PastorR

I've seen a few members mention applying for and receiving the French and/or Dutch Flying Blue Amex card while being a resident of the US. I'm hoping someone could help me with some more specifics of how that would be possible -- either through a PM or reply to this thread. The SUB is okay, but looking to get those XPs to give me a head start each year. I already have the us version and wanted to double up if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

carnarvon

You need a French or Dutch bank account.

Then they may, I repeat, may issue a card for you.

natcho

Not sure how easy it is to get a bank account in France as a foreigner, but in the NL, all it took for me was one trip to the Netherlands. Apply for a "Burgerservicenummer", which is issued directly (you must pre book a slot for that), then walk to a mobile phone shop to get a pre-paid NL phone number (just remember to top it up often enough so it does not expire), then walk to a bank and apply for an account. Use that account to apply for the Amex and make sure to keep money in that account to pay for the Amex charges, monthly account fees etc.
You might want to check before if the bank will open an account for you though, it was easy being a German...

mlin32

European banks generally don't just allow non-residents to open bank accounts without a good reason, and given the extra-onerous reporting requirements for US citizens, I would say you have to have a stable link to the country in order to open a bank account.

carnarvon

Easy because you are an EU citizen and presumably NOT a US resident.

EU banks are extremely reluctant to open bank accounts to US citizens as well as US tax payers due to drastic US extraterritorial tax laws.

Sjondorn

You can apply for Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard by Bank of America as a US resident. 60 XP on signup, 60 XP annual (with annual spend $15k+, otherwise 20XP).

carnarvon

He has it already, doesn't he?

BubbaX

There are only, what, six banks in the Netherlands? They all have to handle US persons among their clients, so there might be a way. They have additional charges for foreign accounts, so I assume those cover their costs. On the other hand, convincing a bank to open an account for a Dutch-resident US person is not trivial last time I tried.

The Dutch AmEx web form only works with a dutch residence code.
I assume the interest is the partner platinum benefit? Why else would you put up with their sterling customer service?

carnarvon

If you say so...

Then, you need to speak with an actual human being

He explained in his post, that he is looking for the extra XP.

BubbaX

Yeah, so basically: talking to a human being with the Dutch cards: not easy, and, in my experience, not effective. I think I'm being charged for two additional cards. The last one they suddenly decided I wanted, and after a forty-min wait on the phone, I spoke to someone who said she'd have it canceled. And I still get messages to activate the canceled card.
getting a Dutch bank account as a US Person and US Resident: you'll want to be there in person, with a BSN, and a good reason to have an account, and then good luck.
Getting a French bank account as a US Resident: oublie.
If you manage to pull it off, I'd be very interested in hearing the story. But it sounds like a real pain for just 30 or 60 XP. It'd be cheaper and less time consuming to get an intra-Europe connecting business class ticket.
But obviously, I don't eat my own falafel.

wuzziduzziman

An European bank account (IBAN), to be more precise (e.g. my Dutch AMEX is linked to my Belgian bank account).

Fabo.sk

I'm not sure it will be that easy. You can get a BSN as a non-resident but I am not sure if that will be enough to open a bank account. A bank might very well require a proof of address.

This might no longer be possible after the latest hardening of the rules. There's been more emphasis on AML and KYC lately.


All in all, I would abandon this plan.

carnarvon

Hmmm. The rule is Dutch bank account for Dutch Amex and French bank account for French Amex. Your case is an exception to the rule.

flyerCO

If you have an AMEX in another country, AMEX will generally issue a card in another. However you may have to apply over phone.