[toyobaru]

I am in the midst of applying for a credit card probably with BMO to grab myself some airmiles. I am looking for some recommendations or if anyone has seen any deals while signing up (Ie: get 500 airmiles with signing up now etc.

[Recon604]

if ur a student, you can get the bmo SPC credit card for free. Gives you cash rebates too but its little. And discounts at stores, however the SPC card has an expiry date, they only help you pay for it once. You have to buy the spc card if you want it again.

[Nvasion]

i got the rbc mastercard 2% cash back and the rbc avion platnium for my travelling

[Drow]

Bmo spc mastercard good for students. If u wanna get one let me know!

[Santofu]

Can someone educate me how does getting airmiles help you to get flight tickets?

I'm in debate to pick rebate rewards or travel cc

[dachinesedude]

MBNA SmartCash Platinum Plus

3% cash back for groceries and gas, 1% for everything else

they send you a cheque for $50 everytime you hit that cash back amount

[GLOW]

MBNA SmartCash Platinum Plus

3% cash back for groceries and gas, 1% for everything else

they send you a cheque for $50 everytime you hit that cash back amount

using this right now and it's great.
it's the current advert on RS at the top too :lawl:
first 6 months I believe it's 5% & 3% but I could be wrong

[Santofu]

For people who have TD and thinking of applying for MBNA since TD Bank bought it out...
TD Canada Trust - TD Bank Group completes MBNA asset purchase (http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/mbnanews.jsp)

[ScizzMoney]

Visa Black Card - buhuh!

[blum2001]

Can someone educate me how does getting airmiles help you to get flight tickets?

I'm in debate to pick rebate rewards or travel cc

travel cards just get you points towards getting a free flight. I have the RBC Avion Infinite card and for every $1 i spend i get 1 point. What I've been doing is transferring my points to BA since it requires less redemption points for a flight, but there's less flexibility. My last trip from YVR to HKG, HKG to JFK to YVR was all on points (including business class from HKG to JFK and all I had to pay was $300ish for tax.

Each card has its own benefit, which one is the best for you, I have no clue.

[Gumby]

using this right now and it's great.
it's the current advert on RS at the top too :lawl:
first 6 months I believe it's 5% & 3% but I could be wrong
Yep, first 6 months it's 5% & 3%.

Also, the card has no annual fee. I don't think there is any other cash back card that has no annual fee.

[Santofu]

travel cards just get you points towards getting a free flight. I have the RBC Avion Infinite card and for every $1 i spend i get 1 point. What I've been doing is transferring my points to BA since it requires less redemption points for a flight, but there's less flexibility. My last trip from YVR to HKG, HKG to JFK to YVR was all on points (including business class from HKG to JFK and all I had to pay was $300ish for tax.

Each card has its own benefit, which one is the best for you, I have no clue.

I'm just curious... How many points did you need in order to get a trip? I'm assuming it requires a lot...

Yep, first 6 months it's 5% & 3%.

Also, the card has no annual fee. I don't think there is any other cash back card that has no annual fee.

Actually most of the banks does offer cash back card that has no annual fees...
However RBC is probably the 2nd top for having 2% cash back for grocery and 1% for others.

[hotjoint]

MBNA SmartCash Platinum Plus

3% cash back for groceries and gas, 1% for everything else

they send you a cheque for $50 everytime you hit that cash back amount

using this right now and it's great.
it's the current advert on RS at the top too :lawl:
first 6 months I believe it's 5% & 3% but I could be wrong

Yep, first 6 months it's 5% & 3%.

Also, the card has no annual fee. I don't think there is any other cash back card that has no annual fee.

+1 for the MBNA smartcash. I've had mine for rougly over a year and love it. 5% for gas and groceries for the first 6 months. 3% after that, everything else is 1%. If you sign up through greatcanadianrebates.com, you'll get $60 from the site once you're approved. That's what I did. A nice little incentive to sign up :fuckyea:

[highfive]

Keep in mind a lot of those "points" travel have expiry dates to it. I know AsiaMiles have it for sure. I believe Aeroplan points do too.

I'm using TD First Class. 3 pts for every $1. Every 10,000 points is $50 to spend towards travelling. Never expires. And you can apply the money to expedia or any travel agency that's cheap. It does have annual fee of $120. But if you open a select service chqing account and have $5000 in there. ALL fees will be waived. Free Chqing, free CC, free safe deposit box, free us visa, free money drafts.

[blum2001]

I'm just curious... How many points did you need in order to get a trip? I'm assuming it requires a lot...





The actual flight was booked via British Airway's Avios program which offers 1.5, which was about 112000 avios points give or take which include business class for 1 leg of the trip. So actual AvioN points it cost me 74000 points.

Sounds like a lot of points but I literally throw everything on my credit card, plus I'm able to expense things for work using my credit card.

[Santofu]

The actual flight was booked via British Airway's Avios program which offers 1.5, which was about 112000 avios points give or take which include business class for 1 leg of the trip. So actual AvioN points it cost me 74000 points.

Sounds like a lot of points but I literally throw everything on my credit card, plus I'm able to expense things for work using my credit card.

Wow that's a lot... Does it expire like highfive mentioned? How long did it take you to reach that amount? And I'm wondering how much do you spent...

[dachinesedude]

For people who have TD and thinking of applying for MBNA since TD Bank bought it out...
TD Canada Trust - TD Bank Group completes MBNA asset purchase (http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/mbnanews.jsp)

cant wait till they integrate the card information into EasyWeb, i hate having to go to MBNA's site to look at the balance

imo travel reward cards are a waste of money if you dont spend alot (students, normal consumers), but if you own a business and buy inventory with the card, cha-ching $$

[rageguy]

I've had the MBNA Smart Cash for 3 years now. Never looked back. No annual fees. 3%/1% cash back. This wins. I now have the World version of the card. It's even better with lots of features. Price protection, concierge, etc.

[blum2001]

Wow that's a lot... Does it expire like highfive mentioned? How long did it take you to reach that amount? And I'm wondering how much do you spent...

I'll be honest, I have no clue when/if my avion points expire. I always book flights frequently so I never really thought about that.

For the 74000 point I think it probably took me just over a year? Keep in mind I expense a LOT of things for work so it goes on the card and I get a check back for it. Out of that I'd say 30,000 points is from work, and the rest are just everyday spending, bills, etc... I also own Canucks Season tickets so every year it's an automatic $8+k for the season + $4500ish for playoffs, so right there it's an easy 12500 points right there. What helps is putting on large items like insurance, Internet/cable bills, large dinners etc on your card instead of paying cash.

For me getting flights are more important then cash back or other types of rewards, I think you just have to decide what's more important to you.

[Gumby]

Actually most of the banks does offer cash back card that has no annual fees...
However RBC is probably the 2nd top for having 2% cash back for grocery and 1% for others.
The unique thing (I could be wrong) about the MBNA card is that they will mail you a check for $50, and you can do whatever you want with that money.

RBC's cash back card, for example, will only give you your "cash" back in the form of a credit on your cc statement.

[tiger_handheld]

RBC Rewards

cash , travel , merchandise
$1 = 1point
$39 annual fee

when you need to travel , ugprade to avion ($120 fee - less what you paid for original) to get better point redemption rates and you can downgrade after 8 mo's :)

can redeem 36,000 points for RBC line of credit "credit" - thats $300 free cash provided you have a RBC LOC.

[highfive]

I'll be honest, I have no clue when/if my avion points expire. I always book flights frequently so I never really thought about that.

For the 74000 point I think it probably took me just over a year? Keep in mind I expense a LOT of things for work so it goes on the card and I get a check back for it. Out of that I'd say 30,000 points is from work, and the rest are just everyday spending, bills, etc... I also own Canucks Season tickets so every year it's an automatic $8+k for the season + $4500ish for playoffs, so right there it's an easy 12500 points right there. What helps is putting on large items like insurance, Internet/cable bills, large dinners etc on your card instead of paying cash.

For me getting flights are more important then cash back or other types of rewards, I think you just have to decide what's more important to you.

I don't believe Avion points expire. Only airlines reward points do I think.

Like you have to do comparisons of what type of travel you prefer.

Using blum's figure of 74,000 points. I assume it costs you $74,000 to get it. I don't know where did you go?

Compare it to the TD first class, that would be equivalent to $1,100.00 ($74,000 x 3 points / 10,000 x $50) for you to spend on travel, hotel, car rentals.

So it really depends...I personally notice my TD one is better suited for domestic traveling like Canada or the US. It's not that as competitive if I were to travel to Hong Kong and i have to use Asia Miles.

Speaking of Asia Miles, you have to do your booking really early or their "asia miles" seats are sold out.

[blum2001]

I don't believe Avion points expire. Only airlines reward points do I think.

Like you have to do comparisons of what type of travel you prefer.

Using blum's figure of 74,000 points. I assume it costs you $74,000 to get it. I don't know where did you go?

Compare it to the TD first class, that would be equivalent to $1,100.00 ($74,000 x 3 points / 10,000 x $50) for you to spend on travel, hotel, car rentals.

So it really depends...I personally notice my TD one is better suited for domestic traveling like Canada or the US. It's not that as competitive if I were to travel to Hong Kong and i have to use Asia Miles.

Speaking of Asia Miles, you have to do your booking really early or their "asia miles" seats are sold out.

yep, approx $74000. My trip I went from YVR to HKG Economy, HKG to JFK Business Class, JFK to YVR Economy. This is only possible with the RBC to BA conversion program. It used to be a lot better before but now it costs me more Avion points to convert to BA (BA is a partner with Cathay).


Speaking of Asia Miles, you have to do your booking really early or their "asia miles" seats are sold out.

I book through British Airways Executive Club. The seats are limited and so are the dates, my last trip I got lucky I was able to book within 1 week. BA Exec club has gone to crap since changing to Avios. Last year I booked a trip to HK which cost me 50,000 BA points which is 33334 RBC Avion points. With the Avios, it increased to something like 50,000 RBC Avion points for me to use BA and it seems harder to find flights these days.

[Nightwalker]

MBNA SmartCash Platinum Plus

3% cash back for groceries and gas, 1% for everything else

they send you a cheque for $50 everytime you hit that cash back amount

I'm using this too, plus got cash for joining by applying through Great Canadian Rebates - Cash Back Rebates & Online Coupons (http://www.greatcanadianrebates.ca/)

Never carrying a balance and receiving checks in the mail from my credit card company feels REAL good :)

[StaxBundlez]

http://www.freecodesource.com/album-cover/51GMVC5Y9FL/Silkk-the-Shocker-Charge-It-2-Da-Game.jpg

[AWDTurboLuvr]

My wife and I have the VISA Infinite Aeroplan card. While there is an annual fee, we get 1.5x Aeroplan miles anytime I buy from a gas station, grocery store and drug store. We put basically all my bills on it, her tution and books, and just pay it off at the end of the month.

There are also many places in the Lower Mainland that give you double or triple Aeroplan miles by using your VISA card with them.

Another bonus is that they cover travel insurance with any flight bought through your card and even cover reward trips.

