American Express for Non-US Residents [How to Apply]

Interested in knowing how you can apply for an American Express card as a non-US resident?

If so, you’re not alone.

American Express (Amex) credit cards are some of the best US credit cards in the world. Offering lucrative rewards you can’t access anywhere else. And, unlike with many other credit cards, non-US residents are typically eligible to apply. In fact, it is entirely possible to obtain a US credit card by applying for a credit card with an ITIN number. Of course, other requirements will need to be met.

In this article, our team will share the specific steps that some of our premium members (and our team members) have taken to obtain American Express cards as non-US residents. We’ll also share what makes Amex US credit cards so attractive.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

1. Can a Non-US Resident Apply for an American Express?
2. What Are the Benefits of Having an American Express Credit Card?
3. What Are the Challenges of Applying for Amex Credit Cards?
4. How Do Non-US Residents Apply for an Amex in the USA?
5. Frequently Asked Amex Credit Card Questions
6. Do You Want Help Opening a US Bank Account?

Can a Non-US Resident Apply for an American Express?

Yes, it is possible to apply for an American Express as a non-US resident. However, the type of cards available to you depends on if you have a US credit history. Read on for the step-by-step guide on how to get an Amex card successfully. 

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to apply for an Amex card as a non-US resident.

We’ll do so by uncovering the common challenges you’ll need to overcome during the application process. Including, how to open a bank account in the United States as a foreigner to qualify for the Amex card you’re after.

Before diving in further, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE US Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.

What Are the Benefits of Having an American Express Credit Card?

American credit cards offer by far the most lucrative rewards in the world. No other country even comes close to what credit cards in the United States have to offer.

And, even amongst US credit card companies, American Express is known for having some of the best perks and rewards.

For example, with a US Amex card, you will be able to unlock the following ten perks.

Benefits of AMEX Credit Cards for Non-US Residents

1. Build US credit history
2. Lucrative travel reward programs
3. Airline loyalty points and rewards
4. Centurion Lounge access in airports worldwide
5. Savings on everyday essentials
6. Hotel loyalty points and rewards
7. Points earned never expire
8. American Express is accepted worldwide
9. Generous signup bonus rewards
10. Travel perks include free checked bags, rental car insurance, and priority boarding

As you can see, there are a lot of perks and rewards to having an American Express card. Not only is the card widely accepted in most countries but it can earn you profitable rewards.

Of course, every card offers rewards. But, American Express tends to go the extra mile to make you feel special.

Most American Express cards allow you the opportunity to earn at least 1 point for every dollar spent. Whether it’s from your local grocery store or gas station, or when you book a trip online through American Express Travel.

Depending on the card that you have, you may even be able to get 3-5 points per dollar on certain types of purchases.

While residents and citizens of the United States can easily sign up for an American Express card, for non-US residents, there are some additional challenges that you will face in the application process. We’ll go over some of those challenges and how to overcome them in the next section.

What Are the Challenges of Applying for AMEX Credit Cards?

Before we dive into the process of how to apply for an American Express for non-US residents, it’s crucial to understand the challenges you’ll likely face during the application process.

With this in mind, here’s a look at let’s look at just eight challenges foreigners can expect when applying for an American Express card.

Challenges of Applying for an AMEX as a Foreign Non-Resident

1. Opening a US bank account
2. Identifying the best card for your needs
3. Being unable to provide proof of US credit history
4. Being unable to meet specific requirements when applying
5. Submitting false information on the application
6. American Express may not accept your country of residence
7. Applying for the wrong card
8. Supporting the monthly or annual membership fees

As you can see, there are some challenges you’ll need to overcome when applying for an American Express card as a non-US resident. Fortunately, these challenges can be avoided with the right information.

Whether you are looking to apply for credit cards as a non-resident, US credit cards as a European resident, or credit cards as a Canadian resident, there are options to choose from.

Note that it’s essential that you only apply for the card you are eligible for. Applying for the wrong card and being rejected can severely hurt your chances of being approved for another card in the future.

But don’t worry, if you’re not currently eligible for the exact card you want, there are steps you can take to become eligible.

