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The RBC Cash Back Mastercard is an accessible and affordable cash back contender, especially for groceries.
Mar 2, 2026 7:56 PM
While there are other no-fee cash back credit cards in Canada that yield a higher value, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard is still notable for its affordability, accessibility, and everyday perks.
Skip to: Detailed Review
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Get up to 7% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $1,000 in total purchases^. Apply by March 25, 2026.
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
Get up to 7% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $1,000 in total purchases^. Apply by March 25, 2026
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%□
Balance Transfer APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Additional Cards
$0
Minimum Individual Income
N/A
Minimum Household Income
N/A
Credit Score Estimate
Good
Card Type
Credit
Reward Type
Cash BackPros
Cons
There are a few ways to collect cash back using the RBC Cash Back Mastercard.
Cardholders can expect the following:
Once your cash back balance reaches $25 or higher, you can request that it be deposited into your credit card account within 5 business days. Otherwise, if your balance exceeds $25, it will be credited automatically each year in January.
To help you finalize your decision, we've compared the RBC Cash Back Mastercard against other no fee cash back credit cards in Canada.
| RBC Cash Back Mastercard | Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* | Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard | SimplyCash® Card from American Express | Neo World Mastercard® | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | Get up to 7% cash back for the first 3 months on up to $1,000 in total purchases^. Apply by March 25, 2026. | $120 bonus after spending $1.5k in 3 months + 1.95% balance transfer promo rate for 6 months | Welcome Bonus varies | Up to $100 in Statement Credits | N/A |
Earn Rates |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance Included | 2 types
| 4 types
| 7 types
| 3 types
| 2 types
|
Benefits | 4 benefits
| 3 benefits
| 2 benefits
| 1 benefit
| None |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Income Requirements | N/A | $50,000 personal or $80,000 household | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household | N/A | $50,000 personal or $80,000 household |
Apply Now | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW | Learn More | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW |
For something a little more lucrative and customizable, cardholders can opt for the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, one of the best Tangerine credit cards in Canada. This competitor allows you to pick two categories out of the 13 offered by Tangerine, one of which, of course, can be groceries. You'll even receive a third category when you deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account. Cardholders also receive better coverage and perks, including a Dragon Pass airport lounge membership. The catch? You'll need to meet some high annual income requirements to qualify.
Verdict: Higher earners may benefit more from the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, which allows them to pick 2-3 high-earning categories. Cardholders also receive better perks and coverage.
Applicants may also consider the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, one of the best no-fee credit cards in Canada. This contender collects solid cash back on USD and non-USD purchases, especially if you have a qualifying Rogers, Fido, Comwave or Shaw service. You can also boost your cash back even further by redeeming your rewards towards service purchases. The real pull to this card, however, is its comprehensive coverage, including protections like trip interruption, trip cancellation, and travel medical insurance for seniors. Cardholders can also expect perks like a Dragon Pass airport lounge membership. That said, to account for such value, this card comes with high annual income requirements.
Verdict: The Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard is the better choice for higher earners and Rogers customers.
For similar cash back on groceries and gas, cardholders can apply for the SimplyCash Card from American Express instead. The base rate on this contender is also much better. In addition to extended warranty and purchase protection insurance, cardholders receive travel accident insurance. For perks, expect access to exclusive Amex Experiences.
Verdict: The SimplyCash Card from American Express offers better optimization and coverage.
For better boosted optimization, look no further than the Neo World Mastercard, one of the best Neo credit cards in Canada. This card earns you similar cash back on groceries, plus strong no-fee cash back on gas, and recurring purchases. The best part? These categories as well as others can be optimized even further when you purchase from Neo Partners. Unfortunately though, this contender lacks additional perks and comes with some annual income requirements.
Verdict: The Neo World Mastercard has a unique and valuable cash back program for high earners who don't mind trading added perks for better reward opportunities.
There are a handful of benefits that make the RBC Cash Back Mastercard worthwhile.
For starters, this card avoids annual fees, making it extremely affordable for the budget-conscious.
For the first few months of membership, cash back rates are boosted up to a certain spending threshold.
The grocery optimization on this credit card is notable, especially for a no-fee contender. Just mind the annual cap
Cardholders can also pocket extra Be Well points on eligible Rexall purchases, plus extra Petro-Points at Petro-Canada.
Cardholders also receive discounts on fuel at Petro-Canada, not to mention a limited time complimentary DashPass subscription.
Before you send in an application, there are a couple of caveats to consider.
Unfortunately, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard only offers standard extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. This might seem fair given that this is a no-fee contender, but there are other no-fee cash back cards in Canada with better coverage.
While the grocery optimization is decent, the earn rate on all other purchases is below average, especially prior to spending at least $6k on your card.
When it comes to no-fee cash back credit cards, the RBC Cash Back Mastercard isn't necessarily the most valuable option, but it is an accessible alternative to many leading cards in the same category.
No. The higher cash back rate you earn on groceries with the RBC Cash Back Mastercard is capped each year. Afterwards, this rate drops by 1%.
The card also comes with spending thresholds. For instance, to earn a better base rate on all other eligible purchases, you'll need to spent over $6k using your card.
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RBC Cash Back Mastercard Cash Back Calculator
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