I asked at my bank if I could get a credit card. I've written in a different post that my UK cards don't work, and here I only have a Mickey Mouse debit card, so I need something to use for all my online shopping madness.
Well, they told me that I can't get a credit card because according to them, I'm unemployed. Doesn't matter that I work 40-60 hours a week as a freelancer and money is going into my account on a regular basis, to them I don't work. So, how can I prove that I do work? I'll be filing my first tax return next year.

You have regular income going into the bank account? If that's not good enough for them, take your business to a different bank.

If you can't get a credit card there are a couple of other options.

You can also get a pre-paid card at a store and just load it when you order online.

TD and CIBC have Visa debit cards now, they are accepted at most online sites outside of Canada, and a good number of Canadian websites, and RBC has a virtual Visa debit card for online use. They are linked to your checking account, so the ability to use depends on whats in the checking account, and TD (where I bank) limits it to 1,500 a day for online transactions.

If you have established credit in Canada or have been here a while, try applying online, they are likely to not ask for any proof and will decide to approve not approve soley based off your credit report.

Or try Capital One, they pretty much approve everyone.

Yep. I'm actually considering that.

Thank you for the tips. Will look into these.

Ask to see an account manager at the bank, take in copies of your invoices, bank statements to show payment of said invoices, business license (you do have one of those right?) and if you have a business name registered or a business number with CRA (if you are going to earn over $30k you need to register) a copy of the registration. That should do it.

I've read that I don't need a business license as I'm using my own name.

Also....

I had no employment, nor even self employment when I applied.

I had the usual rejection with no credit record in Canada.

I persisted with that application, sending a letter pointing out part of my income came from rent - owning a second property with no mortgage.

But what might have been the clincher was sending them print outs of the expenditure/repayments on my UK card.

I was shopping and pre-paying some household bills with it.

They changed their mind, issued the card and kept increasing the limit.

You don't need to register your business, but I believe you do need a Municipal Business Licence regardless of whether it is in your name or a business name.

http://vancouver.ca/doing-business/g...s-licence.aspx

If you want to carry on business in the City of Vancouver, you need a business licence.

Types of businesses that require licences:

Commercial and industrial business: A business based within a building located in a commercial or industrial area of the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development Bylaw
Home-based business: A business based in a dwelling located in a residential area in the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development Bylaw
Out-of-town business: A business being carried on in the City of Vancouver, but with the business office located outside of Vancouver

More information here: http://vancouver.ca/doing-business/a...roperties.aspx

Here's the forms you need: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Busine...d-Business.pdf and http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Busine...rm-General.pdf

You also need to register for an HST ** account if your annual income exceeds $30,000 - and if you need to do this I recommend opening up an RBC small business e-account for your business, it's free.

You should calculate and put money aside for CPP payments - 9.9% of your net taxable income is payable.

(I only know these things because I am self employed too)



** Please see Aviators post below - I am wrong on this.

Business license has nothing to do with what you name your business or the type of business entity you operate. A business license is issued by the city so you can conduct business. It is very likely you need one. Check with the city. If you have anyone coming to your home in connection with business, consider liability insurance as your homeowners may not cover business activities. You should also consider letting your homeowners or renters insurance provider know you are conducting business from home.

You do not need to register your business name if you use your own name (this is a provincial name registration), however if you earn over $30k you have to register your business with CRA for GST (not HST, regrettably we no longer have HST), even if you don't end up charging it to an overseas client. the upside is you can reclaim it on expenses. If your services attract PST, you also need to open a PST account with the BC Ministry of Finance.

http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/products-and-services

http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/produc...ation-services

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page...78D9B33829B3FC

http://www.worksafebc.com/insurance/...ge/default.asp

You don't need to open a separate CPP account, this gets paid when you file your income tax return next year as self employment income and is identified by your SIN.

If you hire employees, you need a payroll account with CRA as well as a WCB registration.

That is interesting to know - the small business website says you must register for HST. Time they changed their website!

http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/starti...u-need-collect

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

The HST is applied on most supplies of goods and services made in British Columbia at a rate of 12%, consisting of the 5% federal portion and a 7% provincial portion. Generally speaking, GST exempt sales will also be HST exempt.

Thanks for the updated info Aviator.

Regrettably the HST was rescinded in April, 2013. One of the worst financial catastrophes to hit the province and we'll be paying for it for many years.

I am currently unemployed and got a credit card after I opened up my current account with PC Financial no questions asked. The limit is only $1000 (not much use for online madness) for the first six months but they said if you pay off every month then they increase it.

Hi, have you considered a secured credit card where the credit limit is the equivalent of the deposit you pay down with the credit card company? Not ideal I know, but a quick way to build up a credit history when you don't have one and there is no risk to the credit card provider so you are likely to be approved regardless of employment status. I believe Capital One offer something like this but I'm sure there are other providers out there too.

TD and RBC do as well, but you have to specifically ask to apply for it, its not really well advertised. I think CIBC may have one as well.