How to Get US Credit Cards for Canadians (Full Guide 2021)

[@PrinceofTravel]

Interested in learning all about how to travel the world on points? Join us at The Travel Summit Toronto 2022: The #1 event for elevating your travel! thetravelsummit.com

[@MichaelMuthurajah]

BY the way brother, for me inorder to use a US address BMO Harris bank requested proof that i show a rental agreement with my name attached to the address or a utility bill for that address with my name on it, its fine by me as this is my close family and i can get a rental agreement

[@jesselle2011]

Thanks Ricky! Because of your channel - AMEX has gained a loyal customer - I have been most impressed by their service from activating the card, to their app, etc. My first card was Cobalt, then Platinum and today I just got my first AMEX US card. I made sure to sign up using all your referral links to support the channel. Thanks for your content 🙏🏻

[@kevinzeng9606]

Hey, did they ask for a proof of US address? (i.e. bank statement?). Thanks!

[@mdmh9999]

Hey can I ask how soon did you apply for your other cards and what factors do they crunch?

[@michaelz6408]

hey! Was wondering how did you get the US Amex? Did you just follow the video?

[@Vulgarities]

I just want to state one step that people get stuck in. Putting your US address on your US bank account isn't always possible. You often need to put your Canadian address then change the US address at a later date. This extends how long it takes to get set up with a bank account with a US address on a monthly statement, so people should expect a 1 to 2 month waiting period here. Apparently banks are just more strict about opening accounts these days, it's not as easy as it used to be. If you put a US address, you must have a SSN or ITIN ready to go, which most people won't have as part of this guide.

[@michaelreid8857]

The way around that is very simple. Open your account with either TD or BMO Harris, using your Canadian address. You can then change the address a few days later!

[@Maria-mh9jp]

@@michaelreid8857 o

[@michaelreid8857]

With BMO - Harris, TD, and CIBC that won’t be a problem. Also National Bank and Desjardins either!

[@waleed7596]

@@michaelreid8857 With TD, I tried changing three days after opening the account. They say since account is new you need to provide a proof of address. Any work around for this? What has your experience been with other banks? Thanks

[@waleed7596]

@@michaelreid8857 thanks for the tip. It seems I can easily make changes to my Tangerine address, however the account is in CAD. Do you think changing the address on this CAD account to US one and then applying for a USD Amex cc will not be a problem? I am based out of Canada and will use my relative’s address. Thanks so much 🙏

[@hoinam80]

This is another great guide Ricky! Do you have any tips for meeting the minimum US credit cards (USD) spending while in Canada (CAD)?

[@SerLizar]

Just a little problem with the info, going for a platinum is actually a bad idea, since it’s a charge card instead of a normal credit card, it doesn’t help as much for your credit history (it doesn’t report credit utilization and such)

[@SHEJ4N]

Thanks for this guide Ricky. Just got my Hilton Honors base card. Am I able to manage both my amex canadian cards and us cars on the same App?

[@alexkogan625]

Hi Ricky. In Step4 (14:20 minute of this video) you say you need a document justifying your need for an ITIN. Is it just an explanation letter - or do you need some particular form to be filled? If you need to file a gambling income to the IRS - do you have to show them an actual income - or you could say I do that a lot throughout the year and want to be able to file? And last question - do you do it any time during the year - or there are nuances of timing? Thanks!

[@KennethMak]

This is useful, I have an Amex in my home country and I could just use my existing account and it could retrieve my details for a smooth card application process.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Great stuff

[@sandeepchhina559]

Great video, but one question please , how can we update the bank address to us based address as bank will verify through some documents the real address of corporation?

[@adriiko]

I noticed you didn't say anything about RBC -US. Why ? I was planning to capitalize on being a RBC avion holder and get a US account with them

[@Athithan_2000]

If I have the cobalt card, is it easier to port over my credit score to the U.S?