[gretzky]

MBNA FTW

[Oleophobic]

RBC Rewards

cash , travel , merchandise
$1 = 1point
$39 annual fee

when you need to travel , ugprade to avion ($120 fee - less what you paid for original) to get better point redemption rates and you can downgrade after 8 mo's :)

can redeem 36,000 points for RBC line of credit "credit" - thats $300 free cash provided you have a RBC LOC.

yep that's what I plan on doing
currently at ~120k points and I plan on upgrading to infinite when I decide to redeem them for travel

[Hakkaboy]

i have the mbna smart cash + td first class infinite

i use the mbna for gas/groceries and use the td card for everything else

i really like the td integration with expedia, so i redeem all my points there

as for online, i actually prefer mbna's basically realtime info on card usage. i can track pre-authorized payments really easily versus TD's easy web in which you don't know really what has been charged on your card until much much later. And it doesn't show any pre-auth's so you don't know if any of your purchases went through until it's too late and posted

[ae101]

i have the BMO student card, funny how i got it when my classmate that i know forced me to sign up for it which at the time i was jobless & he said dun worry they never sent u a card if u dun have a job.............then short after that i was approved :rukidding::seriously:

on a side note (as were on the subject): can anyone enlighten me on how my ugly sister got approved 2 credit cards from 2 different banks (cibc & td) as shes only 19 & makes minimum wage at McD on the weekend

[Santofu]

on a side note (as were on the subject): can anyone enlighten me on how my ugly sister got approved 2 credit cards from 2 different banks (cibc & td) as shes only 19 & makes minimum wage at McD on the weekend

I think your sister has the minimum limit which it's $500... Most 19 years old can get away with a credit card with $500 limit, some of them can get away with $1000 to $2000 limit.

[Sky_High]

on a side note (as were on the subject): can anyone enlighten me on how my ugly sister got approved 2 credit cards from 2 different banks (cibc & td) as shes only 19 & makes minimum wage at McD on the weekend
Maybe she's not as ugly as you think :troll:

LGs....

[shenmecar]

I personally have 3 CCs,

RBC Classic II Visa Student - $1 = 1 point, can be used for redeeming stuff, I can upgrade to an Avion anytime and keep my points, no annual fee (because its a student card)

MBNA Smart Cash Mastercard - 3% cashback on groceries and gas, 1% elsewhere. No annual fee.

Costco American Express - 3% cashback on restaurants, 2% on gas. No annual fee for Costco members. (but you need to renew membership each year of course)

Only downside to the american express is that most restaurants only accept visa/mastercard, only bigger restaurants like The Keg accepts AE..........

[urban.boi]

I use these ones:
RBC Visa Infinite
AMEX Platinum
Capital One M/C as a back up card.

[Hondaracer]

Avion points never expire, the British airways 1.5 and sometimes 1:2 points is awsome, first time I used a Europe flight it was 65,000 points when I had been given 20,000 on signup

Besides the points program their insurance coverage is excellent, 21 days out of country unlimited coverage/liability with $0 deductable, and additional coverage is dirt cheap on top of that, an additional 17 days coverage was $35

Full purchase coverage etc. all fee's waived on rental cars

Concierge service which the RBC guy described to me as "your in thailand and you want a VIP booth at the hottest club, we are there for you"

At $130 yearly fee I've yet to use a card with better customer service

[EX-R]

MBNA Smart cash. only had my card since dec and i just deposited my second $50 cash back check!

[LuHua]

If you can afford to have $5000 sitting in your bank account, then the TD Gold Elite with their Select Service account is pretty damn good. 1% rebate on everything, but there's some bonuses that come in handy. Apart from that, that MBNA card looks great.

[Renxo]

no one has PC financial card? It's almost as good as MNBA smartcash...which is better..

[Renxo]

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum MasterCard | HowToSaveMoney.ca (http://www.howtosavemoney.ca/Finances/CreditCards/Cards/MbnaSmartCash)

[Majestic12]

MBNA Smart Cash - for gas and groceries ONLY
AMEX Starwood Preferred Guest - Daily use
Capital One Aspire - Daily use (when they don't take AMEX)
RBC Avion Infinite Visa - Emergency, or when they don't take any other card.

Out of all of those, the Smart Cash and Aspire are probably my top two. I only have the AMEX because they waived the annual fee.

[InvisibleSoul]

no one has PC financial card? It's almost as good as MNBA smartcash...which is better..

Yeah, switched from PC to MBNA.

[murmur]

amex holt renfrew.
1% back for gift certificate redemption.

[Teh Doucher]

i also have the costco american express card. its good, but it sucks thats not accepted at a lot of places. so i just applied for the MBNA card! woot!

[Not really racist!]

anybody know the difference between the mnba smart cash card vs mnba platinum plus card?

[hotjoint]

anybody know the difference between the mnba smart cash card vs mnba platinum plus card?

They're the same card. The older smart cash are called mbna platinum plus smart cash. They're blue now so they're just called mbna smart cash card. I have the mbna platinum plus smart cash and my gf has the mbna smart cash card. Same card, different color :lol

[skyxx]

Honestly, if you don't spend a minimum of say 1500-2000 a month with your credit card, it's sort of pointless getting any flyer miles credit cards. If you spend less than that every month, just get a cash back/dividend card.

[unit]

Yep, first 6 months it's 5% & 3%.

Also, the card has no annual fee. I don't think there is any other cash back card that has no annual fee.

cibc dividends card has no annual fee.
there are others as well but they just dont have as good returns. (tiered returns)

i use the smart cash as well and its served me well but ive been a victim of cc fraud 3 times with this card. not sure if its a coincidence or not but this has never happened to me with another card company.

[Not really racist!]

They're the same card. The older smart cash are called mbna platinum plus smart cash. They're blue now so they're just called mbna smart cash card. I have the mbna platinum plus smart cash and my gf has the mbna smart cash card. Same card, different color :lol

hahaha

thankyou my friend

gonna be applying via great canadian rebate for the 60$

whoever else is applying do the same!

[tiger_handheld]

if any of you guys do a lot of cross-border/ us$ online shopping Sears Financial Mastercard does not have the 2.5% fee like ALL the other credit cards. Sears will do the conversion at the exchange rate present at the time of transaction. Assuming 1=1 exchange rate, on a $10 transaction, you can save $0.25.



Source: mom works for Sears. Go to her if you want to open a card - sears gives her coffee cards for each card she opens :D

[freakshow]

Keep in mind a lot of those "points" travel have expiry dates to it. I know AsiaMiles have it for sure. I believe Aeroplan points do too.

I'm using TD First Class. 3 pts for every $1. Every 10,000 points is $50 to spend towards travelling. Never expires. And you can apply the money to expedia or any travel agency that's cheap. It does have annual fee of $120. But if you open a select service chqing account and have $5000 in there. ALL fees will be waived. Free Chqing, free CC, free safe deposit box, free us visa, free money drafts.

I use Select Service + First Class, and i'm loving the card. It's super easy to redeem points, and they let you redeem them against any travel based purchase (Hotel, Car rental, Flight, etc). The point conversion works out to 1.5%.
There are also other benefits like 14 days travel insurance each time you travel, etc.

[Oleophobic]

if any of you guys do a lot of cross-border/ us$ online shopping Sears Financial Mastercard does not have the 2.5% fee like ALL the other credit cards. Sears will do the conversion at the exchange rate present at the time of transaction. Assuming 1=1 exchange rate, on a $10 transaction, you can save $0.25.


Source: mom works for Sears. Go to her if you want to open a card - sears gives her coffee cards for each card she opens :D

I just want to mention that the Amazon.ca credit card also does not charge a 2.5% foreign currency fee plus you get 1% cashback on all purchases, 2% cashback on amazon.ca purchases.

https://www.chase.com/online/canada/amazon-ca-home.htm

I'm using this card for all non-CAD purchases and it's great.

[InvisibleSoul]

if any of you guys do a lot of cross-border/ us$ online shopping Sears Financial Mastercard does not have the 2.5% fee like ALL the other credit cards. Sears will do the conversion at the exchange rate present at the time of transaction. Assuming 1=1 exchange rate, on a $10 transaction, you can save $0.25.



Source: mom works for Sears. Go to her if you want to open a card - sears gives her coffee cards for each card she opens :D
Amazon.ca credit card also doesn't have the foreign exchange fee.

Whoops, didn't see T.T say the same thing before I replied.

[GLOW]

I just want to mention that the Amazon.ca credit card also does not charge a 2.5% foreign currency fee plus you get 1% cashback on all purchases, 2% cashback on amazon.ca purchases.

https://www.chase.com/online/canada/amazon-ca-home.htm

I'm using this card for all non-CAD purchases and it's great.

can the 2% cash back apply to amazon.com purchases too or just .ca?

[Oleophobic]

Unfortunately only amazon.ca

[GLOW]

that's a shame. i'd say the ratio is 9:1 for my purchases .com/.ca

[twitchyzero]

anyone figure out how to use a canadian tire card to pay off MBNA world rewards card to effectively get 3% cb on all purchases?

I read about it somewhere...can't find it..need a new card soon

[Nocardia]

I have the MBNA Smart Card and I am pretty sure there is no 2.5% foreign exchange fee. I find the conversions within 0.5% of vbce.ca

[CRS]

I have the MBNA Smart Card and I am pretty sure there is no 2.5% foreign exchange fee. I find the conversions within 0.5% of vbce.ca

All transactions (including returns) and payments made in a foreign currency will be converted to Canadian dollars. Transactions will be converted at a rate equivalent to MasterCard’s benchmark rate in effect on the date that we process the transactions, plus an amount equal to 2.5% of the transaction amount after it has been converted. Payments will be converted into Canadian dollars at a rate equivalent to the Bank of Canada rate reported at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the date that we process the payment, plus an amount equal to 2.5% of the foreign currency payment amount.

https://www.applyonlinenow.com/CACCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=CMSF&lc=en_CA

[Sushi604]

I just want to mention that the Amazon.ca credit card also does not charge a 2.5% foreign currency fee plus you get 1% cashback on all purchases, 2% cashback on amazon.ca purchases.

https://www.chase.com/online/canada/amazon-ca-home.htm

I'm using this card for all non-CAD purchases and it's great.

Perfect. Now I can supplement my PCMC with a VISA with no Foreign Currency Transaction Fees when I buy my gas in the states.

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card. The PCMC is so much more flexible in my opinion.

Assuming if you shop at SuperStore (and honestly who doesn't shop at SuperStore from time to time?), being able to redeem $20 when you need it vs waiting for the $50 to come to you every 4-6 months just sounds silly.

[CRS]

Perfect. Now I can supplement my PCMC with a VISA with no Foreign Currency Transaction Fees when I buy my gas in the states.

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card. The PCMC is so much more flexible in my opinion.

Assuming if you shop at SuperStore (and honestly who doesn't shop at SuperStore from time to time?), being able to redeem $20 when you need it vs waiting for the $50 to come to you every 4-6 months just sounds silly.

MBNA offers 5% for the first 6 months on gas AND groceries. Then 3% back after that time. 1% on everything else.

Though the PCMC is more flexible for lower purchases, it doesn't do merely as much in terms of giving back.

IMO MBNA>PCMC because it allows me to more % back on everything and doesn't limit me to only one store. Plus a cheque is good to spend anywhere whereas PC only lets you redeem at superstore. So if we're talking about silly, only being able to get bonus % and redeem at only one place seems pretty silly.

[Gumby]

Perfect. Now I can supplement my PCMC with a VISA with no Foreign Currency Transaction Fees when I buy my gas in the states.

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card. The PCMC is so much more flexible in my opinion.

