I recently got a PC Financial World Elite Mastercard and am supposed to get $100 e-gift card for having signed up through RateSupermarket: https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/credit_cards/pc_financial/presidents_choice_financial_world_elite_mastercard (https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/credit_cards/pc_financial/presidents_choice_financial_world_elite_mastercard). There's no annual fee and it pays in PC points. It also comes with some travel and rental car insurance that's nice for a no fee card.
This thread could be fun :)
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
PayTm currently has an offer to receive 10$ for simply downloading the app and writing your name, and another 10$ for using the code ''university'' during a bill payment. I've tried it and it was pretty painless. There is a referral system, but it's unclear if you get the 10$ + another 5$ for the referrer (after the person pays a 50$ bill). If someone is willing to try, I'd be willing to send the 5$ back if it doesn't work. (So that we know which one works most effectively - Either 15$ (10 for the new, 5$ for the referrer)Hey, I need to send a private email transfer of $1k by tonight. Would PayTM be suitable for this? Not sure if it would be worth the fees either as I am not working on a sign up bonus right now.
PayTM is an APP on your phone and way to pay with CCs different bills that usually you can't. I personnally used it to pay off a CC just to take advantage of the free 20$, but will use it to fill the Spend criteria of the BMO Air Miles above. (Only free to use with a mastercard or bank account, not other CCs)
https://www.paytm.ca/ ------------ If anyone is willing to test out the referral and has a 50$ bill, use my code: PTM7977904. If it works, after the first referral, we'll use a system of posting your referral # after you use one, that way everyone gets to share in the Bonus!
So a free 20$, and other bonuses that appear periodically. (possibly 25$ if the referral works)
This thread could be fun :)What a sweet one! Too bad TD is my regular bank.
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
* Signed up online
* Transferred in $4000 so I wasn't getting dinged with a monthly fee
* Made a online payment to my Questrade account
* Setup a PAD from my Questrade account
* Waited a month
* Got my bonus
* Transferred everything out
* Cancelled the account online.
Took maybe an hour of messing around, more then I normally get paid anyway ;)
Hey, I need to send a private email transfer of $1k by tonight. Would PayTM be suitable for this? Not sure if it would be worth the fees either as I am not working on a sign up bonus right now.Great info - thanks!
Don't think so, it's mostly to pay bills, so unless your private email to someone is to a registered company that has listed with PayTM, it won't fly.
But you can pay your own CC's with your bank account and get points. Which was an amusing way for me to get another 10$, at which point I deleted bank info after getting the bonus, and will probably delete the app :D
This thread could be fun :)
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
That's a suprisingly easy one! Usually it's wait 6-12 months!
Doing it now! (I knew this would be helpful!)
PayTm currently has an offer to receive 10$ for simply downloading the app and writing your name, and another 10$ for using the code ''university'' during a bill payment. I've tried it and it was pretty painless. There is a referral system, but it's unclear if you get the 10$ + another 5$ for the referrer (after the person pays a 50$ bill). If someone is willing to try, I'd be willing to send the 5$ back if it doesn't work. (So that we know which one works most effectively - Either 15$ (10 for the new, 5$ for the referrer)
PayTM is an APP on your phone and way to pay with CCs different bills that usually you can't. I personnally used it to pay off a CC just to take advantage of the free 20$, but will use it to fill the Spend criteria of the BMO Air Miles above. (Only free to use with a mastercard or bank account, not other CCs)
https://www.paytm.ca/ ------------ If anyone is willing to test out the referral and has a 50$ bill, use my code: PTM7977904. If it works, after the first referral, we'll use a system of posting your referral # after you use one, that way everyone gets to share in the Bonus!
So a free 20$, and other bonuses that appear periodically. (possibly 25$ if the referral works)
Ottawa did you get 10$ when you joined?
First Case Study!
Need to find best way to hack a round trip to Europe. This is for Oktoberfest next fall - once I have the plan in place I will help out a couple of friends to do this as well. It is important to cost as little as possible to get 'spousal buy-in' :-)
It is possible that flying to Amsterdam may be a good option and renting a car...taxes and fees seem to be more in/out German cities. TBD.
Starting with the flights, it seems that Aeroplan might be the best way to go. Here is my proposal so far:
Apply CIBC Aventura Gold Visa - 15,000 points
Apply CIBC Aventura Infinite - 15,000 points.
CIBC notes:
- I've read that although CIBC state somewhere that they only give once bonus for their cards, but in practice they do it for both?
- both cards have a fyf (first year free). Good! And also, lounge passes - important when heading on an Oktoberfest holiday :-)
Amex gold - 25,000MR points - tranfer to Aeroplan 1:1
Amex notes:
- 150 annual fee, but 50 cash back if applying through GCR (great canadian rebates) - you need an account. Note - if you need an account we should refer each other as per GCR website: "You will earn a 15% Referral Bonus on all Cash Back Rebates earned by any new Member you refer for five years from the time your referral becomes a member."
I was going to go with SPG Amex, however, if the above plan works I only need 5K more points. So, how about:
Best Western MC - 20,000 points can be transferred at 5:1 to aeroplan, giving 4,000 Aeroplan points.
Best Western notes:
- no annual fee.
This gives a total of 59,000 Aeroplan points - the rest can probably be achieved through collection?
Has anyone got any input...including crushing my whole plan and replacing it with Air Miles or something else...
Total cost would be $100 for Amex and the airport taxes/fees which I've seen as low as $145 - ($245). Not exactly free...
Aeroplan has been terrible when I've looked, considering the alternatives - ie, $600 in charges on what is really a $700 ticket. I'd just get Amex MR and redeem them against the cost of the flight.
Unless you have loads of time - in which case check Flyertalk and whatnot, fly to IST (ugh... Turkey...). People rave about the airport lounges, but I don't get it myself - I just want to get where I'm going. Not much of a tourist, I guess!
Aeroplan has been terrible when I've looked, considering the alternatives - ie, $600 in charges on what is really a $700 ticket. I'd just get Amex MR and redeem them against the cost of the flight.
Unless you have loads of time - in which case check Flyertalk and whatnot, fly to IST (ugh... Turkey...). People rave about the airport lounges, but I don't get it myself - I just want to get where I'm going. Not much of a tourist, I guess!
The trick is to pick specific carriers (not air canada), there is a list of airlines that don't have those fees (you can fly to europe with Aeroplan costing you only about 100$ in fees.)
This thread could be fun :)
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
* Signed up online
* Transferred in $4000 so I wasn't getting dinged with a monthly fee
* Made a online payment to my Questrade account
* Setup a PAD from my Questrade account
* Waited a month
* Got my bonus
* Transferred everything out
* Cancelled the account online.
Took maybe an hour of messing around, more then I normally get paid anyway ;)
First Case Study!I had a lot of aeroplan points, and then got an AMEX super bonus signup card...
Need to find best way to hack a round trip to Europe. This is for Oktoberfest next fall - once I have the plan in place I will help out a couple of friends to do this as well. It is important to cost as little as possible to get 'spousal buy-in' :-)
It is possible that flying to Amsterdam may be a good option and renting a car...taxes and fees seem to be more in/out German cities. TBD.
Starting with the flights, it seems that Aeroplan might be the best way to go. Here is my proposal so far:
Apply CIBC Aventura Gold Visa - 15,000 points
Apply CIBC Aventura Infinite - 15,000 points.
CIBC notes:
- I've read that although CIBC state somewhere that they only give once bonus for their cards, but in practice they do it for both?
- both cards have a fyf (first year free). Good! And also, lounge passes - important when heading on an Oktoberfest holiday :-)
Amex gold - 25,000MR points - tranfer to Aeroplan 1:1
Amex notes:
- 150 annual fee, but 50 cash back if applying through GCR (great canadian rebates) - you need an account. Note - if you need an account we should refer each other as per GCR website: "You will earn a 15% Referral Bonus on all Cash Back Rebates earned by any new Member you refer for five years from the time your referral becomes a member."
I was going to go with SPG Amex, however, if the above plan works I only need 5K more points. So, how about:
Best Western MC - 20,000 points can be transferred at 5:1 to aeroplan, giving 4,000 Aeroplan points.
Best Western notes:
- no annual fee.
This gives a total of 59,000 Aeroplan points - the rest can probably be achieved through collection?
Has anyone got any input...including crushing my whole plan and replacing it with Air Miles or something else...
Total cost would be $100 for Amex and the airport taxes/fees which I've seen as low as $145 - ($245). Not exactly free...
This thread is relevant to my interests.PTF
Quick Google-Fu explains the issue with surcharges, and how to avoid them.These are excellent links.
-Best one : https://princeoftravel.com/blog/9-useful-aeroplan-tricks
(Point #1 don't trust the aeroplan search engine)
https://canadiankilometers.boardingarea.com/2017/07/11/redeem-aeroplan-flights-fewer-fees/
http://headedabroad.com/how-to-pay-no-taxes-and-surcharges-when-booking-an-award-ticket-on-aeroplan/
And then enjoy flying an around the world trip, paying around 150$ in taxes.
This thread could be fun :)
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
* Signed up online
* Transferred in $4000 so I wasn't getting dinged with a monthly fee
* Made a online payment to my Questrade account
* Setup a PAD from my Questrade account
* Waited a month
* Got my bonus
* Transferred everything out
* Cancelled the account online.
Took maybe an hour of messing around, more then I normally get paid anyway ;)
Going to try this one right now. Deadline is to open the account is Oct. 31 for anyone else who might be interested.
First Case Study!
Need to find best way to hack a round trip to Europe. This is for Oktoberfest next fall - once I have the plan in place I will help out a couple of friends to do this as well. It is important to cost as little as possible to get 'spousal buy-in' :-)
It is possible that flying to Amsterdam may be a good option and renting a car...taxes and fees seem to be more in/out German cities. TBD.
Starting with the flights, it seems that Aeroplan might be the best way to go. Here is my proposal so far:
Apply CIBC Aventura Gold Visa - 15,000 points
Apply CIBC Aventura Infinite - 15,000 points.
CIBC notes:
- I've read that although CIBC state somewhere that they only give once bonus for their cards, but in practice they do it for both?
- both cards have a fyf (first year free). Good! And also, lounge passes - important when heading on an Oktoberfest holiday :-)
Amex gold - 25,000MR points - tranfer to Aeroplan 1:1
Amex notes:
- 150 annual fee, but 50 cash back if applying through GCR (great canadian rebates) - you need an account. Note - if you need an account we should refer each other as per GCR website: "You will earn a 15% Referral Bonus on all Cash Back Rebates earned by any new Member you refer for five years from the time your referral becomes a member."
I was going to go with SPG Amex, however, if the above plan works I only need 5K more points. So, how about:
Best Western MC - 20,000 points can be transferred at 5:1 to aeroplan, giving 4,000 Aeroplan points.
Best Western notes:
- no annual fee.
This gives a total of 59,000 Aeroplan points - the rest can probably be achieved through collection?
Has anyone got any input...including crushing my whole plan and replacing it with Air Miles or something else...
Total cost would be $100 for Amex and the airport taxes/fees which I've seen as low as $145 - ($245). Not exactly free...
Look up HSBC world elite. If you have spending you can do, that card (fyf) gives a ton of points.
Cough. Be optimistic. Cough add in dividends and possible capital gains. Cough. Estimated? :d
;) yeah I do not think they look much further than your credit report.
I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
From reading the conditions, I think the referee would get 10k bonus that any new member would get, and the referrer gets 5k. But I don't have the card in hand yet so I'm not sure if I'll get more details on the program.I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
Meh, better than nothing. No fee, so can keep the age of your cards up, 100$ is 100$ (5k for the referrer, or both?). Course there are lots and lots of 100$ options.
Also, AMEX is terrible for finding places that accept it.
From reading the conditions, I think the referee would get 10k bonus that any new member would get, and the referrer gets 5k. But I don't have the card in hand yet so I'm not sure if I'll get more details on the program.I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
Meh, better than nothing. No fee, so can keep the age of your cards up, 100$ is 100$ (5k for the referrer, or both?). Course there are lots and lots of 100$ options.
Also, AMEX is terrible for finding places that accept it.
I don't qualify for the higher minimum income cards, and I try to avoid annual fees, and I already have a lot of the cards that offer good bonuses, so for me this is a decent option for now. It is hard to spend a lot on amex, I ran into that issue when I got the Scotiabank gold amex, but only $500 in 3 months shouldn't be too hard.
From reading the conditions, I think the referee would get 10k bonus that any new member would get, and the referrer gets 5k. But I don't have the card in hand yet so I'm not sure if I'll get more details on the program.I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
Meh, better than nothing. No fee, so can keep the age of your cards up, 100$ is 100$ (5k for the referrer, or both?). Course there are lots and lots of 100$ options.
Also, AMEX is terrible for finding places that accept it.
I don't qualify for the higher minimum income cards, and I try to avoid annual fees, and I already have a lot of the cards that offer good bonuses, so for me this is a decent option for now. It is hard to spend a lot on amex, I ran into that issue when I got the Scotiabank gold amex, but only $500 in 3 months shouldn't be too hard.
Amex doesn't do minimum income requirements in Canada. There are few reasons to keep something like the Blue Sky card, when you could have a Cobalt, or Gold, or SPG... The return is much much better.
All of those cards have annual fees, and I don't spend all that much money each month, especially not at places that accept Amex, so it would be pretty hard to justify. I do have the gold, but I think a $100 bonus is better than spending enough to get $100 in points earned. Looks like for the cobalt I'd get $300 if I spent $500 per month all year, but I'd still be paying $120 in fees so net $180. If I spend the same amount on the Blue sky, I net $175. Plus I'll get a referral from my partner, so $225. Am I missing anything?From reading the conditions, I think the referee would get 10k bonus that any new member would get, and the referrer gets 5k. But I don't have the card in hand yet so I'm not sure if I'll get more details on the program.I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
Meh, better than nothing. No fee, so can keep the age of your cards up, 100$ is 100$ (5k for the referrer, or both?). Course there are lots and lots of 100$ options.
Also, AMEX is terrible for finding places that accept it.
I don't qualify for the higher minimum income cards, and I try to avoid annual fees, and I already have a lot of the cards that offer good bonuses, so for me this is a decent option for now. It is hard to spend a lot on amex, I ran into that issue when I got the Scotiabank gold amex, but only $500 in 3 months shouldn't be too hard.
Amex doesn't do minimum income requirements in Canada. There are few reasons to keep something like the Blue Sky card, when you could have a Cobalt, or Gold, or SPG... The return is much much better.
Depending on the time of the year, they will often throw a FYF option (Not cobalt, cobalt is terrible for low spenders)I got my first year free on the Scotiabank gold amex, then I downgraded to the regular free one. Would I still get a bonus if I get a regular gold amex?
I got my first year free on the Scotiabank gold amex, then I downgraded to the regular free one. Would I still get a bonus if I get a regular gold amex?