[@PrinceofTravel]

any Amex Canada cards will do. As long as there is a decent few months minimum history

[@Vaaalyt]

When asked to provide a copy of your passport to Amex, can you confirm if a non-canadian passport + PR card can work for a PR living in Canada? I humbly suggest you tailor your guide not only to Canadian citizens but to PR's as well as they makeup a huge majority of Canada. Thank you in advance.

[@lemonofish869]

They just want a passport number, the issuing country doesn't matter. You don't need to have any status in Canada.

[@michaelreid8857]

Correct! 👍👍👍

[@Vaaalyt]

@@lemonofish869 Thank you, much appreciated.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yes, foreign passports work too

[@MedzHuit]

Sent my certified copy of my non-canadian passport and boom. It took a little more than three months thou beofre I received my ITIN from IRS

[@nickmc2673]

Whoever can share their experience, How do you fit a US card in your spending habits? Meaning, a CAD credit card, I will spend on my everyday purchases and will meet the Bonus requirement. But doing the same with a US credit card, wouldn’t that force a foreign transaction fee?

[@hoinam80]

That's the same question I had.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Most good US cards don’t have FX fees

[@michaelscott7479]

This was the best video you made I think. Thanks.

[@stevema7127]

Thank you so much for your advice on this video! I got approved for the US version of the AMEX platinum card yesterday and the process was a lot easier than expected ;) I actually had a TD NA cross border account and TD NA VISA card since 2013 so the approval was easy since they must have saw that I had prior US credit history. When I lodged the application, I got an email stating that they needed more info and all I had to do was provide them with a copy of my Canadian drivers license. Easy peasy!!! Only drawback of going with the US version of the AMEX platinum card is that they will get rid of the complimentary access for up to 2 additional guest access of the Centurion lounge from Feb 2023. This apparently doesn't apply if you have the Canadian or any other international version of the card. Aside from this, the welcome bonus is higher and you do get many more 1:1 transfer options on many airline frequent flyer programs.

[@beaconscore]

How long did it take to receive your card?

[@stevema7127]

@@beaconscore my friend at the US address got it in a day. Then I used DHL to 2 day it to me.

[@jackv9425]

As awesome as this guide is, is it not fraud? "Prove you actually reside there" even though you obviously still live in Canada? Am I missing something?

[@PrinceofTravel]

You basically decide to live in the US for, say, a couple days of the year.

[@jackv9425]

@@PrinceofTravel that's kind of my point though. I spent a year there, jumped through a lot of hoops because of their immigration system, and that's extremely illegal if you don't have the right visa. It's not an issue if you never intend to actually live there, but good luck getting a visa in the future if you have an address attached to your ITIN without having a visa at the time (literally an illegal immigrant for a few days a year).

[@PrinceofTravel]

@@jackv9425 Your address wouldn't be attached to your ITIN; rather, both would be attached to your credit file with the credit bureaus. It's a matter of "having a residential address" for the purpose of getting credit cards, while not "being a resident" for immigration purposes.

[@MrAlexisNice]

Hi, When i check 24/7 Parcel address on USPS tool, commercial mail receiving agency is on YES . Do you know if they changed their policy ?

[@loun80]

Did you find a answer? I have the same problem.

[@theteacherandbeyond]

LITERALLY was reading your blog about getting US credit cards, and the bank account and allll that jazz during breakfast. Awesome video! THANK YOU!! I even rewatched the other video this morning too = perfect timing.

[@michaelreid8857]

I just posted how I started out in the US Credit journey. Suggest you read it!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Awesome! It was about time to update this video 😃

[@jme042]

Great video Ricky, I just used this process to get my first US card (Hilton Honours Surpass, as it meshes well with our future travel plans). I went the Nova Credit route and had to provide a PDF of my US bank statement but it was easy and I was approved right away.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Awesome to hear! The Surpass is a great card, I just picked one up too

[@PrinceofTravel]

@U But you do reside there

[@adysharma123]

@jme did you ensure a minimum balance on your bank statement to build credibility? How long did you wait to apply for the card after opening the bank statement?