Assuming if you shop at SuperStore (and honestly who doesn't shop at SuperStore from time to time?), being able to redeem $20 when you need it vs waiting for the $50 to come to you every 4-6 months just sounds silly.
I took a peek at the PCMC, and it says you get 10 points per dollar spent, and 20,000 points gets you $20. That means you need to spend $2000 to get $20 (excluding any bonuses) - or 1% of your money. You are then forced to spend the $20 at a store that sells PC products.

For MBNA, the worst case is also 1% cash back, with a minimum of $50. They send you a check that you can cash in and spend on ANYTHING and ANYWHERE - not just a store that sells certain items! For gas & groceries, it's actually 3%, so you get your $50 cash much quicker.

(Someone correct me if my math is wrong)

Edit: Ahhh CRS beat me to it.

[InvisibleSoul]

Perfect. Now I can supplement my PCMC with a VISA with no Foreign Currency Transaction Fees when I buy my gas in the states.

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card. The PCMC is so much more flexible in my opinion.

Assuming if you shop at SuperStore (and honestly who doesn't shop at SuperStore from time to time?), being able to redeem $20 when you need it vs waiting for the $50 to come to you every 4-6 months just sounds silly.
If anything, it's your argument that's silly.

How can a rebate that can only be used at one chain of stores be more flexible than a rebate that is actually cash?

Secondly, while it's true you only need $20 worth of points to redeem with PC, does it really matter that you have to wait until you accumulate $50 with MBNA? I personally couldn't care less. I'm never in that desperate of a situation to need access to my rebates immediately.

Lastly, if you spend $250 a month on gas and groceries, you get 3% back with MBNA, which adds up to $30 extra per year.

This is coming from someone that used to use the PC card exclusively, but have now switched to the MBNA card.

[Gumby]

Lastly, if you spend $250 a month on gas and groceries, you get 3% back with MBNA, which adds up to $30 extra per year.

The way you've written it seems to imply that you need to spend $250 per month on gas & groceries in order to get 3% back, which is untrue. There are no intervals at all with the MBNA card.

(I know you know, just don't want others confused!)

[GLOW]

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card.

i've had mine for under a year and received 3 $50 checks so far from normal spending (gas & groceries) :nyan:

[hotjoint]

I average a $50 cheque every 2 months since I signed up with the mbna smart cash card. $300 cash back every year is fine with me :)

[EX-R]

just received my 4th cheque from MBNA since i had the card last december!

[bartone]

^ only bad thing is each cheque I receive reminds me that I spent somewhere between $3000~$5000 again....

[GLOW]

if it's just the basics: gas, groceries, bills, insurance...doesn't feel too bad....i'd make use of $50 more than airmiles but that's just me

[Oleophobic]

Correct me if i'm wrong as i'm going by memory here but the PCMC is equivalent to 1% cashback. Meanwhile the Mbna gives you 3% on gas and groceries (ignoring the 5% promotional period). Now to get $20 cashback from PCMC you need to spend $2000. Meanwhile for mbna you only need $1666.67 to get the $50 cheque.

I don't see how the PCMC can win here. EVERYTHING you buy at superstore falls under "groceries" so you get 3% cash back (5% during promotional period) on the MBNA card. Even if you exceed the $600 monthly limit you would still be getting 1% which is equivalent to what the PC card gets. Of course, with that said it would probably be better to have a different card for items that fall under "everything else".

Perfect. Now I can supplement my PCMC with a VISA with no Foreign Currency Transaction Fees when I buy my gas in the states.

Seriously though, why are people raving about the MNBC card so much??? The $50 check you get will take forever to build up especially if you don't spend much on the card. The PCMC is so much more flexible in my opinion.

Assuming if you shop at SuperStore (and honestly who doesn't shop at SuperStore from time to time?), being able to redeem $20 when you need it vs waiting for the $50 to come to you every 4-6 months just sounds silly.

[roastpuff]

Question regarding canceling credit cards - does my credit take a hit if I do so?

Right now, I have too many cards, IMO. I want to consolidate into three cards at maximum, if advisable.

I have the following:
- CIBC Visa Dividend, (my first-ever credit card, upgraded from student classic)
- BMO MasterCard SPC Air Miles (not really used anymore - only at Blenz for the free upgrade lol)
- Amex Costco True Earnings (Costco shopping card)
- Amex Air Miles Platinum (got it for Shell/Safeway shopping, rack up Air Miles, for trip insurance/rental car insurance as well)

I was thinking of going for a CIBC Aventura Mastercard because the Air Miles seem to be crappy, to be honest, and it takes way too long to accumulate. Also, there is a $75 Amazon.ca gift card I can use towards my school textbooks at the moment. The Visa Dividend is not all that useful with only 1% cash back. Basically, I would like to switch or cancel my Visa and get the CIBC Aventura M/C, cancel the Amex Platinum and keep the Costco one, and leave the BMO M/C alone.

Would people recommend having at least one card from each card carrier? The only bad thing I could think of is that Visa is more widely accepted than M/C or Amex, and I will not have a Visa in that case. Or, keep the Visa and get the M/C, cancel the BMO card?

I was also thinking of getting that Amazon.ca card mentioned above for purchases in the US, so I would still have a Visa as well then I guess.

[murmur]

scotia scene visa is actually alright (if you watch movies).
it comes with a scene membership.

- spent $1 = 1 point
- for every movie ticket you buy (combined with scene membership), you get 100 points.
- 10% off for concessions

(note: you can redeem a general admittance ticket with 1000 points)

[BigTrollFace]

scotia scene is stupid lol $1 per point so 1000 to get a free movie ticket

you can just get a scene card and get 100 points per movie ticket anyways and you still get 10% off

[Sushi604]

If anything, it's your argument that's silly.

How can a rebate that can only be used at one chain of stores be more flexible than a rebate that is actually cash?

Secondly, while it's true you only need $20 worth of points to redeem with PC, does it really matter that you have to wait until you accumulate $50 with MBNA? I personally couldn't care less. I'm never in that desperate of a situation to need access to my rebates immediately.

Lastly, if you spend $250 a month on gas and groceries, you get 3% back with MBNA, which adds up to $30 extra per year.

This is coming from someone that used to use the PC card exclusively, but have now switched to the MBNA card.

Nice! I was hoping to find someone who switched from PCMC to MBNA. The only benefit real benefit from the PC points was the bonus points you get when you shopped at any participating Loblaws consumer store. Considering that I seem to eat out more than I shop, the MBNA is starting to make more sense.

LOL damnit, now I need to apply to 2 cards!

[Meowjin]

I have 180k avion points. I wanted to book a trip once and I found out I had to pay for the taxes still.

What's the point of having a dollar value limit on points if you find a ticket for 1100 but pay the taxes when your limit is 1400.

[Sky_High]

I have 180k avion points. I wanted to book a trip once and I found out I had to pay for the taxes still.

What's the point of having a dollar value limit on points if you find a ticket for 1100 but pay the taxes when your limit is 1400.

That's perfectly normal.

Even if you have 32423842304 miles with a certain airline's mileage program, and wish to redeem for a free flight.....you still have to pay for the taxes.

[46_valentinor]

i love my mbna card! i didn't receive a check from them for a while, about 4 months, then got my 100 dollar check from them a couple days ago!

[Oleophobic]

scotia scene visa is actually alright (if you watch movies).
it comes with a scene membership.

- spent $1 = 1 point
- for every movie ticket you buy (combined with scene membership), you get 100 points.
- 10% off for concessions

(note: you can redeem a general admittance ticket with 1000 points)

This card is pretty useless since a free SCENE membership gives you 10% off concession + 100 points per movie watched

For cash back you can just get the MBNA Rewards Travel card (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/mbna-rewards-travel-platinum-plus-mc-1219168/) for straight 2% cashback with no annual fee (can't apply for this card, must upgrade from existing MBNA card). This is easily the best all-around cash back card out there for those who are unaware.

I've been trying to get my hands on the world version of this card (invite only) for a while now as some people were able to get it without the annual fee but have had no luck so far. The card looks like shit but the world version looks pretty nice.

[Phozy]

I have a PC mastercard...how is it vs mbna?

We get 10 points for every dollar spent, and 1000 points is a dollar (every $1000 spent is $10 back)

[c32]

Screw MBNA... If you are getting 50 dollar checks every month, they will forget to send you some checks on purpose, I missed a couple of cheques and you would have to call them back and tell them which ones you missed.. Plus it takes 2 months to get your cheques which makes it easier for you to forget about your cheques.. Fuck you MBNA...

[CRS]

I have a PC mastercard...how is it vs mbna?

We get 10 points for every dollar spent, and 1000 points is a dollar (every $1000 spent is $10 back)


Read a page back.

Basically MBNA>PCMC

*edit sushi604 is now on board with the MBNA express.

[Sushi604]

Read a page back.

Basically MBNA>PCMC (unless you're Sushi604)

??? I said I was going to switch to MBNA a page back...

Nice! I was hoping to find someone who switched from PCMC to MBNA. The only benefit real benefit from the PC points was the bonus points you get when you shopped at any participating Loblaws consumer store. Considering that I seem to eat out more than I shop, the MBNA is starting to make more sense.

LOL damnit, now I need to apply to 2 cards!

[AW607]

I use a TD Drivers Rewards card. I don't pay annual fees, and the points you accumulate could be used towards parts or a car down the road :fullofwin:

[mr_chin]

don't mind me jumping into the argument, but do you guys really use up all your credit to accumulate the cash back? and then pay off the balance in whole?

if not, then arguing about PCMC > MBNA is silly because you guys are arguing about who's right and wrong.

instead of standing for your argument, why not come up with the most optimal ways to utilize credit cards instead?

why not have PCMC for superstore (groceries) and MBNA for everything else. win win situation.

[CRS]

don't mind me jumping into the argument, but do you guys really use up all your credit to accumulate the cash back? and then pay off the balance in whole?

if not, then arguing about PCMC > MBNA is silly because you guys are arguing about who's right and wrong.

instead of standing for your argument, why not come up with the most optimal ways to utilize credit cards instead?

why not have PCMC for superstore (groceries) and MBNA for everything else. win win situation.

Because MBNA offers 5% (first 6 months) for gas and groceries and 3% thereafter?

PCMC doesn't do any of that. The best way to optimize is to solely use MBNA under the circumstance you have provided.

However, if you want to go outside the box, you will need both the SC MBNA and Travel MBNA. Use SC for gas and groceries so you get 5%/3% then Travel for everything else so you get 2%.

[hotjoint]

Screw MBNA... If you are getting 50 dollar checks every month, they will forget to send you some checks on purpose, I missed a couple of cheques and you would have to call them back and tell them which ones you missed.. Plus it takes 2 months to get your cheques which makes it easier for you to forget about your cheques.. Fuck you MBNA...

I've had my card for just under 2 years now. Never have had any trouble with missed cheques.

[InvisibleSoul]

Question regarding canceling credit cards - does my credit take a hit if I do so?
Maybe. It seems counter-intuitive, but I researched this a little while back, and read that it's actually better to leave the cards dormant than cancelling them.

Apparently cancelling a credit card can only do harm, not good. It may not significantly negatively affect your credit, but this is how it works.

If you've had a really bad credit history with the card you're cancelling, the bad history will remain even if you cancel the card.

However, if you've had a very good credit history with the card you're cancelling, you basically lose that good history immediately when you cancel the card.

Even if you have left the card dormant for years, that is "good" history.

