MBNA and Sony have teamed up again to offer an exciting promotion! If you missed the last promo, this one is even better...

Receive a FREE Sony Internet Player with Google TV after making $150 in qualifying purchases on your new SonyCard MasterCard® credit card

That's right, simply apply for the card and make qualifying purchases totalling $150 before November 30, 2012 and you will receive a brand new Sony Internet Player with Google TV. This is one of the best promotions we've seen for a Canadian credit card. The retail value of the Reader is $199.99 CAD. You must apply before October 15th to be eligible.*

The CFL season is well under way, and so far there is no clear favorite to win the 2012 Grey Cup. As team rivalries heat up, one thing every fan can agree on is winning a free trip to the Grey Cup!

Now through September 7th, the CFL and MBNA have teamed up to offer 1 grand prize package that includes airfare, hotel stay, and 2 tickets to the Grey Cup.

To enter, simply apply (and get approved for) a new CFL MBNA Rewards MasterCard® credit card. One random Draw for the prize will be held in Toronto, ON at 1:00 p.m. ET on October 8, 2012. Here's a breakdown of the prize:

• two (2) admission tickets to the Canadian Football League’s 100th Grey Cup 2012 game in Toronto, Ontario;
• roundtrip economy air transportation for the winner and one (1) guest from the major commercial airport nearest the winner’s residence in Canada to Toronto, Ontario;
• three (3) nights double occupancy standard room accommodation in Toronto, Ontario;
• two (2) CFL merchandise packages; and
• one (1) pre-paid MasterCard® card preloaded with five hundred Canadian dollars (CDN$500) for spending money.

The MBNA Rewards MasterCard is a great companion to the savvy shopper looking to earn points for all their purchases. The interest rate is comparable with other rewards cards, and it also comes with no annual fee. Here are some additional perks and benefits of the card:

• Earn 1 mbna rewards point for every $1 in qualifying purchases
• 1,000 bonus mbna rewards points after your first qualifying purchase
• Redeem points for rewards you want - Canadian Football League Memorabilia, exclusive experiences and merchandise Brand-name merchandise and gift cards from top retailers
• 1,000 bonus mbna rewards points every year on your Account anniversary
• No Rewards Point Limits

Hurry, this promotion ends on September 7th so be sure to submit your application today.

A business credit card is an important tool in your arsenal. If you have a business, a business card can help you build credit in the name of your company, as well as help you keep your business and personal spending separate.

If you are looking for a business credit card, though, it's a good idea to apply for a rewards card. Earning rewards for regular business spending is important, and can help you earn cash back or other rewards. One business rewards card to consider is the AIR MILES MasterCard for Business from BMO.

AIR MILES MasterCard for Business

The BMO AIR MILES MasterCard is a business card that allows you to earn AIR MILES rewards on all of your purchases. You can redeem your AIR MILES for a variety of rewards -- not just travel. Use your card for all of your business purchases, and you can rack up the rewards even faster.

Additionally, the AIR MILES MasterCard for Business allows you to change your interest rate. The regular interest rate is 19.50%, which is fairly standard for a Canadian rewards credit card. However, this interest rate comes with a $0 annual fee. If you are willing to pay a higher annual fee, you can have an interest rate reduction. Consider your needs, and whether or not you are likely to carry a balance. If you do carry a balance, and it is probably a little high, it might be worth it to pay the annual fee and save money in interest.

The BMO AIR MILES MasterCard also provides some peace of mind by offering purchase assurance and extended warranty. And, of course, there is fraud liability protection. All this is designed to help you feel better about your card, and feel secure in your purchases.

Finally, the BMO AIR MILES MasterCard for Business also provides you with the option to get a card in US currency. For businesses that need a US dollar credit card, the AIR MILES card from BMO can be a solution. Consider how much business you do with the United States, and consider whether or not it makes sense to get a US dollar card. BMO might be able to offer an alternative.

Excellent credit isn't required to qualify for the AIR MILES MasterCard for Business from BMO, but you do need good credit. Make sure your credit score is up to scratch, and consider your other needs before deciding if this business credit card is right for you.

