You can establish a US banking relationship and apply for American Express Global Transfer from abroad, but the documents do not confirm if Amex accepts Wise or if Bank of America requires an in-person visit.
“I am getting my ITIN soon and want to use AMEX Global Transfer with my US mail forwarding address. Will AMEX accept a Wise account as my checking account, or do I need to travel to the US to open a traditional checking account like Bank of America?”
Summary
You can cross the travel worry off your list. Even if a traditional bank requires an in-person visit, you have alternative ways to open a US bank account from your home country.
Since you are outside the US, you can explore these routes to secure the US bank account required for your credit card application.
You can open a US account if your local bank is an international bank with a US presence, or if it has a correspondent partnership with a US bank.
You can open an account through a service like Citi International Personal Bank, which caters to non-US residents but requires a large minimum deposit.
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What the rules say about Wise and Bank of America
You asked if American Express will accept a Wise account as your checking account. The provided documents do not settle whether American Express Global Transfer accepts fintech accounts like Wise.
You also asked if you need to travel to the US to open a traditional checking account like Bank of America. The documents do not settle whether traditional banks strictly require non-resident ITIN holders to open checking accounts in person.
Next steps
Here is how you can connect the requirements to get your US credit card.
Open a US bank account from abroad
Start by checking if your current home-country bank has an existing partnership with a US bank. These correspondent banks can leverage their relationship to help you open a US account. Alternatively, you can use an international bank that operates in both countries. If you have significant funds, you can open a Citi International Personal Bank account, which requires a minimum balance of $200,000.
Apply for American Express Global Transfer
Once your US bank account is open, you can apply for a US American Express card online or by phone. To qualify, you must have an existing foreign Amex card in good standing for at least three months. You will also need to provide your US bank account details, your US mail forwarding address, and your ITIN.
Legal sources
The rules for opening accounts and transferring credit history come from bank policies and vetted practitioner guides.
Chase Bank
You can open a US bank account from your home country if your local bank is international or has a correspondent partnership with a US bank.
Some banks are international, meaning they have a presence in your home country as well as the United States. Using a bank like this means you can open an account back home and likely still have access to it while in America. ... Sometimes, a bank from your home country might have an existing partnership with a bank in the United States. These banks may be able to leverage that relationship to help you open an account in the U.S.
Citi Bank
Citi offers international accounts for non-US residents, but these typically require a minimum balance of $200,000.
Citibank accounts for non-US residents are available — but in the main you’ll find products marketed towards high wealth individuals looking to deposit and invest large amounts from 200,000 USD and upwards.
Frugal Flyer
To use American Express Global Transfer, you need an existing Amex card in good standing for at least three months, plus a US address, a US bank account, and an ITIN or passport.
To be eligible for American Express Global Transfer, you must have an eligible Amex credit card in good standing for at least three months (ideally longer). ... you will need to have personal identifying information and details to validate your presence in the USA. Amex lists these on the main Global Transfer page, including A U.S. address. ... A U.S. bank account. ... Passport or US SSN or US ITIN.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or financial professional for your specific situation.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
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