[rslater]

Just wondering, as the dollar is climing to par, and seeing as im traveling the world for a year, I'd like to convert all my canadian into US, and then use a US credit card when im traveling.

If this is possible, would I have to apply for one in the States, or can you apply for an American card in Canada?

[Qmx323]

I think you can, there are thousands of people here in Richmond with credit cards from china, europe, etc. I don't see why they can't get american cards. I'm probably wrong though.

[TOPEC]

I think you can, there are thousands of people here in Richmond with credit cards from china, europe, etc. I don't see why they can't get american cards. I'm probably wrong though.

yea but i think those cards r registered in china where they have a house and bank accounts.

[SilverT]

I had a US credit card before. Cancelled it after using it once though coz you cannot submit a payment to your US card thru a Canadian bank. Mailing the money order to the US was just too costly. Why don't you just get a US visa thru a Canadian bank?

[tiger_handheld]

why not get a US Visa card from your local bank?

The parents got a USD Visa from RBC , and pay thru their us account at RBC ...


Why does it have to be from the states? - just curious a USD card is a USD card...

[jsoni]

I may be wrong but....
I dont think Us banks offer Credit cards to Canadians anymore. They used to but i think in the last 2-3 years they stopped.

.. USD Visa as mentioned would be smart

[mmmk]

USD Visa at your local bank or credit union is the best option for what you're planning to do.

[CanadaGoose]

I know Bank of Montreal offers some sort of new Mastercard for U.S. dollars or something too

The bank teller was trying to pitch it to me, but I kinda zoned out and was just staring at her rack

[El Bastardo]

I have an American credit card. I also have an American debit card which doubles as a credit card. You need an American address to send mail to tho for the credit card.
Bank of America is awesome for stuff like that. Theres a branch just across the border in Blaine.

[wahyinghung]

Yeah there is usually an us card being offer in the line up of cards being offered by the banks http://cibc.com/ca/visa/us-dollar-visa-card.html
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/cards/tools/select/index.html?income=income_35_to_60&type=type_rewards&feature_4=feature_usdollar

[InvisibleSoul]

why not get a US Visa card from your local bank?

The parents got a USD Visa from RBC , and pay thru their us account at RBC ...


Why does it have to be from the states? - just curious a USD card is a USD card...
Because some online retailers based in the US won't let you use a credit card that's Canadian issued, regardless of whether it's a US currency card or not.

[Gh0stRider]

I kinda zoned out and was just staring at her rack

:haha:

[syee]

The bank teller was trying to pitch it to me, but I kinda zoned out and was just staring at her rack

haha...was this the BMO at Champlain Mall? :D

Commentary aside, from what the OP says they want to do, the USD credit cards from any CAnadian bank would be fine for their purpose.

If you want to buy stuff from the US, then like El Bastardo said, you'll need a US mailing address AND billing address to buy stuff from the US. Easiest way to do that is to have a mailbox at one of those shipping places over the border.

[madddskillz]

if u end up getting an American card. Get a capital one card.

For US cards, there's no foreign exchange fees when you use it outside of the US.

[q0192837465]

I have the BMO USD credit card. So far so good. Buy in USD, pay in USD.

[StylinRed]

to get a real US credit card you need a bank account in the US

many banks are willing to open accounts for non-residents the trouble is that its complicated for them so they can't do it online etc you have to be there

or if you're lucky you can deal with a bank manager/rep over the phone and fax/email/mail what they require for creating an account

[TheKingdom2000]

if you want a USD$ visa card BMO has the best one IMO.
there are no fee's. and afaik, this is the only US$ visa that had no annual fee.

i personally have a TD visa, only because my fee gets waived.

[wahyinghung]

^ it would be mastercard don't think BMO offer any VISA cards