My husband and I stumbled on dumb luck for a credit card in Canada. We heard all of the stories where you had to pay the bank the amount of money that you wanted for your credit line. So if you wanted $1000 for your credit card, you had to pay the bank $1000. It's understandable why they do this--so Americans can't just drive across the border, open a credit card account, go on a spending spree and then leave!
So here's our tip:
While you're in America, open up an American Express account. We happened to have one because we use it for air miles. Then, once your here become a Costco member. It turns out that these 2 factors turn into a perfect equation because Costco members can open an American Express credit card account. I am not saying you'll be approved (that depends on your own credit history) but American Express is one of the only companies (that we've found) that will transfer your credit history to get a Canadian credit card (called AmEx Global Transfer). Haven't left America yet? Get American Express now and make your life easier! It's like the gateway credit card. Otherwise you'll be stuck with your bank card here and you won't be able to buy anything on-line and you won't earn miles or, in this case, Costco points for spending.
Now the catch is that American Express isn't taken everywhere but most big stores take it. And then once you've been here awhile, you'll have some credit and can apply for a Visa/Mastercard that are accepted more places.
You're not cheating the system at all, just being smart:) Happy (credit card) spending!
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