-As long as it`s not an upgrade, but a new card, you'd get the bonus.
On average I spend about $800/month outside of rent, but I think for at least half of that I'd have an Amex acceptance issue, and plus for me I think the psychological aspect of needing to spend $500 to get the bonus would cause me to spend more. I don't always shop at chain grocery stores, so gift cards have limited utility for me as well. I'm open to other options, and I'll definitely look into all suggestions, but based on my spending patterns I don't know if those cards would be more beneficial to me than the blue sky.
I wouldn`t do it then if you'll simply spend more.
All of those cards have annual fees, and I don't spend all that much money each month, especially not at places that accept Amex, so it would be pretty hard to justify. I do have the gold, but I think a $100 bonus is better than spending enough to get $100 in points earned. Looks like for the cobalt I'd get $300 if I spent $500 per month all year, but I'd still be paying $120 in fees so net $180. If I spend the same amount on the Blue sky, I net $175. Plus I'll get a referral from my partner, so $225. Am I missing anything?From reading the conditions, I think the referee would get 10k bonus that any new member would get, and the referrer gets 5k. But I don't have the card in hand yet so I'm not sure if I'll get more details on the program.I just signed up for the Blue Sky Amex card to get 10k bonus points (worth 100 bucks). No annual fee, no minimum income required, and they also have 5k bonuses for referring people (so if you want my code, let me know, and the next person can pass it down)
You earn 1.25 points per dollar and need to spend $500 in the first 3 months to get the bonus. It works as a statement credit against travel purchases.
https://www.ratehub.ca/credit-cards/card/american-express-blue-sky
Meh, better than nothing. No fee, so can keep the age of your cards up, 100$ is 100$ (5k for the referrer, or both?). Course there are lots and lots of 100$ options.
Also, AMEX is terrible for finding places that accept it.
I don't qualify for the higher minimum income cards, and I try to avoid annual fees, and I already have a lot of the cards that offer good bonuses, so for me this is a decent option for now. It is hard to spend a lot on amex, I ran into that issue when I got the Scotiabank gold amex, but only $500 in 3 months shouldn't be too hard.
Amex doesn't do minimum income requirements in Canada. There are few reasons to keep something like the Blue Sky card, when you could have a Cobalt, or Gold, or SPG... The return is much much better.
Shop the Block for 2,000AM is back 15 November - 27 December!
https://shoptheblock.ca/en/coming_soon (https://shoptheblock.ca/en/coming_soon)
Also, if you have pets - you could potentially double dip with the Global Pet Foods scratch/win promotion 3-17 November, which overlaps with one of the shop the block partners
https://scratchandwinwin.com/ (https://scratchandwinwin.com/)
I got my TD bonus already! It only took 2.5 weeks! They won't care if I just take all my money out and close the account, right?
Hmmm, I've never had an Air Miles card before.
Sounds like it might be worth getting one for this promotion?
The ones from BMO seem reasonable:
https://www.bmo.com/main/personal/credit-cards/2-airmiles-offers/loyaltyone/?ecid=da-us11138CC4-EYBMO16&Airmiles.ca&dclid=CNPSwPbY0t4CFVSuAQod6hcMKA#terms-overlay
Anyone have any experience? I like the higher sign-up bonus on the World Elite, but 3K spend in 3 months would be quite a stretch for me.
Shop the Block is out! 2000 Air Miles for shopping at 7 different partners 15 Nov - 27 Dec
https://shoptheblock.ca/en/home
Here is an example of a ridiculous plan that will hit all the criteria, and cost almost nothing.
Note that my example only works for someone in Ontario, and can also go to Quebec (Since i`m using both provinces`s offers. Other provinces, other offers.
1- 25L at Shell (I'll have to gas up at some point, so I make sure to do it at shell and show the promotion offer) - No extra cost
2- Use 190 Air Miles for 20$ at Rexall + only buying things I need/would have bought anyways (I will be receiving more than 190 Air miles, so free money)
3- Jean Coutu - Spend 20$.. Probably harder to find 20$ worth of stuff I would have needed (I've got lots of hoarded toiletries, but still easy enough)
4- Spend 285 Air miles at Rona for 30$ - Easy enough to get things like light bulbs, tools, gifts.
5- Miss Fresh - Food delivery service, I will cancel after a single week, so it`s 6 meals for 66$, but they also offer 500 AM (50$) so 2$/Meal. Acceptable!
6- Connect my samsung pay to Air Miles (Don`t have it, but will create an account to get the bonus)
7- Use 95 Air Miles for 10$ at IGA.
After all this, I`ll have 120$ (ish) worth of stuff I would have bought anyways, and 250$ from Air Miles. Win-Win-lose (Air miles is losing)
My GF will be doing almost the exact same thing, so we are getting stuff we need, and lowering our expenses, since it`s not our money.
MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE DETAILS OF THE PROMO. There are different dates for the offers, some of which you have to show the bar code in order for it to count, and always keep receipts, and screenshots of offers. (Proving you have done them)
Even crazier, I don`t have to do it all immediately, I`m sure the 95 AM for 10$ at Metro will come out as well, so it`s easy to make sure you have a very profitable promotion! @Ottawa @oneyearfromnow @Novik
Why not miss fresh? Only ends up being 2$ a meal.
Why not miss fresh? Only ends up being 2$ a meal.
Thanks Ben for the tip on Miss Fresh. Hadn't thought of that one. Any idea how simple the cancellation process is?
Why not miss fresh? Only ends up being 2$ a meal.
Thanks Ben for the tip on Miss Fresh. Hadn't thought of that one. Any idea how simple the cancellation process is?
Why not miss fresh? Only ends up being 2$ a meal.
Thanks Ben for the tip on Miss Fresh. Hadn't thought of that one. Any idea how simple the cancellation process is?
Seems pretty cut and dry.
Ugh Foodland and Sobeys. They are so pricey for nothing.
Excellent stacking of freebies on freebies!
I still recommend Miss Fresh over LCBO, you get 6 meals for 6$ (vegetarian) or 12$ (Normal). Most people eat right? + It can be helpful for achieving welcome bonus spends for Credit cards.
Though now you've got me wondering if I should also get 25$ of pepsi things at rexall..... where did you get the coupon?
It's the minimum spend that usually stops people from doing things like this.
Even for free AM, there's a limited amount of toothpaste and toilet paper I want to buy from Rexall.
This thread could be fun :)
Not a CC, but I just did this too get $300.
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/special-offers/300-offer/
Relatively painless, I did the following.
* Signed up online
* Transferred in $4000 so I wasn't getting dinged with a monthly fee
* Made a online payment to my Questrade account
* Setup a PAD from my Questrade account
* Waited a month
* Got my bonus
* Transferred everything out
* Cancelled the account online.
Took maybe an hour of messing around, more then I normally get paid anyway ;)
Going to try this one right now. Deadline is to open the account is Oct. 31 for anyone else who might be interested.
I got this all set up, did my bill payment to Questrade, and set up a PAD from Questrade, now I wait for the $$$.
We definitely considered doing it twice, but we decided once was the sweet spot of effort vs. reward for us. Technically we could do a second 7 and profit, but the time/effort outlay would go up and/or we'd be spending more cash buying things we frankly don't need, so it made it not appealing. We both did Megamiles because the sweet spot fell the other way on that one, so maybe next year.
Easy 200$ worth of points: DROP APP
DROP App for your phone. There is also a referal program (5$ for each person) so check if a friend has it, or else I'll put up mine, and the first person to use mine, then put yours up ad infinitem (everyone gets 10$ but the last person and me)
It will give you points for linking a card with them and then completing offers, I`m up in the 200$ range so far, it helped with minimum spend limits and gave me random stuff (such as a free Uber eats since the bonus points was higher than the order itself)
Best deals that I`ve seen so far: 100$ 3 month GIC at 3% at EQ bank, receive 100$
AC Conversion card: Buy 100 in another currency and receive 50$ (This is a prepaid card, so good forever)
Mylo: Connect an account receive 10$ (then you can immediately close the account!)
Borrowell: Check Credit score for 5$
DraftKings, make a bet for 5$ and receive 15$
Uber Eats: 12$ for first buy... Etc.
Kobo: Buy a book receive 10$; create an account on audiobooks receive 4$
We definitely considered doing it twice, but we decided once was the sweet spot of effort vs. reward for us. Technically we could do a second 7 and profit, but the time/effort outlay would go up and/or we'd be spending more cash buying things we frankly don't need, so it made it not appealing. We both did Megamiles because the sweet spot fell the other way on that one, so maybe next year.
You were already at each spot, just double everything! double toothpaste, TP, alcohol, since you're below the 200$/200$ worth of air miles, why not?
(Miss Fresh is a fun double too)
Meh, at this point every person/app/marketing that wants it has our information. Unless you have no social media, don`t use google.
Most companies vacuum this info up anyways so I've stopped caring. Just read up on what Facebook has when you accept them on your phone, and the fact they sell it to third parties.
I've enjoyed reading other people's update on Shop the block, so here's mine -
NB: IGA; Shell ; Jean Coutu ; Hudson Bay ; Samsung pay ; Miss fresh; Rona ; Air miles shopHmmm strange, I don't see Hudson's Bay, Miss Fresh, or Air Miles shop as offers for NB when I log into my AM.
Doesn`t seem too bad.
As I fulfill the 7 shops I will add to this post...mostly as a memo for me!2) Buy some Xmas cheer in the form of a tawny port at LCBO
1) Opt in on 25 transactions with my BMO Airmiles world elite MC. Since I'm trying to hit the 3,000 spend this shouldn't be a problem.
On the receipt you should have the code of the AM deal. if you google the extra code (for air miles) you should see what it means.
(There will be a line on the receipt saying something like ''Coupon 115'' as if it was a separate item)
Elaine: i'm not sure using GCs work (sometimes amazon and airmiles don't connect when you do that.)Oh good to know - thanks!!
2 don't forget that it's only 1x per store, so shell only counts as 1/7, even if you do multiple shells.
If anyone is interested, i'm willing to buy their Miss fresh option
Elaine: i'm not sure using GCs work (sometimes amazon and airmiles don't connect when you do that.)
2 don't forget that it's only 1x per store, so shell only counts as 1/7, even if you do multiple shells.
If anyone is interested, i'm willing to buy their Miss fresh option :p
Metro week starts tomorrow! Make sure to get it!
Anybody started STB but haven't figured out how to complete all 7 offers?
I could also do the 25 transactions on BMO MC for each of us, but I would have to do 25 $1 gift cards, which is a minor PITA.
I am possibly going to redeem AM for short plane trips to visit my (recently ill) mother, some time in the new year. It's not a glamorous use of the miles but given the amount of air service available it looks like I'll be able to get last minute tickets with AM no problem. A nice load off my mind as buying flights could get expensive fast.
Rexall - redeemed 190 AM
AirMilesShops.ca - spent $100+ at Amazon for planned Christmas gifts
LCBO - bought a gift
Shell - filled-up
Hudson's Bay - set up points conversion
Metro - redeemed 10 AM (4x out of 5 possible days)
Sobeys Urban Fresh - bought $75 GC
I finally redeemed 7000 aeroplan miles for a gift card $50. They were about to expire if I had not activty before the end of January.
Not bad, when I had mentally written them off. Now the remaining 4000 miles will have another year before expiring and I could look for another bonus points card if we plan to travel (but right now, the next vacation booked for May is a drive 2.5 hours away, and I don't need anything for that).
So -- don't forget to redeem your miles for gift cards / etc, when you are down to the dregs that you haven't been able to use otherwise.
Completed a 3 month 1000$ spend on my RBC infinate Visa, 30k of their points, (around 250$)
Yay for getting money back for doing nothing different than simply asking for a new credit card.
My credit score is a whole 20 pts higher than this time last year... and I've been churning 2-3 times per year, and doing 0% balance transfers to get free investing money at 2%.
Gotta love gaming the system :D
I often do refundable vacations (like a hotel booking on Expedia). This meets the spend officially when I need it. Then I can take my time over the next 6-12 months to meet the spend properly. I just have to remember to cancel the booking eventually.
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Well, most of the time I continue working on meeting the spend and then after I meet the spend in say, 6 months, I cancel the trip and get the refund to my credit card. Sometimes I am no longer using that credit card and so a statement credit is useless to me. In those cases, I just call and ask them to mail me a cheque.I often do refundable vacations (like a hotel booking on Expedia). This meets the spend officially when I need it. Then I can take my time over the next 6-12 months to meet the spend properly. I just have to remember to cancel the booking eventually.
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Interesting idea, what do you mean when you say "meet the spend properly"?
https://www.reddit.com/r/churningcanada/comments/abkwsb/best_current_credit_card_offers_2019/
Really helpful link, thank you! I’m going to spend some time looking at it. With the exception of childcare, just about everything we spend goes on credit cards so if I want to get really ambitious I could blow through one new card’s minimum spend a month (not sure I have the mental energy for that spreadsheet!) Am going to pick something to start with in the next few days.
There's a world elite Air miles BMO mastercard... AND a world elite mastercard (no AM) Both are worth significant $$ for the spend.
https://www.reddit.com/r/churningcanada/comments/abkwsb/best_current_credit_card_offers_2019/
Depends on what you are looking for in points. Scotia`s 10% return cash card is pretty easy, the BMO one requires you to go through their redemption programs... you have lots of opportunities.
The fact you cant remember makes me doubt your spreadsheet capability. (Dramatic insult)
The biggest thing that sucks about being FIRE is that I don't qualify for any cards lol , I'm leaning on my insane credit rating to get cards. I did some fun freelance work last year for a bit of cash but after expenses I think my tax return will show about $15,000 income LOL ... so much for getting those elite cards anymore.
I have way to much on my WestJet mastercard now, like $6500 worth of WJ dollars so we have stopped using that.
We are now pounding all our business purchases onto our Canadian Tire card to build up CT dollars for household necessities etc
For personal purchases I got the wife a TD Aeroplan, got the points and just cancelled it this year. I then had her get the new CIBC Aventura card which she is currently using, will look if the Aventura can be used to buy store cards and cash cards etc
I have been using the Scotiabank Elite cashback visa for like 6 years now, 4% back on most of my purchases.
I just don't know what is the best to get now, I was thinking a mastercard as I like to have a visa and a MC at all times. Don't know if I should cancel the WestJet mastercard also now or if it is one of those cards worth just sitting on.
New excellent CC option:
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card - 30K Aeroplan & FYF
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/aeroplan/aeroplan-visa-infinite-card/
Easy to hit the spend, and aeroplan is awesome if you pick the airlines that don't have high taxes.
I need to learn more about spending points effectively (ie: airlines that don't have high taxes). Mostly just posting to follow and to remind myself to come back and read previous posts.
So I decided to go for a spin to NS and complete my 7 and picked up the same 2 for my wife to bring her up to 4, will probably complete 3 more for the wife, Kent, Needs and probably go the 25 x$1 Amazon gift cards route on her BMO MC.