[InvisibleSoul]

don't mind me jumping into the argument, but do you guys really use up all your credit to accumulate the cash back? and then pay off the balance in whole?

if not, then arguing about PCMC > MBNA is silly because you guys are arguing about who's right and wrong.

instead of standing for your argument, why not come up with the most optimal ways to utilize credit cards instead?

why not have PCMC for superstore (groceries) and MBNA for everything else. win win situation.
Why do we have to use up all our credit to make this discussion worthwhile?

Yes, I always pay off my credit card balance in whole every month, unless I accidentally forget to make the payment.

I don't treat my credit cards as cash I don't have. I treat them simply as a convenient method of payment, and only if I have the cash to pay for it in the bank.

[Oleophobic]

However, if you want to go outside the box, you will need both the SC MBNA and Travel MBNA. Use SC for gas and groceries so you get 5%/3% then Travel for everything else so you get 2%.

Yep and if you need travel insurance just have a Capital One Aspire Cash handy since it has no annual fee and being a cardholder means you're covered for travel medical insurance for 22 days and if you need trip interruption and any other insurance you can simply pay for your trip with this card.

[Sushi604]

Alright got the following:

Amazon.ca Visa card - This will be my go-to emergency vacation card + gas card in the states. 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, 2% back on amazon.ca purchases.

MBNA Rewards World Elite MasterCard - For everything else. 2% cash back on all eligible purchases (unsure if that means reoccurring costs like phone bills). Platinum level benefits, ie extended warranty and no annual fee.

[mqin]

Hey guys,

I got a quick question regarding the current 60$ cash back rebate on the MBNA smartcash credit card, I realize the rebate is earned on approval of the card, but how do I receive the 60$ cash back exactly? Do they mail it to you? or...?

[Santofu]

Just curious, if you transfer from one credit card to other credit card, would the credit history would be affected?

[GLOW]

i was told to transfer a card from 1 type to another from a credit stand point it's cancelling your old one and signing up for a new one. i was told that by a CSR .... i think a specific CC company...might have been equifax but i doubt it...can't remember it was so long ago when i asked that question.

[hotjoint]

Hey guys,

I got a quick question regarding the current 60$ cash back rebate on the MBNA smartcash credit card, I realize the rebate is earned on approval of the card, but how do I receive the 60$ cash back exactly? Do they mail it to you? or...?

yeah they mail it from you. You have to request it from great canadian rebates though. It's in the options for payment. It takes about 2 months after the approval for you to be entitled to it though, so you're not going to get it right away if that was what you were thinking.

[mqin]

yeah they mail it from you. You have to request it from great canadian rebates though. It's in the options for payment. It takes about 2 months after the approval for you to be entitled to it though, so you're not going to get it right away if that was what you were thinking.


Oh wow, hearing that makes the deal not as sweet anymore, none the less it's still a good card, cant beat that first 6 months with 5% cash back on gas and groceries! thanks for the quick reply.

[BrRsn]

HR Amex and a TD emerald

TD is for everyday
Amex is for big purchases

A lot of times I wont work for a few months so the low interest of the TD is good.. means I can still eat and survive without getting butt raped by interest. Amex interest is butt rape, never miss a payment ever.

[toyobaru]

Just got my MBNA card. So with their cash back its done monthly and sent as a cheque not as a monthly credit on the balance? I used to use a TD 1% cashback and they used to just lump sum it at the end of the year..

[Vansterdam]

Noob question where and how do i sign up for this MBNA card
Posted via RS Mobile

[hotjoint]

Oh wow, hearing that makes the deal not as sweet anymore, none the less it's still a good card, cant beat that first 6 months with 5% cash back on gas and groceries! thanks for the quick reply.

Still a sweet deal man, the $60 from great canadian rebates is just a bonus :fullofwin:

Just got my MBNA card. So with their cash back its done monthly and sent as a cheque not as a monthly credit on the balance? I used to use a TD 1% cashback and they used to just lump sum it at the end of the year..

Yeah the cheque gets issued at soon at the statement period is over and you've accumulated 5000 points, no need to wait until the start of the year like other credit cards


Noob question where and how do i sign up for this MBNA card
Posted via RS Mobile

MBNA SmartCash MasterCard - Cash Back Rebates & Online Coupons @ Great Canadian Rebates (http://www.greatcanadianrebates.ca/details/MBNA-SmartCash/)

[InvisibleSoul]

Oh wow, hearing that makes the deal not as sweet anymore, none the less it's still a good card, cant beat that first 6 months with 5% cash back on gas and groceries! thanks for the quick reply.
Why would it make the deal not as sweet anymore? It's $60 you never had in the first place. You'll get it, just need to wait awhile for them to verify your application was accepted by MBNA and that THEY got paid for the referral. That's how all cash back sites work.

[twitchyzero]

For cash back you can just get the MBNA Rewards Travel card (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/mbna-rewards-travel-platinum-plus-mc-1219168/) for straight 2% cashback with no annual fee (can't apply for this card, must upgrade from existing MBNA card). This is easily the best all-around cash back card out there for those who are unaware.

I've been trying to get my hands on the world version of this card (invite only) for a while now as some people were able to get it without the annual fee but have had no luck so far. The card looks like shit but the world version looks pretty nice.

So to summarize:

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum +: 3%CB gas/groc + 1% CB everything else
MBNA Smart Cash World: same as Platinum + with price protection/concierge

MBNA Rewards Travel Platinum + (only through converting): 2% CB on everything
MBNA Rewards World Elite (only through converting) : same as Rewards Travel Platinum + with price protection/concierge

Did I get it right? I applied for the SC World last week..i'll try to convert to the rewards travel if this info is correct.

[Oleophobic]

Yep that's correct. My current setup is SC for gas/groceries, Rewards Travel for everything else, and I average $150 combined cashback every 2 months so not too shabby

[Sushi604]

So to summarize:

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum +: 3%CB gas/groc + 1% CB everything else
MBNA Smart Cash World: same as Platinum + with price protection/concierge

MBNA Rewards Travel Platinum + (only through converting): 2% CB on everything
MBNA Rewards World Elite (only through converting) : same as Rewards Travel Platinum + with price protection/concierge

Did I get it right? I applied for the SC World last week..i'll try to convert to the rewards travel if this info is correct.

Sounds like it... Honestly though, if you never been with MBNA, its better if you try to get the Rewards World Elite + on your 1st try. You need to have either a 70k income or prove you have a 20k spending habit to get approved for that card if you attempt to upgrade.

Yeah, that card is boss. No annual fee, 2% cash back (on eligible purchases), all platinum features and a $100 in points on your first purchase.

[Vansterdam]

another noob question so how do i sign up for MBNA AND get the 60$ from canadian rebates

and which one should i try applying for?

MBNA Smart Cash Platinum

or

MBNA Smart Cash World:

[TheKingdom2000]

1. Sign up and register at GCR
2. Right on the home page click the large banner that says, "$60 Cas Back Rebates..."
3. Click the card you want to sign up for (in your case, the MBNA SmartCash Mastercard)
4. Click "Apply Today - SmartCash Mastercard" link (This will open a new tab/window and redirect you to the official MBNA credit card application page
5. Fill out the application as you normally would

As long as you apply through the cashback link, you will get credit for the application. If you somehow exit the window or close your computer you must start all over from step 2 above.

The $60 will be credited to your GCR a couple weeks after your application is approved (But, you must wait 45 days before you can get your cashback). You can then request this $60 via cheque or it will automatically be deposited in your paypal account if you link it.

*Make sure you disable any adblock software before you enter the GCR as this will interfere with their tracking methods. You might not get credit for your cashback links if you have adblock software running.

I also made a mini blog for those who want more clarification on how cashback works.
http://cashback4shopping.blogspot.ca/
Disclaimer; I have referral links on my blog.

[mqin]

Why would it make the deal not as sweet anymore? It's $60 you never had in the first place. You'll get it, just need to wait awhile for them to verify your application was accepted by MBNA and that THEY got paid for the referral. That's how all cash back sites work.

yeah they mail it from you. You have to request it from great canadian rebates though. It's in the options for payment. It takes about 2 months after the approval for you to be entitled to it though, so you're not going to get it right away if that was what you were thinking.

I agree with you that having 60$ is better than having none at all, I guess I'm just impatient and don't want to maybe forget to request the rebate after 2 month from the approved date. Didn't know that's how cash back sites typically work. Anyways it was my first time dealing with a cash back website, thanks for all the info.

[TheKingdom2000]

I agree with you that having 60$ is better than having none at all, I guess I'm just impatient and don't want to maybe forget to request the rebate after 2 month from the approved date. Didn't know that's how cash back sites typically work. Anyways it was my first time dealing with a cash back website, thanks for all the info.

If you link GCR to paypal, it will automatically be deposited into your paypal account (ie. you do not have to request it).

You only have to request the payment if you request a cheque. But, just put a reminder/event in your phone calendar. It's not that difficult imo.

[Drow]

the BMO world elite mastercard. they recently redesigned it. its a boss as fuark black credit card. google it

[Sushi604]

update, looks like mbna sent me a platinum plus card instead of my world elite plus. There going to get an earful tomorrow!
Posted via RS Mobile

[Sushi604]

the BMO world elite mastercard. they recently redesigned it. its a boss as fuark black credit card. google it

$150 Annual fee... hell no. But yeah, that's a pretty boss lookin' card.

[AWDTurboLuvr]

For a travel card, nothing beats the Capital One Aspire Travel World card. If you normally put down $2,000 on your credit card and pay it off all the time, you'll recieve $510 cash value annually in travel points. Plus, it has trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel insurance, medical insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties.

[Sushi604]

Update: Yay! mbna rewards World Elite MasterCard (https://www.mbna.ca/RWDapp/benefits?mc=WPWDCN&locale=en_CA) acquired!!! 2 points for $1 spent starting this Saturday!

Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to get the $100 sign on bonus with them however. Oh well, 2% return is better than nothing.

[CRS]

Update: Yay! mbna rewards World Elite MasterCard (https://www.mbna.ca/RWDapp/benefits?mc=WPWDCN&locale=en_CA) acquired!!! 2 points for $1 spent starting this Saturday!

Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to get the $100 sign on bonus with them however. Oh well, 2% return is better than nothing.

Need to have 70,000 annual income or 120,000 household income or have spent 20,000 on the card annually.

[ntan]

Need to have 70,000 annual income or 120,000 household income or have spent 20,000 on the card annually.

If I have an annual income over $70k, I can instantly switch to this card? How about the $100 bonus? I'm currently using the smart cash world card
Posted via RS Mobile

[Sushi604]

Need to have 70,000 annual income or 120,000 household income or have spent 20,000 on the card annually.

True, but this is an invite only card. However they are ways to circumvent it or with the right touch "special circumstances".

If I have an annual income over $70k, I can instantly switch to this card? How about the $100 bonus? I'm currently using the smart cash world card
Posted via RS Mobile

Never hurts to call in and ask. If your able to prove that you spend at least 20k a year on your MBNA card then you should qualify without too much hassle.

[TheKingdom2000]

For a travel card, nothing beats the Capital One Aspire Travel World card. If you normally put down $2,000 on your credit card and pay it off all the time, you'll recieve $510 cash value annually in travel points. Plus, it has trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel insurance, medical insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties.

What happens if you charge less than $2k a month on this card? You don't get the bonuses?

