|
When you're traveling abroad, are there any credit cards that have low fees and low currency fees to withdraw money from foreign cash machines? What's the best strategy to have access to cash as and when needed on holiday abroad?
|
Originally Posted by winebug
(Post 24814969)
When you're traveling abroad, are there any credit cards that have low fees and low currency fees to withdraw money from foreign cash machines? What's the best strategy to have access to cash as and when needed on holiday abroad?
|
Chase Amazon Visa and Chase Sears Mastercard have the same fee waiver
|
Originally Posted by crimsona
(Post 24815194)
Chase Amazon Visa and Chase Sears Mastercard have the same fee waiver
|
Originally Posted by winebug
(Post 24814969)
When you're traveling abroad, are there any credit cards that have low fees and low currency fees to withdraw money from foreign cash machines? What's the best strategy to have access to cash as and when needed on holiday abroad?
|
Perhaps just some useless info. I needed some SPG points. Transferred twice from MR. First time it took two days to hit my SPG account. Second time they were there the next day. Not bad at all. Too bad SPG can't transfer to their airline partners that fast.
|
Originally Posted by pokee
(Post 24811121)
The upgrade/downgrade card transfer trick is a great way to churn cards with the credit card accounts you already hold, to avoid pulls but also ensure you get a sign-up bonus! I have done this successfully with BMO, CIBC and now RBC. I know sometimes that certain sign-up bonuses are only good for new applicants/banking customers (CIBC, in particular, seems to have a lot of these deals to draw new customers), which is why it's always good to call to do the transfer (although, RBC appears to be the only bank that allows the online transfers).
FWIW, I get AMAZING value with my Avios, so I churn ANY card that I can get Avios out of! If I hadn't already upgraded to the Avion card with RBC, I may have gone back to the BA Visa! When I originally opened my RBC CC account in 2012, it was with a BA Visa when they had a 50,000 sign up bonus! That was quite the score! Paid for two tickets to Hawaii! :) |
Originally Posted by kay sedia
(Post 24815514)
I agree that the value of avios has been great depending on redemptions, I also got 50000 sign up about 4 years ago. I have earned companion pass every year and redeemed 3 separate first/business to Europe for 2 of us, as well as an upcoming Vancouver-Bali-Vietnam-Tokyo trip on Cathay in business for 2. I have gotten a ridiculous amount of value even with the high taxes. It just seems now that Ive used all my avios maybe a fresh start with a lower tax program would be better, since availability can be so tight lately.
You're spending at least $30k a year on your cards. I'd put as much as I can on SPG. |
Originally Posted by barneyg_
(Post 24815404)
I use the Chase Marriott Visa for purchases abroad because it doesn't have exchange fees but I still use a debit card for cash withdrawals. ATM withdrawals using CC do not give you points/miles/etc and interest is charged right away.
If you pre-load either one of these Chase Visa cards with a positive credit balance before your trip, then CC cash advances at a Visa machine will not incur the daily interest charges, just a $5 minimum fee plus the associated ATM fee, if any. Use this as an emergency backup cash fund source. |
Originally Posted by JJonahJ
(Post 24815658)
I would use the Chase Marriott for car rentals, since the Chase Amazon.ca Visa does not offer this insurance, otherwise, everything else 'foreign' goes onto the Amazon card.
If you pre-load either one of these Chase Visa cards with a positive credit balance before your trip, then CC cash advances at a Visa machine will not incur the daily interest charges, just a $5 minimum fee plus the associated ATM fee, if any. Use this as an emergency backup cash fund source. |
Originally Posted by winebug
(Post 24815820)
Does anyone know if there is a score penalty for having a positive balance on a card?
|
Originally Posted by winebug
(Post 24815820)
Does anyone know if there is a score penalty for having a positive balance on a card?
