Strategy to obtain US Amex

[GerrardGerrard]

Guys, I have a HSBC US account open and hopefully soon the US HSBC credit card.

Do I absolutely need the ITIN to build my credit history in the US? Or will simple use of the HSBC card start building it?

Also is it useful to still look into opening another American bank account will that help with future credit card applications and also if HSBC completely leave the US?

My plan right now is use HSBC card for the next 6 months, then get an AMEX US card, then want to look into Chase and Capital One.

 

[DAC1]

My plan right now is use HSBC card for the next 6 months, then get an AMEX US card, then want to look into Chase and Capital One.

Building a credit history with that card doesn’t mean anything if the requirements of the cards that you want require a SSN/ITIN as part of their application.

To get an AMEX, you’ll need to do a GT or alternatively use a SSN/ITIN.

You’ll need an SSN/ITIN for Chase and C1.

All of these questions have been answered in this thread too. You should give it a read.

 

[Tiki]

Has anyone ever had a Wise transfer to a US bank delayed with a message "We're running some checks, should be done by Sunday 6 Sept"? I've been using Wise for years and first time. It's only $800, hardly earthshaking amount and to my same B of A account.

Update: whatever it was seems to be sorted out, money has been sent to B of A.

 

[Franko Costa]

Hey guys just applied for another Amex card and for teh first time they asked me fore a proof of address after i submitted. I uploaded a chase credit card statement as they said credit card statements are accepted. It then said 'We're reviewing your application, and we will have a decision within 14 days.' This was one of those 'up to xx points' offers.

Wondering should I wait 24 hours or call straight away. I also want the card shipped to Australia but I think I have to wait 10 days anyway even if I have cards with them before?

​

Just call. It never hurts

Has anyone ever had a Wise transfer to a US bank delayed with a message "We're running some checks, should be done by Sunday 6 Sept"? I've been using Wise for years and first time. It's only $800, hardly earthshaking amount and to my same B of A account.

I transfer from wise to US bank all the time and never had that issue

 

[GerrardGerrard]

Building a credit history with that card doesn’t mean anything if the requirements of the cards that you want require a SSN/ITIN as part of their application.

To get an AMEX, you’ll need to do a GT or alternatively use a SSN/ITIN.

You’ll need an SSN/ITIN for Chase and C1.

All of these questions have been answered in this thread too. You should give it a read.

Yeah I have been reading very useful information from all involved.

I have a UK AMEX so hopefully I can use that when the times comes. ITIN number is the thing I will need but should I get it now to attach to my HSBC record and AMEX or wait until the time comes to get Chase/C1. I am finding some information saying even without it my credit will build on HSBC but other information saying without an ITIN the credit history won't be built on my HSBC card, so not sure which is true.

Think most likely I'll apply for ITIN soon.

 

[sudoer]

should I get it now

yes

 

[levelnine]

Has anyone ever had a Wise transfer to a US bank delayed with a message "We're running some checks, should be done by Sunday 6 Sept"? I've been using Wise for years and first time. It's only $800, hardly earthshaking amount and to my same B of A account.

I've seen it happen from time to time. Usually sorts itself out pretty quickly, as you found.

 

[blacksultan]

Yeah I have been reading very useful information from all involved.

I have a UK AMEX so hopefully I can use that when the times comes. ITIN number is the thing I will need but should I get it now to attach to my HSBC record and AMEX or wait until the time comes to get Chase/C1. I am finding some information saying even without it my credit will build on HSBC but other information saying without an ITIN the credit history won't be built on my HSBC card, so not sure which is true.

Think most likely I'll apply for ITIN soon.

Get it now . You can get a chase or Citi only after 8-9 months of having itin and having built up a history .

 

[GerrardGerrard]

Get it now . You can get a chase or Citi only after 8-9 months of having itin and having built up a history .

I just got an email from HSBC US asking me to upload my last 2 payslips for my credit card application. Guessing this is quite normal?

Is it usually to base the credit limit because I thought they pulled your credit history from overseas?

Also I put my combined home salary including my partners and now I'm thinking that may flag up. Hopefully it goes through OK , I'm abit worried now.

 

[Madqueen]

I just got an email from HSBC US asking me to upload my last 2 payslips for my credit card application. Guessing this is quite normal?

Is it usually to base the credit limit because I thought they pulled your credit history from overseas?

Also I put my combined home salary including my partners and now I'm thinking that may flag up. Hopefully it goes through OK , I'm abit worried now.

This is standard.
I made my application a month ago and was requested my 2 recent paystubs.
I submitted them and was approved with no drama.

 

[blacksultan]

I just got an email from HSBC US asking me to upload my last 2 payslips for my credit card application. Guessing this is quite normal?

Is it usually to base the credit limit because I thought they pulled your credit history from overseas?

Also I put my combined home salary including my partners and now I'm thinking that may flag up. Hopefully it goes through OK , I'm abit worried now.

They cant and won’t pull yout overseas credit history .

 

[GerrardGerrard]

They cant and won’t pull yout overseas credit history .

Is it just your related HSBC history they have access to?

 

[metaphase]

I will try this, the agent I spoke to did say his system is blocking him from sending the application to my email but said said if I go on holiday I can call back and get the email restriction lifted.

No idea how that would work or if its just based on me telling them I'm in a different location

I remember this weirdness with HSBC before - they wouldn't allow a CC application when in the UK but were fine when in France! They seem to have specific rules for different countries which is why they ask where you're calling from. Quite a weird system as you can easily be on 'holiday' from anywhere

 

[metaphase]

I just got an email from HSBC US asking me to upload my last 2 payslips for my credit card application. Guessing this is quite normal?

Is it usually to base the credit limit because I thought they pulled your credit history from overseas?

Also I put my combined home salary including my partners and now I'm thinking that may flag up. Hopefully it goes through OK , I'm abit worried now.

yep totally normal - they're a bit picky about payslips (wouldn't accept scanned copies of paper ones but instead wanted electronic download ones that had a logo on them!) but didn't need to be US ones.

 

[GerrardGerrard]

I remember this weirdness with HSBC before - they wouldn't allow a CC application when in the UK but were fine when in France! They seem to have specific rules for different countries which is why they ask where you're calling from. Quite a weird system as you can easily be on 'holiday' from anywhere

yep totally normal - they're a bit picky about payslips (wouldn't accept scanned copies of paper ones but instead wanted electronic download ones that had a logo on them!) but didn't need to be US ones.

Yeah I uploaded downloaded ones, I also uploaded a letter to state on my application I put my combined total salary including my partners. But I said I'm happy to proceed just based on my salary alone. So hoping they don't Come back with a rejection!

Been a long game, like the start of this thread says patience is needed! Hopefully works out.