Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Mastercard Black for Brazilians: the dollar annual-fee math in 2026

When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident

1. Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Mastercard Black for Brazilians: the dollar annual-fee math in 2026

   When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident

2. Path 1: ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

   ITIN is a US tax ID for non-residents with US-source income. You qualify if you: - Have investments via Avenue, Inter US, Nomad, Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers — any US brokerage with tax withhol

3. Path 2: Verifiable US address + credit history

   For those **without** US-source income who still want to take the long road: 1. Open Avenue or Nomad account (gives you a real US address — Nomad partners with an address in Wilmington, DE) 2. Apply f

4. Path 3: Upgrade via Amex Brazil

   Anyone already holding the Brazilian Amex Platinum (issued by Bradesco) can, after 5-7 years of relationship, request a transfer to Amex US via "Global Card Transfer". It's not guaranteed — depends on

5. Scenario A: Brazilian earning in R$, traveling 1-2x/year

   Income 100% in reais. Occasional international trips (1x/year to Europe, 1x Disney). **Verdict**: Itaú Personnalité Black (waived if R$ 100k invested). Dollar annual fee isn't worth it. **Why**: actua

6. Scenario B: Brazilian traveling 4+ times/year, with partial US income

   Partial USD income (Avenue pays USD 200/month dividends, occasional USD 1,500 freelance). Travels 5-6 times/year (2 US, 2 Europe, 2 domestic). **Verdict**: Amex Platinum US. By a wide margin. **The ma

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   When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident