Comments for YVR Dad

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by sleepydad

sleepydad — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:26:41 +0000

Quick update – I gave that link an email and got no response. Don’t they know I’m a Premier client? Where’s my service?

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by sleepydad

sleepydad — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:12:04 +0000

Thanks for the info! I’ll give that email a try! I’ll keep you updated.
Do you know if it is required to have an US address to open a HSBC USA Premier Account?

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by B. Brown

B. Brown — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:42:12 +0000

Also, regarding the bonus points for the travel rewards programme, there was (and will be under the end of 2012) a bonus of 25% for points earned above 10k for the year. This will be discontinued come 1st January. The 1.5 points for gas, groceries, drugstores makes up for it I think. A little annoying that they don’t include travel expenses and/or restaurants under the 1.5 point umbrella.

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by B. Brown

B. Brown — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:39:07 +0000

“Relationship managers” are sales people primarily, no different than any other bank. The easier way to do this, I have found, is to contact the International Banking Centre directly at us.ibc@us.hsbc.com. They should be able to email you the required account opening forms. You’d complete them and visit your home branch with passport, etc. and the completed forms to have the documents verified and stamped. In my experience, the branch staff can then fax the completed forms to the IBC for you.

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by sleepydad

sleepydad — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:51:54 +0000

Thanks for your additions and comments!

1. I think it may be worth it to switch to the Travel Rewards Program, as it provides a better deal than the Cashback. Isn’t there also bonus program when you sign up for the Travel Rewards Program? Something I will perhaps look into in 2013, as I’m looking forward to my cash back!

2. I’ve only recently upgraded to Premier; however I did recently go traveling in the US and tried to open an HSBC USA Premier Account down at one of the local branches, but was denied. They were asking questions about why I wanted an account (ie, was I moving to the US for work/school or for purchase of property). My Canadian HSBC Premier Relationship manager was the one that told me that it would be easier to go directly into HSBC USA branch to open one; Is that being lazy?

That was also my big master plan: to open and HSBC USA Premier so that I can pick up HSBC USA Premier MasterCard to use in the US and other countries without paying the high forex fees. Until I open one, I will just stick with my BMO US Dollar MasterCard.

Comment on New HSBC Premier World MasterCard Canada by B. Brown

B. Brown — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:06:54 +0000

A few things:

1. For foreign currency transactions, you’re right that you’ll earn two points per dollar. However, when you redeem points for travel expenses, you redeem at a rate of 10k points per $125, so really those two points are worth 2.5 cents each.

2. If you are a Premier client in Canada, you can open a Premier account with HSBC USA and obtain a Premier MasterCard with them as well. That US card has no forex fees. I use mine for all US dollar expenses and for any other foreign charges.

3. One thing I really like about the HSBC Premier card in Canada is the ability to swap points for airline frequent flyer miles. Currently they partner with BA, SQ and CX. Unfortunately it’s not a straight one-to-one transfer. SQ and CX require 100 points for 90 miles while BA requires 100 points for 80 miles. A little cheap of HSBC in my opinion, but a nice option nonetheless.

Comment on Find My iPhone works! by popthoughts

popthoughts — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:42:30 +0000

Yes, I was lucky indeed. I am one of the guilty ones that doesn’t set a password lock, but after this latest incident I may have to rethink that. Thanks for stopping by!

Comment on Find My iPhone works! by Parenting and Money

Parenting and Money — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:25:25 +0000

That is a great feature on the iPhone and it’s great that an honest person found it. That is a good point on the SIM card. I havent thought about that. I also find that a lot of folks do not set a password lock on their mobile device. That’s a major mistake.

Comment on Raising kids amid the hookers, junkies and drunks of Vancouver’s worst neighbourhood – From National Post: Mike Comrie by sleepydad

sleepydad — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:10:04 +0000

When we initially bought the condo (pre-built) in 2003, we didn’t think the downtown eastside would get any worse. We ‘gambled’ on the neighbourhood’s upside and it has definitely improved. With the addition of other new towers, Costco, Woodwards complex, it certainly has revitalized the surrounding area. However the epic centre on Hastings street between Carrall and Main seemed to be more concentrated.

Comment on Raising kids amid the hookers, junkies and drunks of Vancouver’s worst neighbourhood – From National Post: Mike Comrie by Modest Money

Modest Money — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:26:03 +0000

Thanks for sharing this article. It was a very interesting read. Now that I think about it, I don’t recall ever seeing any kids in that area the few times I’m down there. That’s good that some of the people down there at least make an effort to try to hide their problems from kids. I can’t imagine growing up in such a neighbourhood. Gambling on a neighbourhood improving really is a gamble though. Governments may make their efforts to clean up an area, but usually they are just pushed a block over. You’re still constantly exposed to that unpleasant way of life.