Funstuie

So I finally got my SSN so now begins the process of getting some credit cards, car loans etc.

First up was a call to Amex as I have had a UK amex account for about 5 years. I got called the number on the global transfer page and explained that I wanted to do a global transfer, just moved etc. I got shunted to customer service who seemed to know what I was on about but said I need to apply for a card and to give them my UK card details during the call. So I got put back through to some guy who had no idea what I was talking about. I was on the call for 30 minutes doing an application thats going to fail. He took my UK card details but said he couldn't access them and said once I get the card from them I would need to call Customer service to transfer my UK account over. I explained numerous times on the call that I was looking to do a global transfer and I need him to take account of my UK standing with an Amex. So obviously it failed and I don't know what to do as I called back and got told I need to apply again.

Anyone got some real world advice on what I should do?

lansbury

When I came over a similar thing happened. They used the fact I had a UK account to open a US one. It came with a good credit limit. One the plus side it left my UK account open so I still have a UK credit card if I need one.

GeoffM

I don't remember that much faff. I phoned up the US phone number on the Monday, a couple of business days after I arrived, gave them my UK AMEX details, and by Friday had a shiny US AMEX card alongside the UK one.

Calling back and speaking to somebody different would seem an obvious thing to do, except you say you've already done it.

Was it a genuine AMEX card - not a store card with the AMEX logo, for example?

civilservant

Are there AmEx store cards in the UK? I don't believe so.

BritishGuy36

Unless it's changed recently, credit companies are only allowed to take the last 6 months of your credit history when opening a US card account based on your UK card usage.

I also did this with virtually no hassle when I arrived in the US. One phone call and a few days later, I had a new US Amex card with a $10k limit.

As per GoeffM's comment, it sounds like you just got someone who is clueless. Call back and see if you have more joy finding someone who knows what they are doing.

Pulaski

There are some cards branded Amex in the UK that aren't corporate Amex cards - at least one airline CC is an Amex branded card IIRC, and I think there are some bank cards branded Amex in the UK too.

Hotscot

FWIW I still have my Nationwide Building Society account, they said they don't care where my home address is located.

NCSox

I did the same as the OP. I was on the phone for 45 mins with AMEX customer service who told me I woulda be approved based on my UK card, I received a letter saying I needed to go the SS office and get confirmation I had a SSN, which took 45 mins each way and 2h wait. Submitted it, then 10 days later told it was rejected due to me having no credit history in the USA.

Pulaski

Me too. Then I phoned customer service and told them I had been a customer for several years in the UK, and I had a card in my hands a few days later with a $5k credit limit.

NCSox

Thank you I will try again then as it will be helpful to build credit.

sir_eccles

When a credit card application fails the issuing institution is obligated to send you written confirmation with the reason why. Often this letter includes a special contact number, sort of higher level customer service. Here you can talk to someone about sending further information to support your application and run it again.

A second stand alone application is likely to get stuck I would guess.

Funstuie

I got a call today from Amex as they needed to confirm my address. I spoke to girl who phoned me and explained what I was trying to do (Global Transfer) and she went and spoke to someone else (a supervisor or someone) and came back and said it's OK we can amend this application. She took my UK account details again and then took my US bank details. She contacted my US bank to confirm my details and then told me she could approve my card application.

I got $8k credit limit.

Just received an email saying my application has been rush approved (they probably send that to everyone). It made a big difference speaking to someone who understood what I was on about. It seems the weekend staff are not all clued up. It was such an easier conversation not having to explain to an AMEX employee what I am on about. The girl today knew what I wanted to do and seemed to get it sorted very quickly.

So my advice is don't try over the weekend.

Pulaski

Ain't that always the truth? ..... Unfortunately companies rarely have such people working in the call centre.

hoffage123

Well done on getting it processed. I tried the Global Transfer thing but I have less than 12 months on my UK Amex, so they were having none of it.

Bagger

I have a UK Amex card with no annual fee. When I tried to transfer they mentioned a $400+ annual fee on the card I would transfer on to. I aborted at that point...

Is there a no annual fee product I should be asking specifically for?