Originally Posted by jerryhung (Post 26270934)

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 (Post 26271962)

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 (Post 26272535)

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 :)

Originally Posted by crimsona (Post 26274802)

I'd try at six months, but Chase US seems to want a year so Chase Canada might have similar policies.

Originally Posted by zer0k1 (Post 26274818)

Yeah Chase Canada does the same IME

Originally Posted by mikeycanuk (Post 26277597)

How does one redeem airmiles for cash? I've got 1300 that are useless. I was planning on using for a car rental but the cost of buying insurance makes it totally and completely worthless.

Originally Posted by mikeycanuk (Post 26277597)

How does one redeem airmiles for cash? I've got 1300 that are useless. I was planning on using for a car rental but the cost of buying insurance makes it totally and completely worthless.

Originally Posted by hearna (Post 26277464)

Last I checked airmiles tickets to anything but NA destinations are so overpriced in terms of miles to the actual cash value that your better off just redeeming for cash off at sobeys or something and paying your flights cash.

Airmiles 5-10 years ago had decent redemption, in 2016 it is nothing but a sad joke.

Originally Posted by Bravada04 (Post 26277677)

I totally get that Airmiles is a joke, hence why I have these Airmiles stored up over the years and now they will expire. I honelty don't care about the valuation of them - I just want to use them for flights. So, can anybody assist in my in my original question? Thansk very much!

After I use these up I won't be collecting Airmiles anymore especially now that they expire in 5 years. I'll never collect enough to actually do anything with them other than getting gas at Shell!!! LOL.

Originally Posted by prmetime (Post 26277691)

If you don't care about the valuation and prefer the ease of booking flights, book through Marlin Travel where 95 AM= $10 off.

Originally Posted by Bravada04 (Post 26280467)

Sorry I'm not quite sure what you mean by this......apparently I am a little slow nor have I visited a travel agent in like 15 years! I might be way off here but are you saying Marlin Travel will book my flight for me with my Airmiles?..........sorry, or am I way off what you have communicated to me.