Amex accepts that I am not a U.S. resident. It puts a restriction on me that I can not get a card (with one exception) other than a renewed one for a card which I had when I still had U.S. residency.

That one exception is that I can get a new affiliate card if it is for the same company. Hence, I was permitted to get an HHonors Surpass card a year ago to replace my ordinary HHonors card.

My lack of residency also disqualifies me from taking advantage of the car rental insurance which comes with my Amex. When I rent a car, anywhere in the world, I must purchase all insurance from the rental agency.

I have no problem with any of that. I just can not understand how Amex has come to the conclusion that there is greater security in mailing my card to a friend in the States, who in turn mails it to me, than there is in sending the card to me directly.

(My Visa from Bank of America is sent to me via Fedex and my MasterCard from Deutsche Bank is sent to me by ordinary mail.)