tangerine money-back mastercard Archives

Why PC Optimum is Canada’s best loyalty program

May 21, 2020

This is a review of my hands-down favourite loyalty program: PC Optimum.

The merger of the Shoppers Optimum program with PC Plus was a source of anxiety for some, but not me. I didn’t shop a lot at Shoppers Drug Mart, which meant I didn’t see much benefit from the Optimum program.

But I loved PC Plus. So the idea of adding even more ways to earn points was exciting to me.

I really can’t say enough good things about this program. In this review, I’ll share why I love PC Optimum so much and share some tips to help you get more out of this program.

My Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card review

February 21, 2019

Is the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card worth it? This is my honest review of the perks and features of the Tangerine Money-Back credit card.

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is easily the one I reach for most in my wallet.

This little orange card has been my go-to ever since it arrived in October 2018. I use it almost exclusively to pay for everything from daily living expenses, like groceries and gas, to bigger items like hotel stays and electronics.

This credit card has treated me well. For my Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card review, I’m sharing what I like most about it, what areas could be improved and my overall take.

(Disclaimer: not sponsored. These are my personal reflections based on my experience using this card. I will share a code later in this post; if you sign up with it, I am eligible to receive a small commission at no cost to you. This will be clearly marked)

How to choose the best credit card for your financial situation

February 19, 2019

How to choose the best credit card for your lifestyle

(Editor’s Note: This post is part two of a three-part series about credit cards (for part one, click here ). Given the topic of these posts, I want to offer a disclaimer: I am not a financial expert. I am simply sharing what has worked with us. If you’re looking for actual advice on credit cards – or anything financial – I recommend speaking to an expert. Personal finance is personal, meaning what works for us might not work for you. Now, on to today’s post)

I didn’t put a lot of thought into choosing my first credit card. In fact, I didn’t put any thought into it at all.

Instead, I did what I am sure many 19 year olds do: filled out the first and only form the teller at the bank gave me and lied when I checked off the box stating I had read the terms and conditions.

I didn’t shop around for better rates, I didn’t take any time to consider the perks associated with the card and I sure didn’t ask any questions.

Writing that makes me cringe now but…I was 19, you know? Thankfully, I have learned a lot over the last 10 years.

In fall 2018, I started thinking about finding a card that could offer better perks. My trusty VISA had served me well over a decade of use, but I wondered if there might be a card out there that would offer a little more in terms of tangible benefits.

After spending some time thinking about what I wanted in a credit card, I started shopping around. Here are some of the things I kept in mind when trying to find the best credit card for my current lifestyle.

Confession: We still use credit cards. Here are 5 reasons why.

October 16, 2018

5 reasons we still use credit cards

My first credit card was an RBC Visa. I still remember the process of getting it.

A few weeks after turning 19, I took the bus to the bank. After speaking with the teller, she pulled out an application form and led me a small table. I sat down, filled it out, then turned it in to be sent off.

I didn’t read any of the terms and conditions (although I checked the box saying I did).

A couple weeks later, the card arrived in the mail. A little red sticker on the front explained how to activate it; I followed the instructions then stuck it in my wallet.

A decade later, I still have and use that same card. Looking back, I wish someone at the bank had talked with me about how to use it in a responsible way, although I think I have gotten a good handle on it over the years.

I still use credit cards. And even though we have been working hard to pay off our $55K debt, I don’t have any intention of stopping.