|
Originally Posted by jerryhung
(Post 24753195)
NEW PRODUCT/OFFER
CIBC Aerogold Visa Card for Your Business 20K Aeroplan after 1st purchase $180 fee waived FYF Offer expires 8/31/2015, so no rush App is pretty self-explanatory and I was straight up about everything with the modest revenue which forms just under 10% of household income. I was fully prepared for them to say no, but they gave me the thumbs up after sending me a letter asking me to call in with some more details. 20K and FYF sounds pretty good to me... at first glance it looks like the card has the same benefits as the regular CIBC Aerogold, so I'm not sure why the $180 fee. |
Hey guys, I just got this in my email:
I just got this via email: Welcome aboard the Executive Club. Now that you're a member, it's time to start reaping the benefits and there is no better place to start than with the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card. Apply now and you'll receive 15,000 Avios upon approval and through this exclusive email offer only, get an extra 15,000 Avios if you spend $5,000 in your first two months^. Plus, earn even more Avios with every purchase you make*. so that's double the bonus signup-points from the usual 15k on the RBC website, but with a somewhat harsh 5k in 2 months spending requirement? It doesn't list an expiry date for the offer, but check your emails! of note, also: This offer is only available to new RBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardholders. Additional cardholders, as well as existing RBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardholders as of the offer eligibility period, are not eligible for this offer. so that's like 900-1200 (depending on how you value Avios, 0.03-0.04c/M) for a 165 annual fee if you can get the spending. Anyone else get this email? Think it might be highly targeted so I'm a bit wary about posting my personal link haha |
Originally Posted by Smiley90
(Post 24842299)
Anyone else get this email? Think it might be highly targeted so I'm a bit wary about posting my personal link haha
|
Originally Posted by Smiley90
(Post 24842299)
Hey guys, I just got this in my email:
I just got this via email: Welcome aboard the Executive Club. Now that you're a member, it's time to start reaping the benefits and there is no better place to start than with the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card. Apply now and you'll receive 15,000 Avios upon approval and through this exclusive email offer only, get an extra 15,000 Avios if you spend $5,000 in your first two months^. Plus, earn even more Avios with every purchase you make*. so that's double the bonus signup-points from the usual 15k on the RBC website, but with a somewhat harsh 5k in 2 months spending requirement? It doesn't list an expiry date for the offer, but check your emails! of note, also: This offer is only available to new RBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardholders. Additional cardholders, as well as existing RBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardholders as of the offer eligibility period, are not eligible for this offer. so that's like 900-1200 (depending on how you value Avios, 0.03-0.04c/M) for a 165 annual fee if you can get the spending. Anyone else get this email? Think it might be highly targeted so I'm a bit wary about posting my personal link haha Also, why has no one mentioned the Capital One Delta Skymiles CC? That's probably one of the best cards right now, even in comparison to the US, since it earns 2 miles per dollar on all spending. With the Canadian dollar at 0.80-0.85, that makes it nearly 2.4 miles per USD. Even if you don't like Skypesos, even valuing it at 1cpm (which it's not), it would still be the best card for value delivered. |
Originally Posted by keitherson
(Post 24842631)
Avios is definitely not worth 0.03-0.04cpm. You can buy them from 0.01-0.02cpm on redemption for most awards.
Also, why has no one mentioned the Capital One Delta Skymiles CC? That's probably one of the best cards right now, even in comparison to the US, since it earns 2 miles per dollar on all spending. With the Canadian dollar at 0.80-0.85, that makes it nearly 2.4 miles per USD. Even if you don't like Skypesos, even valuing it at 1cpm (which it's not), it would still be the best card for value delivered. It's definitely an interesting card. And I am considering getting it. The issue is that apart from spending, there aren't a bunch of ways to earn Skypesos in Canada. So you can't build a "critical mass" of points via Amex points (e.g. only 1 Amex MR: 0.75 Delta Skymiles transter ratio) as easily as you can for Avios or Aeroplan. And I'm also not a fan of Delta's dynamic pricing system. Rewards to different regions can fluctuate wildly in terms of points required. And Europe in general is not a good deal vs., say Aeroplan. Notwithstanding the above, I think having those points opens up some interesting options. Like China Airlines new business class JFK-TPE. Or Korean Air. And since Delta now allows one-way awards it can actually make planning trips a bit more flexible. What are your favourite uses of Delta points? |
Originally Posted by Hyacinthe
(Post 24842443)
Not targeted. Publicly advertised on http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/...s/credit-cards
1) As noted above, $5k spend in 2 months is pretty steep especially if you have other cards on the go 2) $165 annual fee is very steep. I know, 0.55c/Avios is pretty good. But if you have the option the Amex Biz Gold is much better. I guess if there's a lull in your cycle it could fill in the void. 3) The companion pass is earned on a calendar year basis. Since its nearly June already, that issue will prevent me from getting this card. |
Originally Posted by grandgourmand
(Post 24843286)
This card is definitely interesting (I'm a card addict, so take the comment with a grain of salt). However:
1) As noted above, $5k spend in 2 months is pretty steep especially if you have other cards on the go 2) $165 annual fee is very steep. I know, 0.55c/Avios is pretty good. But if you have the option the Amex Biz Gold is much better. I guess if there's a lull in your cycle it could fill in the void. 3) The companion pass is earned on a calendar year basis. Since its nearly June already, that issue will prevent me from getting this card. |
There are a lot of cashback/gift cards offers around for Scotiabank cards. I don't think this one has been mentioned before:
Scotia SCENE Visa: No annual fee, 2000 pts after 1st purchase (= 2 free movies) and $75 Gift Card (Amazon.ca or Starbucks or Winners/Homesense). Depending on where you go to the movies, a SCENE point is worth $0.012-0.017. The card is earning 1x on everyday purchases and 5x on purchases at Cineplex and Sportchek. That's 6 to 8% on bonus category purchases and 1.2-1.7% elsewhere. http://i.imgur.com/ZXCARM6.png |
Originally Posted by grandgourmand
(Post 24843073)
Because none of the Canadian bloggers write about it....
It's definitely an interesting card. And I am considering getting it. The issue is that apart from spending, there aren't a bunch of ways to earn Skypesos in Canada. So you can't build a "critical mass" of points via Amex points (e.g. only 1 Amex MR: 0.75 Delta Skymiles transter ratio) as easily as you can for Avios or Aeroplan. And I'm also not a fan of Delta's dynamic pricing system. Rewards to different regions can fluctuate wildly in terms of points required. And Europe in general is not a good deal vs., say Aeroplan. Notwithstanding the above, I think having those points opens up some interesting options. Like China Airlines new business class JFK-TPE. Or Korean Air. And since Delta now allows one-way awards it can actually make planning trips a bit more flexible. What are your favourite uses of Delta points? IMO, there's no better earning card than Amex (I rotate between Gold and SPG) - although my Chase Marriott Visa does get more use than it should, simply by virtue of avoiding the forex fee and because I stay enough at Marriotts to earn, but not enough for status. |
Originally Posted by pokee
(Post 24844687)
I've been thinking of this card for a while now, as I have a friend in ATL and the bonus would get me out for a visit for free (well, for the $120 AF and the $65 in taxes). Beyond that, I'd likely just cancel and churn again.
IMO, there's no better earning card than Amex (I rotate between Gold and SPG) - although my Chase Marriott Visa does get more use than it should, simply by virtue of avoiding the forex fee and because I stay enough at Marriotts to earn, but not enough for status. |
Originally Posted by grandgourmand
(Post 24845204)
Yeah, but how is Cap One with churning? I know, or at least I've heard, they are pretty stingy with credit limits. Wonder if that translates to their churning flexibility as well.
but low sign up bonus net value (partly due to lack of FYF) and double credit hit means i usually only look to C1 cards to fill gaps in the churn schedule |
Originally Posted by grandgourmand
(Post 24843073)
Because none of the Canadian bloggers write about it....
It's definitely an interesting card. And I am considering getting it. The issue is that apart from spending, there aren't a bunch of ways to earn Skypesos in Canada. So you can't build a "critical mass" of points via Amex points (e.g. only 1 Amex MR: 0.75 Delta Skymiles transter ratio) as easily as you can for Avios or Aeroplan. And I'm also not a fan of Delta's dynamic pricing system. Rewards to different regions can fluctuate wildly in terms of points required. And Europe in general is not a good deal vs., say Aeroplan. Notwithstanding the above, I think having those points opens up some interesting options. Like China Airlines new business class JFK-TPE. Or Korean Air. And since Delta now allows one-way awards it can actually make planning trips a bit more flexible. What are your favourite uses of Delta points? |
Originally Posted by Cerenity
(Post 24845480)
i always got pretty high limits from C1 in the past. My Aspire had 20K right off the bat, and my IHG had 10K
but low sign up bonus net value (partly due to lack of FYF) and double credit hit means i usually only look to C1 cards to fill gaps in the churn schedule |
Originally Posted by keitherson
(Post 24845612)
That's a good point. If you're flying Skyteam at all though and crediting to Delta, it can worthwhile. The dynamic pricing system is a risk but classic awards are still available, which are great redemptions on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia.
