Hi
You may know a few options already, but these are based on my experience in the last few weeks
1. transfer your amex credit card to canada. I was given CAD5000+ credit limit by amex canada. all information can be found in the amex website.

2. go to coastal capital and get a desjardins credit card. Since i am still working in Australia, and after a little persuasion through my coastcapital manager, desjardins gave me a $2000 limit.


3. get a secured or non secured credit cards from RBC or CIBC (I beleive other banks also offer such an option).
I went to TD and get an Elite GOld Credit card after depositing 5000 as a colateral. This credit card has a good rating (after searching the internet). With this credit card, i and wife get 'free' accounts with many extra, including a safety box, road assist (for me and wife), and no-annual fee for the credit card.


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As for 'free' banking we find CoastCapital is the best. It only charge $5 per incoming wires regardless the amount being transferred. We also have accounts PC Capital but havent used them so often.

Hope this helps.

Good advice. And to save other readers going mental searching, Coast Capital only have brnaches in the Lower Mainland of BC and on Vancouver Island.

I walked into TD, booked an appointment with personal banker. Met banker, talked about cricket for about 30 mins and was approved for a credit card later that day. Don't know how hard it would have been without a cricket mad bank manager, though

Yup and it's too bad as they are one of the few that have a "real" no fee account.