So I decided to go for a spin to NS and complete my 7 and picked up the same 2 for my wife to bring her up to 4, will probably complete 3 more for the wife, Kent, Needs and probably go the 25 x$1 Amazon gift cards route on her BMO MC.
UPDATE:
I noticed my AM was credited 1000 AM via "Sobey's Shop the Block". I was expecting 2000 hmmmmmm. I have to take a look at my wife's AM, I had also fulfilled the 7 for her as well.
Anyone else get their Shop the Block credited?
Got 2000 a few days ago. Wasn’t expecting it this soon so, uh, I’m ready and able to take advantage of any “spend cash miles to get miles” promos.
Made the exact same mistake in DH's account *sigh* You would think I'd know better considering I did the same thing to myself last year :(
I have been using the cash miles to redeem for gas when we go on road trips.
That said - DH only got 1000 AM instead of 2000 so I will have to open up a chat with them. I know I met everything although the CC transactions one always makes me nervous.
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Has anyone had experience or opinion on the PC Optimum points mastercard?
Has anyone had experience or opinion on the PC Optimum points mastercard?
We do 90% of our grocery shopping at the Superstore, using this card. I like the mindless points earnings (tap the card for points & payment), no annual fee (or fee for supplementary cards), 1% in "cashback" on everything (used between churning other cards), and super easy redemption. A little like your dog food thing, we spend points on any "household goods" at the superstore (OTC drugs, paper goods, etc) and don't even have that category in our budget.
Why not grab a 10% Scotia return card (first 3 months) that then has 4% return on groceries? 1% bonus, and keep PC for next year.I've already got that card Lews Therin as my long term hold credit card and have been enjoying the big fat cashbacks each year :) Thanks for mentioning it though
We do 90% of our grocery shopping at the Superstore, using this card. I like the mindless points earnings (tap the card for points & payment), no annual fee (or fee for supplementary cards), 1% in "cashback" on everything (used between churning other cards), and super easy redemption. A little like your dog food thing, we spend points on any "household goods" at the superstore (OTC drugs, paper goods, etc) and don't even have that category in our budget.
If you go through https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/credit_cards/pc_financial/presidents_choice_financial_world_elite_mastercard (https://www.ratesupermarket.ca/credit_cards/pc_financial/presidents_choice_financial_world_elite_mastercard) you get 100$ gift card for getting the card as well (applies for all 3 levels of card but I've linked to the one with highest earn).
Why not grab a 10% Scotia return card (first 3 months) that then has 4% return on groceries? 1% bonus, and keep PC for next year.
Why not grab a 10% Scotia return card (first 3 months) that then has 4% return on groceries? 1% bonus, and keep PC for next year.
Any way of getting around the fee on this guy, or do you just eat that cost against the ~$300 cashback?
Trying to meet some Canadian minimum spending, and buying gift cards is not a good option for us.
How does this option sound: get AC conversion card, load with USD (eat the 2.5% conversion fee) and then withdraw USD at American ATM when in US(eat ATM fees as well). Alternatively, could I withdraw USD fee free from a CIBC ATM in Canada that dispenses USD?
Any other good option for manufacturing spending? Is there a best way to open an AC conversion card?
And out of curiosity, and slightly more diabolical, so lets say mainly curiosity: What exactly happens if I meet minimum spending by booking a refundable vacation, earn aeroplan points, spend said aeroplan points, cancel vacation and never meet minimum spending any other way? They can't really dip you into negative balance on your reward card. Kind of curious.. bad form of course, but wondering what would happen.
Trying to meet some Canadian minimum spending, and buying gift cards is not a good option for us.
Trying to meet some Canadian minimum spending, and buying gift cards is not a good option for us.
Another option would be to book the refundable vacation/hotel/whatever, and just make sure you actually spend the minimum before cancelling the refundable thing. I've read that works, though never tried it myself.
Trying to meet some Canadian minimum spending, and buying gift cards is not a good option for us.
Another option would be to book the refundable vacation/hotel/whatever, and just make sure you actually spend the minimum before cancelling the refundable thing. I've read that works, though never tried it myself.
I do that quite frequently and it works just fine. I am working on a $12k spend on one card before I cancel the refundable vacation lol.
New excellent CC option:
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card - 30K Aeroplan & FYF
https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/aeroplan/aeroplan-visa-infinite-card/
Easy to hit the spend, and aeroplan is awesome if you pick the airlines that don't have high taxes.
AC Conversion is generally seen as a cash advance now, I'm not up to speed on who treats it as that though (MBNA is a no, I think all VISAs as well, not sure). I think you can get some 'Drop' points for signing up through that program. Again not sure, I'm out of touch with it all.
I tried buying gc's at shell yesterday and you can't pay in AM cash anymore... Bummer.
Theres usually limit of how many AM they allow you to redeem Too.
FYI, megamiles coming up next week (5 offers 1000 air miles, 3 offers, 500)
Think of it as a scavenger hunt in which you have a guaranteed 100-50$ prize! Hold off on buys till we see the list of options!
FYI, megamiles coming up next week (5 offers 1000 air miles, 3 offers, 500)
Think of it as a scavenger hunt in which you have a guaranteed 100-50$ prize! Hold off on buys till we see the list of options!
I am perhaps unreasonably excited about this. Thanks for the heads up!
I got an emailed credit card offer from Westjet today that included 250 westjet dollars and a companion pass for $100, plus free checked bags and some other perks.
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/camp/wj/1502/?ASC=5DW010&utm_source=westjet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cards_18_westjet&utm_content=wj_wsdfocus&WT.mc_id=cards%3bemail
I'M not sure if people from Qc have noticed, but there's been a couple of CC cards that have ridiculously easy achievements for QC residents: TD has two different cards (30k aeroplan and another 400$ in expedia, or 320$ travel credit card) that only require you open an account and keep it open for 90 days.Ooh sweeet definitely gonna look into that. Hope they don't have high income requirements. Thanks for the heads up!
Hugely easy way to amass points and vacation money. @PoutineLover
I looked at the fine print of the current BMO and RBC $300 new chequing account promos.
BMO wants you to keep a $6000 minimum balance to waive the monthly fee and might bill you for the promo money if you close the account before a certain date in 2020 (that date is more than a year away).
RBC’s website sucks and I couldn’t load the additional details to find out the minimum balance for no fee, but they also require you to keep the account open 365 days.
Sorta seems not worth it.
Still working on racking up Marriott Bonvoy Amex points. The sign up through Great Canadian Rebates and the intro bonus is even better than when I got the card in January (it’s $50 + 60k points vs. the $30 + 50k points before they renamed the loyalty program).
I got an emailed credit card offer from Westjet today that included 250 westjet dollars and a companion pass for $100, plus free checked bags and some other perks.
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/credit-cards/camp/wj/1502/?ASC=5DW010&utm_source=westjet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cards_18_westjet&utm_content=wj_wsdfocus&WT.mc_id=cards%3bemail
PC optimum is lower than the scotibank card for you.
PC = 3% return in PC points
Scotia = 4% return cash
(When shopping in grocery stores)
MEGA-MILES plan: Using 4 offers from Ont, 1 from Q
1 LCBO Bottle (25$)
IGA Use 85 AM to redeem for 10$
Shell: 25L of gas (will pay with AM)
Metro Use 10$ AM
Jean Coutu Use 10$ AM
I will have spent: 25$ LCBO - 30$ Shell (payed in AM) - 10$ IGA (payed in AM) - 10$ Metro (payed in AM) - 10$ Jean Coutu (Payed in AM)
So 25$ cash, 60$ in AM, and I will receive 115$ in AM. So.... Free 85$ worth of stuff I would probably have bought anyways, and an extra 30$ I like these kinds of scavenger hunts.
