Confused on two counts.
First, if you were to use a US Dollar card you would need to remit in US Dollars. Can you make a payment in US Dollars without incurring a conversion fee?
Yes, I have plenty of assets (and some income) in US dollars already.
Second, have you actually submitted an application for an IDC and had it rejected? I would try the one issued in the UK...
americanexpress.com/idc
I haven't submitted an application, no. I was prevented from even applying when I called to do so (to the Latin-America IDC programme.) When I called they suggested I apply through Amex in the US since I did not qualify for the LAC IDC. When I inquired with Amex in the US, they stated I needed a SSN and a residential address in the US in order to qualify for one of their cards, and that there was no option for a Canadian to apply for an IDC.
I'll contact the IDC programme out of the UK next, as per your suggestion.