A Complete Guide to the Amex Global Transfer Program: Get a US Card

Moving to the U.S. or expanding your business there presents a unique challenge: your excellent credit history from your home country often means very little. This frustrating reality can complicate everything from renting an apartment to getting a simple credit card, as you are starting from scratch without a U.S. credit score.

This is precisely the problem the Amex Global Transfer program is designed to solve. It allows existing American Express cardholders to use their established credit relationship in their home country to apply for a U.S. card, bypassing the need for a local credit history.

Your Gateway to US Credit: The Amex Global Transfer Program#

Think of the Global Transfer program as a bridge. It connects the trusted financial relationship you have already built with American Express in your home country to their U.S. operations. Instead of making you start from square one, Amex considers your existing history with them as a major factor in their decision. This gives you a significant head start in the U.S. financial system.

Who Really Benefits from Global Transfer?#

This program is not just for new immigrants. It is a game-changer for a whole range of people with financial ties to the United States. Here is who we see using it most:

• Expatriates and Relocating Professionals: If you are moving for a job, you can apply for a card almost immediately. It makes the whole transition much smoother.
• International Students: This is a golden opportunity for students to start building a U.S. credit profile early on, which is absolutely critical for life after graduation.
• Global Entrepreneurs: For business owners who deal in USD a lot, this opens the door to top-tier rewards cards and gets rid of foreign transaction fees on U.S. purchases.
• Frequent Travelers: If you are in the U.S. often, you can manage your spending way more efficiently and unlock travel perks that are only available on U.S. cards.

The bottom line is simple: American Express does not treat you like a stranger. They recognize your loyalty and past behavior, giving you a powerful leg up in a brand new financial system. To get a quick sense of how it all works, here is a simple breakdown of the program's key features.

This program is often the first, and most important, step you can take toward building a solid financial life in the U.S.

Why a US Amex Card Is a Game Changer for Global Citizens#

Getting a U.S. American Express card through the global transfer amex program is not just about adding another piece of plastic to your wallet. It is a genuine financial upgrade that opens doors that are simply shut for most international cardholders. For global citizens, entrepreneurs, and professionals who deal with the U.S., the benefits are immediate and change the whole game.

The most obvious difference is the rewards. U.S. issued Amex cards are legendary for their massive welcome bonuses, often dangling tens of thousands of Membership Rewards points that turn into flights, hotels, or cash back. These sign-up offers alone can be worth hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars, far beyond what you would ever see in other countries.

But it is not just the welcome bonus. The day-to-day earning potential is on another level entirely. Whether you are getting extra points on travel, dining, or business supplies, the U.S. rewards market is incredibly competitive. That competition works for you, letting you rack up points and perks way faster.

Superior Rewards and Simplified Finances#

If you earn in U.S. dollars or spend them regularly, a U.S. Amex card is practically a necessity. It immediately gets rid of those sneaky 2-3% foreign transaction fees that nibble away at your money every time you use a non-U.S. card for a purchase in the States. For a business owner or frequent traveler, that adds up to serious savings over time.

Paying your bills becomes a lot easier, too. When your card is linked to a U.S. bank account, you can forget about the headaches and costs of international wire transfers just to settle your balance. Everything stays clean and simple within the U.S. financial system.

The Cornerstone of Your US Credit History#

Perhaps the biggest long-term win from using the global transfer amex program is that it is your official ticket into the U.S. credit system. Without a U.S. credit history, you are basically a ghost to American lenders. This card is the tool that lets you build a credit score from the ground up.

A strong U.S. credit file is the key to unlocking major financial milestones. It is essential for securing favorable rates on car loans, qualifying for a mortgage, obtaining business financing, or even getting approved for a rental apartment without a massive security deposit. Your first US Amex card is the first entry on that report.

The world is only getting more connected, and having U.S. based financial tools reflects that. Data from Amex Travel’s 2025 Global Travel Trends report shows that 77% of global respondents plan to take the same or more international trips than last year. And it is not just about travel; 61% of Millennials and Gen Z actively use credit cards to maximize their rewards. This shows a huge appetite for the better rewards found in the U.S. market. For people from places like Latin America or India, having a U.S. card and an ITIN is the only way to get in on these benefits, turning a credit line into a passport to financial freedom. You can dive deeper into these trends in the full report on HospitalityNet.org.

This first card starts reporting your payment habits to the big three U.S. credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Pay on time, and you start building a positive track record that opens up your financial future in the world's biggest economy. It is the single most important first step you can take.

Your Step-by-Step Amex Global Transfer Application#

Applying for your first U.S. credit card through the Amex Global Transfer program is surprisingly straightforward, but your success really hinges on the prep work. This is not your typical online form; the whole process is handled over the phone with a specialized agent. I will break down the entire journey into a few simple stages so you know exactly what to have ready for a smooth, successful call.

Stage 1: Before You Call#

The work you do before you even think about picking up the phone is the most important part of this whole thing. Being prepared does not just make the call faster, it dramatically boosts your odds of getting approved right then and there. Do not rush this.

First, a quick eligibility check. You will need an existing American Express card from an eligible country that has been open and in good standing for at least three months. That said, a history of six months or more is strongly recommended. Think of it from their perspective: a longer, positive relationship with Amex in your home country gives the U.S. team much more confidence in you.

Next, it is time to gather your information. The agent is going to ask for these things directly, so have them written down in front of you.

• Your Foreign Amex Card Details: The full card number, security code, and the billing address tied to that account.
• Your US Address: This needs to be a real, physical address where your card can be securely mailed. A friend or family member’s place works, as does a trusted mail forwarding service. P.O. boxes are a no-go.
• A US Phone Number: You will need a U.S. number for the application. There are plenty of online services that can provide you with one if you do not have it.
• Passport Information: Keep your passport handy. They will need it to verify who you are.
• Income Details: Be prepared to state your annual income in U.S. dollars.

Think of this stage as laying the foundation. Get this part right, and the rest is easy.

Stage 2: Making the Call#

Once you have all your info organized, you are ready to contact the American Express Global Transfer team. You cannot just call the regular customer service line; you have to dial the dedicated number for new accounts. A quick search for the "Amex Global Transfer phone number" will pull up the right one.

When you get connected, you will be speaking with a representative who handles these applications all day. Lead with this exact phrase, clearly and confidently: "I am an existing American Express cardholder in [Your Country] and I would like to apply for a U.S. card using the Global Transfer program."

Using that specific language immediately gets the agent on the right track. From there, they will walk you through the application, asking for the details you have already prepared. Just be patient and answer everything clearly. This call is your first impression.

Stage 3: After the Application#

After you have given them all your information and picked a card, the agent will submit your application. In many cases, you will get a decision right there on the phone, either an instant approval, a denial, or a notice that it is pending review.

If your application goes to "pending," do not worry. It happens all the time and usually just means a real person needs to take a look at the details. It could take a few hours or even a couple of weeks to get the final word. The agent will usually give you a reference number so you can check your application status online.

Once you are approved, your brand new U.S. American Express card will be shipped to the U.S. address you provided. This usually takes about 7 to 10 business days. As soon as it arrives, you can activate it and start building that all-important U.S. credit history.

Why an ITIN Is Your Key to Long-Term US Credit Success#

Getting your first US credit card through the global transfer amex program is a fantastic win. It feels like you have skipped one of the biggest hurdles for newcomers, and in a way, you have. But it is critical to see this first card for what it is: the starting line, not the finish line.

While American Express extends this courtesy based on your existing relationship abroad, the rest of the US financial system plays by a different set of rules. For pretty much everything else, you will need a US tax identification number. Thinking beyond that first Amex card means you need a more permanent foothold. This is where the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, becomes your most important tool. You do not need it for the initial Global Transfer application, but it is crucial for your future.

Moving Beyond a Single Card to Build a Full Credit Profile#

Think of your first US Amex card as the key to the front door. An ITIN is the master key that opens the rest of the building. Without one, your ability to build credit in the US hits a hard ceiling. You will quickly find it nearly impossible to get approved for cards from other major banks like Chase, Citi, or Capital One.

These issuers do not have a "global transfer" shortcut. They rely entirely on your US credit report and a valid tax ID to make their decisions. An ITIN is the number that lets them find your credit file and confirm who you are, a non-negotiable step in their process.

An ITIN is what allows credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to properly build and track your credit history. It ensures every on-time payment is recorded correctly, creating a complete financial profile that all US lenders can see and trust.

Relying solely on your initial Amex approval essentially tethers you to one lender. Getting an ITIN gives you the freedom to shop around in the competitive US credit card market. You can find products that actually fit your needs as they change, whether that is a premium travel card or one with great cashback rewards.

The Foundation for True Financial Integration#

The need for an ITIN goes way beyond just getting more credit cards. It is the foundational piece for anyone serious about building a real financial life in the United States. It is what separates a financial tourist from someone who is truly integrated into the US system.

Just look at the scale of US-based global business to see why this matters. The American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) ecosystem alone shows how massive cross-border payments have become. In Q3 2025, Amex GBT reported a 13% year-over-year revenue growth, which shows how fast the world of global business is expanding. This creates huge opportunities for non-US entrepreneurs who want to get paid in dollars and spend globally. But to plug into this system, US banks and card issuers almost always require an ITIN to pass identity checks and open accounts. You can find more on this in the official Amex GBT investor report.

Here are just a few other doors an ITIN opens:

• Opening US Bank Accounts: Many banks now require an ITIN to open checking or savings accounts, especially for non-residents.
• Securing Loans: Thinking about financing a car or getting a business loan? An ITIN is a standard requirement on virtually every application.
• Investing in the US: You will need an ITIN to open brokerage accounts and invest in the US stock market.
• Tax Compliance: If you earn any income from US sources, an ITIN is required to file your tax returns with the IRS.

The right way to think about an ITIN is not as a piece of bureaucratic paperwork, but as your passport to the entire US financial world. It is the essential component that transforms your initial success with the global transfer amex program into a sustainable, long-term strategy for financial growth in the US.

Your Next Steps Toward US Financial Freedom#

So, you have the full map for getting your hands on a U.S. American Express card. The whole journey kicks off with the global transfer amex program; it is your most direct and powerful way into the American financial world. Honestly, it is the single best method for sidestepping that classic "no U.S. credit history" roadblock.

Getting that first premium U.S. card is a huge win, but your long-term success hinges on building a real financial foundation. The path forward is a clear, two-step process that cements your credibility in the U.S. economy.

The One-Two Punch for Financial Freedom#

Think of these next moves as a combo play. The first jab gets you in the game, and the follow-up cross ensures you can keep advancing.

1. Use the Global Transfer Program: Call the dedicated team, use your home country's credit history, and apply for your first U.S. Amex. This is your immediate victory lap.
2. Secure Your ITIN: Right after, get the ball rolling on your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is not just another piece of paper; it is the master key that unlocks the entire U.S. financial system, far beyond just one credit card.

With an ITIN, you can start applying for credit from other banks, open different kinds of accounts, and build a strong, independent U.S. credit file. Beyond your new Amex, setting up a full financial life here often means opening a U.S. bank account and providing the right paperwork; understanding digital voided checks is actually pretty useful for things like setting up direct deposits and bill payments smoothly.

The Amex Global Transfer gets you your first card, but an ITIN builds your future. One without the other leaves your US financial journey incomplete.

For anyone serious about establishing a real financial footprint in the U.S., the journey starts with these two moves. And getting an ITIN is simpler than you might think, it can often be done completely online. Together, the global transfer amex program and an ITIN are the essential combination for achieving true financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amex Global Transfer#

Even with a clear path forward, it is natural to have a few lingering questions about the Amex Global Transfer process. We have seen hundreds of applicants go through this, and the same handful of queries pop up time and again.

Here are straight answers to the most common questions we hear, so you can apply with total confidence.

Can I Really Apply With Zero US Credit History?#

Yes, absolutely. This is the entire point of the global transfer amex program and what makes it so powerful for newcomers.

Amex specifically designed this program to sidestep the biggest hurdle for anyone moving to the US: the lack of a local credit score. Instead of pulling a blank US file, they look at the history you have already built with them in your home country. Your track record abroad is all the proof they need. It is a bridge no other bank really offers.

Which Countries Are Eligible for Global Transfer?#

Amex has a core list of eligible countries where they have a strong presence, though it can shift based on their global operations. Historically, the program has always been open to cardholders from major markets like:

• The United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Mexico
• India
• Germany
• France
• Japan
• Hong Kong

Because this list is not set in stone, the best move is always to call the Amex Global Transfer team directly before you start. They will give you the most current, definitive answer for your specific country.

What Type of US Address Is Required?#

You will need to provide a valid US address where you can securely receive your new card in the mail. A P.O. Box will not cut it.

Your best bet is a stable residential address, think a friend's place, a family member's home, or a corporate apartment. While some people have managed to use mail forwarding services, a real residential address almost always leads to a smoother approval process and raises fewer red flags.

Whatever you choose, just make sure it is a place where your mail will be safe and sound.

How Long Should My Foreign Amex Account Be Open?#

Amex's official minimum is often just three months, but real-world data from thousands of successful applicants tells a different story. To give yourself the best shot at an instant approval, aim to have your home-country Amex card open and in good standing for at least 6 to 12 months.

A longer relationship gives the US review team a much clearer picture of your responsible payment habits. Applying with a brand new account, even if it technically meets the minimum, is one of the most common reasons an application gets delayed or even denied. A little patience here goes a long way.