Reminder for people doing the Air Miles Mega Miles (https://airmilesmegamiles.ca/en/partner_offers?reg=ON) promo: the short window for the Rexall redemption offer is open now (redeem 190 AM for 40 bonus AM, Mar 25-28). Window for buying Sobeys/Sobeys UF gift cards closes Mar 27 (though maybe they will introduce a redeem AM offer, too, like Metro did?)Sigh. I did see this but got busy this week and didn't pay enough attention so missed the Rexall cash miles redemption. Darn. So annoying. Now I have to actually spend money.
Reminder for people doing the Air Miles Mega Miles (https://airmilesmegamiles.ca/en/partner_offers?reg=ON) promo: the short window for the Rexall redemption offer is open now (redeem 190 AM for 40 bonus AM, Mar 25-28). Window for buying Sobeys/Sobeys UF gift cards closes Mar 27 (though maybe they will introduce a redeem AM offer, too, like Metro did?)Sigh. I did see this but got busy this week and didn't pay enough attention so missed the Rexall cash miles redemption. Darn. So annoying. Now I have to actually spend money.
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Hey @PoutineLover ; and all other Quebec people.I don't make enough money to qualify :(
Check this one out. No spend necessary, just keep it open.
https://www.reddit.com/r/churningcanada/comments/b8crjz/new_hsbc_world_elite_mastercard_offer_quebec/
Silly question, do you guys all take your AM in cash miles? Last time I redeemed miles on a flight and my wife bought her ticket, my AM value came to 19 cents per AM. That being said, I don't recall the wife's deal on her ticket, if it was high or decent or what not. So maybe my cost basis was off.
With AM Cash, barring any promotions for redemptions, your AM are worth 10.5 cents each ($10/95 AM). So your flight value was better, in comparison.
I really only spend Cash miles when you get some back, during promotions. I’ve redeemed Dream miles for things that would sting to pay out of pocket, like tickets to the zoo or a hotel night. As Lews Therin said, as long as the value is at least what you’d get for Cash miles, you’re doing all right. (As @elaine amj would say, it also matters if the reward has utility to you. Sure, redeeming for a luxury holiday to Bali might be the highest-value use for your miles, but if that’s not what you want or can use, you’re better off redeeming for a reward that is useful to you.)
Techwiz: Check the first post, I try to keep it updated.
There's quite a few deals available in the 200-400$ range for getting credit cards in welcome bonuses. (I only put the ones I believe are the very best, or recommendations for short term money wins on it.)
PSA: for those doing MegaMiles, tomorrow the window opens for the Metro offer (Apr 11-14, redeem 95 AM for $10 off and 25 AM). @elaine amj - spend miles not money.ROFL! Continuing on my "mess up travel hacking" streak, I went online last week to argue for DH's Shop the Block bonuses (he only got 1000 miles instead of 2000) and after spending hours assembling receipts, etc and arguing with two different reps, I got the extra 1000 miles credited. I was horrified to discover DH is STILL on 100% Cash Miles. Apparently after the last debacle I only thought I changed it...but I didn't. So he has over $200 in Cash Miles. Lots of gas for this summer's road trips :) I really loathe this split between Cash and Dream Miles.
Then when I went to Metro on Thursday to redeem the cash miles, I didn't realize we needed to give the cashier the code...so I didn't. I had to go back again yesterday to spend yet another $10 for each of us in Cash Miles. This time I gave the cashier the code and got the 50 bonus AM.
PSA: for those doing MegaMiles, tomorrow the window opens for the Metro offer (Apr 11-14, redeem 95 AM for $10 off and 25 AM). @elaine amj - spend miles not money.ROFL! Continuing on my "mess up travel hacking" streak, I went online last week to argue for DH's Shop the Block bonuses (he only got 1000 miles instead of 2000) and after spending hours assembling receipts, etc and arguing with two different reps, I got the extra 1000 miles credited. I was horrified to discover DH is STILL on 100% Cash Miles. Apparently after the last debacle I only thought I changed it...but I didn't. So he has over $200 in Cash Miles. Lots of gas for this summer's road trips :) I really loathe this split between Cash and Dream Miles.
Then when I went to Metro on Thursday to redeem the cash miles, I didn't realize we needed to give the cashier the code...so I didn't. I had to go back again yesterday to spend yet another $10 for each of us in Cash Miles. This time I gave the cashier the code and got the 50 bonus AM.
Oh well - I am done all 5 Mega Miles promos for both DH and I and have the receipts to prove it all nice and neat in an envelope. Except for Shell as I forgot to get the receipt from the pump too :(
In other travel hacking news, this anyone see the current promo from Simplii where they are giving $200 for opening up a no-fee account? I haven't examined it in detail yet but it looks good at first glance. Two different pre-authorized bill payments over at least 2 months won't be too hard to do. https://www.simplii.com/en/special-offers/no-fee-chequing.html
Then I also saw the TD First class Visa Infinite is offering up to $400 in points for a $1000 min spend with annual fee waived. Double the highest promos I have seen so far! https://www.ratehub.ca/blog/canadas-best-credit-card-promotions-and-sign-up-bonus-offers/#td
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This is good to know because I did what was needed for my wife to get the 2000 shop the block miles, but she only got 1000. I know I kept some receipts, but I'd be shocked if I actually had all of them, but then again you can see all the transactions on line. I'm wondering if I'm just going to waste an hour of my time calling AM and trying to get the extra 1000 that appears to be owed.
Just to add that the mega miles offers are really crappy for my neck of the woods, no way I can get the 5/1000 out of it...it's a strech to get to the 3 for 300.
This is good to know because I did what was needed for my wife to get the 2000 shop the block miles, but she only got 1000. I know I kept some receipts, but I'd be shocked if I actually had all of them, but then again you can see all the transactions on line. I'm wondering if I'm just going to waste an hour of my time calling AM and trying to get the extra 1000 that appears to be owed.
Just to add that the mega miles offers are really crappy for my neck of the woods, no way I can get the 5/1000 out of it...it's a strech to get to the 3 for 300.
I contacted AM via chat. After looking through my AM transactions and comparing it to the expected bonus miles I was supposed to get for the offers I did, I figured that it was a problem with airmilesshops as I didn't get the ShoptheBlock bonus miles for that. (Although oddly enough I did get the base AM for shopping through airmilesshops).
The first lady I talked to via chat asked me to compile info about all 7 offers: date of purchase, name of partner, and actual amount of purchase. Ack...rather hard to do without receipts. I asked a few times since I could see where the problem was but she would not budge on needing the info for all 7 offers. So I resigned myself to spending the next hour or two diggibg through my CC records to compile the info (a bit challenging as I used 3-4 different CCs during that time).
Went back on to the chat and talked to a different rep. All he needed was the invoice for my purchase via airmilesshops. Took about 5 mins and he credited me the missing 1000 miles.
Next time I will go with the golden rule of hacking - HUCA (Hang Up Call Again).
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In other travel hacking news, this anyone see the current promo from Simplii where they are giving $200 for opening up a no-fee account? I haven't examined it in detail yet but it looks good at first glance. Two different pre-authorized bill payments over at least 2 months won't be too hard to do. https://www.simplii.com/en/special-offers/no-fee-chequing.html
Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
What I like is how easy it is to redeem the points. You can go through TD for Expedia (get the full $400 value) or you can do Book any Way and get statement credits ($320 value). I generally do Book Any Way because I use different points for flights and find places that are cheaper/more suitable for us on Airbnb or the like. I like Book Any Way for Airbnb, uber, campgrounds and even restaurants (for those stray orphan points).
