For decades, American credit cards have been considered the most powerful in the world due to their reward programs and exclusive benefits.
But there’s a problem: obtaining them without being a US resident seems impossible. Most international entrepreneurs give up when faced with residency requirements, Social Security numbers, and the need for physical presence.
Yet, thousands of international entrepreneurs are obtaining premium US credit cards—like the American Express Gold Business—without ever stepping foot in the United States.
And they’re saving tens of thousands of dollars per year on business class flights, 5-star hotels, and other perks thanks to the points systems these cards offer.
How is this possible? The answer lies in a structured process that few know, requiring specific expertise in the US banking system.
The american credit score system
Unlike Europe, where banks primarily evaluate creditworthiness through income and banking history, the United States uses a system called the credit score.
This is a numerical score that measures a person’s credit reliability based on credit card usage, loans, and payment history.
The paradox? To get a US credit card, you need a credit score. But to build a credit score, you need to use US credit cards. This creates a vicious circle that blocks non-residents.
The solution starts with obtaining an ITIN number (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
This is an identification code issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for non-residents who have US tax obligations. It allows access to the US credit score system even without being a US citizen or resident.
Getting an ITIN number takes about 6–8 weeks and is the first critical step for anyone looking to access premium American credit cards.
Step-by-Step Strategy: building your credit score from scratch
Once you have your ITIN number, the path to the most powerful credit cards in the world follows a precise progression. Banks cannot skip steps—they want to see a history of responsible usage before issuing premium cards.
Step 1: the first entry-level card
The journey begins with entry-level credit cards, typically with a credit limit between $500 and $2,000 per month. These cards don’t offer major perks, but serve a crucial purpose: starting to build your credit score.
Optimal usage: spend about 25% of the available credit and repay fully each month.
Example: with a $2,000 limit, spend around $500 per month and pay it back on time. This shows banks that you can manage credit responsibly.
Step 2: move up to intermediate cards
After 1–1.5 months of responsible usage of the first card, you can request a second, more powerful card, typically with limits of $5,000–$7,000 per month.
These cards start offering reward programs, often 2x points per dollar spent.
At this stage, your credit score is growing. Banks see that you already have a track record of on-time payments, responsible usage, and management of multiple credit lines.
Step 3: open a US bank account
Before accessing premium cards, it’s essential to establish a relationship with a US bank.
This step is crucial because high-level business cards, like American Express Business, require a bank reference from a US institution.
Not all US banks allow remote account openings for non-residents, especially without an introduction.
GloboBanks can help identify which US banks are suitable for your situation through a free consultation with an international banking expert.
Each bank has different policies regarding accepted residencies. Some accept European residents easily, while others have specific restrictions.
The account must provide a structured bank reference, addressed directly to the premium credit card issuer. This document proves a stable banking relationship in the US, greatly increasing approval chances.
American Express Gold Business: the most powerful card for entrepreneurs
After building a solid credit score and obtaining the bank reference, you can access high-level business credit cards.
Among them, the American Express Gold Business stands out as extremely beneficial for entrepreneurs with significant business spending.
This card offers an exceptional multiplier: 4x points on the first $150,000 spent annually.
This means every dollar spent becomes four Membership Rewards points—one of the most versatile and valuable points programs in the world.
Let’s do the math:
An entrepreneur spending $150,000 per year on advertising, software, suppliers, and other business expenses earns:
- 600,000 Membership Rewards points (150,000 × 4)
- Points convert 1:1 into airline miles with partners like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and more
- About 60,000 miles can book one long-haul business class flight (e.g., Europe–Dubai, Europe–Singapore, USA–Asia)
- With 600,000 miles, it’s possible to book 10 business class flights
The market value of one long-haul business class flight ranges between $3,000 and $4,000.
Ten flights represent $30,000–$40,000 in value. For $150,000 in business spending, this translates to an effective return of 20–27%—far higher than any other financial instrument or European credit card.
The best part? These are expenses the entrepreneur would incur anyway.
Advertising on Facebook, Google, business software, suppliers—all become direct ROI in personal premium benefits.
Why most entrepreneurs fail to obtain US credit cards
Many entrepreneurs try a DIY approach after discovering these benefits. Results are almost always disappointing:
- Rejection of ITIN number requests due to incomplete or non-compliant documentation
- Inability to open US bank accounts remotely because they don’t know which banks accept specific residencies
- Rejection from initial credit cards due to improperly structured applications
- Long timelines of 12–18 months instead of 3–4 months
US banks do not publish their internal policies for non-residents. What you see online is for US citizens. Procedures for non-residents are completely different and require privileged channels.
GloboBanks, as an official banking introducer for over 60 international institutions, has built direct relationships with US banks that accept international clients. This means:
- Knowing exactly which banks accept which residencies
- Understanding how to structure applications to maximize approval chances
- Access to direct contacts with internal relationship managers who process requests manually rather than relying on automatic algorithms
- Managing the entire process remotely, eliminating the need to travel to the US
The 100% remote process with GloboBanks
One of the biggest advantages of working with an authorized introducer is the elimination of physical presence.
Many American consultants assisting Europeans require US travel to open accounts and request cards—adding significant costs for flights, accommodation, and lost time.
GloboBanks’ remote process includes:
- Obtaining ITIN number via a certified US accountant, entirely remotely (6–8 weeks)
- Requesting the first entry-level card with assisted and optimized application
- Requesting the second intermediate card after 1–1.5 months of responsible usage
- Opening a US bank account remotely, with KYC and due diligence via video call or email
- Obtaining a bank reference structured according to American Express standards
- Requesting American Express Gold Business with complete application and direct follow-up with Amex
Every step is supported by the GloboBanks team, eliminating errors that could burn opportunities or delay timelines.
When does it make sense to get a US credit card?
Not all entrepreneurs benefit equally from premium US credit cards. Optimal return occurs when:
- Annual business expenses exceed $30,000–50,000 on credit cards
- An active US LLC exists (required for American Express Gold Business)
- Desire to maximize value from existing operational expenses
- Frequent international flights or interest in luxury hotels
For entrepreneurs with $50,000 annual expenses, points return is 200,000 miles—enough for 3–4 business class flights valued at $12,000–15,000. Even at this level, ROI is exceptional.
For those spending $100,000–150,000 annually, return can reach $30,000–40,000 in flights and premium experiences. At this point, the credit card is no longer just a financial tool—it becomes one of the most valuable business benefits.
Want to understand the best banking options for you?
GloboBanks offers a free analysis for entrepreneurs looking to configure the best banking setup for their personal and business situation.
During the consultation, an international banking expert evaluates:
- Which path is best for your residency and corporate structure
- Which US banks accept your profile for remote account opening
- Realistic timelines to reach a premium credit card
- Estimated return in points based on your current business expenses
Consider this: if you currently spend $100,000 annually in business expenses without a card that maximizes return, you are leaving $20,000–25,000 on the table each year.
Over five years, that’s $100,000–125,000 in flights, hotels, and experiences that could have been earned for free.
👉 Contact us here and schedule your free strategic analysis
