First time Credit Card applicant.

Hi Guys,

I am a first time poster on this forum, let me introduce myself.
I am Simon, a Canadian who has never had a credit card, but have decided to finally bite the bullet mainly because I do a lot of flying without ever redeeming air miles.
I am basically a complete Credit Card Noob, but am in a pretty good financial situation.
Here is a little bit about my situation:

-I fly regularly between Canada/Europe and Canada/Africa. Probably spending around $6,000 to $8,000 per year on flights. Using Air France, BA, Aer Lingus, Royal Air Maroc, United, Brussels Airlines mainly.

-I have a nice Salary.
-I am not yet a home-owner.
-My bills always come straight out of my account and are never delayed.
-I usually have at least 20k in my account at any given time.
-I have a good credit history and have no debt.
-I estimate my total annual spend on the card will be in the region of 15k.


I was leaning towards a "Capital One Aspire" but then realised that perhaps I'm not a big enough spender to justify it.
Your suggestions for a card are very much welcome.

Go to your bank and see if you're pre-approved for anything in the branch

I'm not too familiar with Canadian credit cards. Chase has some of the most lucrative offers I've seen.

Are you looking to transfer points towards airlines? Or just any travel card that earn double + points since since its your first card?

I'm basically looking to turn purchases into air-miles.
I've been using cash for almost everything, but have people telling me that I should be using a credit card since I do a lot of flying.

Can you narrow your airlines to 1-3 that you use the most? Having 6 is way too many and so it makes choosing a card that transfers to miles pretty tough. Although with your current selection, I can tell you that credit cards that partner with United Airlines (their frequent flyer program is called MileagePlus) may be a good deal for you. Aer Lingus and Brussels Airline participate with MileagePlus as well. You didn't mention Air Canada as one of your main to-goers, but it also participates in MileagePlus.

Yeah I used cash for my first few years of travel as well. Could of had TONS of miles saved up. You live and learn!

Well, Mileage Plus seems the most relevant to my situation, Air Canada is also one I forgot to mention.
Thanks for the input SuperKirby, greatly appreciated.

Only thing is that Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Bold, Ink Plus, or J.P. Morgan Select are the only cards that gives you 1 point to 1 mile transfer to MileagePlus. They transfer to British Airways as well. And since you don't currently have a credit card (although you have some credit) it may be hard to obtain those cards. Although it wouldn't hurt to try.

If you can't get one, get a card that participates with Ultimate Rewards, that way you can build up points (which never expire), and when the time is right, apply to one of those cards listed above and transfer your points there. The Chase Freedom and Chase Sapphire (not Preferred) can be used until you get one of the cards that transfers to miles.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, the whole process may seem very confusing, I know I was.

Well, when I wanted my first credit card at 18, I literally went into my local bank branch one day after my birthday. I went to one of the banks I banked with and they approved me with a large limit, a crappy rewards system but 13 months interest free. When starting off, always go to your bank. They know you better than anyone else.

Just a tip: With your bank, ensure you charge EVERYTHING to your debit card. I did it for a couple of years before my 18th birthday, it did help from what I've been told.

At the same time I applied for my first Amex chargecard, my application was declined. I appealed and the decision was overturned. I then went onto Diners, who one again declined but overturned when I sent proof etc.

I don't know if things are different in Canada but you can easily get a decent credit card, so long as you are able to prove and show that you are a worthy risk. With a bit of luck, you'll be able to get a decent card for traveling.

One year later, and I haven't regretted a thing.