All about Canadian credit cards. Learn the ins and outs and get the latest news.
Latest News
New welcome offer of 100,000 PC Optimum points on PC Financial Credit Cards + MORE Dec 2nd
Another 100K credit card offer to let you know about and this one seems to be coming around every few weeks now but when it is around it is only live for a few days. That offer is the 100K bonus for getting a PC Financial Mastercard. This time the offer is valid for applications until December.... More »
The Best American Express® Credit Cards in Canada Oct 29th
It is a long-held belief that Amex® cards are just for the wealthy – but their current selection of cards should help to dispel that myth. From no-fee cards with low balance transfer offers, to top tier cards with VIP benefits and comprehensive travel insurance, there really is something for eve.... More »
American Express Cobalt Card: 67 new confirmed multiplier locations to earn up to 5x points! + MORE Aug 25th
Here’s the next update to our American Express Cobalt Card Confirmed Multiplier Locations list with 67 new locations from across Canada being added today. A big thank you to the RWRDS Canada community for providing all the latest details on these new locations that have been added to the thousands.... More »
Giant dinosaur bone discovered in southwestern France | World News - Sky News + MORE Jul 27th
Giant dinosaur bone discovered in southwestern France | World News Sky NewsDinosaur bone: Researchers uncover giant femur in France Tdnews'Major discovery': Giant dinosaur bone unearthed in France Aljazeera.comMassive, 1100-Pound Dinosaur Bone Unearthed in France&nbs.... More »
When and how should I start drawing on my retirement savings? Apr 1st
Ask MoneySense
Do you have any tips for withdrawing from an RRSP?
Some background: My spouse and I are debt-free and mortgage-free. We own our home (current value approximately $1 million). We are hesitant to downsize as this home is accessible for me.
I have approximately $650,000 in RRSPs .... More »
Business Highlights
– canadianbusiness.com
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Dot-com deja vu: Nasdaq tops 5,000, approaching record high
NEW YORK (AP) — The last time the Nasdaq was this high, Bill Clinton was president, your Internet connection was probably still dial-up and the iPod, iPhone and iPad didn’t exist.
Fifteen years later the Nasdaq has again closed above 5,000 and is close to topping its record from the dot-com boom. The index has clawed back, riding a six-year bull market, and is now 40 points from its all-time closing high of 5,048.62 reached March 10, 2000.
But this isn’t the Nasdaq of Pets.com and Webvan, when companies were valued on “cash burn rates” and “eyeballs.”
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What to expect from Costco’s new deal with Visa and Citi
NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re shopping at Costco, you’ll need a new credit card to pay for those family-sized packs of chicken breasts or toilet paper.
After only accepting American Express the last 16 years, the retailer is switching to Visa and will use Citigroup as its exclusive provider of co-branded credit cards…
Dot-com deja vu: Nasdaq tops 5,000, approaching record high
NEW YORK (AP) — The last time the Nasdaq was this high, Bill Clinton was president, your Internet connection was probably still dial-up and the iPod, iPhone and iPad didn’t exist.
Fifteen years later the Nasdaq has again closed above 5,000 and is close to topping its record from the dot-com boom. The index has clawed back, riding a six-year bull market, and is now 40 points from its all-time closing high of 5,048.62 reached March 10, 2000.
But this isn’t the Nasdaq of Pets.com and Webvan, when companies were valued on “cash burn rates” and “eyeballs.”
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What to expect from Costco’s new deal with Visa and Citi
NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re shopping at Costco, you’ll need a new credit card to pay for those family-sized packs of chicken breasts or toilet paper.
After only accepting American Express the last 16 years, the retailer is switching to Visa and will use Citigroup as its exclusive provider of co-branded credit cards…
Finance Ministry review spurs debate about Ontario video game tax credit
– theglobeandmail.com
While some groups want Ontario to keep measure designed to lure producers others say it’s being used too broadly by other companies
Debt collection complaints take aim at credit cards
– creditcards.com
Credit card balances are a dwindling part of debt collection work, but they remained a top source of consumer complaints in 2014
How to improve your credit score
– moneysense.ca
A credit score of 700 gets you the best lending rate from the banks. But if you’ve missed some bill payments—or worse, filed for bankruptcy—you’ll have to work strategically to build your score back up. These tips will help you do it as quickly as possible.KNOW YOUR LIMITS Try to keep your credit-card balance well below the limit. If your cards are almost maxed out, it suggests you’re overextended and more likely to make late or missed payments. The higher your balance, the more impact it has on your credit score.
CHECK YOUR SCORES—BOTH OF THEM Anyone contemplating a bank loan should check their credit score six months to a year in advance to ensure there are no surprises or errors. Just keep in mind that Canada has two major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax and TransUnion. This can lead to significant differences in scores, as these firms only synchronize their scores every two months.
STEER CLEAR OF RETAIL CARDS The next time you’re tempted to sign up for a Brick or Sears card, remember that each separate credit card application inquiry results in a ‘hard check’ that lowers your credit score by seven points…


