Everyday Spending Abroad

Deuter · ‎01-26-2020

As i'm spending more and more time inside the EU, i was wondering if my current setup is all right.

Currently i have almost 2 years in Europe and use as my daily driver my US cards. I use my Citi Prestige exclusively for all of my purchases.

Which card could possibly be better for me (in terms of multipliers abroad, benefits)?

I don't have an ITIN so so far the relationships i could establish are with Citi,BoA and Amex. I already have a Credit Report on the Bureaus as well as score with EQ,EX and TU.

I think i'm ok with the Prestige as i can't pick up whatever card do i like. The Hilton Amex is just a backup.. or well let's say i only opened it to get in with Amex in case in the future i'm not able. The categories i spent the most are Travel.. and almost in a tie Merchandise.

If i could only use 1 card.. overall... what would you pick ? (a.imagine i request an ITIN) and (b.imagine that i still keep without ITIN/SSN)

Thanks a lot i am just wondering what would you use for multipliers abroad, and using the card primarily abroad.. almost all the time.

Anonymous · ‎01-26-2020

You're more in a position of "what cards am I able to apply for" than "what card is best."

I think HSBC may also issue cards to people without an ITIN/SSN. Also if a bank based in your country of citizenship has retail banking operations in the US they may be issue you a card.

800who · ‎01-26-2020

Paypal/Synchrony Bank, I specifically got this card because I went to Canada, 2% cash back on everything, no FTF. It's now my daily driver.

Anonymous · ‎01-26-2020

@800who wrote:
Paypal/Synchrony Bank, I specifically got this card because I went to Canada, 2% cash back on everything, no FTF. It's now my daily driver.

You need an SSN or at least an ITIN for it. There are very few credit cards that are issued without one. So for the OP it really comes down to the selections from who they're already dealing with.

Anonymous · ‎01-26-2020

@Anonymous wrote:
@800who wrote:
Paypal/Synchrony Bank, I specifically got this card because I went to Canada, 2% cash back on everything, no FTF. It's now my daily driver.
You need an SSN or at least an ITIN for it. There are very few credit cards that are issued without one. So for the OP it really comes down to the selections from who they're already dealing with.

This. If that wasn't an issue, my daughter moved to the UK and uses Altitude Reserve exclusively for all in-person purchases (and Paypal for online). Mobile payment is pretty universal there, though not so much in other parts of Europe (I was going to say other parts of the EU, but come the end of this month....!) But the card has some requirements and I assume at least an ITIN is needed

Prestige may well be the best choice for now (or perhaps Premier depending on spend and hotel needs)