Should I apply for an Amex Card right now?

Bill on 26/11/2024 - 07:40

I'm currently considering applying for an Amex Airpoints card. One of the main reasons is the promos, e.g., Samsung.

The only card I can consider is the base $0 fee card. I am not in the country and have basically no income.

One concern I have is that if I apply for the base Amex now, I won't be able to get the signup bonuses for the other better cards in the future.
And also there are a lot fewer options for cards than before. The rest have been discontinued. What should I make of this?

I don't know a whole lot about these cards.

Is there anything else I should consider/any reason not to apply?

For those that don't have an Amex, why not?

General Discussion

Related Stores

American Express
American Express

Comments

  • spam on 26/11/2024 - 08:56

    I would think if you're not in the country and have no income they will reject you anyway regardless of the $0 fee or the platinum equivalent.

    Even with the $0 fee card (any credit card for that matter), they will assess your incoming-outgoing and see if you can afford to pay as if you're using the card to the limit.

    • Bill on 26/11/2024 - 09:01

      That is what I think too. However, the requirements state only no bad credit history and not any minimum income requirements.

      So is there any harm in trying?

      Also, I'm not permanently out of the country so I don't think will know. (I just won't have much NZ income/expenditures)

      • spam on 26/11/2024 - 09:12

        are you sure? Down the page there is this section:

        Documents and information to have ready:
        - NZ Driver’s Licence number (if you have one)
        - Details of your income, expenses and debts
        - Proof of your annual income and employment details (e.g. Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Statement, payslips)

        • Bill on 26/11/2024 - 09:16

          Yes, I have proof of my annual income. It is just not a lot. I have no expenses and debts which should put me in the green.

          Do they consider assets or stock dividends? Because I have a bit of those.

          • spam on 26/11/2024 - 09:23

            @Bill: You could try, but I think there is a minimum income when I applied (can't remember, been years since I applied). Even for the platinum card, they don't specify the minimum income though.

            From memory, the free card was 25,000 min income where the platinum is somewhere around 65,000 but again this was years ago

          • monkey on 26/11/2024 - 15:55

            @Bill: A while ago and things may have changed, but in 2018 they only wanted to know my annual income, and I didnt have to prove it.

            • Bill on 27/11/2024 - 01:13

              @monkey: They need proof now through a proof of income tax summary. But I wouldn't lie about my income, regardless.

  • Lieutenantdave on 26/11/2024 - 09:08

    Being not in the country with no income may prove difficult obtaining a credit card i would imagine

    • Bill on 26/11/2024 - 09:12

      I'm not sure they would know I'm not in the country, but the no income thing may be a problem.

  • ThatKiwiFella on 26/11/2024 - 09:55

    EDIT: Income portion is incorrect, for some reason I could see a page referencing 2019 data. Would assume income portion has increased to 45-55k

    Income needs to be 35,000 or more pre tax and no history of bad debt/defaults

    Whether you’re eligible or not, unsure. Yes I’d recommend one if you do it right and don’t treat it as a credit card and pay balances always before statements close. I do this, never paid a cent of interest and now I get Airpoints for my purchases, win win

  • saxasianguy on 26/11/2024 - 16:17

    The minimum income requirement also takes into account if you have mortgage, so income - mortgage repayments

    • Bill on 27/11/2024 - 01:20

      They also take into account other lines of credit you have and anything that costs money, such as dependants. Luckily, I wrote my expenses as 0 for everything and selected "home duties" for employment. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

      • saxasianguy on 27/11/2024 - 08:11

        haha that gave me a good chuckle, what about a 'home maker' next time, same definition I guess but sounds more like a proper job

  • kumspal on 27/11/2024 - 10:38

    If you have any AMEX card from elsewhere issued directly by AMEX in that country , quote that card number in your application . This will help in your application under their global transfer program

    • zqsn on 27/11/2024 - 10:44

      Does it close the account/card in "that country" once the transferred is approved? or can cards stay open on both countries?

      • kumspal on 27/11/2024 - 10:59
        +1

        It doesn't close the account in that country; Having a relationship with amex in another country improves your chances of a new credit card application when you relocate.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join