Thanks for the data points and info.

Btw, you can have the Avion FYF by calling in, but I would assume that would only be on new applications. If it were physically possible to get more MR points, I would, trust me :p

I value Avios @ 2cpp even given the taxes. Obviously I would never fly on BA metal. The key with BA is short haul redemptions on partner airlines. Namely AA/US. You can fly LGA/JFK-MIA for 15k + $11 tax. Great deal. You can also fly YYZ-LGA/JFK for 9k + $65 tax. Also a great deal.

The main factor with the BA card is that there would be no impact to my credit score. So it is effectively buying 30k @ 0.55cpp. I agree that there are many cards out there that provide much better than that (i.e. Amex Gold 25k @ FREEcpp) however, you can't compare this to that as that requires a new inquiry/tradeline and this does not.

so even tho its only available on BA website right now, RBC may match it on a product switch if we call in?

I would think so. I'm sure RBC will have their website updated within a few days. I remember after the deal ended it wasn't removed immediately either.

What do you mean no impact on credit score? There is no inquiry for applying for this card?

I was referring to "product switching", which RBC allows you to do. You must already have an existing RBC card, no additional pull is required for switching and it does not effect how it is reported to the CB.

Sounds great. Which other banks/cards allowing product switching with no pull?

I think that BMO does. MBNA claims they will in the future, although I am not sure if they also pull or not.

TD does not do a pull for product transfer (or didn't for me), when i switched from a normal visa to their aeroplan visa infinite (i think it helped that i was preapproved for the required credit limit increase that the card needed).

i had a pull from TD despite doing a product switch to the infinite aeroplan and being preapproved. was not happy.

I had a pull from TD for opening a checking account with no overdraft protection. Was very upset.

Were you pre-approved for the credit limit increase as well? or just for the card? I'm wondering because i did the same thing and didn't have a pull.

I thought it was standard for a credit pull when opening a chequing account with a new bank?

Yeah, when you read on various forums online, seems TD got the better part of screwing up lately.

No, unless you request a credit product, or want cheques deposited into the account immediately available during the first month of account opening instead of waiting 7 days, banks have no reason to do a pull other then hitting your score.

Watch it when you sign the papers you tick the box you do not want credit pulled and do not want any credit products (having a cheque immediately available upon deposit is considered a credit product believe it or not).

Bankers think it is good to hard pull you on account opening, and don't mention it is hidden deep in their T&C.

If you want to make 100% sure, don't give your social insurance number. Yes, they can open an account without your number ... you're just limited in your movements during the first month.

Legally they can not force you to accept the hard pull, but they can refuse you to open an account.

Just argue your way and point them to the bad consequences of their action, you're just opening to park money kind of thing (and do it) and don't need credit products. The after opening, ask for the credit card, or wait 6-9 months parking a steady amount every month to get a pre-approval. Usually works.

Hmm interesting, never knew that. I guess it makes sense, if you don't want a credit product they shouldn't care what your credit report is like. Thanks for the info.

The $100 bonus from Coast Capital chequing account requires a hard pull through the online application. Took a 2 point hit to EQ score