[Drow]

$150 Annual fee... hell no. But yeah, that's a pretty boss lookin' card.

well look here... you get $150.00 cash back instantly. if you want, or 15000 reward miles. although you need 70000 annual income or 120000 household income, if any one wants to apply for it PM me :)

[SDU]

opinions on TD First Class Travel card? Im currently using it.

Wondering if I should switch over to the MBNA ones.

[Sushi604]

opinions on TD First Class Travel card? Im currently using it.

Wondering if I should switch over to the MBNA ones.

If you don't mind the annual fee of $120 and travel specifically through all the TD setup's then I guess its okay? 3% return seems pretty solid if your a frequent traveler.

My requirements for a CC are: no annual fee, some sign on bonus, at least a 1% minimum cashback which can be acquired quickly and effortless customer service when your card is compromised (ie stolen/number hijacked).

Personally, go for CC's which when redeeming are quick and painless (ie PC points during checkout) or paying to the balance of your CC directly (supposedly you can do this when redeeming MBNA points... unconfirmed).

[Sushi604]

well look here... you get $150.00 cash back instantly. if you want, or 15000 reward miles. although you need 70000 annual income or 120000 household income, if any one wants to apply for it PM me :)

Right, but its a recurring $150 annual fee. If your able to waive that forever then I'm pretty sure there are people on this thread who would love to sign up with you.

EDIT: You get a 10,000 anniversary bonus reward miles every year. Effectively the annual fee for this card is $50 a year. Now seriously, if your able to waive that $150 FOREVER, I'm sure people will sign up with you by the flocks.

[heleu]

For those looking to compare various travel credit cards in Canada, here's a good link:

Choosing A Travel Rewards Credit Card (http://rewardscanada.ca/choosing-a-travel-credit-card.html)

[AWDTurboLuvr]

What happens if you charge less than $2k a month on this card? You don't get the bonuses?

Yes you do, I just quoted what you would receive back if you did put that much a month on the card.

Canada's best credit cards « MoneySense (http://decision.moneysense.ca/best-credit-cards-canada/)

Go thru their credit card calculator to get an estimate on how much you would get back.

[twitchyzero]

more info on this $100 signing bonus with the MBNA travel?

[Simplex123]

Any students here that got approved by MBNC? Do they require a certain amount of income for the Smart Cash card?

[dasani604]

Any students here that got approved by MBNC? Do they require a certain amount of income for the Smart Cash card?

I don't think they do since I got one last year. You can also put down household income (I think). They're not strict on handing out that card.

[Drow]

Right, but its a recurring $150 annual fee. If your able to waive that forever then I'm pretty sure there are people on this thread who would love to sign up with you.

EDIT: You get a 10,000 anniversary bonus reward miles every year. Effectively the annual fee for this card is $50 a year. Now seriously, if your able to waive that $150 FOREVER, I'm sure people will sign up with you by the flocks.

heh i wish i could waive the fee for everyone. even as staff i have to pay an annual fee, just half of it :okay:

[Vansterdam]

i heard theres a mbnc canucks card :ahwow:

[HonestTea]

MBNA looks pretty good!

[HonestTea]

I keep getting this error when I apply through GCR

"Please accept our apologies!

The credit card application "link" you requested is currently unavailable.

Your business is important to us.

Please call us at 1-800-416-6345 and we will be happy to process your credit card request immediately.

Thank you for your interest."

[Oleophobic]

True, but this is an invite only card. However they are ways to circumvent it or with the right touch "special circumstances".



Never hurts to call in and ask. If your able to prove that you spend at least 20k a year on your MBNA card then you should qualify without too much hassle.

Just wondering, how did you get the MBNA Rewards World Elite card? I've called many times and eventually became convinced there was no way other than constantly checking your account for the invite. I have the Rewards Travel and meet one of the requirements (70k income or 120k household or 20k annual spending) for the World Elite but it's been many months and I still haven't received an invite.

[CRS]

Just wondering, how did you get the MBNA Rewards World Elite card? I've called many times and eventually became convinced there was no way other than constantly checking your account for the invite. I have the Rewards Travel and meet one of the requirements (70k income or 120k household or 20k annual spending) for the World Elite but it's been many months and I still haven't received an invite.

Give them a call.

A rep I was speaking with told me that as soon as I got one of the above, they would be happy to make me a world's elite member. But YMMV and you may need to call a few times.

[Sushi604]

Just wondering, how did you get the MBNA Rewards World Elite card? I've called many times and eventually became convinced there was no way other than constantly checking your account for the invite. I have the Rewards Travel and meet one of the requirements (70k income or 120k household or 20k annual spending) for the World Elite but it's been many months and I still haven't received an invite.

:fullofwin:

My story is a bit of a long one... long story short, I worked around the system to make it happen. PM me if you want to know the full story.

In regards to you not being able to get the card, I don't see how that its possible... Does your credit report state you make this much now? Did you get escalated to a upgrade specialist?

[Sushi604]

more info on this $100 signing bonus with the MBNA travel?

If you get approved for the card, on your 1st eligible purchase, you'll receive a 10,000 points which equals a $100 at redemption.

[MeetHanz]

Noob question: can you pay the mnba CC through other financial institutions? If no, what's the most convenient way?

[dink]

Noob question: can you pay the mnba CC through other financial institutions? If no, what's the most convenient way?

Online banking!

[ShadowBun]

does MNBA have any kind of cell phone txt alerts for transactions?

[Sushi604]

does MNBA have any kind of cell phone txt alerts for transactions?

Not that I'm aware off.

[Sushi604]

Not to call MBNA a incompetent company but seriously this is starting to get on my nerves. I was supposed to receive the Rewards World Elite Card but instead was given a Rewards Travel Platinum Plus. I'll have to give them a call sometime next week to see if they can switch me up to the World Elite due to the change over I'm currently undergoing.

Mind you, considering that I went from PCMC and went straight into a Rewards Travel Platinum Plus with little effort is pretty impressive since most consumers here can't even get past upgrading to a no annual fee platinum card.

Maybe I should be content having a credit card without a Price Protection feature...

EDIT: I just found out that I can't get the rewards World Elite because my time with MBNA is not long enough to show I spend an average of $20,000 yearly. Furthermore the rewards World Elite cards are accounts that MasterCard themselves look into specifically. They advise companies like MBNA to advise their customers that they are eligible for upgrade. You will be unable to call in to upgrade this unless your able to prove them otherwise.

Also the features like price protection/Satisfaction Guarantee (not provided by MBNA) only has a buffer of X amount yearly (Price Protection is $1000 yearly, $500 max a month). Also MasterCard has the last say if they are to reimburse you for the product you purchased that falls under Price Protection.

[J____]

costco amex card, get cash back for groceries.

[Oleophobic]

So in other news, the MBNA smart cash card just got nerfed

I haven't received the letter yet but this was posted on RFD and is also on the smart cash webpage (https://www.mbna.ca/RWDapp/home?mc=SMCACN&locale=en_CA) (both regular and world)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2130/img20121022210324.jpg

Can't say I didn't see this coming with the TD takeover and everything...
at least there's still that 2% card

[trd2343]

So in other news, the MBNA smart cash card just got nerfed

I haven't received the letter yet but this was posted on RFD and is also on the smart cash webpage (https://www.mbna.ca/RWDapp/home?mc=SMCACN&locale=en_CA) (both regular and world)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2130/img20121022210324.jpg

Can't say I didn't see this coming with the TD takeover and everything...
at least there's still that 2% card


According to RFD, even that 2% card is now gone, the cutoff date was October 6th.

[Oleophobic]

Yeah but they haven't changed anything yet, they only stopped allowing people to convert.
Hopefully TD doesn't fuck around with that card :(

[ShadowBun]

dam

it was a good card!

[Sushi604]

Phew, thank god I picked up the MBNA Rewards Travel Platinum Plus card as soon as I did!

[hotjoint]

damn that sucks. I use nothing but the smart cash card and was getting $50 cheques pretty much every other month.

[GLOW]

^-same
looks like i'll have to keep my eye on this thread to see if there's a better free cashback card post-MNBA nerf :(

[hotjoint]

^-same
looks like i'll have to keep my eye on this thread to see if there's a better free cashback card post-MNBA nerf :(

:werd:

[twitchyzero]

FACK I was a few days too late to converting to the 2% Travel Rewards

said to myself no biggie...SC World isn't that bad....now they are changing their policies.

There better be a new 2% card in the new year or I'm going back to RBC

[acurael]

Hey Guys

Debating between the BMO World Elite Mastercard and the Capital One Aspire Travel World Mastercard. Seems the MBNA is not as good anymore for cash back. Any thoughts?

[Nightwalker]

I received a similar but different letter from MBNA the other day. nerfed for sure :okay:

[l2_narain]

Has anyone redeemed anything from the EnviroVisa from Vancity? It doesn't look like a great card and I was thinking of getting another one..

[Chronix]

since MBNA got nerfed, any other good mastercard out there?

[GLOW]

i'm getting the feeling after the nerf it's still better than most out there in terms of cashback.

[Drow]

Nothing will get more ppl mirin' when you flash out your BMO World Elite Mastercard.

https://www.bmorewards.com/images/eliteRewardsCard.png

PM if you prepared

[CRS]

Nothing will get more ppl mirin' when you flash out your BMO World Elite Mastercard.

https://www.bmorewards.com/images/eliteRewardsCard.png

PM if you prepared

$150 annual fee?

:fuckthatshit:

What happens when you PM? If you're advertising for BMO, you're going to get banned.

[invader]

Ban that fool!
Posted via RS Mobile

[Hondaracer]

infinite avion looks more pimp anyways :P

[Drow]

when u guys PM, i'll flash u my BMO world elite card and show u how boss it is :woot2:

[winson604]

since MBNA got nerfed, any other good mastercard out there?

Well if you are eligible to upgrade to the MBNA World Card I would say you can consider. It's basically the same cash back card but you get another 6 months of 5% gas and groceries and you don't have the $1200 limit.

[Sentinel]

Right now I have a BMO cashback card. I want to get the BMO Gold Airmiles. Can I just call BMO and tell them I want to switch or do I have to cancel my current card then apply for the gold one? Anybody know?
Posted via RS Mobile

[Drow]

Right now I have a BMO cashback card. I want to get the BMO Gold Airmiles. Can I just call BMO and tell them I want to switch or do I have to cancel my current card then apply for the gold one? Anybody know?
Posted via RS Mobile

you can just call them and switch.

[J-Chow]

Lol, wait. There's a difference between the regular MBNA smart cash back vs MBNA smart cash back world??

[chunk_stir]

Just applied for this one after finding out about MBNA smartcash changes:
Aspire Travel Rewards Credit Card - Apply | Capital One Canada (http://www.capitalone.ca/credit-cards/aspire-travel-world)

Seems pretty good. Wrks out to 2% cashback in reward travel, or 1.5% in cash rebate.

[twdm]

Currently using the AMEX Plat:

1.25 Amex points on the dollar flat
$699 annual fee
60000 Amex points in points after 3k spend in first 3 months (using referral link from plat cardholder) - Can transfer to aeroplan or other airline points (or $600 travel credit)
$200 Annual Travel credit when booking through Platinum Concierge (refreshes in January, so if you apply and get approved now, you can claim $200 this year, and $200 starting in January)
Priority Club Prestige membership ($399 value, unlimited airport lounge access for 2 people)
Complimentary Airport lounge access with AMEX partners
All the bells and whistles in terms of insurance.
Premium Membership in certain hotels and airlines (Cathay Marco Polo Gold, SPG gold, etc)

The travel credit alone already gives you $400 value along with $600 worth in points (minimum), unlimited airport lounge access, and the premium memberships makes this card a clear winner.

