Originally Posted by
Mountain Trader
Several Potential challenges:
1. Online apps may be subject to added security or even blocked from overseas IPs.
2. Follow-up calls for apps that don't get instant approval may also get added scrutiny since not made from home phone and are from overseas.
3. As noted already, getting physical possession of cards is tougher and takes longer.
4. Activating the cards-see #2 above. I've never tried it but I would think calling from out of the country to activate might really set off some alarms.
5. Meeting the minimum spend on cards with foreign exchange fees. Also, just spending enough since many overseas locations just don't offer the same level of cc spending opportunities.
I churn and am an expat living overseas. It really is no problem. The only logistical issue you may have is to have someone from the US send you your cards when they arrive (and you may not even need this!). I use my US address, etc. When they arrive, I have a trusted family member give me the card details over the phone and then they mail them to where ever it is I'm staying (can be hotel). I just make sure that they are sent FedEx or something that I can track world wide without any problem.
Applying from an IP address outside of the US has never been a problem I have done this from Asia, Europe and Middle East without VPN. If you get the "Pending decision" page when applying, just call the reconsideration line the next day. Don't wait for them to contact you.
Activating a card from a number outside of the US is no problem. When you call you just get a message from the bank stating that you are calling from an International number and that Int'l rates will apply. No issues.
Spending has not been a problem, even on Amex. Acceptance of credit cards just depends on the country you are in. But I have not had a problem.
From my experience (I have done 4 churns since overseas) the only issue you need to think about is having someone you can trust in the US forward the cards to you. You may not even need this. On one churn, I just had a family member give me the card info (acct number, exp date, CVC, activation number, and cust. service number) and I took care of the spend using internet transactions. Then pay your account online, and you are good to go. No need for the physical card. But it all depends on the spend requirement and your situation.