yes that's what i would do at least.

did you apply for other cards prior to the CIBC one? did they give a reason for rejection?

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite gets you 30k points. Jubberly posted in the dedicated TD Aeroplan thread in the AC/Aeroplan section. Via RFD.

I also noticed the Privilege version is offering 55k. 25k for sign-up, 25k for spending $1000 in 90 days and 5k to add an authorized user. $399 annual fee.

CIBC pulls from Equifax. Amex hits up your TU profile. So, if you're applying within days of each other, it shouldn't make a difference, since they normally won't pull the other bureau to see your recent credit enquiries.

For churning CIBC, I'm one of the multi-players...if you'd like I can send you some info in private, away from the prying eyes of the CIBC moles.

^^

Awesome, good to know... thank you for that tidbit. I'm not a hardcore AM collector but if I can get the 3K welcome bonus (or something similarly generous) then I might take the offer given that I will need a BMO MC anyway to get the 25% booking discount. I just cancelled my World Elite so I might wait 6-12 months before going for the Air Miles World Elite.

On the product transfer thing, my wife had the regular BMO MC (the $99 one, can't recall the exact name) and she was given an offer by postal mail of 1K AMs after spending $3,000 in 3 months to upgrade to the BMO World Elite MC for $120. I suggested that she take it as we have more AM bookings in our near future, but that she try to convince them to give her 3K AMs instead (which is the offer for new signups). They refused, but we took the deal anyway as the alternative was to keep the $99 card with no bonus. So if you consider that a bonus on a product transfer, then it is possible.

As a BMO shareholder, I'm happy to hear that

Otherwise, there are easier ways to get AM unless you already own the AMEX Air Miles Platinum (2000 AM after $500 spending, FYF) + $30 GCR cashback

I agree, just that with a family of 4 the 25% AM redemption discount adds up to big points.

In my case I've done the Amexes to death so I need to look elsewhere anyway :)

Looking at a random YVR-LGW fare in July, BF is 2000+, YQ is $15 and taxes are $207.71.

I thought that was a typo you made. then I checked and saw a few pushing 2000. What a joke.

Up-thread there were a few folks indicating issues with Best Western linking their BW Rewards account number to the 40K MBNA Best Western points bonus. Is the general consensus that it is best to apply for the MBNA with a pre-existing Best Western Rewards account, or just sign up for one at time of applying for the card?

How long does it take for ppl with zero credit history to be able to get a good card?

I will be moving from the US to Canada in a few months. In the US, I remembered it took me 3 months to get Discover IT for student and 6 months to get my first AMEX. Then, I can start churning at about 1 year.
My question is: how does it work in Canada? I will have a good income and I will get my first credit card right after I arrive through Scotia Bank "StartRight Program" (http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,2468,00.html). After that, how long should I wait until start applying for other cards?
Thank you,

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/

What is BF?

Base Fare

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

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 :)