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Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
What I like is how easy it is to redeem the points. You can go through TD for Expedia (get the full $400 value) or you can do Book any Way and get statement credits ($320 value). I generally do Book Any Way because I use different points for flights and find places that are cheaper/more suitable for us on Airbnb or the like. I like Book Any Way for Airbnb, uber, campgrounds and even restaurants (for those stray orphan points).
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Are you talking about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite on the first post? I have never collected Aeroplan, so I didn't know they were that easy to redeem. I generally suck at travel hacking, but this sounds like something I could do.
ETA: After looking around a bit more, I think maybe this is the one you mean? https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/travel-rewards/first-class-travel-visa-infinite-card/
I did get the MBNA Best Western a while back and got enough points for two nights in a BW. Go me! lol.
Bsl: go all in aeroplan, it'll be very helpful. Any credit statements cards are also winners for you.As Lewis Therin said before -- Aeroplan is great for non NA (international) travel (because you transfer points to STAR alliance affiliates and pay lower taxes and fuel surcharges). NOT a good option for Canada / US travel.
Bsl: go all in aeroplan, it'll be very helpful. Any credit statements cards are also winners for you.As Lewis Therin said before -- Aeroplan is great for non NA (international) travel (because you transfer points to STAR alliance affiliates and pay lower taxes and fuel surcharges). NOT a good option for Canada / US travel.
Mine is the TD First Class Visa Infinite. Jist SO easy.Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
What I like is how easy it is to redeem the points. You can go through TD for Expedia (get the full $400 value) or you can do Book any Way and get statement credits ($320 value). I generally do Book Any Way because I use different points for flights and find places that are cheaper/more suitable for us on Airbnb or the like. I like Book Any Way for Airbnb, uber, campgrounds and even restaurants (for those stray orphan points).
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Are you talking about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite on the first post? I have never collected Aeroplan, so I didn't know they were that easy to redeem. I generally suck at travel hacking, but this sounds like something I could do.
ETA: After looking around a bit more, I think maybe this is the one you mean? https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/travel-rewards/first-class-travel-visa-infinite-card/
I did get the MBNA Best Western a while back and got enough points for two nights in a BW. Go me! lol.
Good to know. I tried switching my points to other US airlines using a couple of methods, and the value ratio was no where close to consideration at that time.Bsl: go all in aeroplan, it'll be very helpful. Any credit statements cards are also winners for you.As Lewis Therin said before -- Aeroplan is great for non NA (international) travel (because you transfer points to STAR alliance affiliates and pay lower taxes and fuel surcharges). NOT a good option for Canada / US travel.
Can be good with US travel (Using american airlines)
All around not great in general for CAN (Apart from going to the Territories)
Mine is the TD First Class Visa Infinite. Jist SO easy.Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
What I like is how easy it is to redeem the points. You can go through TD for Expedia (get the full $400 value) or you can do Book any Way and get statement credits ($320 value). I generally do Book Any Way because I use different points for flights and find places that are cheaper/more suitable for us on Airbnb or the like. I like Book Any Way for Airbnb, uber, campgrounds and even restaurants (for those stray orphan points).
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Are you talking about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite on the first post? I have never collected Aeroplan, so I didn't know they were that easy to redeem. I generally suck at travel hacking, but this sounds like something I could do.
ETA: After looking around a bit more, I think maybe this is the one you mean? https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/travel-rewards/first-class-travel-visa-infinite-card/
I did get the MBNA Best Western a while back and got enough points for two nights in a BW. Go me! lol.
The Aeroplan one sounds good too - but seems better for a strategy where you are going to accummulate a decent chunk of aeroplan miles.
I am not planning intl travel for the next couple of years so haven't been sufficiently motivated to pursue aeroplan miles.
I also have access to US credit cards so this year that will be my focus. They are much more lucrative :)
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Ack...what a pain!! DH tried to apply online but couldn't get the form to submit. Finally he called and applied by phone. Waiting for the card now as we have a lot of large expenses this weekend.Mine is the TD First Class Visa Infinite. Jist SO easy.Hi all! I'm new to the game, but I think I'm now organized enough in my own PF that I can start CC churning and travel hacking. We are immigrants so there's always a yearly round trip flight to Europe going on at some point or another. Where do you think I should start? Is one program better than the other if you target a specific destination?The TD visa infinite one is such an EASY one. $1000 spend and voila...$320-400 worth of travel! DH just signed up for it. (I got the card last year with only half the points).
The TD Visa Infinite deal seems to still be live, would you recommand starting with this one?
What I like is how easy it is to redeem the points. You can go through TD for Expedia (get the full $400 value) or you can do Book any Way and get statement credits ($320 value). I generally do Book Any Way because I use different points for flights and find places that are cheaper/more suitable for us on Airbnb or the like. I like Book Any Way for Airbnb, uber, campgrounds and even restaurants (for those stray orphan points).
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Are you talking about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite on the first post? I have never collected Aeroplan, so I didn't know they were that easy to redeem. I generally suck at travel hacking, but this sounds like something I could do.
ETA: After looking around a bit more, I think maybe this is the one you mean? https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/products/credit-cards/travel-rewards/first-class-travel-visa-infinite-card/
I did get the MBNA Best Western a while back and got enough points for two nights in a BW. Go me! lol.
The Aeroplan one sounds good too - but seems better for a strategy where you are going to accummulate a decent chunk of aeroplan miles.
I am not planning intl travel for the next couple of years so haven't been sufficiently motivated to pursue aeroplan miles.
I also have access to US credit cards so this year that will be my focus. They are much more lucrative :)
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I have never had such a difficult time applying for a credit card than I have with the TD First Class Visa Infinite. I'm almost ready to give up. But 80,000 points!
I tried online but my address wouldn't work. They said on the online chat that it's a known issue. I called to apply and they said I had to go into the bank (because equifax). I went into the bank and they verified my ID and said I had to call back and apply via phone. I called back (while at the bank) and the application was finished. He said to call back within 2 business days to follow up if I haven't heard back. I am doing that now and getting the runaround. We don't know. We can't say. Please call back in 2 more days (which happens to be the last day of the promotion).
TD's IT is atrocious. Absolutely awful.
MBNA was running off Bank of America's infrastructure for a couple of years after TD bought them. Then they migrated everyone over. It was an absolute farce.
Metro is Terrible.
Even with 25% off, the only thing I can see worth buying is Cheese and Milk.
Everything else is above 25% the price of a other grocery stores.
I am planning on signing up with Public Mobile. Anyone want me to use them as a referral? If so, please message me : )
I like travelling by Air France once a year and I think I am going to be looking for a new credit card soon - any ideas?
For the past umpteen years I've had the TD Visa Infinite. It used to be that booking flights through Expedia cost exactly the same as booking through the Air France website, even during seat sales. That seems to have gone out the window. Last year, the prices on Expedia were higher but I did the Best Price Guarantee and got back the difference, which was about $65.
HOWEVER - the other day when I booked flights on Air France, not only were the Expedia flights a lot more, it was giving me - and the phone agent who tried to help - errors for the dates I wanted when it came time to pay, because "the inventory was not yet in the system". HUH? You're showing the flights and the prices, but I can't pay for them? And I couldn't escalate the issue to a manager.