[@jme042]

@@adysharma123 Hi Aadhar, I had transferred USD$100 to the bank account just to have a balance. I applied for the card about 6 weeks after I opened the account as I wanted to make sure that there was a posted statement showing the US address. Hope this helps.

[@thuluxa]

Which maill forwarding service did you go with ? I am having a hard time finding a non commercial agency.

[@markcluff7104]

Ty 👍 1st step followed. Opened the US address.

[@SuperGamingAli]

Does it have to be an Amex card or any card in the us?

[@ashleykilbourn1616]

Hey! Thanks so much for creating your content. You have really opened up my eyes when it comes to how to utilize Aeroplan points and helped guide me to sign up for a credit card for the bonus welcome points. I travel to the Caribbean at least once a year from Vancouver, and I scored a business class one way ticket to Jamaica just by signing up for the TD Infinite (and, of course, paying the taxes/fees) - for 33k points! Your content is very useful. Thanks again!

[@PrinceofTravel]

You are very welcome!

[@AW-si9oj]

Can I transfer my Canadian Amex to a US Amex directly(so it is a product transfer instead of a new application )? Is it okay to let the credit card issuer know that mu US address is only for that purpose? Thanks!

[@michaelreid8857]

I believe you can, but if your Canadian Trans Union Report is in good shape. Just do as Ricky suggested!

[@russellhannon3268]

Well done to figure this out. You are hardcore.

[@Ll-eu8zg]

Hi, I appreciate the content you're making! You seem to really have a way to explain this topic in the most simple terms. I was wondering if you can make a video on square 1. If you had to restart this journey from the beginning, as a young Canadian, how would you go about it? What would be your first card, when would you get a second. Little things like this would be so impactful and so helpful. Once again, much appreciated.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Sounds like a great idea for a future video

[@MonsieurDee]

This would be a great video

[@TimpanoDante]

How do you get the US business cards if you don't have an EIN because your business isn't based in Canada? I have done all of the steps, but I am unable to get a business card as I dont have a registered US business. How does that work?

[@TheCoolDocPSN]

We need an updated video given the Nova Credit SSN/ITIN requirement changes. Looks like Global Transfer is the only option, so can you make a video about it? Thanks

[@waleed7596]

@Prince of Travel Hi Prince, long time follower of your channel. I finally decided to apply for a US AMEX platinum personal card. Just not sure if this is the right time. My credit score is 667 on equifax and 720 on transunion. In the last two months, I had applied and got approved for a visa and an Amex plat both Canadian cards. Should I go ahead and apply now for my first ever US card (AMEX plat) or wait till my equifax score improves? FYI, i have never missed a payment on any ccs i hold. Currently have 4 Amex (3cc and 1 charge card), 3 visas all in Canada. Thanks!

[@shulemfogel9626]

Hi, you can't complete a Amex USA application without a SSN anymore...

[@HappyShappy.]

Plz help me. I have credit card at my sister home in Florida. How she can deliver that to my Canadian address? which company deliver credit card from USA to canada ? Plz help. Thank you.

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Thanks. Alert. I am an expat US citizen. I use a US based mail forwarding service for my convenience. In my experience, US credit card issuers and the US Post Office recognize the forwarding service as a commercial address and NOT valid as a residential address. YMMV.

[@vald447]

If you already have a Can AMEX account, do they still give you the welcome bonus from AMEX US?

[@stewartdowbiggin2337]

we've been advised to not apply for a ITIN by our Canadian accountant because it opens up too many chances for the IRS to investigate you. Any thoughts?

[@ellieparkinson4549]

I am 71 and just starting to try an get some benefit from my credit cards. Additionally I am nomadic and do not have a home. So don't have a lot of most people's "daily" expenses. Born and lived in Canada, with Can passport and pay Can taxes. Given that you recommend building up a US credit history for a few years after getting your first US credit card, is there any point in me going this route? Realistically I don't have that many years left :-)

[@Full2635]

Is using the address of a mail forwarding service illegal? Like if you travel to the US as a Canadian, would that give you any trouble? Or let’s say in the future you decide to move to the us.

