RBC Cash Back Mastercard review
Apr 30, 2025
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Overall rating
First year value
$346
Get this card if you:
- want to earn cash back, without an annual fee
- value extended warranty and purchase protection
- want fuel discounts at Petro Canada
At a glance
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for grocery store spending. Cardholders benefit from features such as purchase security, extended warranty protection, and savings on fuel at Petro-Canada.
Highlights
$346
First year value
up to 7% cash back^
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual fee
No annual fee
Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
Cash advance APR
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
Quick overview
Quick Overview of the RBC Cash Back Mastercard
If groceries eat up a big part of your budget, it makes sense to earn something back. The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is built for everyday shoppers, offering reliable cash back on groceries and other daily spending.
Who can benefit most?
Who can benefit from the RBC Cash Back Mastercard?
- This credit card is ideal for individuals who frequently shop for groceries and want to earn cash back on their purchases.
- Additionally, it is a great option for those who prefer a No annual fee credit card with accessible qualification requirements.
With its competitive cash back rates, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard offers a valuable opportunity to earn rewards on everyday spending.
Pros and cons
Pros and cons
Pros
- No annual fee, no fee for additional cardholders
- Up to 2% cash back on groceries², up to 1% cash back on everything else²
- No limit on cash back earned¹
- Save money on gas at Petro-Canada⁵
- Easy approval requirements
Cons
- Cash back rewards on groceries drop to 1% after you accumulate $6,000 in grocery charges
- No travel insurance or other perks
- 0.5% applies to the cash back on everything else up to $6,000 but what is impressive is that for all non-grocery spend the cash back rate actually goes up from the 0.5% to 1% on spend over $6,000, rewarding as your spend more instead of diminishing
Welcome bonus
Get up to 7% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $1,000 in total purchases^.
How to earn rewards
When you use the RBC Cash Back Mastercard, you’ll earn up to 2% cash back on grocery spending². Qualifying retailers include Atlantic Wholesalers, Foodland, Fortino’s, IGA, Loblaw’s, No Frills, Sobeys, Superstore and dozens of others. For all other purchases, you’ll earn up to 1% cash back². There is no limit on the amount of cash back you can make per calendar year¹ so no worries about having your earnings curbed.
How to redeem
You don’t have to lift a finger to redeem your cash back. Your cash back is credited to your account and is applied on your January statement. You can also request cash back to be redeemed any time during the year if your cash back balance has reached $25 or more. You can choose to spend the cash back, or if you are carrying a credit card balance, use them to pay down your credit card balance.
Key benefits
While RBC offers several cash back credit cards with more significant earning potential, they all come with annual fees. The RBC Cash Back Mastercard lets you earn a solid cash back rate with no annual fee. If you have family members, you can request additional cards with no yearly fee to help maximize your cash back rewards.
Even better, there are no caps to the total amount of cash back you can earn. That benefit is especially great considering it also applies to the 2% back you'll earn at grocery stores, making the card a great option to consider if you frequently use your credit card when buying groceries - or anything else for that matter!
Insurance coverage
While the Cash Back Mastercard from RBC charges no annual fee, that doesn't mean you can't expect a range of a insurance and security benefits. The card offers essential insurance coverage and protections, including the following:
- Purchase security and extended warranty: All purchases that you make with the RBC Cash Back Mastercard are automatically protected from theft or loss for the first 90 days after purchase. Also, purchases will have their eligible warranty doubled, up to a maximum of one year³.
- Security features: Shopping with the RBC Cash Back Mastercard is incredibly secure, as your credit card comes with both chip and PIN technology to ensure the security of your account. If you misplace your credit card or think it may have been stolen, you can lock your credit card instantly from the RBC mobile app. Locking your credit card is a temporary measure, so if you find your credit card later, you can always unlock it.
- Zero liability: Unfortunately, credit card theft is a fact of life. Hopefully, it’ll never happen to you. Still, if it does, your RBC Cash Back Mastercard has zero liability coverage⁶, meaning you won’t be liable for any fraudulent purchases made by a third party.
Optional coverage
Cardholders also have the option to add additional coverage to protect their identity, family, and credit card balances. These include:
- Add-on travel insurance
- RBC Road Assist
- BalanceProtector max insurance
- Identity theft and credit protection
Extra benefits
Other noteworthy benefits of the RBC Cash Back Mastercard include:
- Fuel discounts at Petro-Canada: Link your card and instantly save 3¢/L on fuel3 and always earn 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada.⁵.
- Earn more Be Well points at Rexall: Link the card with your Be Well card account at Rexall and earn 50 Be Well points on eligible products at Rexall.
- DoorDash savings: Add the RBC Cash back Mastercard to your DoorDash account and receive a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription (a value of almost $30), good for unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
Other security features of the card include:
- Chip and pin technology for an added layer of security
- Mobile wallet compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
- Access to the RBC mobile app
What users say
What people have to say about the RBC Cash Back Mastercard
"This is a good card if you do groceries as it gives 2% and 1% on recurring payments, for a no yearly fee card, it's good for someone who wants a little something back." - Yves
"Replaced my Scotiabank Momentum (not the Infinite the mid-tier card) with this card (cashback is lower but no annuals fees), made more sense to have this card with similar rewards and pay $0 annually. Mastercard is the only credit card accepted at certain places I shop which made this an even easier choice"
How it compares
How does the RBC Cash Back card compare?
The RBC Cash Back Mastercard isn’t the only annual fee-free Mastercard available in Canada. Here’s how this credit card compares to some of the top competitors in the field.
