Just got my ITIN a couple of days ago and applied for a DCU checking/savings account to start it off. After the initial application got asked for additional proof of address, used the guide from Classroom and got it sorted in 10 minutes, sent it in and got approved. Total less than 24 hours and I've got the first proper American bank account. On to building credit now

I started this “US credit card” journey a while ago but since AmEx NL sent out communication that the Flying Blue transfer rate was going from 5:4 to 2:1, I decided to finalize it. - ITIN requested in 2024 - PhysicalAddress.com address (registered as residential, non-CMRA) - RedPocket eSIM (thanks to this forum!) - Wise account (USD has account- and routing no.) I also requested an e*trade account but didn’t end up using it. My first idea was to request Capital One Platinum ($0) just for the sake of having a proof of address on a statement. Approved in two days. No additional information requested besides my passport, ITIN and address. AmEx was a little more difficult but essentially just the following: - requested the Gold Card online using a new customer link (max 100K points). I did NOT sign in to “link my AmEx history” cause then the offer would disappear - Had to enter address and ITIN - Got an email requesting income documents. I did NOT do this. - Called the GT phone number, they told me they’d overrule the income documents and I had to upload a) a copy of my passport and b) my ITIN letter - ✅ Approved within a day, sign up bonus 60K points after 8K spend - Not sure if relevant but I’ve been an AmEx platinum customer in NL for the past 6y, 50K avg yearly spend, no late payments. Bottom line: no address verification (utility bill) or bank account needed. Questions: - How do I pay the AmEx balance early? In NL I’m used to await the statement and just pay everything by transferring the amount to AmEx’ bank account. I’ve read that with US credit cards, it’s advised to pay the majority BEFORE statement date to keep utilization low and thus get a good credit score. But how? Only thing I’m nervous about. - Any experiences requesting multiple cards? Can I re-use GT? Or was this my “one shot”? I really want to have the AmEx Marriott Brilliance card as well, just wondering if it’s depending on credit score from now on, or AmEx’ internal rating system.

Stripe.com or Stripe Atlas

Got approved for Amex Plat with Global Transfer. Card is on its way to my US address. When I get my ITIN, is there a way to add it to the profile to help with my US credit status? Any experiences?

I have the Wallbit app tied to my Swedish address - and also Schwab Intl. Any reason to get a bigger bank account like BoA or Citi? I am trying to switch my Swedish Amex Play to US. If it holds up I do not need another credit card.