Strategy to obtain US Amex

[levelnine]

Yeah, I’ve heard people say it’s easier to obtain a credit card from a bank if you hold a checking account there, but I saw someone suggest avoiding a Chase checking account in this thread and wasn’t sure why. Is there a risk of closure because Chase dislikes random money transfers, particularly those sent via Zelle?

Checking accounts receive a lot of scrutiny in the US for various reasons, so it's preferable to keep them at separate banks if you plan on doing anything remotely boundary pushing. A checking account shut down will lead to a credit card shut down at most banks, including Chase.

If you are doing absolutely nothing that would raise an eyebrow, you likely have nothing to worry about. As always, YMMV and there are exceptions. Eg Capital One doesn't love foreigners.

 

[DC3]

… I saw someone suggest avoiding a Chase checking account in this thread and wasn’t sure why …

Googling Chase will provide plenty of negative reviews. They close checking accounts all of the time. And I know that from experience, for no apparent reason.

 

[AppleJune]

Googling Chase will provide plenty of negative reviews. They close checking accounts all of the time. And I know that from experience, for no apparent reason.

Yeah I saw people reports on Reddit and other forum where their account got closed down for deposit cheque and do Zelle transfer but at the same time it kinda risky on have 1 checking account in US which is HSBC potentially could announced a withdraw operations like here. They recently withdraw from Germany as well

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Yeah I saw people reports on Reddit and other forum where their account got closed down for deposit cheque and do Zelle transfer but at the same time it kinda risky on have 1 checking account in US which is HSBC potentially could announced a withdraw operations like here. They recently withdraw from Germany as well

I think SoFi, BoA and Wise are two safe calls if you're interested. The others I wouldn't risk.

 

[sudoer]

SoFi

Very hard to do overseas

Wise

Statements not recognised by most other banks

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Very hard to do overseas



Statements not recognised by most other banks

Agree to both but to remain in the game for the long term, one should visit the US at some point and when they do that, they should probably set a bank account up (e.g. BoA/SoFi).

 

[sudoer]

Agree to both but to remain in the game for the long term, one should visit the US at some point and when they do that, they should probably set a bank account up (e.g. BoA/SoFi).

Yes, but IMO any mention of SoFi and Wise as potential checking accounts needs to come with those (very significant) disclaimers.

 

[metaphase]

Interesting discussion. I'm visiting the US next month so was thinking about opening a Chase account on person using my ITIN to increase the chance of acceptance for their IHG card as well as diversify from HSBC. Is this perhaps not such a good idea? Would of BoA account be a better bet for the diversification side of things? I'd probably just do transfers to/from HSBC US and Revolut.

 

[olorinn]

Can be worthwhile even just for the checking account opening bonuses, i've definitely done well out of it. Let me know if you want a referal for the Chase checking bonus, it's up to $400 at the moment

 

[metaphase]

Didn't know those sort of bonuses were even a thing on checking accounts!

 

[levelnine]

Didn't know those sort of bonuses were even a thing on checking accounts!

Best Bank Account Bonuses For September, 2026

List of all the best checking, savings and bank account bonuses for September, 2026. $3,500+ in nationwide bonuses. $10,000+ in state bonuses.

www.doctorofcredit.com

 

[AppleJune]

Some checking account sign-up bonuses exclude W8 people, so keep that in mind. But some people report they still receive the bonus despite the t&c said no

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Interesting discussion. I'm visiting the US next month so was thinking about opening a Chase account on person using my ITIN to increase the chance of acceptance for their IHG card as well as diversify from HSBC. Is this perhaps not such a good idea? Would of BoA account be a better bet for the diversification side of things? I'd probably just do transfers to/from HSBC US and Revolut.

I would avoid Chase and go for BoA and SoFi when you're there. Maybe even Citi.

 

[DAC1]

Interesting discussion. I'm visiting the US next month so was thinking about opening a Chase account on person using my ITIN to increase the chance of acceptance for their IHG card as well as diversify from HSBC. Is this perhaps not such a good idea? Would of BoA account be a better bet for the diversification side of things? I'd probably just do transfers to/from HSBC US and Revolut.

D

Post in thread 'Strategy to obtain US Amex'

Aug 15, 2026

Is there a preferred bank to open your first U.S. checking account with? I’ll be going to the U.S. next month and may look to open one while I’m there if it’s not too much of a pain.

It doesn’t really matter who it is. I currently have checking accounts with BOFA, PNC, Wells Fargo, HSBC US, SoFi and Chase.

My personal view:
- Don’t do Chase. Yes I know, I have one. It was to get a credit card sooner. But it draws attention to your account. Try and limit your engagement with Chase to CCs only.
- If you have an established credit file, get SoFi. It’s an easy win. They verify you...

• DAC1

• 
• 

BOA, SoFi, PNC and Wells Fargo were in my experience the easiest to set up.

 

[AppleJune]

D

Post in thread 'Strategy to obtain US Amex'

Aug 15, 2026

Is there a preferred bank to open your first U.S. checking account with? I’ll be going to the U.S. next month and may look to open one while I’m there if it’s not too much of a pain.

It doesn’t really matter who it is. I currently have checking accounts with BOFA, PNC, Wells Fargo, HSBC US, SoFi and Chase.

My personal view:
- Don’t do Chase. Yes I know, I have one. It was to get a credit card sooner. But it draws attention to your account. Try and limit your engagement with Chase to CCs only.
- If you have an established credit file, get SoFi. It’s an easy win. They verify you...

• DAC1

• 
• 

BOA, SoFi, PNC and Wells Fargo were in my experience the easiest to set up.

For SoFi, you mentioned that you need to be in the US to set up your account.

Do you remember the process for setting that up? I could sign up through my friend's PC in the US, but what is the activation process involving face scanning and a passport photo/selfie?

 

[DAC1]

For SoFi, you mentioned that you need to be in the US to set up your account.

Do you remember the process for setting that up? I could sign up through my friend's PC in the US, but what is the activation process involving face scanning and a passport photo/selfie?

I did it on my phone while being in the US. Took a selfie and took a photo of the passport. Whole process took less than 5 minutes.

 

[AppleJune]

Yeah, I guess that's the case. I won't be in the US until late next year. Hope my HSBC lasts till then.

 

[GerrardGerrard]

Hey guys I have finally got my US HSBC credit card in my hands! Has anyone successfully managed to sign up to a streaming service and got the streaming credit applied? If so which services in particular?

I'm trying to sign up to HBO and it's not recognising the payment