Strategy to obtain US Amex

[blacksultan]

Had my HSBC Elite approved today (I think) after having the checking account opened for a week (with ~$3k USD parked in it but no purchases).

- I applied for the credit card online
- 24hrs later received an email saying to expect another with a link to a document portal (to upload payslips I assume).
- Another 24 hours pass and I never received the separate link so called up the US Premier support line.
- Whilst on the phone to them I logged in to the app. and saw that the Credit card account showed up including last 4 digits of the card number.
- Still stayed on the phonecall to ask about the separate document portal link but the person said that since the account was already showing that there was nothing further for me to do.

Did you need to log into your banking account to apply for?

 

[DAC1]

Did you need to log into your banking account to apply for?

Yes because you need to be a Premier customer.

 

[N0mad]

That seems a much more seamless process than I had - forced to use PDF application rather than online and then took quite a while to get sorted. Enjoy the card though, it's my go-to one for travel/dining spend and even on routine spend it's very reasonable when you spend the points via the travel portal.

my go to as well, QMP at 5x is amazing

 

[http_x92]

Not much has been said about the SUB eligibility rules if you get the HSBC Premier then the Premier Elite card.

Anyone tried getting it back to back and got the bonus for both? Not a lot of info on that online...

 

[Grrr]

QMP at 5x

Is that Qantas ?

 

[DAC1]

Not much has been said about the SUB eligibility rules if you get the HSBC Premier then the Premier Elite card.

Anyone tried getting it back to back and got the bonus for both? Not a lot of info on that online...

Anecdotally you cannot. It also sounds like generally, you cannot get both cards (although I have seen one or two exceptions to that).

Is that Qantas ?

Yes

 

[306]

Does HSBC premier CC get automatically approved if you have a US premier checking with them? Should I make some transaction on the checking first? - I have been using wise instead for cheaper rates i think.

Also, can someone please confirm if the x3 gas and grocery work here please

I can also verify that it is not automatic, I was rejected as well, but it was pretty soon after my US Premier account was opened, so that my be the main factor. It was a year ago, so at least I have a credit rating now, may decide to apply again.

The customer support was pretty lackluster, they requested me fill a "International Debt Obligation Form", provide a recent tax NoA, and payslips.

 

[fafnersbane]

Did you need to log into your banking account to apply for?

Yes you'll be prompted to login to apply if you go via the public facing credit card product page.

Got my welcome email today so it's official .

I would not be surprised if in a few weeks out of the blue they contact me to provide payslips though .

 

[AppleJune]

Hey all,

My first Global Transfer was approved on 20/09/25 (Hilton Aspire).

I received my ITIN in early Dec. Since then, every new Amex application (Jan, Feb) has been flagged for income verification with a request for Form 4506-T.

The issue is that my income is earned in Australia, and Amex does not accept Australian payslips. I also don’t have any U.S. tax transcripts yet, so submitting a 4506-T isn’t helpful.

Recent Applications:

• 03/01/26 – Gold Card → Provide required information
• 04/01/26 – Hilton Surpass → Provide required information
• 19/02/26 – Hilton (no AF) → Provide required information

For these 3, I withdrew or let them lapse due to the 4506-T request. However, they still appear in the application status portal. Do these eventually drop off, or do they remain permanently?

• 27/02/26 – Hilton Surpass (via Global Transfer link) → In progress, additional information required

I called the Global Transfer line and was told to wait 5 business days for a letter regarding income verification. I assume this will be another 4506-T request.

First 3 applications: submitted through the standard Amex US website (ITIN attached)
Latest application: submitted via Global Transfer link (ITIN attached)

1. Am I applying too soon after receiving my ITIN?
2. Is the repeated income verification likely due to the new ITIN having no U.S. tax or credit history attached?

Appreciate any insight from those who’ve experienced something similar.

I don't think I have a credit file linked to my ITIN on EX or EQ yet, as it's only been 2 months since I got it. When I apply again, I would assume Amex would use its internal score to assess the application.