You just have to have a strong credit card strategy. Because with the right strategy, you can work your way to getting the ideal card for you.

Read on to find out how to properly apply for an American Express card as a non-US resident. And how to put together your strategy.

How Do Non-US Residents Apply for an AMEX in the USA?

If you’re wondering how you can apply for an American Express card as a non-US resident and start unlocking the rewards we mentioned above, you’re in luck. We’re going to take you through the step-by-step process of how to do just that.

Step 1: Apply to Open a US Bank Account as a Foreigner

The very first step to acquiring an American Express card is to open a non-resident bank account in the United States.

Unfortunately, opening a bank account in the United States as a foreign non-resident isn’t as simple as flying to the US, walking into the nearest bank, and requesting to open an account.

Each bank, branch, and even banker has different criteria when it comes to accepting foreign non-resident clients. Some refuse to work with non-residents entirely, so it’s key that you know where to go.

Our premium members-only report “US Banking for Non-Residents, Foreigners, & Int’l Businesses” shares everything you need to know about how to open a bank account in the United States as a non-resident. Including which banks open accounts for foreign non-residents, how to navigate the common challenges of account opening, and even how to open an account 100% remotely.

You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks USA (more on this below).

Step 2: Choose an American Express Card

The next step is to choose which card you want to apply for.

Keep in mind that the cards available to you will vary depending on your client profile. But also on the eligibility requirements you can meet.

As mentioned above, some credit cards may not be available to you right away. If that’s the case, you’ll need to identify a credit card strategy, understand which credit cards use TransUnion, and know how to build your credit history to ensure you get the card you want in the future.

This may involve starting with an American Express card with lower rewards. Use it in an optimal way to establish your US credit history and then reapply at the right time to work toward the card you want.

This is a very tricky process because if you apply for the wrong card too early you can damage your credit score, which will make it harder to apply for other cards in the future.

If you have any doubts about which card to apply for, we highly recommend that you thoroughly do your research ahead of time.

To help you develop the right strategy, we’ve included everything you need to know about US credit cards, including American Express, in our premium members-only report “US Credit Card Strategies for Foreigners & Non-Residents”.

This report will help you develop the best strategy for your specific client profile.

Plus, we uncover everything else you need to know that we haven’t shared in this article about how to successfully apply for an American Express card.

You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks USA.

Step 3: Apply for an American Express for Non-US Residents

Now you’re almost ready to apply for your American Express card. But first, you’ll need to confirm the specific requirements you need to meet to qualify.

These requirements are not always publicly known. That said, there are six general requirements you will need to meet when applying for an American Express as a non-US resident.

1. One (or two) forms of government-issued identification
2. Proof of a US bank account
3. Acceptable US address
4. American Express application form
5. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
6. Proof of income & source of wealth

Of course, depending on the type of American Express card you’re applying for, these requirements will vary.

So, before applying, it’s important to consider these variables: the type of card, the rewards you’re after, the challenges you’ll need to overcome, and the requirements you need to meet.

That way, you can ensure you’re applying and getting the American Express card you want.

Frequently Asked AMEX Credit Card Questions

Below are two of the most common questions we receive from people exploring how to apply for an American Express for non-US residents. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Can a Non-US Citizen Apply for an American Express Card?

Yes, a non-US citizen can apply for an American Express card. There are several paths to obtaining an American Express card as a non-US citizen. Application approval typically depends on how the application is submitted, which American Express card the applicant is applying for, whether they have US credit history or not (not a requirement), as well as other factors like citizenship and residency.

Do I Need to Be American to Have an AMEX Card?

No, you do not need to be American to have an AMEX card. American Express cards are available in a wide range of jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and elsewhere. US AMEX cards are also available to non-US citizens, who can apply for a US AMEX card remotely with the right strategy.

Do You Want Help Opening a US Bank Account?

If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US account opening service) in just a few clicks.

GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.

When you join, you receive…

+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.

+ Step-by-step support to navigate US account opening.

+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.

+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new USA bank account.

And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open accounts.

In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.

To learn more about opening accounts with GlobalBanks USA, just click here now. Or, contact us directly with any questions!