Referrals can only come from current plat users so you will have to find someone who can send you the referral link.

[twitchyzero]

Well if you are eligible to upgrade to the MBNA World Card I would say you can consider. It's basically the same cash back card but you get another 6 months of 5% gas and groceries and you don't have the $1200 limit.
no SC World also got nerfed

Lol, wait. There's a difference between the regular MBNA smart cash back vs MBNA smart cash back world??
just price protection & concierge..everything else the same

Just applied for this one after finding out about MBNA smartcash changes:
Aspire Travel Rewards Credit Card - Apply | Capital One Canada (http://www.capitalone.ca/credit-cards/aspire-travel-world)

Seems pretty good. Wrks out to 2% cashback in reward travel, or 1.5% in cash rebate.

mbna was great because there's no annual fee

[Sky_High]

Currently using the AMEX Plat:

1.25 Amex points on the dollar flat
$699 annual fee
60000 Amex points in points after 3k spend in first 3 months (using referral link from plat cardholder) - Can transfer to aeroplan or other airline points (or $600 travel credit)
$200 Annual Travel credit when booking through Platinum Concierge (refreshes in January, so if you apply and get approved now, you can claim $200 this year, and $200 starting in January)
Priority Club Prestige membership ($399 value, unlimited airport lounge access for 2 people)
Complimentary Airport lounge access with AMEX partners
All the bells and whistles in terms of insurance.
Premium Membership in certain hotels and airlines (Cathay Marco Polo Gold, SPG gold, etc)

The travel credit alone already gives you $400 value along with $600 worth in points (minimum), unlimited airport lounge access, and the premium memberships makes this card a clear winner.

Referrals can only come from current plat users so you will have to find someone who can send you the referral link.

https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/content/the-platinum-card/

Not sure if you're indirectly hinting RS members to PM you for referral or what....but it's actually:
Earn 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards® points by making $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.1
and then
As a Cardmember, you11 can refer a friend and earn a referral bonus of 15,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points for each approved

Sure the card sound attractive for it's value in it's first year (like every other card out there....)
But what about the year after? :fuckthatshit:


Edit:
$699 annual fee - $200 annual travel credit
= $500
10 Membership Rewards = $1 travel credit
= Need to accumulate 50,000 Membership Rewards
1.25 Membership Rewards = $1 spent on your Amex
= You would have to spend at least $40,000 annually on this card to be able to enjoy all the bells and whistle of this card's "benefits"

If you normally spend that much on Amex annually on top of your other Visa/MC's then :thumbs:
But for the other 85%+ of RS's population.... :fuckthatshit:

[Nocardia]

Yeah looks like its time to switch away from the smart cash card....

Damn, it was so easy to choose this card, now its a clusterfuck.

[Oleophobic]

no SC World also got nerfed


just price protection & concierge..everything else the same



mbna was great because there's no annual fee


Regular smart cash got nerfed worse than World. For regular there is now a $1,250 limit on spending per month, and that $1,250 includes gas/groceries. ie. it's 1% cash back on all purchases up to $1,250, plus an additional 1% on the first $400 of purchases that are classified under gas/groceries. Meanwhile, the world version has no $1,250 limit.

[twdm]

https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/content/the-platinum-card/

Not sure if you're indirectly hinting RS members to PM you for referral or what....but it's actually:

and then


Sure the card sound attractive for it's value in it's first year (like every other card out there....)
But what about the year after? :fuckthatshit:


Edit:
$699 annual fee - $200 annual travel credit
= $500
10 Membership Rewards = $1 travel credit
= Need to accumulate 50,000 Membership Rewards
1.25 Membership Rewards = $1 spent on your Amex
= You would have to spend at least $40,000 annually on this card to be able to enjoy all the bells and whistle of this card's "benefits"

If you normally spend that much on Amex annually on top of your other Visa/MC's then :thumbs:
But for the other 85%+ of RS's population.... :fuckthatshit:
It's 60000 points through the referral link. (lmgtfy: https://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/mgm/mgmerRecommandACard.cgi?mgmerCard=platinumCard). Learn to read. The value of the card comes from its extra benefits. If you plan to travel at least once a year, it pays for itself. It's not for everyone, but you can easily make it worth it and churn the sign up bonuses every year.

[Not really racist!]

Regular smart cash got nerfed worse than World. For regular there is now a $1,250 limit on spending per month, and that $1,250 includes gas/groceries. ie. it's 1% cash back on all purchases up to $1,250, plus an additional 1% on the first $400 of purchases that are classified under gas/groceries. Meanwhile, the world version has no $1,250 limit.

ho damn that's like any other cc out there then

:okay:

[hotjoint]

Regular smart cash got nerfed worse than World. For regular there is now a $1,250 limit on spending per month, and that $1,250 includes gas/groceries. ie. it's 1% cash back on all purchases up to $1,250, plus an additional 1% on the first $400 of purchases that are classified under gas/groceries. Meanwhile, the world version has no $1,250 limit.

I switched to the world to get my 5% for the next 6 months. Will look into another card once that's up. Damn you MNBA, the smart cash was the best card out there IMO

[shenmecar]

stupid ass mbna. hate it now.
Posted via RS Mobile

[carisear]

So anyone know what the best free card is out there now? I put on average $15-$20k a year on it. MBNA smartcash just doesn't cut it for me anymore.

[Oleophobic]

MBNA Rewards Travel (https://www.mbna.ca/RWDapp/home?mc=WPTRCN&locale=en_CA) 2% cash back card

Although MBNA no longer allows anyone to be converted to this card, some people on RFD have had success in getting this card through signing up for the MBNA Rewards 1% cash back (https://www.applyonlinenow.com/CACCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=CN3M&lc=en_CA) card. I'm not sure if it's because they met certain income requirements or whatever criteria MBNA uses but some people ended up getting the 2% card in the mail.

If anyone plans on attempting this remember to apply through a certain site for a rebate.

[XplicitLuder]

sorry to bump an old thread, but rather not make a new one. Im currently with Scotiabank and i have the SCENE Visa card, but i find that i have no need for it anymore. Gf and i have stopped going to the movies as much , which was why i got it in the first place to save me the 50-80$ a month lol

anyone with Scotia care to share what cc you have and why did you go with it? Not too sure as to what i want...i got a pamphlet from them with the AMEX and the other cards they have and not too sure what to switch too

[trancehead]

dont know if its been mentioned already, but AMAZON.ca has a no foreign exchange transaction fee card. I think for most cards, they tack on an extra 2-3% on all foreign exchanges...which add up fast

other than that, its rewards systems etc are nothing spectacular. its free anyways.

go on amazon.com and its advertised there (not advertised on .ca lol)

[Simplex123]

^ This one? https://www.chase.com/online/Credit-Cards/amazon-earn-points.htm
Isn't it for Americans only?

or are you talking about this one? Amazon.ca Rewards Visa Card from Chase: Amazon.ca: financial-product@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2Bgz6y3k5L.@@AMEPARAM@@41%2Bgz6y3k5L

[trancehead]

yeah the green one

[Teriyaki]

Yup. Amazon.ca MC is great for shopping online on US sites. Would get it if I didn't already have a TD US Visa.

For Canadian cards. I've recently migrated from the MBNA SmartCash over to two seperate cards. I got the Cap One Aspire Travel to replace my MBNA MC. 2% back on travel (but theres some loops you have to jump through). or Just 1.5% back in cash. Not bad, but the annual fee is $120 ($100 re-imbursed in form of travel points every year).

Other one I am sporting now is the American Express Gold Rewards card. Probably the most lucrative sign-up bonus so far i've found. Netted me 20k AMEX reward points with a referral from a current amex owner (15k if applying through a certain site).

Best thing about the points is, you can either cash it out on travel at basically 1% OR better yet, transfer it to either British Airways Avios and/or Aeroplan. I transferred it all to British Airways. 20K points is enough to fly business class from Hong Kong to Taiwan for free. IN BUSINESS CLASS on Cathay. This is what i've redeemed for this coming September. Still have leftover points for another trip. There is a long running thread on this at rfd. Indeed. very, very lucrative first year bonus with no annual fee and referral bonus.

[bakasam]

So i know there is a ton of discussion around not cancelling your "inactive" credit cards so that it won't damage your credit scores.

I'm currently a student and i've got 3 credit cards

1. Presidents Choice Mastercard (My first card that I got when i worked at Superstore)
2. MBNA Smart Cash Mastercard (Planning to make this inactive)
3. TD Rebate Rewards Visa (I leave this one for emergencies or if the odd place doesn't take Mastercard)

Each credit card has a credit limit of 1500~3000. Realistically I only use my MBNA card and I never miss payments so my credit history should be pretty good. I'm planning to ditch both the PC & MBNA card since I don't shop at Superstore anymore and the recent changes to MBNA make it not worthwhile and I'm planning to apply for another card (Capital One Aspire Cash?) and using it as my new "main" card.

Is lowering the credit limit on the inactive cards (MBNA & PC) to the minimum worth doing? I don't want to have a bunch of cards with that high of a limit but I'm afraid by decreasing the credit limit it would affect my score.

Tia

[Shorn]

^ from what i read, best method is just to cut them up and leave them alone.

nobody can use 'em, your credit stays good. don't know if lowering the limit is good or bad but it seems like an unnecessary step when you're gonna cut them up anyway.

[smoothie.]

I've loved my scene visa from day one.


Sure I could use the 200 bucks a year on cashback, but that doesn't feel as good as having 20 free movies banked :D
Posted via RS Mobile

[falcon]

I buy with cash typically, but for online purchases I have the low intrest RBC Visa. 11.95% IIRC. Not that I leave a balance on it but you never know. I don't get points or anything for it but I could care less.

[Hlinda]

The american express gold card is a very good one. Now it offers 20k bonus points and first year free.


another one is the Amex SPG card. It offers 21k bonus points for signing up now:
[URL="www.americanexpress.com/canada/apply (www.americanexpress.com/canada/apply[/URL)

I have both cards, and I love the insurances come with the card.

[Araaadi]

I've loved my scene visa from day one.


Sure I could use the 200 bucks a year on cashback, but that doesn't feel as good as having 20 free movies banked :D
Posted via RS Mobile
gotta agree with you. I've had countless amounts of free movies. I pretty much get 1000 points in a week and a half

[Hlinda]

The american express gold card is a very good one. Now it offers 20k bonus points and first year free.


another one is the Amex SPG card. It offers 21k bonus points for signing up now:
[URL="www.americanexpress.com/canada/apply (www.americanexpress.com/canada/apply[/URL)

I have both cards, and I love the insurances come with the card.

If you like travel, these cards are among the best. The Amex points can be transterred to Aeroplan 1:1 without transfer fee.

[FerrariEnzo]

another one is the Amex SPG card. It offers 21k bonus points for signing up now:
www.americanexpress.com/canada/apply

I have both cards, and I love the insurances come with the card.

SPG Amex is good.. if you travel, earn points at SPG brand hotels for free nights...

[nania]

SPG Amex is good.. if you travel, earn points at SPG brand hotels for free nights...

