Originally Posted by jerryhung

I suggest using AMEX's Global Transfer to get one going for AMEX Canada first
Hopefully you get the AMEX offers too (e.g. 25K on Gold, FYF; 40K on Biz Gold, FYF, etc...)

AMEX Global Transfer (Canada -> USA) - Don't Call the Airline!
http://dcta.boardingarea.com/2015/08...rience-can-us/

American Express - Moving Abroad - Global Card Transfer
https://www.americanexpress.com/global-card-transfers/

Originally Posted by crimsona

Definitely go through amex global transfer. I think there's a cap of one card through the program and you won't get the improved sign-up bonuses (although the gold rewards has the same bonus publicly anyways).

Alternatively you might want to pick up a no annual fee amex through global transfer to anchor your credit report. No Canadian equivalent to the everyday, best would just be the simply cash with 1.25 percent cashback

Originally Posted by Hyacinthe

As a newcomer myself, here's some feedback:
I applied for an Amex Gold through global transfer. Amex will make you through ID verification. In my case, I had to mail a personalized cheque.
Most banks will allow newcomers to apply for a credit card. At the time, applied for the Scene Visa. Got a decent unsecured limit based on income. Most Scotia cards are available for newcomers, based on income requirements.
I will go meet a CIBC rep this month and see if I would qualify for the new Dividend Platinum Visa (4% Cashback on purchases for 6 months).
TD also offer cards to newcomers: my understanding is they offer secured cards to Temp. Foreign Workers and unsecured to Perm. Residents.

My oldest line is less than year old so I am not trying to churn much at the moment, but rather establishing a good history.
My partner is Canadian with good credit so she does the churning and I'm an authorized user