Cheers |
Originally Posted by CrownRoyalForever
(Post 24847878)
I'm an FO that flys DL when they're cheapest and even have a U.S. DL Plat Amex but I completely quit spending any CC $$ to acquire Skymiles when they yanked their award chart. They have their uses as you've outlined, and I tend to find decent saver availability to and from Canada, but they are not to be trusted. No way would I save up to 160k for an Australia award for fear of having the rug yanked out from under me.
Cheers |
Originally Posted by pokee
(Post 24845627)
Ugh, I forgot that Cap One has the double bureau pull...that's why I waited so long to apply for the IHG MC, even though the sign up was 50K. BTW, that IHG bonus helped top up enough points for a free week in Colorado! Love it! :)
|
Originally Posted by Smiley90
(Post 24842299)
Hey guys, I just got this in my email:
I just got this via email: [B]Welcome aboard the Executive Club.
Originally Posted by Hyacinthe
(Post 24842443)
Not targeted. Publicly advertised on http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/...s/credit-cards
|
Originally Posted by grandgourmand
(Post 24843286)
This card is definitely interesting (I'm a card addict, so take the comment with a grain of salt). However:
1) As noted above, $5k spend in 2 months is pretty steep especially if you have other cards on the go 2) $165 annual fee is very steep. I know, 0.55c/Avios is pretty good. But if you have the option the Amex Biz Gold is much better. I guess if there's a lull in your cycle it could fill in the void. 3) The companion pass is earned on a calendar year basis. Since its nearly June already, that issue will prevent me from getting this card. |
Originally Posted by JordanWalker
(Post 24848062)
What's a double bureau pull?
|
Originally Posted by JordanWalker
(Post 24848067)
While 30k Avios (after $5000 spent) from RBC is kind of rare....haven't they offer 25k before in the past if I recall correctly? With even maybe no (or minimum) spent requirement.
Cheers |
Credit score included in free credit bureau report?
I have obtained my free credit bureau report from transunion but i didn't find my credit score anywhere. Is the credit score only provided when you subscribe to the paid service?
|
Originally Posted by Palermo123
(Post 24849385)
I have obtained my free credit bureau report from transunion but i didn't find my credit score anywhere. Is the credit score only provided when you subscribe to the paid service?
|
Originally Posted by Palermo123
(Post 24849385)
I have obtained my free credit bureau report from transunion but i didn't find my credit score anywhere. Is the credit score only provided when you subscribe to the paid service?
|
Originally Posted by Cerenity
(Post 24849407)
correct. credit score is not provided on the free reports.
|
RBC Avion to Avios Converstion promo
The 50% RBC Avions to BA Avios promotion will return June 1st - July 15th
|
That reminds me.. What's the general consensus on what's the better deal?
Amex&RBC-> Avios (1.5x promo on RBC, not sure if there's Amex promos?) Amex->Aero (no more promos :() and RBC->AA (only 1.25x promos) ? I'm torn between Avios and AA... I'll be using it mostly for flights from YVR-ZRH so I can fly AA all the way by connecting through JFK (or CX for the awesome YVR-JFK plane) (I live in YVR, my family in ZRH and I do the roundtrip once a year) BA has worse award pricing than AA but better conversion value... Has anyone done the math on this or can tell me about some other factor I'm forgetting? |
Originally Posted by Smiley90
(Post 24857273)
That reminds me.. What's the general consensus on what's the better deal?
Amex&RBC-> Avios (1.5x promo on RBC, not sure if there's Amex promos?) Amex->Aero (no more promos :() and RBC->AA (only 1.25x promos) ? I'm torn between Avios and AA... I'll be using it mostly for flights from YVR-ZRH so I can fly AA all the way by connecting through JFK (or CX for the awesome YVR-JFK plane) (I live in YVR, my family in ZRH and I do the roundtrip once a year) BA has worse award pricing than AA but better conversion value... Has anyone done the math on this or can tell me about some other factor I'm forgetting? |
Originally Posted by keitherson
(Post 24857302)
BA has fuel surcharges. AA has more carriers without fuel surcharges.
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 6:42 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.