Way to AMEX Gold EUR card

concernedSaver

You don't need to hold a standard AMEX at any point before applying for a EUR AMEX,

It's clearly stated at the beginning of the application process: Please note International Currency Card products are only available to existing American Express customers with more than six months of membership*, or to individuals that have been referred by their Private Bank.

Try clicking on any of those cards, and have a look at the popup: https://www.americanexpress.com/icc/eurodollar/personal-compare.html

DenABac

That's also what I figured out. They said that HSBC could referred to them. HSBC only refers people to them who hold an Expat-Account though - I don't.
I'm not in any rush whatsoever and can simply wait the six months.

I applied for a normal card with them yesterday. A possible decline would defer the hole thing for further six months. And I should start to shop around for a other insurance covering the travel inconvenience part.

But this thing is getting way to complex for somebody who just want's to get a charge charge card for the benefits.

SLZ

concernedSaver wrote: »

It's clearly stated at the beginning of the application process: Please note International Currency Card products are only available to existing American Express customers with more than six months of membership*, or to individuals that have been referred by their Private Bank.

Try clicking on any of those cards, and have a look at the popup: https://www.americanexpress.com/icc/eurodollar/personal-compare.html

I stand corrected, when did they change the requirements?

Op, open a bank account in Netherlands and then apply through the Dutch operation of American Express, that may be an option unless they've also changed the rules like the German operation regarding residency. There are many ways around it.

DenABac

Hey,

Thank you for the hint.

I'm not this despaired to open accounts in other countries.
They can either open a normal account for me this year and ^promote^ me later or just don't.

The certainly more expensive way for me is to get the insurance and a no FX fee card separately but in case they decline me twice...

I still wonder why HSBC was able to give me in sum a credit line slightly above 3k without any History and Amex won't or shouldn't. But will find out.

concernedSaver

The certainly more expensive way for me is to get the insurance and a no FX fee card separately but in case they decline me twice...

Is there a different travel insurance product that comes with the Amex EUR card? I have a UK Gold Card with them, and it comes with a decent insurance (see the document: https://www.americanexpress.com/uk/content/pdf/card-products/gold-charge-card/UK-Gold-Charge-Insurance-Documentation.pdf). It's free for the first year, then £140 afterwards (but it's easy to either downgrade to a free blue or a cheaper green card). There's a 2.99% non-sterling fee, though (but 2x MR points on foreign spending).

SLZ

DenABac wrote: »

Hey,

Thank you for the hint.

I'm not this despaired to open accounts in other countries.
They can either open a normal account for me this year and ^promote^ me later or just don't.

The certainly more expensive way for me is to get the insurance and a no FX fee card separately but in case they decline me twice...

I still wonder why HSBC was able to give me in sum a credit line slightly above 3k without any History and Amex won't or shouldn't. But will find out.

Lloyds, Halifax and Post Office offer zero FX fee cards. You can get better insurance separately to AMEX in some cases if you look around. Same applies to concierge benefits.

TheEffect

From my experience (visiting Spain, Poland and France), AMEX wouldn't be the best card to have in the EU anyway, as not many places take it.

I've not had many problems in London, but a few small retailers/cafes etc don't take it.

Might be better off going with a VISA/MasterCard alternative. The Lloyds Avios Duo comes with an AMEX/Mastercard and is free to use abroad.

DenABac

I would mainly need it to pay for flights (often billed in EUR) or hotels and train tickets. These providers all allow you to use a AMEX card. For smaller purchases I prefer cash anyway.

Since I've applied on Tuesday last week and didn't hear back its most likely a decline I guess.

So I'll just wait for six months or a year.