Yeah, agree. Now we have a lot more options for credit cards than before. Many good travel rewards cards and cash back cards available in the market. Competition is a good thing.

[nania]

I've been getting 2x points on all my amex gold card purchases that I should be only getting 1x point, eg. Home Depot, pizza, clothes .... is there some kind of promotion going on??

[nania]

I just noticed a promotion for Amex points to credit: AMEX MR Promo 1000pts = 12,50$ in credit (25% bonus) (end august 31st).

If anyone has Amex points, it is good time to change it to credit. And it can be applied to any purchases, not only travel.

[nania]

I just noticed a promotion for Amex points to credit: AMEX MR Promo 1000pts = 12,50$ in credit (25% bonus) (end august 31st).

If anyone has Amex points, it is good time to change it to credit. And it can be applied to any purchases, not only travel.

The Amex gold card is the best travel rewards card for 2013. 20k aeroplan miles and first year free.

www.americanexpress.com/canada/goldrewards (https://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/mgm/mgmeeApplynow.cgi?mgmerCard=goldCard&CPID=999999371&MGM_URN=AAAAEgAfAxMXAw%3D%3D)

and the spg card: 5 free hotel nights.

www.americanexpress.com/canada/SPGrewards (https://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/mgm/mgmeeApplynow.cgi?mgmerCard=starWGCreditCard&CPID=999999371&MGM_URN=AAAAEgAfAxMeAg%3D%3D)

[Hondaracer]

What is the best card for gas rewards? Either cash back or whatever?

Currently have the infinite avion but would like a second card with a lower limit and if I could get one specifically for gas rewards that would be great
Posted via RS Mobile

[Spoon]

^I use PC mastercard for gas. 7 cents back in superbuck.
Posted via RS Mobile

[Hondaracer]

With any gas purchase or only superstore?
Posted via RS Mobile

[BBMme]

+1 for the SPG Amex
Posted via RS Mobile

[iwantaskyline]

td infinite first class has a bonus 40k points promo right now, just signed up.

[l2_narain]

I got the amex costco card

https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/content/costco-card/

[jjson]

What is the best card for gas rewards? Either cash back or whatever?

Currently have the infinite avion but would like a second card with a lower limit and if I could get one specifically for gas rewards that would be great
Posted via RS Mobile

bmo with shell + air miles?
bmo mastercard can either be cash back or airmiles
seperate air miles for shell v power

both will collect air miles. 95 air miles = $10 off for gas

[shenmecar]

I got the amex costco card

https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/content/costco-card/

same, that thing pays for itself, and then some. 3% cash back on food ftw.
Posted via RS Mobile

[freakshow]

I just switched to Scotia Infinite
4% back on gas/grocery
2% on drug store/recurring payments
1% everything else

[kingdrew]

+1 for the amex gold rewards card. I've been using it a lot lately. I just wish more places would accept it.

Amex will give you 15k bonus points after spending $500 in the first three months. You can get an additional 5k points through a referral.

If anyone needs a referral for the 20k bonus points feel free to shoot me a pm.

[Spoon]

With any gas purchase or only superstore?
Posted via RS Mobile

At Superstore gas stations only. The machine spews out a printed coupon after your gas purchase. Awesome if you shop at Superstore, since you won't have to wait for cash back etc.

[highfive]

Update on CIBC aeroplan card.

Consumers may be faced with reviewing their credit card and travel reward options in the wake of a deal announcement that sees Toronto-Dominion Bank taking over as Aeroplan's customer loyalty program partner.

Credit card reward programs carry risks

Aimia, the Montreal-based company that runs Aeroplan, has pledged that no one will lose points under an arrangement that will see Aeroplan reward points switch from CIBC credit cards to TD credit cards.

CIBC had been purchasing air miles from Aimia for 22 years, then awarding them to customers who use its Aerogold credit card. After CIBC and Aimia failed to agree to new terms on that agreement, TD stepped in with a bid of $100 million up front and a 15 per cent increase in the amount Aimia receives per air mile sold.

Under the terms of its current deal with Aimia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had the right to match any offer up until Aug. 9, 2013 — a deadline that passed without an offer or rejection from CIBC.
CIBC objects to deal

CIBC is not entirely happy with Aimia’s announcement of a deal with TD and has informed Aimia the TD deal is invalid because it fails to comply with terms of the existing credit card agreement, which expires on Dec. 31, 2013.

"The notice and proposed agreement was structured in a way that nullifies CIBC's right of first refusal and ability to match," CIBC spokesman Kevin Dove said in a statement Monday.

Dove said CIBC may opt to pursue legal action, but in the meantime, it is involved in talks with TD and CIBC over its CIBC Aerogold credit card portfolio.

The goal of the talks is for TD to take over half of the Aeroplan credit card portfolio. CIBC disclosed it is willing to divest itself of credit card only clients, but will try to retain Aerogold members who have a wider banking relationship with CIBC. That deal is expected to be finalized by Aug. 26, but there is no guarantee it will go ahead.
Aerogold owners' choice

Exactly how this will play out for owners of CIBC Aerogold cards remains to be seen. Aimia has guaranteed they will not lose points already accumulated on their cards in any case, but may have to move to a TD card to continue collecting points.

CIBC has the option of moving to an alternate rewards program to retain its customers.

But Barclays Capital analyst John Aiken says the potential sale of Aerogold cards to TD is “a common sense approach.”

“We believe that this should defray some of the retention costs anticipated to be incurred by CIBC as it can focus on retaining the customers it has a more fulsome relationship with,” he said.

“For TD, it alleviates some of the risk that current Aeroplan card holders will move to an alternative platform as it will likely make the transition much more seamless.”

Beginning in January 2014, when the deal with Aimia takes effect, TD plans to offer a suite of Aeroplan Visa credit cards, with the potential to enhance its current travel rewards program.
TD to offer various cards

For TD customers and for any Aeroplan credit card users who make the switch to TD, that will mean choosing from a range of premium and mid-market Aeroplan cards, with a choice of benefits and rates. TD also says it plans a card for U.S. residents and Canadian small business owners.

Aimia also announced it's preparing to make changes to the Aeroplan program, starting in 2014, including the launch of new features with its co-branded credit cards.

"The enhancements we're announcing today are the most significant changes we've made in the Aeroplan program's history," Vince Timpano, Aimia's president and chief executive officer for Canada, announced on June 26.

Among other things, Aimia is launching Distinction — a new recognition program that rewards top-accumulating members with exclusive privileges and cancellation of a policy that sees Aeroplan miles expire after seven years.

Loyalty programs are big business for banks and credit card providers and there is constant jockeying for position in the sector.

Hopefully they combine it with the first class td travel.

[chouchou]

edit: nvm

Guess i'll hit the edit with a new question:

Opinions on keeping credit card accounts open or closed. I have a few credit cards that I no longer use but have maintained a $0 balance for the last.. say, year. Should I close those lines or keep them open for whatever reason?

[Teriyaki]

Keep your oldest if not two oldest cards. If they have annual fee, call in and ask them to change it to a no-fee one. This will keep the average age of your accounts older.

Call in and cancel the rest that you won't be touching. Been doing this for the past few years and even after repeated churning of cards, my credit rating is top notch.

[v_tec]

For those that applied for the
MBNA Smart Cash Platinum Plus MasterCard

What was your income like?

[cctw]

^anything $30k and above should get you approved

[toyobaru]

Not sure if everyone knows about this deal but if you bank with TD and have a minimal balance of $5,000 in any chequeing account with them you are eligible to get a First Class Visa Infinite Travel Visa. Made the switch from my TD Rebate to it and they give you $200 Travel Dollars. You earn 3 points for every dollar spent.

[winson604]

Not sure if everyone knows about this deal but if you bank with TD and have a minimal balance of $5,000 in any chequeing account with them you are eligible to get a First Class Visa Infinite Travel Visa. Made the switch from my TD Rebate to it and they give you $200 Travel Dollars. You earn 3 points for every dollar spent.

I was debating on that card because I wanted to move away from my MBNA Cash Back card and start using a Travel Card. Long time TD customer but with the $120 fee I decided on the Capital One Aspire for $120 instead. 3 years in a row it was rated the best Travel Card in Canada. $350 signing bonus, and every year you get $100 worth of travel free essentially making the card $20 a year.

[dasani604]

I was debating on that card because I wanted to move away from my MBNA Cash Back card and start using a Travel Card. Long time TD customer but with the $120 fee I decided on the Capital One Aspire for $120 instead. 3 years in a row it was rated the best Travel Card in Canada. $350 signing bonus, and every year you get $100 worth of travel free essentially making the card $20 a year.

Point redemption for that card isn't the greatest though. One comment in the reviews is, (paraphrasing) "if you have $150 worth of points, you have to redeem a flight that is $150 or less. If your flight is $170, you can't redeem until the next tier". A tier being 15000 points each (I think).

With the TD 1st Class travel card, redemption is more straight forward. You can redeem your points no matter the cost of the flight ticket.

[winson604]

Point redemption for that card isn't the greatest though. One comment in the reviews is, (paraphrasing) "if you have $150 worth of points, you have to redeem a flight that is $150 or less. If your flight is $170, you can't redeem until the next tier". A tier being 15000 points each (I think).

With the TD 1st Class travel card, redemption is more straight forward. You can redeem your points no matter the cost of the flight ticket.

Yup, I read tons of reviews on all the cards before finally deciding. If I was a super heavy spender where I can accumulate flights to Asia once a year like some people I know do I would have gone with the TD or RBC one. However, I'm a pretty avg spender so the $100 a year bonus thus in theory lowering the $120 fee to $20 won me over. Plus the fact that I don't believe the tier system will really bug me that much anyway to be perfectly honest.

[way2quik]

Not sure if everyone knows about this deal but if you bank with TD and have a minimal balance of $5,000 in any chequeing account with them you are eligible to get a First Class Visa Infinite Travel Visa. Made the switch from my TD Rebate to it and they give you $200 Travel Dollars. You earn 3 points for every dollar spent.

I was debating on that card as well, but I opted for the Gold Elite. I'm nowhere close to being a heavy spender. On the other hand, I do travel once at least every year.

[Hondaracer]

after seeing how the Infinite avion travel points redemption system works i think i'll be switching or at least adding another card after i redeem my travel points

its a great card if your constantly travelling or renting vehicles, but for me going out of country 3-5 times a year and rarely renting a car, the travel rewards [essentially spending $100,000 for 1 round trip europe flight covered including taxes] doesnt really fly with him

ill be looking moreso into a cash back card next i think, probably push my limit up a bit on the Avion before i switch over

[Susann]

Do you think this is a good card:

https://www.americanexpress.com/canada (https://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/mgm/mgmeeApplynow.cgi?mgmerCard=aeroPlanGoldCard&CPID=999999371&MGM_URN=AAAAEgATEg4dAw%3D%3D)

how much are the 30k Aeroplan miles worth?

[meme405]

Just got my BMO world elite card, there is a promotion on for 30000 reward points for getting the card, then 5000 for your first four months above 1000 bucks (which is easy if you put everything on the card). They also waived my first years fee ($150).

[radioman]

Starting to look for a card that is either travel or cashback.

Getting overwhelmed with the amount of cards out there.

When I read "card gives 30,000 points" I don't really know how much value 30,000 points is for that particular CC.

Read AX makes you purchase the flight and pay it off with points? Not sure if this is correct. I'll have to look through some more cards tomorrow.