[@joshuahou3213]

Hey Ricky, I got the Amex no fee hilton card end of sept through nova credit as my first US card. But now the bonvoy brilliant offer is too good to pass up. What would be my best bet to get approved? Try with nova credit again?

[@liampottie]

When did you get your Hilton? mixed data points on using nova credit twice. Only way it might work and that's a big might is if you apply for a 2nd card pretty much right after your first app. If not your like all of us waiting to build up home history with amex before they approve other cards. I went the Marriott Bonvy route right away now people are saying to wait 6-7 months before my next app as I want the Bonvoy US business so i can get my 30 elite night credits

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yeah your best bet may be to gamble with Nova Credit again, though it doesn't always work. If you apply as an existing Amex US customer, your relationship may be too new to get approved for a second card just yet

[@canadianico]

@@PrinceofTravel How long would you wait to apply for a 2nd Card? I just got approved for a basic Amex, paid one bill and applied for the Delta Gold Card for which I got turned down. What can you advise pls? Thank you!

[@Unique1-0-1]

Do you need to file taxes every year after getting ITIN even though you do not have any income every year?

[@ManualFlying]

Is this worth it? has anyone tried if they dont get US $ income and have to pay bank foreign exchange fee when paying off the credit card?

[@mdmh9999]

24/7 parcel has closed in niagara falls. Any alternative thanks

[@christieswail9827]

IF they ask to verifed your identity with your ID it doesn't matter if they see the canadian address on my ID?

[@jackmcdermott9200]

Could you please do a video of the reverse too?

[@PrinceofTravel]

You Americans keep asking about that! I will have to do some digging and let you guys know

[@mdmh9999]

Hi thanks for the help. Does the 5/24 apply to canadian cards as well?

[@hatrieu851]

Hi ! Can you have me to get chase card , I will pay you

[@user-yj7nk4qs8s]

Ricky, I jumped into this credit card game after watching MOST of your vids. Huge thanks for your useful information man. Recently, I got approved US Marriott Bonvoy card, but I was told that I need to be a US citizen in order to apply for an amex business card. Would there be a way to obtain business card? I need 15 more elite nights!!!!

[@bronzremix]

We need to talk about the elephant in the room. You're still in your pyjamas :D lol

[@SealtheDealTravels]

Is there a way for Americans to get Canadian credit cards?

[@skunksmisery]

Our credit cards suck. Stick to a US-issued credit card with no FX fees.

[@SealtheDealTravels]

@@skunksmisery I'm interested in the Bonvoy cards for the signup bonuses and more free night certificates

[@jme042]

The US Bonvoy cards are better because you can double up the free nights on the personal and business cards to equal 30 nights. The Canadian cards don't allow this, so the best that you can do is 15 nights. I don't think that adding a Canadian card will add an extra 15 nights if you already have the US cards...but I imagine that if you have a Canadian address you could do the reverse (global transfer perhaps) to get the Canadian Bonvoy card if it is just the bonus points that you are looking for?

[@SealtheDealTravels]

@@jme042 yeah I already have the Brilliant and US Bonvoy Business. Just thinking about adding Canadian Bonvoy if I could for more sign up bonus and 35k yearly certs. FX wouldn't be much of an issue since Marriott cards aren't good spenders to begin with outside of the signup bonuses.

[@cyssoK]

Do you need to update Amex with your ITIN so they report your history with them to it?

[@powlowful]

This is great, but is this legal?

[@tivsma]

100% legal. AmEx is aware and offers this to people with no ITIN and no SSN. They Know "you" are not American, but as long as you have a bank account and address in the US, it's on the up and up. :)

[@revaddict]

Look at it this way.. Amex could potentially make 5+% per transaction.. 3% merchant processing fee and 2.5% additional if you use your card outside US and it does not have free foreign transaction..

[@randisney]

You're putting your home address on your US bank account as an address at which you do not live. Why? Because per Ricky, when Amex calls to verify you live there, you can show them your bank statement with your US address on it. Legal? Unlikely. Shadey? DEFINITELY. Per the vide starting at around 8:35 "...for the bank to verify that you do, in fact, reside at the address". ...Except, you don't. Lying on a financial document is fraud and to me, no point bonus is worth that.

[@michaelreid8857]

@@randisney it is not in any way nefarious. You are applying through Nova Credit, which is forwarding your Canadian Credit Report. You will be using your Canadian Phone Number and Amex not only is aware of this, they are the ones who established the relationship with Nova Credit to facilitate these applications! Think, before you say something totally stupid!

[@randisney]

@@michaelreid8857 Right back at you. If you are LYING about living at an address at which you do not live, and Ricky states categorically that is what you are doing in the video (click on the time stamp in my previous comment) then it is most definitely "nefarious". There would be absolutely no reason to lie about anything if this was completely above board. You change the address on your US bank account to that of a friend or relative. Why? So that the credit card company thinks you live there. Don't believe me? Believe Ricky. Here's verbatim what he says in the video: "So if Amex US asks you for proof you can then upload that bank statement or in some cases have a 3 way call with your US bank and American Express for the bank to actually verify that you do in fact reside at the address." ...except, of course, you don't reside at that address.

[@hatrieu851]

Hello I need your help, I Am Canadian

[@afzalshaikh2128]

What’s the bonus for US platinum Amex?

[@nicksky4642]

2023 you need to show irs income in the us been there

[@allxiee]

Does this affect your tax information?!

[@chiefexecutive]

My wife is Canadian and it works both ways! Amex is a GREAT way to start for this !

[@Kufrez]

What if we don’t want to port our credit history?

[@ranvinderchahal2621]

This worked perfectly

[@vipinangelo]

I dont have an income in US. Will I need to file taxes if I use a USA address to open a US Credit Card /Bank Account?

[@jafargais]

No.

[@arkamukherjee457]

Can I do this without a US VISA? I'm an Indian in Canada looking to get a PR here.

[@jafargais]

Yes

[@vincentwenn]

Hahaha! Balls to the wall!

[@getsugatenshoFTW]

I wonder if this applies for US citizens that want to go for Canadian credit cards as well

[@michaelreid8857]

Much more difficult. Canadian Banks Generally, want to see pay stubs!

[@samybazizi]

Hi Ricky! Can we apply for Amex US cards if we have existing Amex Canadian cards?

[@michaelreid8857]

Of course. They call it Global Transfer. Call Amex USA, they should help you out You can only do it once with one card, so choose wisely!

[@MedzHuit]

Yes. I used Nova Credit to get my first US issued Amex card. Ricky has explained in details in one of his videos.

[@HappyShappy.]

Good info

[@beaconscore]

I just followed your process. Used 24/7 to set up address for US Address. Sent in application Amex asked to call. I provided statement as they requested. Representative says to wait 3 to 4 days for response. It’s not as smooth as others but hoping it all works out

[@jafargais]

True, mine took 2 weeks

[@alenamakagon]

hey, was your application approved?

[@alenamakagon]

@@jafargais Hey, did you use 24/7 address? was your application approved?

[@AverageAngel]

ok but what happens if i don't go to the US? 24/7 parcel doesn't seem to be an option as I'd have to go in person to pick it up.

[@jafargais]

Try US Global Mail

[@AverageAngel]

@@jafargais thanks shipito worked for me I tested it to ship to canada and store parcels it works well

[@jafargais]

@@AverageAngel Wow. I thought ship it doesn't forward credit cards

[@AverageAngel]

@@jafargais It does shipito i got mine one month ago from US to Canada TD US credit cards

[@kleptodathief3946]

i might get a usa cc in the future but too lazy to do all the process lol..i'll just use a cdn cc with no fx fees!

