jonoadams75

Hi can anyone recommend a good credit card to get for new arrivals with no credit history yet.
many thanks

jono

Butch Cassidy

I know (of) a few guys who can provide you with Visa, Mastercard and Amex if thats any help

iaink

Best bet is to talk to your bank about getting a secured credit card to get the ball rolling. Its unlikely you can get a "real" credit card without the history here.

Transfering a UK Amex card is also an option.

Lemons

It's not that easy - we had a long credit history with HSBC in the UK and we had to beg them for a $1000 credit card!

I found the most sympathetic bank to newbies is TD - they may only offer a secured card at first but we found them very helpful, and said "yes" when HSBC said "no".

BTW, never take no for an answer in Canada... there is always a way!

Aviator

But where banks are concerned you could end up in jail if you get too insistent!

How much credit you can get can often depend on your financial circumstances and any relationship with the bank. I had an account and investments with RBC for a few years before moving over, an unsecured credit card was no problem.

readytomove

I saw that Capital One does a credit card for people with no credit. Has anyone got one of these/ is it worth it?

Alan2005

Yes, it is - they are expensive though so try not to roll too much debt, pay it off monthly. Also they are secured, so you'll need to match the limit with a deposit. It's a good way of getting a credit rating if you've got $1000 that you don't mind putting aside for a year.

Getting There

Yes, did that and it has done wonders for my credit rating. Follow all of Alan's advice above if you are to select this option.

To the OP (Hi Jono) - I can get you sorted with a low limit unsecured credit card via a major bank, in your first few days here. I'll drop you a line.

Kind regards,

Eamonn.

Silverdragon102

We had no problems with HSBC both in the UK and here in Canada, received bank account debit and credit cards for Canada before we left the UK

Lord Vader

I beleive some banks can offer a visa with a small limit to people without credit history in Canada. Other than that, a secured card will get the ball rolling.

Miss Clinique

We got an unsecured with TD. They said no at first, my OH called the manager and she over turned that decision. People here have told us to always make an appointment with the bank Manager - they have the power.

iaink

Worth pointing out, new arrivals with PR are far more likely to succeed than new arrivals on TWPs

Lemons

Once you have your credit established, your credit allowances will go up and up and up... I have far more access to credit here than I ever did in the UK.

Almost Canadian

I obtained one with TD when I first arrived. They gave me a $1000 limit and didn't require a deposit. I did have an account with them but this was opened only a month or so before.

As in the UK, the limit increased fairly incessantly without any requests from me.

I did have PR, but no job.

Lorna999

huge APR I believe. Probably not the best bet unless desperate!