Worse still - or maybe it was a good thing after all - I was told that the Best Price Guarantee did not apply to flights!! This is something new. And to add insult to injury: it was cheaper overall to book through Air France and I can't even use my points at the same burn rate to pay for the flight, because "book anyway" adds another 25% to the amount of points needed (e.g., 250 instead of 200).
Needless to say, I am a whole lot less impressed with Expedia and TD Infinite.
We put all our spending on this card - about 35-40K/year, which results in about $700 a year in points if booking through Expedia.
One benefit is that the Infinite card has no annual fee under my banking plan.
I'm wondering if I can do better without too much expense and trouble?
Many thanks for that. We only travel economy, but I've heard good things about Amex. I will check out Prince of Travel, and will let you know if I need an Amex referral. Maybe I can find a "fees waived for one year" deal.There are a few fee waivers around. It appears Air France does not use points programs that are really interchangeable, but I didn't look very hard.
Just realized that I don't understand what the "Amex fixed points travel rewards" are. With the TD card, I build up travel points / $ and then I can use these for flights or travel on Expedia, or (if I want 25% less bang for my points), on any other travel booked to my card.
My main beef with the Infinite is that (i) prices on Expedia are always higher; (ii) Expedia doesn't price-match on flights like they used to; and (iii) if I book through the airline, my points are worth $50 less for every $250 of points that I have.
Thanks again for the help. I am working hard to cure my inertia on this, and find something better.
Good point @Lews Therin. My DD just got $300 for signing up for a TD bank account. Next up is HSBC with a sweet $600 bonus (an extra $100 if we get a CC but that isn't tempting enough to me). I think both DH and I will also sign up for HSBC so all 3 of us will get $600 each :)
DH also is waiting for $200 from Simplii. It's pretty sweet.
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Good point @Lews Therin. My DD just got $300 for signing up for a TD bank account. Next up is HSBC with a sweet $600 bonus (an extra $100 if we get a CC but that isn't tempting enough to me). I think both DH and I will also sign up for HSBC so all 3 of us will get $600 each :)
DH also is waiting for $200 from Simplii. It's pretty sweet.
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How do you get hsbc to waive fees?
Good point @Lews Therin. My DD just got $300 for signing up for a TD bank account. Next up is HSBC with a sweet $600 bonus (an extra $100 if we get a CC but that isn't tempting enough to me). I think both DH and I will also sign up for HSBC so all 3 of us will get $600 each :)
DH also is waiting for $200 from Simplii. It's pretty sweet.
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How do you get hsbc to waive fees?
Pretty sure I read that if u have a min balance, fees will be waived. $5k? 1k? I need to read more lol. We always keep a chunk of money liquid so these accounts are the perfect places to park this.
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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES, Mark your calendars.
https://shoptheblock.ca/en/coming_soon
Coming soon! (14 November)
Hold off on buys for the classic partners, and get the lower 120$ worth of Air miles (Make sure it's in Cash miles before starting if you want to use it as cash)
-I'll be putting my plan for me & my S/o to get 240$ worth, and I'm sure I won't be the only one showing how to do it.
I've just started the RBC Avion VI. Pretty good deal!
The timing isn't perfect as I started churning too late to yield well this winter, but I should have a good pile of points for next winter!
Edit: credit card number six since may, my credit rating remains good at 750 with no car payments or mortgage on there. I'll slow down in the new year though.
Remind me how long they make you wait for the points. I remember that you have to cash them before you cancel so there's that to consider.
Any tips for a shop the block newbie living in Montreal? I have a regular Air Miles points card; my current credit card does not get me Air Miles. I spend very modest amounts at IGA and Jean Coutu. No car, so no Shell. I doubt I can make it work, but maybe there is hope for me?
Any tips for a shop the block newbie living in Montreal? I have a regular Air Miles points card; my current credit card does not get me Air Miles. I spend very modest amounts at IGA and Jean Coutu. No car, so no Shell. I doubt I can make it work, but maybe there is hope for me?
Any tips for a shop the block newbie living in Montreal? I have a regular Air Miles points card; my current credit card does not get me Air Miles. I spend very modest amounts at IGA and Jean Coutu. No car, so no Shell. I doubt I can make it work, but maybe there is hope for me?
Any tips for a shop the block newbie living in Montreal? I have a regular Air Miles points card; my current credit card does not get me Air Miles. I spend very modest amounts at IGA and Jean Coutu. No car, so no Shell. I doubt I can make it work, but maybe there is hope for me?
I'm not excited for this year's offers and am hoping some better ones come up later (like for redeeming cash miles).
I hope the LCBO promotions in December are different/better, none of the products really interest me (unless someone wants to speak for the quality of the wine).
I can do the Shell (25L), Rexall (spend $40), and Sobeys UF (spend $50) pretty easily. I can probably spend $100 through the airmilesshops portal, what with the mad consumerist frenzy of Christmas coming. 🤣 If better Metro and LCBO offers come up I can probably get myself to a Foodland or Sobeys to get the #7 offer. Maybe buy something from The Children's Place.
I did the Hudson's Bay offer last year and there's no Jean Coutu in my city. 🤷🏻♀️
Shell has an additional offer in Ontario (spend $10 in store). I guess that's an easy one if you're ever in Ontario!
Anyone know how easy it is to complete three surveys at Rewarding Your Opinions?
There's probably a Reddit thread by now with the optimal approach ( @Lews Therin ?)
I am finally dipping my toe in the travel hacking pool. I just applied for the Scotia Momentum® VISA* Infinite Card through GCR ($60 rebate). While I was on GCR I saw that I have $102 in old rebates that I had forgotten about, so when the $60 comes through I will request a cheque.
I am finally dipping my toe in the travel hacking pool. I just applied for the Scotia Momentum® VISA* Infinite Card through GCR ($60 rebate). While I was on GCR I saw that I have $102 in old rebates that I had forgotten about, so when the $60 comes through I will request a cheque.
GCR rebate on this card is $80 until Feb 27. I just signed up for it and got approved, remarkably. That's three visa Infinite in as many months. Credit rating was 723 yesterday. I expect it to drop more in a week or two.
Has anyone considered the HSBC new account bonus offer? https://www.hsbc.ca/chequing-accounts/offers/dc/
Looks pretty good, available until November 30th. There's a total of $1,000 available, although looking at the deposit requirements and hoops to jump through I'd probably only end up getting about $500. Has anyone taken advantage of it yet?
deposit a min. of $25,000 CAD2, within 30 calendar days of account opening, into any product of your choice, from chequing & savings to RRSPs and TFSAs, and hold for 3 consecutive months to qualify for $500 bonus. Also, register for online banking within 30 days of account opening.
Monthly fee of $34.951 waived if you have:
$100,000 minimum balance1 in combined personal deposits & investments with us OR
$500,000 minimum mortgage amount OR
$6,500 minimum monthly income deposit
After a quick read of the small print I don't think this one is for me.Yeah I saw that too, it's also not for me. But that's for the premier account with a $500 bonus, and the advance account only requires a deposit of $5,000 to get a bonus of $300 and a minimum balance of 5k to waive the monthly fee, which is a lot more doable. If I did it I'd probably park my emergency fund there for a few months.Quotedeposit a min. of $25,000 CAD2, within 30 calendar days of account opening, into any product of your choice, from chequing & savings to RRSPs and TFSAs, and hold for 3 consecutive months to qualify for $500 bonus. Also, register for online banking within 30 days of account opening.
Monthly fee of $34.951 waived if you have:
$100,000 minimum balance1 in combined personal deposits & investments with us OR
$500,000 minimum mortgage amount OR
$6,500 minimum monthly income deposit