If you are looking for a basic rewards credit card, the Rewards MasterCard from MBNA might not be a bad choice. It offers the basics of a MasterCard, with its wide global acceptance, as well as a rewards program that is adequate for most people, and flexible when it comes to redemption. But don't expect any bells and whistles.

Features of the Rewards MasterCard from MBNA

MBNA is one of the major credit card issuers in Canada, and is known for its wide variety of offerings. Among the offerings is a very simple, stripped-down rewards card, the Rewards MasterCard. This is the credit card for someone who spends using the credit card on occasion, and wants flexible rewards.

Some of the features that are included with MBNA Rewards MasterCard include:

• 1,000 bonus reward points when you make your first purchase with the Rewards MasterCard
• 1,000 bonus reward points every year on the anniversary of opening your credit card account
• Earn one point for each dollar spend on the Rewards MasterCard from MBNA
• No annual fee
• 19.99% annual interest rate
• Grace period of 21 days before interest is charged on purchases
• Relatively low account fees, including $25 over the limit fee

Additionally, the rewards program is designed so that you can redeem your rewards on whatever you want. You can redeem points for cash back, travel rewards, merchandise, and gift cards from top retailers. It's even possible to donate your rewards to charity, if there is a cause you want to support. This flexibility makes it possible to choose the rewards you want. However, it's important to be wary of the interest rate. Since you will pay a 19.99% APR on carried balances, it's easy to destroy the value of your rewards in interest charges.

This card is best for those who are looking for a simple, straightforward rewards program. The bonus points are nice, and it's easy to quickly earn MBNA rewards points when you use your card for everything. However, if you aren't interested in using a credit card very much, this is a good card. It works well in emergencies, while allowing you to earn points when you do use the card. And, since there is no annual fee, you don't lose anything by having it -- as long as you pay off your balance each month.

With savvy credit card use, and with careful planning, it's possible to make the most of the Rewards MasterCard from MBNA.

It's rare that you see a Canadian credit card with a 0% balance transfer offer. However, MBNA has a balance transfer card, and it's a good deal -- even by looser American standards. The Platinum Plus MasterCard from MBNA features a 0% APR for 10 months.

That's practically unheard of in Canada. If you are looking to transfer some high interest balances, and pay down a little credit card debt, this might be the card for you.

Platinum Plus MasterCard Benefit: It's All About the Balance Transfer

With the Platinum Plus MasterCard from MBNA, it really is all about the balance transfer. There isn't a rewards program, and the regular interest rate is 17.99%. While not a terribly high rate for a Canadian credit card, it's still not a rate that you want to carry a balance with. But, if you take advantage of the balance transfer offer, you will pay 0% APR for 10 months. Even many American cards don't have an intro rate that substantial.

There are some other perks that come with the Platinum Plus MasterCard, including:

• No annual fee
• 0% introductory rate on Access cheques
• PayPass, as well as Chip and Pin security
• 24-hour customer service
• Fraud protection

As you can see, the Platinum Plus MasterCard from MBNA isn't exactly a stand out when you look at standard features. Really, it's the balance transfer that makes this card valuable. With a 0% balance transfer, you pay no interest for 10 months. That means that every payment you make goes entirely toward reducing your principle and paying down your debt.

Even if you can't pay off your entire balance in 10 months, you can get a good start on it. If you have good credit, and you are looking to eliminate a high interest balance, the Platinum Plus MasterCard from MBNA might be just the thing to help you reach your goals.

When it comes to credit cards, there are a number of fees that come with it. Not all credit cards come with annual fees, and you can avoid some of the interest fees by paying off the balance each month. But there are other fees that you might have to pay.

Some of these fees include foreign exchange fees. For those who do a lot of business with the United States, these foreign exchange conversion charges can really start to add up. The only way to avoid that, though, is to get a credit card in US dollars.

US Dollar Canadian Credit Cards

Because the United States and Canada are so close, and so much business is transacted between the two countries, it isn't too surprising that many Canadian banks offer accounts in US dollars. And it also makes sense that you can get Canadian credit cards in US dollar denominations.

Getting a US dollar credit card, like the RBC US Dollar Visa Gold, or the CIBC US Dollar Visa Card, can help you avoid some of these fees. Some of the reasons to get a US dollar credit card include:

• Frequent travel to the United States
• Buy items only from US retailers regularly
• Do a lot of business with those in the US
• Maintain a US bank account

When you do a lot in US funds, the foreign transaction fees can really affect you. On top of that, you have to deal with the volatility of the currency markets. The exchange rate between Canada and the United States has been fluctuating quite a bit recently, and that can affect the efficiency of your transactions. Anytime you need to convert between currencies, you run the risk of losses through currency fluctuations and through conversion fees.

Most US dollar credit cards do come with annual fees, though, so you want to make sure that you do enough business in US dollars to offset the cost. The BMO US Dollar MasterCard has the lowest annual fee at $25, and all of the cards have average interest rates just above 19%. As long as you pay off your credit cards monthly, you shouldn't have a problem with interest fees, though.

Evaluate your spending habits and financial situation. If you find that you are doing a lot of business using US funds, consider getting a US dollar credit card that can save you money, and help you avoid the risks associated with currency market fluctuations.

If you are looking for a hotel rewards credit card that can provide you with peace of mind and great opportunities to earn free stays, the Choice Privileges MasterCard from MBNA isn't a bad option. It has no annual fee, and a competitive interest rate -- especially for a rewards credit card. Plus, you can earn free stays at more than 1,500 Choice Hotel locations across North America, as well as Choice hotel locations in Europe, South America, Australasia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Earning Rewards with the Choice Privileges MasterCard

Amongst Canadian rewards credit cards, the Choice Privileges MasterCard stands out to some degree. Many rewards cards come with interest rates of at least 19.99%, and many of them have an annual fee. The Choice Privileges MasterCard, however, has no annual fee and a competitive 16.99% APR. That's pretty good for a rewards credit card. You can also earn rewards fairly quickly, as you can see:

• Your first qualifying transaction will get you 8,000 points -- enough for one free night at any Choice hotel location in North America.
• You can receive up to 15 points for each dollar spent at Choice Privileges locations around the world.
• Get up to two points for each dollar spend on everyday purchases.
• Automatic upgrade to Elite Gold status so that you can earn even more points with each stay.

All of these rewards mean that you can rack up the points fairly quickly, and earn stays easily. And, of course, the Choice Privileges MasterCard comes with all of the perks and protections you expect from MasterCard, including fraud liability protection, and enhanced Chip & PIN security. You will also enjoy an introductory transfer rate of 1.99% for the first six billing cycles, making this card a decent choice if you are planning to pay down some of your debt faster with the help of a balance transfer.

This card is best for those who frequent Choice hotel properties. These properties include Comfort Inn, Clarion, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Cambria Suites, EconoLodge, Quality Inn, and a number of other properties. There are also a few luxury hotels in the Ascend Collection of properties. You have many hotels to choose from, and if you are a frequent traveler, your points can add up quickly. Also, for best effect, pay off your balance each month.

As far as Canadian rewards credit cards go, the Choice Privileges MasterCard is pretty decent. You earn points quickly, they are easy to use around the world, and the interest rate and lack of annual fee make it competitive when compared to similar cards.

Sony has done it again! Last year they gave away a free camera to new applicants of the SonyCard. This year the promotion is even better...

Receive a FREE Reader Wi-Fi after making 5 qualifying purchases on your new SonyCard MasterCard® credit card

That's right, simply apply for the card and make 5 purchases on the card before May 31, 2012 and you will receive a brand new Sony Reader WiFi. This is one of the best promotions we've seen for a Canadian credit card. The retail value of the Reader is $149.99 CAD. You must apply before March 15th to be eligible.

Update 3/16/2012: The free Reader promotion has ended, however you can check out the Sony Card application for the most recent offer.

Charge cards were originally introduced as an alternative to using cash - the primary form of payment at the time. They offered consumers convenience and the ability to defer payment for up to 30 days, but without any interest charges. Charge cards were a hit, and in 1959 American Express launched the first plastic card version. Seven years later, in 1966 American Express launched the Gold Card. Today, charge cards such as the American Express Gold Rewards Card offer features and benefits not available with standard credit cards.

The 2012 American Express Gold Rewards Card

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card Features

The current bonus offer for new applicants is: 15,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $500 or more in the first 3 months. Depending on how you redeem your rewards, the bonus is good for $75 to $100 in reward cards or discounts. You can earn points on all your purchases:

• Earn double points for every $1 in eligible travel purchases charged to the Card, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
• Earn double points for every $1 in eligible gas, grocery and drugstore purchases charged to the Card
• You’ll also earn one point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else

There is a $150 annual fee, but the first year is free. Many will balk at the annual fee (remember we said this card isn't for everybody) but there are some great features wrapped up in the GRC not available in other cards. For example:

Shopping benefits - The Buyers Assurance Protection plan automatically doubles the manufactures original warranty up to one additional year. This is great for electronic and appliance purchases. Of if you're clumsy, there's also the Purchase Protection® Plan which insures your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft.

Entertainment Access - With their Front of the Line service, you can get access to some of the most popular events across Canada. Concerts, performances, premieres, and special events.

Wait...what's a "charge card"?

There is one main difference between a charge card and a credit card. Credit cards offer the ability to pay over time, but not so with charge cards. Charge cards must be paid in full (and on time) every month. For this reason, a charge card isn't for everybody. If you are used to carrying balances from month-to-month, then it's probably better to use a credit card.

What are the requirements for approval?

This card requires that you have good to excellent credit in order to qualify. Your personal income plus your spouse/partner annual income (if applicable) must be $30,000 or more. You must be a Canadian resident and age of majority in your province or territory.

What about insurance coverage?

There's a laundry list of insurance coverages for travelers available with the Gold Rewards Card. Here's a few, but check the application for the full list:

Emergency Medical Insurance provides coverage for eligible emergency medical expenses incurred while traveling outside your Canadian province or territory of residence (note this is only for people under the age of 65). Complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance allows you to save money when traveling. Get up to $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance including accidental death and dismemberment. Insurance covers you, your spouse and dependent children under the age of 23 when any of you travel on a common carrier.

Terms and conditions apply, so be sure to read the fine print so you know what exactly what's covered, when and for how much.

The Bottom Line

The American Express Gold Rewards Card offers access to a wide variety of services not available with "standard" credit cards. The 15,000 bonus points offer and point earning potential is generous and we like the added shopping protection services. We think this card is best suited for the power spender who keeps close tabs on his or her spending and who is also looking at maximizing their reward points by using the card for everyday purchases.

One of the difficulties, as a student, is finding rewards cards that apply. RBC offers rewards cards aimed at students, though, offering three different card options that you can choose from, depending on your needs:

RBC Rewards Visa Gold

This basic rewards card has no annual fee. You receive one point for every $2 you spend. You can then redeem your reward points for merchandise, travel, and gift certificates. You can begin redeeming your points when you have accumulated 2,500. The card has an APR of 19.99%. You also receive automatic insurance protection for trips, rentals and purchases made with your card.

RBC Visa Cash Back Card

If cash back is your thing, this card might be just the thing for you. There is an annual fee of $19, but that can be waived with the help of your student banking rebate. You will need to find out what you need to do to qualify for the banking rebate. You receive up to 1% cash back on qualifying purchases, and enjoy insurance protection.

Signature RBC Rewards Visa

The superior rewards program that comes with this credit card also comes with a higher annual fee of $39. However, like the RBC cash back card, the fee is waived when you are eligible for a student banking rebate. You receive one point for every dollar you spend, and you can even exchange your points for Esso Extra points. There are other options with this card, if you choose to exercise them, such as InfoProtector registration and Talk & Save long distance.

If you are student looking for a credit card, these options from RBC might be worth looking into. You can earn rewards and other perks, while establishing good credit. Make sure, though, that you are ready for your first credit card, and prepared to follow good credit habits.