[kr4l]

I collect aeroplan with all my cards

I just booked a trip to Korea business class there and back during Christmas.

125k points but u have to also pay around $650 in tax

Hope that kinda helps with how much points are worth
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[noclue]

I recommend either SPG amex or chase marriott visa for Canadians. Points for flights are not worth it anymore IMO, too many restrictions and dumb surcharges/fees/taxes

Chase marriott visa has no foreign transaction fee, a plus if you go down to the usa.

[radioman]

Never had a CC from another source other then my banking institution(TD).
What are some things I should know. IE statements/web login and customer service

[kr4l]

Never had a CC from another source other then my banking institution(TD).
What are some things I should know. IE statements/web login and customer service

It's basically the same

My account is with td. I have a td first class and a cibc aeroplan and Amex aeroplan. They mail you the statements, you mail back the money
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[winson604]

Starting to look for a card that is either travel or cashback.

Getting overwhelmed with the amount of cards out there.

When I read "card gives 30,000 points" I don't really know how much value 30,000 points is for that particular CC.

Read AX makes you purchase the flight and pay it off with points? Not sure if this is correct. I'll have to look through some more cards tomorrow.

I was originally using MBNA Cash back card and it was still one of the better Cashback cards with no annual fees out there even though they lowered the % on return earlier this year. However, I found that getting a $50 check every few months wasn't satisfying to me so I recently switched to a Travel Card with annual fee.

I started my research here, Rewards Canada | Canada's Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2013 (http://www.rewardscanada.ca/topcc2013/)

Yes, this is only 1 site and their opinion on what's good and what's not. However, I only used it as a starting reference point then individually researched each card from there. Hope it helps.

Side note, been with TD my entire life and if there's one thing I hate about their credit cards is you don't see the transaction online until it actually goes through. Where as every other card I've had, MBNA, Capital One etc as soon as you use it, you'll see it as a pending transaction. All and all it ain't the end of the world by any means but it just always kind of bugged me a little bit.

[radioman]

Got the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card yesterday. Preapproved so really only took a few minutes.
Fees were waived.
Might not be the best card but we'll see what it gives over time.
Convenience of it being TD was pretty big closer for me.

[winson604]

Got the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card yesterday. Preapproved so really only took a few minutes.
Fees were waived.
Might not be the best card but we'll see what it gives over time.
Convenience of it being TD was pretty big closer for me.

It isn't a bad choice and if you got the fee waived it makes it a way better choice. The only reason I didn't get it was because I couldn't get the fee waived. Happy travels!

[Hondaracer]

TD infinite essentially the same as RBC infinite?

Just got an email from RBC saying they now include free trip cancellation insurance on any flight paid on your card
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[CharlieH]

i think the TD infinite annual fee is waived if as long as you have the Select Service Account (minimum $5000 balance). its pretty sweet, they even give you bank drafts and a security deposit box for free.

[radioman]

^Yup that is correct

And those account fees are waived with $5000+ in it along with the CC fee.

[Hondaracer]

Do you guys know if the 5k can be in RRSP ?
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[skiiipi]

TD infinite essentially the same as RBC infinite?

Just got an email from RBC saying they now include free trip cancellation insurance on any flight paid on your card
Posted via RS Mobile

i almost switched to this card from the RBC card, but when I called to cancel my card (downgrade to a free card), buddy on the other ended waived my fees so I ended up not bothering

[Taniaa]

Which one is better for earning free flight tickets:

Capital one card: Credit Cards - Compare Credit Cards Online | Capital One Canada (http://www.capitalone.ca/), give 35k points but $120 fee is not waived.

Amex AeroplanPlus Gold: https://www.americanexpress.ca/aeroplanplus (https://www.americanexpress.com/canada/en/mgm/mgmeeApplynow.cgi?mgmerCard=aeroPlanGoldCard&CPID=999999371&MGM_URN=AAAAEgATHhofCg%3D%3D), 30k Aeroplan miles and First year free.

[Kilinim]

CIBC also has a new Aventura Visa. Bonus 30k points, $120 annual fee.
Posted via RS Mobile

[d1]

I signed up for AMEX Gold Rewards recently. 25k bonus points which you can convert to aeroplan + $50 from great canadian rebates. Also, first year fee of $120 is waived.

It`s great for me since I plan to visit the east coast of Canada. A flight to newfoundland is about $900. With the points, it`s 25k pts + 155 taxes so for me, it`s essentially an $800 sign up bonus.

[PsycHo_DraGoN69]

If anyone is interested in a no-fee credit card that has no foreign transaction fees (i.e. if you shop in the states a lot or buy online from the states)

https://www.chase.com/online/canada/amazon-ca-home.htm

this is just another credit card i have added to my growing collection... good for those quick runs down past the border for gas and day-trips

[Simplex123]

I have that card and I'm wondering.. If I'm paying by Paypal do I ever get dinged by that foreign transaction fee? I haven't looked at this in depth, but whenever I use Paypal the price is always the same between my Amazon card and my bank account or other cards.

[v_tec]

For those with the MBNA Cash Back

What does it mean when you have xxx points?
For example, does 600 points equal to $6 cash back?

[winson604]

For those with the MBNA Cash Back

What does it mean when you have xxx points?
For example, does 600 points equal to $6 cash back?

Correct, when you reach 5000 points it will automatically redeem the points and send you a $50 check by mail. Then your points will reset to 0 until it goes back up to 5000 again.

Not hard to calculate how many $'s = points either.

If you're buying regular stuff at 1% say an Xbox for $400, that's 400 points

If you're buying something at Superstore (Grocery Store) or getting gas or even smokes at a gas station take that amount and times 2 = 2%

So the least amount you need to spend is $2500 at Gas Stations and or Grocery Stores to get 5000 points = $50

[v_tec]

Correct, when you reach 5000 points it will automatically redeem the points and send you a $50 check by mail. Then your points will reset to 0 until it goes back up to 5000 again.

Thanks.

Not that it matters much - but curious:
What if you end the month with 5025 points. Do you get a cheque for $50.25 in the mail and points reset to 0?
Or do you always get cheques for flat $50.00?

[F3]

Always $50 flat and you'll just have 25 points left over, instead of starting at 0.

[CPE]

Do you guys know if the 5k can be in RRSP ?
Posted via RS Mobile

Has to be in the chequing account.

[CRS]

For those with the MBNA Cash Back

What does it mean when you have xxx points?
For example, does 600 points equal to $6 cash back?

Correct. Cash out aka cheque out at 5000 for $50.

[v_tec]

How does the World Elite one work?
https://www.applyonlinenow.com/CACCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=CP3W&lc=en_CA

Do you get a $50 cheque cash back upon accumulating 5000 points?
Basically works out to a $100 sign up bonus?
Have anyone successfully had their 2nd+ year's annual fee waived?

[Oleophobic]

You can redeem in 5000 point increments ($50) whenever you want and it doesn't have to be in the form of a cheque. Even though I have the option I've always been redeeming it as a credit to my account.

This card hasn't even been out for a year yet (for new signups) so no one can say whether they had their second year fee waived. Previously, you could only get this card by having an existing MBNA Rewards/Rewards Travel, meeting one of three requirements, and receiving an invitation from them. I think they still do invites and those who are invited do not get an annual fee.

IMO best cash back card ever

[v_tec]

Thanks T.T !

Guess I'll continue using my Smart Cash for a few more months until the 5% gas dies out first. Is it possible to just 'transfer' to this World Elite one? Or do you have to go through a new application, and close your old card....potentially hurting your credit score?

[Oleophobic]

Nope that's impossible.

You can either convert to a regular MBNA Rewards card (1% cash back on all purchases) and hope you get invited...or you can just apply for the World Elite and maybe try calling in after a year to try to get the fee waived.

there's a thread about this card on RFD:
MBNA Rewards World Elite MC - RedFlagDeals.com Forums (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/mbna-rewards-world-elite-mc-1334506/)

[xeryusx]

Hey guys. I'm also looking to apply for a new card. I use my current card on and for everything and I figured I should look for a new one with rewards to match what I like.

I'm with CIBC at the moment and I'm wondering what you guys can suggest. I like either cash back or fly points but I'm not too sure which one to go for.

I guess annual fees is OK as long as the rewards are good too.

[CRS]

Hey guys. I'm also looking to apply for a new card. I use my current card on and for everything and I figured I should look for a new one with rewards to match what I like.

I'm with CIBC at the moment and I'm wondering what you guys can suggest. I like either cash back or fly points but I'm not too sure which one to go for.

I guess annual fees is OK as long as the rewards are good too.

Capital Aspire Cash is my main card ATM since you get effectively 1.5% cashback without an annual fee. I alternate it with MBNA Smart Cash World for gas and groceries and Amazon Chase for online/american purchases.

The Travel version may be more optimal to you if you travel but it also has a annual fee.

[lowside67]

If you collect Aeroplan, then the AmEx cards are hard to beat. I have referred 6 people in the last 2 months as their current deal of a free first year for your AmEx Gold plus 30,000 points is pretty sweet. If you are not flying Staralliance though, you'd be be better to collect RBC Avion points.

[dasani604]

If you collect Aeroplan, then the AmEx cards are hard to beat. I have referred 6 people in the last 2 months as their current deal of a free first year for your AmEx Gold plus 30,000 points is pretty sweet. If you are not flying Staralliance though, you'd be be better to collect RBC Avion points.

I've been considering AMEX but my perception is that not many restaurants or retail stores here accept them. Do you find any difficulty with that?

[GLOW]

only thing we use our amex for is groceries at costco, and sometimes gas. yes not a lot of places (unless big box stores) don't take amex compared to visa/mc

[m3thods]

I've been considering AMEX but my perception is that not many restaurants or retail stores here accept them. Do you find any difficulty with that?

I use my Costco Amex for Costco (duh), gas and restaurants.

Almost all "big" restaurants (think chains, or hoity-toity) take Amex. AFAIK, McDonalds, Timmys, and BK take Amex as well.

The thing I love about Amex are the opt-in programs they have. I'm currently on a 1 year 1.99% interest rate, so I keep a small balance on it month to month and put my cash elsewhere until the promotion ends, then pay it off all at once. They also have "front-of-the-line" access to major entertainment events (and tickets from ticketmaster in general). From time to time, they run promotions like they did for Timmys, where if you spent $20 you would get a $10 credit.

My other card (PC MC) has no such incentives. However, PC Points are quite easy to rack up, and since I shop there for groceries often it often pays for a chunk of that.

Most chain retain stores also take Amex, especially American-based ones I find.


All that said, it would never be my primary card.


EDIT: Oh, I also have it linked to my PayPal, so you can basically use it wherever PayPal is accepted, which is growing quite nicely it seems.

[v_tec]

MR transfer to Aeroplan 1:1, same as BA (with sometimes 1.5)

However, it's 1:0.75 for Asia Miles. Does anyone remember if Amex ever have any promotions in the past...that would bring it up to at least 1:1?

[Oleophobic]

Capital Aspire Cash is my main card ATM since you get effectively 1.5% cashback without an annual fee. I alternate it with MBNA World Elite Cashback for gas and groceries and Amazon Chase for online/american purchases.

The Travel version may be more optimal to you if you travel but it also has a annual fee.

Outta curiosity why would you use your Capital One Aspire Cash as your main card when the World Elite offers 2% cash back on all purchases? Or are you talking about the Smart Cash World?