
  • 
    Proof of your enrollment in a US school, college or university
  • 
    Your mortgage statement/tax bill/purchase agreement/executed sales contract for your US property

 

[N0mad]

I need some guidance please. I applied for GT this week and they are requesting for proof of address.
Ive set up HSBC AU premier last week and they've created a global transaction account. I'm trying to setup a US checking account now but its asking for the below which means im back to square one.

Upload your documents​

We'll need you to provide some documents.

What you'll need to complete this application​

Please have the following documents on hand before you begin:

• 
  A proof of your permanent address
  • 
    Your US work assignment letter/US work visa
  • 
    Proof of your enrollment in a US school, college or university
  • 
    Your mortgage statement/tax bill/purchase agreement/executed sales contract for your US property

your premier status probably hasn't updated internationally given you only opened it last week. When P2 applied was similar, i had to send them evidence she was Premier. I recall they asked for a statement and RM's name.

 

[velli25]

Be in the US

Are you getting any particular error? You mentioned it's flagging your address? I didn't have that issue. Mine was a generic not available error.

Nah I just assumed that using a myUS account flagged the address. Here is what I got

Unfortunately, we are unable to open accounts for you at this time. This may be a result of:

• Our inability to verify certain information that is required under the Patriot Act
• Data made available to us through public or private sources, which in this case does not include data obtained from any consumer credit reporting agency.
• Certain transaction(s) or attempted transaction(s) with us or an affiliate.

 

[DAC1]

Nah I just assumed that using a myUS account flagged the address. Here is what I got

Unfortunately, we are unable to open accounts for you at this time. This may be a result of:

• Our inability to verify certain information that is required under the Patriot Act
• Data made available to us through public or private sources, which in this case does not include data obtained from any consumer credit reporting agency.
• Certain transaction(s) or attempted transaction(s) with us or an affiliate.

I also got that despite not using a CMRA address and using a US residential IP proxy.

Based on the experiences I’ve seen others report, being in the US makes a huge difference.

 

[Ktan89]

your premier status probably hasn't updated internationally given you only opened it last week. When P2 applied was similar, i had to send them evidence she was Premier. I recall they asked for a statement and RM's name.

Right. I don't even have a RM.. what is a RM - relationship manager?
Should I contact HSBC AU first before applying then?
Also, did you apply through this link or is there an internal transfer we can do?

Premier Checking Account | Premium Banking - HSBC Bank USA

Open an HSBC Premier checking account online & enjoy international banking services, local and global benefits with no fees on everyday banking transactions.

www.us.hsbc.com

 

[DAC1]

Right. I don't even have a RM.. what is a RM - relationship manager?
Should I contact HSBC AU first before applying then?
Also, did you apply through this link or is there an internal transfer we can do?

Premier Checking Account | Premium Banking - HSBC Bank USA

Open an HSBC Premier checking account online & enjoy international banking services, local and global benefits with no fees on everyday banking transactions.

www.us.hsbc.com

That’s the correct link.

Most of the answers to your questions have already been addressed once or twice or more in this thread. You’ll find a lot that will help you on this process if you look through for any posts relating to HSBC.