In with the new and out with the old?
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get a new credit card, you're in luck if you're one of the chosen CIBC Visa Aerogold cardholders to transition to TD. (If you're not, then have we got a great credit card comparison service for you-more on that later.)
Sometime in January 2014, according to Aeroplan, CIBC's Aerogold Visa cardholders will get a letter from the bank. This letter, to an estimated one million people, will detail whether or not their credit card account will continue to be with CIBC or moved over to TD's green comfy chair.
For background on how this happened read, What Does Aeroplan's Move to TD Mean For You?
Who will stay with CIBC Aeroplan? Who will go to TD Aeroplan?
Who will stay and who will go is still a grey area. However, according to initial information posted online by CIBC after the original announcement, it looks like the people who will not be moving over to TD will be:
- CIBC AeroClassic cardholders, and
- Most CIBC Aerogold clients who also use CIBC for other banking and financial needs (note: it looks like CIBC has left the door slightly ajar for the chance that some from this group may also be transitioned with the use of the word "most")
Taking a seat at TD Canada Trust
If you end up being one of the approximate 550,000 cardholders who CIBC notifies will be moving, another letter will follow, only this time from TD (again, sometime in January). It has been reported that this letter will provide more information, as well as answers to commonly asked questions and concerns about what the move from CIBC to TD Canada Trust all means.
Did you know that even if you end up moving over to TD, the actual transition of your credit card account from CIBC to TD won't be until mid-2014?
What happens between now and then (when the transition happens in mid-2014)?
Aeroplan is pretty clear on this front. For those who end up staying with their CIBC Aerogold card, "there will be no change to your existing arrangements. Keep using your card as you usually do, and continue earning Aeroplan Miles on every purchase." And for those who end up moving over to TD, the message isn't all that dissimilar, "For now, continue to make purchases on your CIBC Aerogold Visa Card and earn Aeroplan Miles until your account transitions in mid-2014."
As for the actual Aeroplan Miles collected and accumulated, these will not be affected by any change in credit card because all Aeroplan Miles reside in a separate member's Aeroplan account.
Credit card choice: find an alternative at KANETIX.ca
Let's be honest, there are going to be CIBC Aerogold clients who have their Aeroplan credit card moved over to TD and are not happy about it and ultimately, it's their choice on the credit card they carry in their wallet. Lenders are anticipating an unprecedented market shift as these consumers comparison shop their travel rewards credit card options and to woo them promotions, welcome bonuses, and perks are the norm rather than the exception.
The travel rewards credit card market is really competitive right now and it's a great time get more for less. Compare travel credit cards easily online at KANETIX.ca and see what lenders are offering you to get you to pick them.