[@michaelreid8857]

You should start working on the process little by little. It’s well worth it!

[@PrinceofTravel]

What Michael said - some upfront work at the beginning but worth it in the end!

[@skunksmisery]

been waiting on the damned border for 18 months! Got US address in the Falls, ready to rock. Will be on my way to Rochester ASAP (closest Chase). There's a Costco there too. I'd prefer not to link my CA & US credit files.

[@michaelreid8857]

Your files never will be, nor can they ever be “linked”. They will always be separate! I just posted my start, in the US credit journey. Read it, for some great advice!

[@skunksmisery]

@@michaelreid8857 OK, let me put it plainer. Using a credit rating transfer service would be a negative for me. Better to start at zero than negative.

[@michaelreid8857]

@@skunksmisery ok but I hope you realize what is involved. They simply do one inquiry on you Canadian TU report. Send it to Amex and that’s the end of it. That card is never reported to your Canadian report. Just to ensure your cognizant of the process!

[@skunksmisery]

@@michaelreid8857 That's what I'm afraid of ;). Bad mojo 5 years ago

[@mastershackgroup5331]

First

[@smartkeyman]

If I Apply for a ITIN , do I need to file US tax return ammul;y ?

[@lemonofish869]

You don't have to file taxes after getting your ITIN, but if you don't file for 3 years your ITIN will expire.

[@michaelreid8857]

Just file, a zero sum tax return!

[@kleptodathief3946]

hi PoT, whats a good usa card to use in vegas? thx

[@michaelreid8857]

Depends on what you want. Hotel card or cash back!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Counting cards

[@hrworkaholic]

Do we have to file taxes with IRS every year or can we stop?

[@lemonofish869]

You don't have to file taxes after getting your ITIN, but if you don't file for 3 years your ITIN will expire.

[@michaelreid8857]

You can simply file, a zero sum tax return!

[@evangelinatung]

@@lemonofish869 I can't seem the find the answer for this so hoping you might know. What happens when your ITIN expires? Do you just apply for a new one when you want to apply for a new credit card?

[@samzong8264]

You should consider making a video talking about tips on achieving the signup bonuses / paying off your US credit card statements as a Canadian.

[@PrinceofTravel]

It's no different than Canadian credit cards, except for converting your CAD into USD to pay off the bill (if necessary). That'll be a good topic for a future video

[@michaelreid8857]

Damn Ricky, I give good advice to people on an easy mailbox service and your erasing that advise. Wonder why? 🤔🤑

[@PrinceofTravel]

I haven't deleted any comments

[@PTExp]

When opening a US bank account with one of the Canadian banks, I noticed you recommend changing your address to your US address immediately after setting it up. Do you just change your mailing address or do you change the Permanent Address? I noticed the Permanent Address is supposed to be your primary residence, but maybe that's the right call if you want to make things work...

[@kermodybear]

I have the same question! What did you end up doing?

[@HowardLinca]

Hey man, you mention the U.S bank account that has our address on it? How does it work? I do not reside in the U.S, how do I a U.S address that has my name on it?

[@PrinceofTravel]

See the Get a US Address step

[@FEAREDTHANLOVED]

TY bro

[@yvr2002rtw]

Another item to watch out for is that if you use an address in California to open a bank account that earns interest, there is a chance you may receive an intimidating letter from the California Franchise Tax Board asking why you didn't file a California state tax return (even if you don't have to as a non-resident). Better stick to addresses in Washington state or other states such as Texas for Florida which don't have state income taxes!

[@lemonofish869]

I use an address in Oregon because sales tax for online purchases are usually determined by the billing address, and Oregon doesn't have any sales tax.

[@michaelreid8857]

Anytime mailboxes has locations worldwide and they are very reasonable and inexpensive!