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.

The Platinum looks great on paper but if you're not based in the US, most of the credits are completely useless. Uber Cash is US-only, Resy and Dunkin' credits are US-only, CLEAR+ is US airports only, Equinox, Walmart+, lululemon — all US. You're looking at close to $1,900/year in credits you simply can't touch, on an $895 annual fee card. So what are people outside the US actually holding? Is the Gold a better fit (4X dining at least works globally)? Are you just in it for the MR points and treating the fee as a cost of the welcome offer? Or have you dropped Amex altogether for something more region-friendly? Would love to hear what people are doing.

Unsecured, $500 limit, not bad! Got some questions though, need to setup a bank account and get a proof of address ideally via a statement form this newly acquired card, what's the next logical step?

Couldn’t register for the international version as my nationality isn’t on the list of supported countries Faxed in a paper application on Tuesday. Got approved last night. Welcome email this morning. ITIN credit history - 7 weeks