not much pickins for YYZ either. so far we've used our certificates for stays in Buffalo for shopping trips. this year we're gonna keep one card for a cat 5 for a night at Courtyard Seoul (i think its still cat 5) that goes for $180 US or so.

I messaged them on March 29th and said 10000 miles were missing. the miles were deposited the other day.

There is a TownPlace Suites that opened up attached to the Springhill Bellingham, the new hotel is Cat 4 so good for the signup cert.

Yes the SHS is cat 5 now, so still good for the renewals...

Someone above mentioned the Courtyard Seoul, sad to see the Renaissance Seoul going up to cat 6...

Agreed. I booked Hong Kong Marriott Courtyard for 15,000 a night. It's now 20,000. I'm simply going to drop the program.

I sent them this email and received the additional 10,000.

"I applied for this card during the promotion of 40,000 Membership Reward points if I charge $5000 within the first 3 months of card membership. I charged $5000 within the first 3 months of card membership and only received a bonus of 30,000 Membership Reward points. Please give me the 40,000 Membership Reward points that I am eligible for."

I'm cancelling my AMEX Platinum and now utilizing the Scotiabank Momentum Infinite VISA. The $699 annual is just hard to stomach now.

I'm going to see what offer AMEX will give me once I pay it off and cancel; see what my loyalty is valued at.

Anyone know of cards that offer lounge access as part of their 'perks' but doesn't cost their firstborn child?

The Amex Business Platinum perhaps?

I hate the inconsistency from AMEX
I crossed $5K and they told me I have to wait 8-10 weeks and "manual intervention" was not possible (yeah right, my AMEX Plat's 60K MR was credited manually)

A few others have the same issues...so it's not just me

Never owned a 'business' credit card before. Don't I have to prove that I have a business to get one?

Also, can AMEX switch a charge card product to a credit card product? The SPG AMEX looks good and I like the SPG line of hotels.

Nope, not possible.

What a shame. Looks like I'm dropping out of the AMEX family. It's been a slice :(

You could just apply for the SPG? I take it isn't worth the pull?

BMO World Elite MC comes with the Priority Pass that has four lounge passes I believe. $150 annual fee. 2% back in travel.

I guess. I just don't like taking unnecessary dents in my credit. The VISA was given to me. ^

Only four? Lame. I travel at 3 round-trips with stopovers and that's when I cash in on the lounges; free food, showers, awesome WiFi with comfy seats...

Might just get Priority Pass membership.

$249 USD (311 CAD) membership only gets you 10 visits
$399 USD (500 CAD) gets you unlimited visits.

But at $500 CAD, you are better off with the $699 Canadian Plat with $200 annual travel credit since that one covers guests too.

I don't travel more than 5 round trips so this actually works best for me. ^

Yeah and if you are using Priority Pass frequently then the Business Plat wouldn't really be worth it because it gives you the lower tier membership to Priority pass, which charges $27 per visit.

Although I have been churning for awhile I have not asked for a lot of advice on this and would like a bit of help in a couple of areas. Is there any downside of cancelling a card as soon as you don't have more need for it (i.e. you used all its points)? Is there a period you should always hold onto the card for since it was issued so the CC company doesn't come after you for its points back? Secondly, does Amex Platinum or Amex Aeroplan Platinum under any circumstances refund (prorated of course) its membership fees if you cancel before the year is up?

I know many say to cancel after 6 months
but not sure if it really matters

For AMEX Plat (Canadian at least), they issue 100% refund within 60 days
They MAY prorate after that, but YMMV

Thanks for the help

Mine too, lol. In fact, I am staying there in a couple of weeks after coming off an 11pm arrival.

Probably not if you got the sign up bonus though? I

If you have already used the features like signup bonus and travel credit, they most likely will not issue a 100% refund and possibly not even a prorated refund. This is very YMMV.

The 20k Starpoints is definitely worth the minor dent. I wouldn't even call it a dent, more like a blip.

Not to mention your SPG will inherit your 'Member Since Date'. I daisychain my Amex cards, applying for a different one every year just before I close the current one.


Cheers

Just got alerted that GCR is increasing the cashback on several Scotia cards, up to $70, until May 31: http://www.greatcanadianrebates.ca/display/Scotiabank/

Anyone churn the MBNA Best Western card?
 

Yes, I know, transferring hotel points to airlines is a bad ratio but...

1) No annual fee on this card
2) $25 GCR rebate
3) 20,000 = 5,000 AA points
4) Its MBNA so presumably you can have more than one card?

At least good for a top up.

Discussed recently at the card's thread.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/best-...l#post24635304
Concur, can be good for top ups.

Thanks. Will comment on that thread. Probably best not to convert and use for hotel redemptions. Hotel points are more valuable now given the CAD weakness.

just received my first Alaska CC bill, have a annual fee $9 ? anyone know why? is it pro-rated? I don't want to call MBNA in case if it's their billing error and don't charge me $75:D

Since your year starts when you apply it won't be pro-rated. I wouldn't call in and ask!

Milesbuzz: Canada
 

Several hundred new card applicants are also silently wondering why, but chose to stay quiet on this topic. Now there's no need to call in, as the MBNA moles have taken note and will investigate. :(

There, I pushed it behind this page. Maybe this will help. ;)

Good idea, JJJ! Let's talk about something else...How 'bout them Flames?

GHG

For FHR , Canada AE Platinum user still have to call in or can book online now?

and the $200 annual credit can use towards FHR booking? did card holder have to be attend the travel for FHR booking?

You can book online through travel.americanexpress.ca; you just have to sign in first. I've done so before and haven't had any issues.

You can indeed use the $200 travel credit towards a FHR booking. As for your other question: when you book online, it says that the primary traveller must be the cardholder, so I believe that yes, the cardholder needs to be present. You may be able to find a way around it, but at least when booking online, the travel needs to be made in your name.

Good luck

Many Thanks! I always thought the $200 Credit is just like US issued airways CC can just use for airline upgrade/luggage fees only, never thought it can use FHR hotel

then essentially it's a good deal, just like spend $699-$200 (maybe 2 $200)=$499 buy 50K/60K(referral) Aeroplan miles :D , I will begin to churn every year :D

one thing I do find out, correct me if I'm wrong............... credit score doesn't matter too much for home loan in Canada. New immigrant if pay 30% deposit can get home loan and Prime-0.7% easily, for people I know who don't use a lot of CC and won't have very good credit score also can get Prime-0.7% easily, customer if have a unresolved cell phone bill in past, just pay off the past due bill, also can get Prime-0.7%.............looks like credit score doesn't affect too much on loan rates

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think discriminatory lending is illegal in Canada, that's why the above is true.

Setting loan terms based on creditworthiness is not discriminatory.

Its not discriminatory lending...there are different programs for different category of clients.....new immigrants, self employed...etc....(just for qualifying purpose).... Although the rate of interest in based on different factors including credit scores...plus the Market...!!