I tried applying again today through GT without an ITIN for a Hilton no-annual-fee card and still got sent straight to wait 14 days.

Will probably stop for the next 2 months to get more time, just don't want to miss the current 1 free night promo with Hilton

Just an update today, after a lot of back and forth with Amex, they initially mentioned they needed 4506-T forms, which I submitted. Then they said it was the wrong form and actually requested 4506-C instead. I got my application approved for the Hilton FREE card. Currently, I am still waiting for the 2nd application, Hilton Surpass, since it has the same requirements. I don't currently have US income and only file my 2025 tax with my ITIN for some gambling.

 

[aaa99]

With HSBC still dragging their heals, I applied for the Amex Hilton (No AF) with the soft pre-approval link. It asked for the ITIN letter and passport. Was fully expecting it to decline, but I received a call today and they went through to APPROVE it with a low CL of $1000.

I was able to setup the account online and noticed that my HH points balance is showing up on the Amex portal too.
I am not counting it as a win yet. Need the physical card to delivered first.

Are there any gotchas to avoid? Can I start using the card in Australia as it is? Or should I do some online subscriptions (like Tello) first to avoid any redflags.

Back to HSBC, I am going to ask them to not bother. Or atleast do a new application for the HSBC Elite instead.

 

[blacksultan]

Not much has been said about the SUB eligibility rules if you get the HSBC Premier then the Premier Elite card.

Anyone tried getting it back to back and got the bonus for both? Not a lot of info on that online...

I enquired via chat recently and was informed one was eligible for the bonus on the second if one had the first .
Few months ago it was negative regarding same .
Also one has to have had bonus received more than 36 months prior and not have same card to be eligible again for sign ip bonus .

 

[AppleJune]

I also tried to get my partner's myFICO score. After 6 months (6 bank statements issued), we called today and were told they couldn't help because our ITIN isn't linked to the Amex profile, so there's no credit report on their end, despite having a 6 month credit history with Amex. Have you had a similar issue with the free myFICO plan? They only ask for name, address, ITIN, DOB; they didn't ask for an Amex statement or anything else. They did mention that the ITIN is valid, but no credit history is linked to it, which is true since no credit cards are open with it yet. But shouldn't the system be able to locate you with other information?

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I also tried to get my partner's myFICO score. After 6 months (6 bank statements issued), we called today and were told they couldn't help because our ITIN isn't linked to the Amex profile, so there's no credit report on their end, despite having a 6 month credit history with Amex. Have you had a similar issue with the free myFICO plan? They only ask for name, address, ITIN, DOB; they didn't ask for an Amex statement or anything else. They did mention that the ITIN is valid, but no credit history is linked to it, which is true since no credit cards are open with it yet. But shouldn't the system be able to locate you with other information?

Definitely exists. EX and TU don't have ITINs attached. Also 6 months usually isn't long enough for a credit profile.

 

[Ktan89]

About a week . Don’t worry

It's been two weeks today. Requested 6th March, the points taken from AU account 10th March and still nothing in US. Many flights i was eyeing has disappeared now.
I've reached out to AU customer service they said to wait a few more days. I online chat with US customer service and they cant see anything and told me to call some number which I will probably do tonight (8am - 4.30pmEST).
The online guide said they dont have the system to access this request.. is this strange? Should i call or wait still?

 

[tassie6]

It's been two weeks today. Requested 6th March, the points taken from AU account 10th March and still nothing in US. Many flights i was eyeing has disappeared now.
I've reached out to AU customer service they said to wait a few more days. I online chat with US customer service and they cant see anything and told me to call some number which I will probably do tonight (8am - 4.30pmEST).
The online guide said they dont have the system to access this request.. is this strange? Should i call or wait still?

My experience over two goes is that they sit in the AU account for the longest, then drop from there and more or less within 24 hours appear in US account.

I also had a failed transfer (requested a couple days too early) and they just got stuck in AU. Didn’t get stuck in limbo

I would call and keep trying to resolve