Although the Tangerine Money-Back card offers a higher, 2% earn rate, you’re limited to 2 spending categories (well, 3 if you also open a savings account with Tangerine).
You can change your categories every three months so that you won’t be stuck with your choices, but you’ll only earn 0.5% back on all other purchases, so unless the majority of your spending is within the categories you’ve chosen, you may end up earning less than with the RBC Cash Back Mastercard.
Disclosures:
*Terms and Conditions apply
10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$484
First Year Value
$384
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100). Expires Jan 30, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want flexible cash back categories
- want unlimited cash back
- want to avoid paying an annual fee
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100).
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months† (up to $100).
If you're after higher rewards, the BMO CashBack Mastercard tends to offer more value, especially on groceries and recurring bills. It delivers stronger cash back in multiple everyday categories, making it ideal if your spending is spread out across things like food, gas, and subscriptions.
Disclosures:
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
5% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$401
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want to earn cash back on everyday purchases
- value the flexibility to redeem cash back at any time
- value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
- A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
- Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
- Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
- Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
- Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
- A 2% balance transfer fee applies
- The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and Conditions Apply
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
- No Annual Fee: A rare find in Canada for a cash back card
- A generous 3% cash back on groceries (up to $500 monthly)
- Easily redeem from $1, set up automatic redemptions, or use as a statement credit
- Additional perks include discounts on rentals, free supplementary cards and show discounts
Cons
- Outside of groceries and recurring payments, the standard earn rate drops to 0.5%
- Monthly caps on top earn rates for groceries and recurring payments
- A 2% balance transfer fee applies
- The interest rate on the remaining balance transfer amount increases after the introductory period
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and Conditions Apply
Also a no-fee card, this one stands out for people who spend a lot at restaurants and on delivery. It offers enhanced cash back in those categories, plus decent rewards elsewhere. Since it's part of Simplii’s digital banking ecosystem, it's especially convenient for existing Simplii clients.
Go with RBC if your top priority is grocery rewards and a traditional banking experience. Choose Simplii if you're more into dining, delivery, and want to keep things digital with an online-first bank.
Disclosures:
†Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec
‡"Purchase" means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. "Cash" means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.
8% cash back†
Welcome Bonus
$439
First Year Value
$359
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 8% cash back† for your first 3 months up to $1,000 in eligible spend.
Get this card if you...
- want to earn cash back on everyday purchases
- want to avoid paying an annual fee
- appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on various spending categories, including elevated rates for dining and drinking establishments, as well as for eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases, and pre-authorized payments. Cardholders benefit from purchase security and extended protection insurance.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Extremely high cash back on bars and restaurants
- Solid cash back on groceries, drug store, gas and prepayments
- No annual fee
- Up to three additional cards free of charge
Cons
- Cash back applied as year-end statement credit
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
Earn 4% on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases, up to $5,000 per year†
1.5%
Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year† - after that 0.5% unlimited
0.5%
Earn 0.5% on all other credit card purchases with no limit on how much you can earn†
Earn 8% cash back† for your first 3 months up to $1,000 in eligible spend.
†Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. Banking services are not available in Quebec.
Our Take
The Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on various spending categories, including elevated rates for dining and drinking establishments, as well as for eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases, and pre-authorized payments. Cardholders benefit from purchase security and extended protection insurance.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
- Extremely high cash back on bars and restaurants
- Solid cash back on groceries, drug store, gas and prepayments
- No annual fee
- Up to three additional cards free of charge
Cons
- Cash back applied as year-end statement credit
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
Earn 4% on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases, up to $5,000 per year†
1.5%
Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year† - after that 0.5% unlimited
0.5%
Earn 0.5% on all other credit card purchases with no limit on how much you can earn†
Earn 8% cash back† for your first 3 months up to $1,000 in eligible spend.
†Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. Banking services are not available in Quebec.
Is it worth it?
Is the RBC Cash Back Mastercard worth it?
If you’re an avid grocery shopper looking for a no-fee cash back credit card with accessible qualification requirements, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard is an excellent starting point. This credit card is widely accepted and lets you earn 2% cash back on groceries² and up to 1% cash back on everything else². For a no-fee credit card, this is an excellent cash back rate.
Eligibility requirements
This credit card is very accessible for most Canadians. There is no minimum personal or household income to qualify, and you’ll need a Good credit score, which, as long as you haven’t had any credit problems, shouldn’t be hard to attain.
How to apply
You can apply for the RBC Cash Back Mastercard online, by phone, or at your local branch. The online application process takes about 15 minutes with a response in 60 seconds. You’ll need some essential documentation, including:
- Your name, address, email address, phone number, and SIN number
- Details about your expenses, including rent or mortgage payments
- Employment information, including where you work, how much you earn, and your length of employment
During the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for credit card extras like balance protection, which will cover your minimum payments if you become ill or can’t work. Once your application is submitted, RBC will have information about your approval in minutes. After you’ve been approved, your credit card will be sent to you in the mail and you can activate it online or over the phone, and start spending.
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Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions
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Jordann Brown
Author
Jordann Brown is a freelance personal finance writer whose areas of expertise include debt management, homeownership and budgeting. She is based in Halifax and has written for publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC.
Lubna Umar
Finance Editor
Lubna Umar is an experienced writer and editor specializing in personal finance, with over six years of expertise. Her portfolio includes comprehensive guides on personal finance, mortgages, car insurance, and credit card reviews. She has worked with several prominent finance brands, including RATESDOTCA, LowestRates, InsuranceHotline, and the Financial Post.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.